Policies
GUPD is dedicated to protecting all students, staff, faculty, and community members. To foster a safe, transparent, and welcoming environment across our Hilltop and Capitol campuses, we maintain and adhere to a clear set of institutional policies and federal compliance standards.
Here you will find links to important campus regulations and guidelines. Please review these resources to learn more about the rules, standards, and protections designed to enhance your personal safety and uphold our community values.
General Use of Force Policy Information
The Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) is committed to preserving human life, policing impartially, and building community trust through its comprehensive Use of Force Policy. Personnel must prioritize de-escalation techniques to defuse conflicts peacefully and are restricted to using the minimum amount of force that is objectively reasonable, necessary, and proportional to a threat. Any use of force will be immediately reported, thoroughly investigated, and accompanied by immediate medical aid. Through mandatory annual training and rigorous accountability measures, GUPD ensures the highest standards of safety and transparency for the campus community.
Less-Lethal Weapons Policy Information
GUPD regulates the authorization, deployment, and maintenance of all non-firearm defensive tools through its Less-Lethal Weapons Policy. Applicable exclusively to sworn officers, this directive mandates comprehensive training and demonstrated proficiency under the oversight of a certified department Armorer before any weapon can be carried. The policy strictly outlines the operational limits and safety parameters for GUPD’s two approved less-lethal options: expandable ASP batons and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. Prioritizing de-escalation, officers must issue verbal warnings before deployment whenever feasible.
Weapons Policy Information
Georgetown University is committed to maintaining a safe learning and working environment for all members of the Georgetown Community. Except as expressly authorized within this policy the use, possession, or storage of any Firearm, Explosive, Weapon, Imitation, Replica or Antique, is expressly prohibited (i) on all Georgetown University campuses, grounds, facilities, University leased or controlled property, (ii) at University sponsored events or (iii) in any vehicle owned, leased or controlled by the University. This prohibition exists even if a federal or state license to a carry or possess the weapon has been issued to the possessor.