FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about External Law Enforcement Agencies Coming to Emory

While Emory University is protected by its own police force, external law enforcement agencies occasionally come to campus as part of their duties. The Emory Police Department, in collaboration with other units across the university, has a long-established set of practices for handling these situations. Below are some common questions about our process.

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Yes, they are allowed on campus. On occasion, local, state and federal officers visit Emory to conduct their law enforcement duties, such as serving court orders or warrants. In many situations, these agencies coordinate with Emory Police prior to their arrival to minimize disruption to our community.

If you are approached by an agent or officer not affiliated with Emory, contact EPD as soon as possible at 404-727-6111. EPD can also be contacted anonymously through the Emory Safe app. You can also contact EPD even if you are not approached by an agent or officer.

 When you call, please provide a clear description of the officer or agent’s location, actions and documentation. Beyond that, you do not have to interact with the agent.  

Emory’s Office of the General Counsel and EPD are responsible for ensuring that external law enforcement officers possess the appropriate legal authority, such as a valid warrant or court order.

Additional guidance regarding potential visits by external law enforcement officers can be found here and are linked from the EPD homepage. The one-sheet includes a QR code to request training.

If you are approached, an appropriate response is: “I am not authorized by Emory University to grant permission to enter non-public areas, provide information about individuals, or accept service of documentation on behalf of Emory University. I am calling the Emory Police Department to assist you, and they should be here shortly.” 

Additional guidance regarding potential visits by external law enforcement officers can be found here and are linked from the EPD homepage. The one-sheet includes a QR code to request training.

When EPD arrives, they will review the officer or agent’s legal documents and contact the appropriate Emory administrators. EPD will also encourage the agent or officer to relocate to EPD headquarters or the Office of the General Counsel.

If external law enforcement officials present a valid criminal warrant or specific court order issued by a state or federal judge, the university will comply with such orders.  

Emory cannot bar law enforcement officers from campus, and these agents are permitted to enter spaces open to the general public, such as Cox Hall, Emory University Hospital, the Michael C. Carlos Museum, or the Quad. 

EmoryCards are required for entry to all exterior doors of academic, office buildings and residence halls on the Atlanta and Oxford campuses. Law enforcement officers seeking to access those buildings should be directed to the Emory Police Department (EPD). More information about EmoryCard access can be found here.

Emory protects student education records in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), requiring written consent to share records, other than directory information, with third parties. Students have the right to inspect records, request amendments, and control disclosure of, or opt-out of, directory information. Additional information about FERPA can be found here.

No, we do not. Emory has strict rules regarding access to the footage and how the information may be shared.

The Emory Police Department has had Flock cameras for the past two years and uses them to investigate threat cases, criminal cases, and criminal trespass issues. Please see the statement Flock released about access to its data.