The Wake Tech College Police Department, established in 2012, is a fully-sanctioned law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting the life and property of students, faculty, staff and visitors on Wake Tech campuses. Its sworn officers have full powers of arrest pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 115D-21.1 and enforce federal, state and local laws, along with certain college policies.
The men and women of the department are dedicated to providing excellent service through partnerships with students, staff and faculty that build trust, reduce crime, create a safe environment and enhance the quality of life on our campus.
Wake Tech also employs security guards who have been trained and authorized by the North Carolina Private Protective Services Bureau and have completed extensive on-the-job training at Wake Tech. They enhance campus safety by monitoring fire alarms and intrusion detection, providing escorts, searching for safety hazards and offering motor vehicle assistance and other services as needed. They are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator and are equipped to handle illness and injury until further medical care is available. Many are certified medical responders.
College Police officers and security guards patrol Wake Tech campuses and work with local law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services to respond to campus emergencies.
Community policing
Wake Tech encourages the practice of community policing at all of its campuses and centers. We recognize that safety is a shared responsibility and that we all play a role in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
College Police expect all members of the college community to use common sense, be vigilant and aware of surroundings and report suspicious activity of any kind. Anyone who becomes aware of a crime or other serious incident should call 919-866-5911 as soon as possible so that Wake Tech police and security personnel can take appropriate action. The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergencies and non-emergency assistance.
Campus safety
Wake Tech encourages an open and welcoming environment that also ensures the safety of all.
Campus buildings are generally open during business hours, but classrooms and laboratories are locked and may be opened only with an instructor present. After hours, faculty and staff may access buildings by contacting a department administrator, Events Services or College Police. Visitors must have College Police approval to access buildings after hours.
Campus lighting, equipment and landscaping are maintained with safety in mind. Employees and visitors should report faulty locks, unsafe steps or handrails, unsafe roadways, unsecured equipment or any other safety hazard to the Communications Center by calling 919-866-5911. Employees can also report a concern via the Eagle Assist request system.
Meet the Chief
Michael Allen Penry was sworn in as Wake Tech's first police chief on May 4, 2012. A former Wake County deputy, Penry previously served as a school resource officer at Centennial Campus and Daniels middle schools in Raleigh.
Prior to his career in law enforcement, he coordinated international mission trips and helped organize humanitarian relief efforts for local churches.
He has an undergraduate degree in religion from High Point University and a master's degree in intercultural studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest.
