About Us

Virginia Tech is committed to the safety and well-being of its community members. To achieve this goal, the university has established a public safety division that is dedicated to this mission.

The Emergency Management team works to instill a culture of preparedness throughout the university by building, improving and sustaining university resilience, departmental readiness, and individual preparedness. The department takes an all-hazards approach to continuously further the capability of the Virginia Tech community to plan for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from an incident or emergency. This team works closely with other departments and agencies to develop emergency plans and protocols, conduct training, exercises, and coordinate emergency response efforts. They also provide information and guidance to the community on how to prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as severe weather events, active assailant situations, and natural disasters.

The Environmental, Health and Safety team promotes a positive, integrated living and working health and safety culture for the university community.  They are responsible for working with   university facilities and operations to comply with local, state, and federal environmental, health and safety regulations. This includes everything from maintaining safe working conditions in labs and facilities to managing hazardous materials and waste.

The Virginia Tech Police Department is responsible for maintaining law and order on campus. They work to prevent crime and provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. They also respond to emergency situations such as accidents, fires, and medical emergencies, and work closely with other public safety units to ensure a coordinated response.

Finally, the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad is a student-run organization that provides emergency medical services to the community. They are trained and equipped to respond to a wide range of medical emergencies, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. They work closely with other public safety units to ensure a coordinated response and provide critical support during emergency situations.

 Virginia Tech's public safety units play critical roles in supporting the well-being of the community. They are a vital part of the university's commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for all.