Police Department FAQs & Policies

Bridgewater State University is committed to providing students, faculty, staff, and visitors with the safest possible environment in which to live, learn, work, and be successful.  Maintaining a dedicated police department allows the University to deliver a high level of protection, rapid response, and community-focused service tailored specifically to the needs of our community.  

Our officers are fully sworn law enforcement professionals who work 24 hours a day 365 days a year to ensure a visible presence, proactive patrol, and immediate response to emergencies.  Beyond traditional law enforcement services, the department emphasizes crime prevention, community engagement, safety education, and strong partnerships with students, faculty, and staff.  

By maintaining direct oversight of safety operations, the BSUPD is able to respond quickly to emerging concerns, coordinate effectively with local, state, and regional public safety partners, and implement strategies that reflect the unique environment of a residential academic community.  This integrated approach strengthens trust, enhances communication, and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for safety across the campus.

BSUPD’s Commanding Officer is Chief Glen Anderson, who has dedicated more than 25 years of service to the university. Supporting him in the leadership of the department are Deputy Chief of Administration & Executive Officer, Michael Froio and Deputy Chief of Operations, Ryan Tepper.  Assisting the executive leadership team are three Captains, who command the department’s three primary bureaus. 

Together, the senior command staff are responsible for ensuring effective supervision, maintaining accountability, coordinating departmental operations, and implementing policies and procedures across the department. They provide strategic vision, guide professional development, and cultivate a culture of excellence, integrity, and transparency within the agency. This structured leadership model fosters clear communication, enhances operational efficiency, and reinforces a unified commitment to professional, community-focused policing that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the entire community.

The department is staffed by twenty one full-time sworn police officers, four communications dispatchers, administrative personnel, parking enforcement officers, student police cadets and interns.  We have two specially trained K9 officers: K9 Zach, an Explosive Detection Dog, and K9 Mikey, an ADA-certified Facility Dog. We also have K9 Arby, a Guiding Eyes For the Blind puppy in training.  All of our dogs serve operational roles and actively participate in community outreach initiatives. 

All BSU Police officers complete comprehensive recruit training through the Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (M.P.T.C.) Academy and are certified by the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T.) Commission.  

In addition to meeting these rigorous state standards, our officers pursue ongoing in-service and specialized training to enhance their skills and better serve our community. This includes advanced instruction in crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, mental health response, active threat response, crime scene management, sexual assault investigations, and domestic violence response. Officers also receive training in community outreach strategies, cultural competency, bias awareness, and trauma-informed response.  Several members of the department hold specialized certifications in areas such as field training, defensive tactics instruction, firearms instruction, evidence management, and emergency management. Additionally, many officers are certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), enabling them to provide immediate lifesaving medical care and advanced first aid while awaiting transport by fire or EMS personnel.  

Our commitment to advanced training and professional development ensures that BSU Police Officers remain prepared, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving public safety needs of our community.

In addition to providing a full range of professional law enforcement services, the BSUPD delivers comprehensive safety education and crime prevention programming designed to empower and protect the community.  The department offers programs in crime prevention and personal safety awareness, self-defense training, active shooter and active threat response training, and workplace and classroom safety preparedness. 

Officers also provide situational awareness training, and customized safety presentations tailored to residence halls, student organizations, faculty groups, and administrative departments.  Additional services include security surveys, threat assessment collaboration, event safety planning, emergency management coordination, and ongoing community outreach efforts. 

Through these proactive services, the department works in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to foster a culture of prevention, preparedness, and shared responsibility for community safety.

Bridgewater State University is considered one of the safer colleges in the country, earning a recent #4 national safety ranking that highlights the University’s strong commitment to safety, security, proactive policing, transparent reporting, and comprehensive prevention initiatives. This recognition reflects ongoing investments in professional law enforcement services, emergency preparedness, safety education, and a collaborative partnership between the University and its community to maintain a secure and supportive learning environment.

Protecting yourself starts with awareness and preparation, not fear.  At Bridgewater State University, the most important thing community members can do is remain aware of their surroundings and avoid falling into the trap of believing that crime can't occur in a university environment. While universities are generally safe, they are not immune from crime.  We do not want students, faculty, or staff to feel paranoid. Rather, we encourage a mindset of confident awareness such as being alert, making smart decisions, and taking simple precautions that significantly reduce risk.

Practical Safety Tips:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night or using headphones or mobile devices.
• Walk with others when possible, or utilize the transit escort services.
• Trust your instincts, if something feels off, remove yourself from the situation and contact police.
• Secure personal property, including locking residence hall doors, vehicles, and safeguarding valuables.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to the police.

Preparedness and awareness are empowering. By staying attentive and engaged, every member of the BSU community plays a role in maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all.
 

No: Bridgewater State University must follow the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, and the Drug Free Workplace Act. Anything less than a total ban on all marijuana on campus could jeopardize BSU's federal funding, including many types of financial aid to students.

If you are a "medical" marijuana user, you must store and use you marijuana off-campus. Anyone who possesses or uses marijuana at BSU may, depending on the situation, be cited under state statutes or federally prosecuted, and face university disciplinary action. Students should be aware that marijuana use may also have an adverse impact on future employment, as many employers require drug testing. A conviction can also limit a student's ability to obtain federal financial aid.

Our phone, e-mail, and web contact information is listed below. You are welcome to call any of the below numbers with a problem or to get information.

Column one lists the service, two lists the phone number.

Email: bsupolice@bridgew.edu

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BSUPD

Mail:
Bridgewater State University Police Department
Operations Center
200 Great Hill Drive
Bridgewater, MA 02325