University Police Department - Northern Command

A State-Recognized Law Enforcement Agency:

The University Police Department Northern Command (UPDNC) is a state-recognized police agency that serves the northern institutions (University of Nevada, Reno, Western Nevada College, Truckee Meadows Community College, Desert Research Institutes, and Great Basin College) of the Nevada System of Higher Education through proactive community involvement, service, protection, and trust. 

UPDNC maintains a full-time staff of police officers, uniformed crime investigators, and administrative personnel. University Police are armed, uniformed, and sworn police officers who are certified under the laws of the State of Nevada. They perform the same law enforcement activities as those of municipal, county, and state law enforcement agencies. They enforce all federal, state, and local laws and ordinances within the jurisdiction of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

The UPDNC station at WNC’s Main Campus is located in the Bristlecone Building, Room 123.

Reporting Criminal Actions or Emergencies

To report a crime in progress or an emergency, dial 911.

Non-emergency calls can be made to UPDNC at (775) 230-1952.

If a crime has already occurred or if you are a victim of a crime on campus, you can easily file a report online. Simply visit wnc.edu/police and select "File Police Report" from the menu bar. Alternatively, you can file a report in person at the UPDNC station on campus located in the Bristlecone Building, Room 123.

WNC Alerts for Closures and Emergencies

In the event of adverse weather or another emergency that affects College operations, the College will communicate to employees and students via

• Email: Employees will be contacted using the WNC all college group list. Students will be contacted at their college email address.
• Social Media: The college will post updates via our social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X. 
• News Media: Local news media will carry WNC information on their website or broadcasts.
• Website: The college will post a prominent message on the homepage at wnc.edu.

Notifications to Students:

University Police Department staff often receive requests to deliver messages to students. In accordance with the WNC Security-Related Procedures and Practices Manual, the University Police Department is authorized to make student notifications that are of an emergency or police nature only. University Police Department personnel screen each request by asking relevant questions. Therefore, anyone making such a request is expected to provide some or all of the following information:

• student’s social security number
• full name
• college program
• class the student is currently in
• identification of the person making the request
• the reason for the need to notify