University of Mary Washington Police

09/03/2026

Don’t let a scammer drain your semester budget.

Between fake "remote work" job offers, quick-cash giveaways on Instagram, and phishing DMs asking for your verification code, scammers know college students are busy and looking to save money. In fact, studies show that nearly 1 in 4 college students experience some form of financial fraud or identity theft during their academic careers.

Staying safe online doesn't take hours—it just takes a quick pause before you click or send.

The Golden Rules of Scam Spotting:

The "Too Good to Be True" Job: If an unsolicited DM or email offers hundreds a week for basic data entry, personal assistant tasks, or "evaluating products," it's almost always a fake check scam. Never deposit a check sent by someone you haven’t met to buy gift cards or supplies.

Never Share One-Time Passcodes (OTPs): A legitimate platform or bank will never ask you to screenshot or text back a 6-digit verification code. If someone asks for it to "verify your identity," they are trying to break into your account.

Guard Peer-to-Peer Payment Apps: Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App payments should be treated like cash. Avoid sending money to strangers selling event tickets, textbooks, or apartment subleases without meeting in person and verifying first.

Check the Sender: Scammers spoof official university logos and department names. Look closely at the actual email address—not just the display name.

Take control of your digital footprint, trust your gut, and don't hesitate to reach out if something feels off.

Notice something suspicious targeting campus?

Contact the UMW Police Department at (540) 654-1025 or stop by the police department. We are here 24/7 to help you verify suspicious activity before you lose a dollar.

08/27/2026

🛡️ Campus Safety Alert: Protect Your Info & Guard Your Space! 🦅
Hey Eagles! Staying safe on campus happens both online and in person. Fraud and property crimes are far more common than violent crime, and nationally, about 1 in 4 college students faces some form of identity theft or financial fraud.

A few smart habits make a huge difference in keeping our community secure:

💻 1. Double-Check Before You Click & Share
Watch out for fake websites: Look closely at URLs before entering passwords or payment info. Official UMW links always point to verified domains.

Keep personal details private: Never share your student ID numbers, banking credentials, login details, or daily routines on public social media accounts.

If it looks too good to be true, it is: Fake job offers, phony textbook deals, or unverified apartment listings often aim to harvest your personal data.

🚪 2. Don’t Let Tailgaters In
Always swipe your own EagleOne Card: Residence halls and academic spaces are secure for a reason.

Never let strangers in behind you ("tailgating"): It might feel awkward to let a door close, but keeping unknown individuals out protects everyone in your living space. Real residents and authorized guests have their own access.

Lock your doors: Even if you're just walking down the hall for five minutes, always lock your room.

See something off? If a website, social profile, or visitor seems suspicious, let us know right away.

💼 3. Watch Out for "Too-Good-To-Be-True" Job Ads
Scammers frequently target students with fake remote job postings, paid virtual assistant gigs, or phony research assistantships designed to steal personal info or financial data.

Red Flags: Unsolicited job offers via personal text/email, requests to buy gift cards or deposit checks to "buy equipment," and applications asking for your Social Security Number, bank credentials, or copies of your ID upfront.

Action: Always verify campus and local job opportunities through official UMW channels (like Handshake) or by contacting the department directly before applying or replying.

💻 4. Lock Down Your Digital Footprint
Check URLs closely: Fake login portals mimic university or banking websites to harvest credentials. Always look for official domains.

Don't overshare on social media: Keep daily class schedules, dorm room numbers, and financial details off public feeds.

📞 Emergency: (540) 654-4444

📞 Non-Emergency Dispatch: (540) 654-1025

08/24/2026

Stay sharp, Eagles! Whether heading to class across Campus Walk or exploring downtown Fredericksburg, your safety is always the priority.

Campuses are generally safe spaces, but property theft remains the most common crime in college environments—and most of it is simply opportunistic. A few smart habits make a huge difference:

On & Off Campus Safety Essentials

Lock It or Lose It: Always lock your residence hall doors, vehicle doors, and bike locks—even if you're stepping away for "just two minutes."

Stay Aware: Keep your head up and ditch the noise-canceling headphones when walking alone after dark. Stick to well-lit paths.

The Buddy System: Going downtown or to a social gathering? Stick together and look out for one another.

Put Campus Safety in Your Pocket: The Rave Guardian App
Turn your phone into a personal safety tool with the Rave Guardian App, free for all UMW students, faculty, and staff:

Virtual Safety Timer: Walking back from the library late? Set a timer with friends, family, or campus safety. If you don’t deactivate it when you arrive, your emergency contacts are notified automatically.

Direct Emergency Connection: Quick-dial UMW Police or local 911 at the touch of a button.

Two-Way Anonymous Tips: Report suspicious activity, safety hazards, or concerns directly to dispatch with photos or two-way messaging.

