Celebrating 20 Years of CWRU PD

Twenty years ago, on October 6, 2006, Case Western Reserve University launched its own sworn police department, the very first department to become part of what would later grow into today's Division of Public Safety. Since then, our officers have grown from a small founding team into a fully accredited force, building out specialized units like the K9 Unit, the OARR crisis response team, the drone unit, SART and the Community Engagement Unit. As the department continued to expand, they earned IACLEA and Ohio Collaborative accreditation and became the first college or university in Ohio to sign the 30x30 Pledge for women in policing.

To celebrate this milestone, we invite all university students, faculty, staff and community partners to join us for a campus lawn party on October 6, 2026, from 12:00 - 2:00pm! Please come out, enjoy some fun, and help us mark 20 years of service. And to every officer, past and present, who has worn the badge for CWRU: thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to keeping our campus safe.

Stay Informed During Homecoming

Homecoming weekend is almost here and we want all students, alumni and guests to have fun and have a memorable experience while staying safe! Be sure to have your homecoming guests and families opt in for emergency notifications during the four-day event.

Text CWRUHOCO26
to 67283

These alerts will keep you informed about any safety updates, so you can focus on enjoying all the festivities with peace of mind.

For more information about Homecoming and Reunion Weekend events, visit https://case.edu/events/featured-events/homecoming.

Behind the Badge with Jimiyu Edwards

This edition of Behind the Badge introduces Officer Jimiyu "Jimmy" Edwards, a veteran of nearly two decades with the CWRU Police Department and the university's first K9 Handler. Paired with his partner, K9 Spartie, since October 2022, Jimmy has helped shape a whole new chapter of campus safety. Here's a closer look at Jimmy, in his own words.

Q: What are some of the biggest changes you have seen with the department over the last 20 years?
A: The biggest changes I have seen at the department in the last 20 years, is equipment for all officers to do their job more proficiently and safely, also the different programs and divisions develop within the department such as team Outreach, Assessment, Resources and Response (OARR) Team, the community engagement unit, our Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), the drone unit and the amount of sworn officers employed with the university.

Q: You have held a variety of positions within the department over the years, what has been your favorite?  
A: Yes, I held several positions such as SWAT Officer, Field Training Officer, instructor for pepper spray, and expandable baton and now I hold the position as the university's first K-9 handler. I feel that being a K-9 handler is one of the best positions and the most rewarding.

Q: What do like to do while off-duty?
A: When I'm not working, I like to go fishing, kayaking,boating, camping, motorcycle riding or just relax and spend time with my family and friends.

Q: What is it like working with your brother, Detective Edwards, at CWRU PD?
A: When we work together it feels awesome! Although I've been here longer than he has, we both help each other out and learn from each other.

Campus & Student Safety Grant

Recognized student organizations at Case Western Reserve University can now apply for the Campus & Student Safety Grant, offered by the Division of Public Safety and the Division of Student Affairs.

The grant funds projects that address a specific safety or security concern affecting an organization, its members or its activities. Applicants should describe the concern and explain how their project would improve student safety. Priority goes to organizations facing increased risks involving violent crime, terror attacks, hate crimes or harassment.

Apply through CampusGroups by Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Before applying, review the grant webpage and request for proposals. Questions? Email publicsafety@case.edu.

Free Bike Locks!

If you notice something or see something missing, please report it by calling 216.368.3300.

Preventing Domestic Violence and Dating Violence 

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, honor survivors, and reaffirm our commitment to fostering safe and supportive communities. Domestic violence affects individuals across all backgrounds, and its impact extends beyond the home into workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods. As a Division of Public Safety, we stand with survivors and remain dedicated to prevention, education, and response.

We encourage everyone to take this month as an opportunity to learn more about the signs of abuse, available resources, and ways to support those who may be experiencing violence. Together, we can create a culture of respect, safety, and accountability.

Here are some great resources provided by one of our partners, the Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Did You Know?

Bayard Rustin was one of the chief architects of the 1963 March on Washington, the historic event where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Rustin organized the logistics for over 250,000 attendees in just eight weeks. Despite his brilliance and central role in the civil rights movement, Rustin was often pushed to the background and even pressured to resign from leadership positions because he was openly gay.

It wasn't until 2013, nearly two decades after his death, that he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, posthumously honoring his legacy. October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to recognize stories like Rustin's, voices who shaped history but were often written out of it.