CWU University Police & Public Safety

05/28/2026

https://www.facebook.com/WashEMD/posts/pfbid0eXtv3es2voGgdyWyCudSZ2Nzb2YFADNvaoy9fpX9wyCcRJzj79rssUtbEMrU5Wa4l

911 is one of the most important public services available, but many people are still unsure about when to call, what information to provide or what happens after the call is made. Will you help us by taking this survey? https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/911-Survey

This short survey will help better understand public awareness and identify opportunities for education and outreach. Sponsored by our agency and the WA State 911 Public Education Sub-Committee. For more info, visit 911info.wa.gov

05/27/2026

A Special Message on "It's Did You Know Wednesday" from Chief Eric

Dear CWU Community,

At Central Washington University, your safety remains our highest priority.

During
emergencies, incidents, or disasters, knowing where to get accurate and timely information is critical.

CWU Police & Public Safety, in close partnership with both the University’s Office of Emergency Management and the CWU Office of Marketing & Communication’s Public Information Officers, serve as your trusted official sources for all critical updates regarding
campus safety.

When an emergency occurs, we communicate through verified channels including:

• CWU Alert! (text, email, and voice notifications)
• Official CWU, CWU Police & Public Safety, and CWU main social media accounts
• The CWU website and emergency notification pages
• 88.1 The 'Burg - KCWU
• Kittitas County Sheriff

We strongly encourage you to rely only on these official sources for information. In fast moving situations, rumors and unverified posts can spread quickly and create unnecessary concern.

By turning to CWU Police & Public Safety, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Public Information Officers in Marketing & Communication, you can trust that the information you receive is accurate, verified, and focused on protecting our campus
community.

We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, working diligently to protect and serve the Wildcat family.

If you see something concerning, say something. Report it immediately by calling 911 in an emergency or (509) 925-8534 for non-emergencies.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in maintaining a safe environment for all.

Stay safe, stay informed, and Go !
Eric Twaites
Chief of Police
CWU Police & Public Safety
Central Washington University

05/20/2026

GUESS WHAT . . . .

05/13/2026

It's Did You Know Wednesday Again!

Today we’re shining the spotlight on one of our fantastic graduating student employees, Parker, from CWU University Police & Public Safety’s Parking Enforcement team.

Parker has been an absolute asset to our parking crew, especially when it comes to anything computer-related. His quiet competence and tech-savvy skills have made a real difference for the team.

Hailing from Yakima, Parker is graduating this year with a degree in Computer Science, a perfect fit for his talents!

While Parker is wonderfully unassuming and soft-spoken, meeting him you’d never guess he’s been a member of the Junior National Hot Rod Racing Association. Talk about a cool hidden passion!

Huge congratulations, Parker, on all your accomplishments both on campus and on the track!

We’re so proud of you and wish you nothing but the best as you head into the next exciting chapter of your journey.

You will be truly missed around here, Parker. Thank you for everything!

05/06/2026

On the lighter and warmer side of campus life . . . .

Today, while personnel from the Central Washington University Police & Public Safety were assisting staff and faculty with office safety planning inside the Science Building, we captured a genuinely meaningful moment between CWU Police Captain Andy Bayne, a mother, and her child.

A simple interaction. A few smiles. A reminder that human connection still matters.

Earlier, Captain Bayne casually stepped into a student gathering taking place on what seemed like a typical Wednesday morning, sat down among students, and within moments the room filled with laughter.

No spotlight. No ceremony. Just authentic engagement.

Those moments matter more than people realize.

Higher education police officers and campus safety professionals certainly carry the responsibility of protecting campuses during difficult moments. But they also help create environments where students, staff, faculty, and families feel welcomed, supported, and connected.

The best campus safety professionals are not only visible during emergencies. They are present in the everyday moments that build trust long before a crisis ever occurs.

Kudos to the men and women in higher education public safety who quietly build relationships, strengthen community, and remind us that safety is also about compassion, approachability, and humanity.

05/06/2026

It's Did You Know Wednesday

This past weekend, Ofc Erickson and Archie had the pleasure of meeting CEO Felicia, Co Founder Celeste, and Board President Kim (plus Facility Dog Marshal) of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation.

Courthouse Dogs Foundation is a nonprofit organization that promotes the use of facility dog to provide support to vulnerable people during stressful legal proceedings.

I loved being able to share Archie’s stories with them and have that common connection and passion for Facility Dogs!! 🥰

But, Did You also Know that Ofc Mac and Archie also are part of the CWU Libraries "Paws & Relax" program (often referred to as Pause for Paws/Paws for Pause) which provides students with opportunities to de-stress by interacting with certified therapy dogs at Central Washington University, typically held in The Attic.

The events feature a rotating lineup of dogs to promote mental wellness during busy academic times like midterms or finals.

05/04/2026

Monday Moment

We’re quietly celebrating some great news this week.

Please join us in congratulating CWU Police Chief Eric Twaites on receiving the 2026 Eastside Outstanding Alumni Award from the Central Washington University Department of Law & Justice.

Chief Twaites has served our campus community with dedication and integrity for many years.

This recognition from the Department of Law & Justice is a meaningful honor for his ongoing commitment as both a law enforcement professional and a proud CWU alum.

We are grateful for his leadership and proud of this well-earned recognition.

Congratulations, Chief Twaites.

04/29/2026

It's Did You Know Wednesday!

Did you know that Central Washington University University Police & Public Safety runs the Courtesy Assistance Team (CAT)?

This -powered program offers free walking escorts across campus from buildings to your car, residence hall, or wherever you need to go (especially helpful after dark).

Safety is a team effort! Call the CAT team when you need a walking companion.

This service operates daily during the academic school year. to assist students, staff, and visitors, and can be reached by calling (509) 963-2950.

Hours: Evening hours of darkness to 12:00 AM.

Look for our friendly CAT student team members in their identifiable gear.



Images have been AI Generated for Privacy reasons

04/24/2026

Central Washington University's Police Officer Mackenzie with Archie enjoying moments at the annual Ryan Thompson Cops & Robbers event. The event honors and remembers our fallen friend and collegue, Deputy Ryan Thompson.

04/22/2026

It's Did You Know Wednesday!

Meet Erin Gray from the CWU University Police & Public Safety team!

Did you know that Erin is a true multi-generational Wildcat? Her family’s connection to Central Washington University spans over six decades and it’s a story full of dedication, service, and the arts.

It’s a story full of dedication, service, and the arts.

• Her grandfather, Milo Smith (known affectionately as Grandpa), worked at Central Washington State College / CWU from 1956 to 1990. His tremendous contributions to the Theatre department led to the naming of the Milo L. Smith Tower Theatre in his honor.

• Her grandmother, Helen Smith, taught English 201 and 301 from 1977 to 1990.

• Her father, Joe Slaughter, served with the CWU Police Department (CWUPD) from 1971 to 1986 and even served as Acting Chief toward the end of his tenure.

• Her mother, Kerry Slaughter, worked in the CWU Library from 1996 to 2020.

And Erin, well she began working at CWU in Human Resources in 2017 and joined the University Police & Public Safety team in 2022.

Erin is an active member of Ellensburg’s Valley Theatre Company, where she has stage-managed beloved productions including Mamma Mia!, The Sound of Music, and The Music Man.

She’s currently excited to dive into rehearsals for this summer’s show, The Addams Family!

Growing up surrounded by music and theatre, it’s no surprise those passions remain a big part of her life today.

Erin’s story is a beautiful reminder of the deep roots, family traditions, and community spirit that make CWU so special.

Central Washington University