University of New Haven and West Haven Police Departments Work Together to Protect the Community

The University of New Haven Police Department has a close working relationship with the West Haven police, and they regularly collaborate to serve the University and West Haven communities.

March 1, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Before joining the University of New Haven community, Ron Quagliani, associate vice president of public safety and administrative services, spent years as a member of the West Haven police department, including a stint as chief.

"It was always a priority of mine to try to enhance that relationship," said Quagliani, who came to the University nearly a decade ago. "They’re wonderful partners for us. They help us, and we help them."

At major University events, such as spring weekend, officers from both departments often ride together in police vehicles. They work especially closely when patrolling the campus perimeter, with University police often backing West Haven police up on calls. This benefits the University’s neighbors – many of whom are students – since they have the benefit of having two departments patrolling and protecting their neighborhood.

"We’ve worked very hard with West Haven police, with other city entities, and with our off-campus students to ensure that students know the requirements of being a good citizen of West Haven."Tracy Mooney, University’s Chief of Police

"We’ve worked very hard with West Haven police, with other city entities, and with our off-campus students to ensure that students know the requirements of being a good citizen of West Haven," said Tracy Mooney, the University’s chief of police. "It’s important that we have the ability to work through those relationships and have teaching moments for students."

These teaching moments extend to internships with both departments. These opportunities, as well as the association between the departments, will continue to evolve and expand.

"The level of trust between the two departments has grown significantly," said Quagliani. "They have no qualms with calling us and asking for help."

Though many private universities do not have sworn police officers, most of the University of New Haven’s officers have had full careers at other departments before joining the University’s police department. The department, which was the first at a private college or university in the state to earn Tier I accreditation from the State of Connecticut Police Officers Standards and Training Council, has hundreds of years of collective experience.

"The safety of this community, opening up a dialogue, and having them be responsive to our needs – and us to theirs – it’s a wonderful supplement." Tracy Mooney, University’s Chief of Police

The collaboration between University and city officers extends to the well-being of the community. Officers also work together on goodwill endeavors, including an annual Toys for Tots drive and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut.

"I believe that it is incredibly important for us to have this relationship with the West Haven police," said Mooney. "The safety of this community, opening up a dialogue, and having them be responsive to our needs – and us to theirs – it’s a wonderful supplement."