Download Rave Guardian from the App Store or Google Play and log in with your UMW email today.

Have each other's backs, stay alert, and let's keep our community safe.

08/18/2026

Welcome home, Eagles! 🦅📦

Move-in day is here, and the energy across campus is electric. Between carrying mini-fridges up three flights of stairs and organizing your new space, keeping patience and safety front and center ensures a smooth start for everyone.

Here are three quick reminders to kick off the semester safely:

Keep Moving & Stay Patient: Campus roads and parking zones get busy fast. Watch for pedestrians, follow directional signage, and give fellow Eagles a hand when needed.

Lock It When You Leave It: Property crimes, like unattended theft, are the most common incidents on college campuses. Always lock your room door—even if you're just running down the hall for five minutes.

Keep an Eye on Valuables: Unloading your car? Don’t leave laptops, backpacks, or small electronics unattended in open trunks or hallways.

We’re here to help you thrive this semester. If you see our officers around campus, stop by, say hello, or ask for directions!

Have a great move-in day, stay safe, and let’s make it a fantastic semester.

07/07/2026

✨ 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋! ✨

Shania Twain said it best: "Let's go, girls!" 🎶 We'll see you in August!
__________________________

🩷💪 Fight Like A Girl --- 𝓦𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷-𝓞𝓷𝓵𝔂 𝓢𝓮𝓵𝓯-𝓓𝓮𝓯𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓮 𝓒𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮 💪🩷

Are you interested in learning self-defense? Our R.A.D. certified instructors are offering a class this August, designed to equip you with valuable skills. To register, please email Officer Reed at [email protected] with your name, address, and phone number.

📅 August 5, 12, 19, and 26
⏰ 6PM - 9PM
📍 Location of Class: 2200 Cowan Blvd, FXBG, VA 22401
💵 $15 to participate, due on first class
👍 Must attend each class
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Learn More: https://bit.ly/397we4D See less

06/30/2026

06/04/2026

Congratulations are in order for former recruit - now Officer- L. Martinez! After months of training, tests, practical exams, and skills checks, OFC Martinez graduated today from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Basic Class #175. He will be returning to campus in July to begin Field Training after a well deserved vacation with his family. Please take the time to say hello when you see him later this Summer and into the Fall!

06/04/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡

On June 3, 2026, at approximately 5:32 p.m., the Fredericksburg Police Department responded to a series of tragic events that resulted in the deaths of two individuals and left two juveniles with minor injuries.

Officers were dispatched following reports of shots fired, believed to be connected to a domestic incident. Initial investigation indicates that a male driver was pursuing a female driver in separate vehicles along Olde William and Emancipation Highway. During the pursuit, the male suspect began shooting rounds from a firearm at the female’s vehicle.

The female driver, attempting to evade the suspect, crashed her vehicle in the area of College Avenue and Emancipation Highway. Officers quickly arrived at the crash scene, provided emergency aid, and the female was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased. Two juveniles, ages 7 and 3 years old, were in the vehicle at the time and sustained minor injuries from the crash, not from gunfire.

As officers arrived at the crash location, the suspect vehicle was observed attempting to flee. Officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. As the pursuit approached Wilderness Lane, the driver suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased was the sole occupant of the vehicle. No rounds were fired by police.

The deceased were the parents of both juveniles, who are currently being reunited with family.

There are no outstanding suspects at this time. Evidence collection will continue into the evening as there are multiple crime scenes. Additional details will not be released.

The Fredericksburg Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.

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05/10/2026

🎓 UMW Class of 2026 — Congratulations! 🎓
As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that the knowledge and skills you’ve gained at UMW have built a strong foundation for your future. Embrace new challenges with confidence and resilience—every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and every success reflects your hard work and determination.
As proud members of the UMW community, you carry forward more than academic achievements. You take with you the values that define UMW—integrity, respect, and a commitment to service. Let these guide you as you navigate the world beyond campus.
Stay connected with one another. Your classmates are not just friends, but future collaborators, mentors, and supporters. Build those relationships, seek guidance when you need it, and always be willing to lend a hand along the way.
Most importantly, take care of yourselves—spiritually, physically, and mentally. Prioritizing your well‑being will empower you to meet whatever challenges lie ahead.
We wish you nothing but success in your future adventures. Know that the UMW Police Department will always be here, cheering you on from the sidelines.
👏 Congratulations, Class of 2026! Go out there and make a difference in the world. 💙🦅
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau

05/09/2026

UMWPD gets to congratulate one of our own at Commencement 2026! Recruit Luis Martinez-Robeldo received his UMW diploma today ahead of his impending graduation from the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy next month. We couldn't be prouder of him and eagerly await his return to campus to start his training! Chief Hall and Deputy Chief Gill took the opportunity to show their support and congratulate our new officer.