The mission of Wytheville Community College is dedicated to facilitating student success and fostering excellence through teaching while providing personal development, lifelong career growth, community leadership, economic advancement, and cultural enrichment for the citizens of the counties of Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, and Wythe and the city of Galax. To achieve this mission and to fulfill its role as an educational leader and partner, Wytheville Community College commits to a student-centered environment by: providing programs and courses in occupational-technical education, college transfer education, general education, developmental education, distance education, continuing education, and workforce development; utilizing a broad range of instructional technologies, methods, materials, and facilities that are designed to meet the diverse needs of students; offering a supportive, comprehensive program of student development services that contribute to student persistence, success, and citizenship; fueling regional and state economic development by forging partnerships with businesses, industries, public agencies, civic groups, public schools, and other institutions of higher education not only within the service region but throughout the Commonwealth; promoting Appalachian Culture and cultural opportunities of Southwest Virginia; promoting accessibility; promoting accessibility and affordability; and ensuring quality in all programs and services.
The Police Department at Wytheville Community College plays a critical role in supporting the safety, security, and well-being of the college community. The department is responsible for maintaining a safe learning and working environment through professional law enforcement services, proactive crime prevention efforts, emergency preparedness, and effective response to emergencies and critical incidents. As part of this mission, Police Officers support the College’s emergency management program by assisting with emergency planning, preparedness initiatives, training exercises, continuity efforts, and incident response activities.
Police Officers at Wytheville Community College protect and serve a diverse college community. Responsibilities include investigating motor vehicle accidents, personal injuries, and criminal matters; enforcing state laws, local ordinances, and college policies; preparing reports and maintaining records; providing courtroom testimony; directing traffic and controlling crowds; responding to emergencies and critical incidents; conducting extended foot and vehicle patrols; and working rotating shifts that may include weekends, nights, and holidays. Officers are designated as Emergency Personnel and are required to report for duty during adverse weather conditions, campus emergencies, natural disasters, and other incidents when the college may otherwise be closed.
In addition to traditional law enforcement responsibilities, Police Officers assist with emergency management functions, including supporting the development and implementation of emergency operations plans, participating in emergency exercises and drills, coordinating with internal and external response partners, promoting campus preparedness, and assisting with emergency communications and incident management activities. Officers may serve in assigned roles within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS) during planned events and emergency operations.
Police Officers also perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor, demonstrate initiative in supporting the goals and mission of the department, contribute to a healthy and professional work environment, and actively support the safety, preparedness, and resilience of the College community.