Just because students leave campus for the summer doesn’t mean West Virginia University Police slow down. In fact, the quieter months are when the department shifts into high gear—focusing on training, recruitment, and keeping the campus safe.
Chief Sherry St. Clair, who’s been with the department since 1994, said summer is the time when officers lay the groundwork for a safe and successful school year. “This is our time to train, review, and prepare,” she said. “When students return in late July and August, we want to be more than ready.”
One major part of that preparation is specialized training. Just last week, WVU officers took part in an intense Radiological Response Exercise Program (RADRx), hosted at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
The program, tailored specifically for WVU, featured a mix of classroom scenarios and hands-on drills simulating real-world radiological threats.
“This kind of training is invaluable,” said Chief St. Clair. Officers learned crucial safety strategies like time, distance, and shielding—skills that help protect both themselves and others in the event of a radiation-related emergency.
The training wasn’t done alone. Local first responders—including the Morgantown Fire Department, Monongalia EMS, and the county health department—joined the effort to ensure full collaboration in high-stakes situations.
Beyond advanced training, summer also marks the beginning of new student orientation. Every incoming group gets the chance to meet a WVU police officer—part of the department’s effort to build trust and familiarity with both students and their families. “It’s our way of showing that we’re here if they ever need anything,” St. Clair said.
Though the campus may seem quiet, WVU officers remain on alert. With most students away, thefts and break-ins become the primary concerns. Officers work around the clock to secure campus buildings and patrol key areas.
But not everything is non-stop. Chief St. Clair also encourages her team to take some personal time. “This is when we tell officers to take vacations with their families. It’s important to recharge before things get busy again—especially with Welcome Week in August,” she said.
Staffing is another priority this time of year. The department is currently short four officers, and interviews are ongoing to ensure full coverage by the time fall classes begin.
Partnerships remain strong all year, too. WVU police maintain close ties with the Morgantown Police Department, and detectives from both forces meet monthly to share information and keep investigations on track.
So while the classrooms might be quiet, WVU Police are staying focused, well-trained, and ready for the semester ahead.
