The University of Kentucky Police Department is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for the university community. While patrolling campus and enforcing laws is a large part of our duty as sworn police officers, we spend the majority of our time engaging with members of the community. We value community service and strive on a daily basis to find new ways for our police department to be involved with and serve the community. Below is a list of community service events that the University of Kentucky Police Department participates in annually.
Community Service
Polar Plunge
The Lexington Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Kentucky event is new for the University of Kentucky Police Department as of 2017. Twenty officers joined the UKPD plunge team and helped raise a total of $2,311 for Special Olympics Kentucky. On the day of the event, officers each wore a super hero themed shirt along with colorful super hero capes.
Before the start of the Lexington Polar Plunge, officers staged two UKPD vehicles near the plunge pool and interacted with members of the public. A total of eleven officers participated in the plunge and were very grateful for the opportunity to serve Special Olympics.
Tip-A-Cop
University of Kentucky Police officers participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Tip-A-Cop event once a year at Buffalo Wild Wings. Officers volunteer by helping Buffalo Wild Wing’s serving staff take care of their patrons for the night. Officers fill drinks, help with food delivery and interact with patrons throughout the evening collecting additional “tips” that help fund Special Olympic events.
Tip-A-Cop is a lively and exciting event for the officers, restaurant staff and guests. This annual event gives the public a chance to interact with police officers in a relaxed and fun environment.
According to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Kentucky’s website, “These events annually raise more than $12,000 to support Special Olympics programs in Kentucky.”