Frequently Asked Questions

Student Escort  and Patrol Aide Services

The Old Dominion University Student Escort and Patrol Aide Service is sponsored by the ODU Police Department's Community Policing and Crime Prevention Division , and is designed to provide a safer, more secure environment for students and staff whose only means of transportation on the campus is walking.

• Hours of Operation: 5:30 p.m. -12:30 a.m. daily weekends 8:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m.
• Courtesy Van 8:00 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday.
• Escort Telephone Number: 683-3477 (use any campus Emergency Telephone or Blue Light Call Box)
• Location: ODU Police Department Headquarters, 4516 Monarch Way Norfolk, VA 23508.

There are currently (22) part-time students working for the Student Escort and Patrol Aide Service. These students are under the direction of the Crime Prevention Police Sergeant. Many of the escorts are members of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) programs on campus. If you would like to know more about the Student Escort and Patrol Aide Service, please call 683-3477 or 683-6397.

Why is there a Patrol Aide and Escort Service at Old Dominion University? Will I be able to get a patrol escort late at night?

WE CARE!!! This is one of the many crime prevention programs available to our University community. Yes. Escorts are provided every evening during the winter and spring semesters. Hours are: 5:30 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. the late shift works on the weekends. We also have a courtesy van patrolling in and around campus for your convenience. The van provides rides for facility, staff and students Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights 8:00 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. This service is provided at no cost. The courtesy van does not operate Monday through Wednesday during the Spring and Fall semesters. The courtesy van does not operate when the university is closed, or university holidays, or during the Spring Break and Fall Breaks.

The courtesy van service is only available in the immediate area. Service boundaries are from W 38th St. (south) to Magnolia Avenue (north) and from Colley Avenue (east) to Powhatan Avenue (west). The courtesy van will not be able to take you to Waterside or Military Circle, or other distant locations. No rides will be given for any locations outside of the service boundaries.

All courtesy van pick-ups can be arranged by calling the Old Dominion University Student Patrol Aide and Escorts at 683-3477. When calling give your name, location you want to be picked up at and your destination to the student escort dispatcher.  NOTE:  No reservations for pick up at a specific time will be taken. Pickups are made on a first come first serve basis and will be made as quickly as possible, however, depending on the call volume and destinations, there may be a delay before a pick up can be made. Your patience and understanding are appreciated. It is not necessary to call back multiple times to ask when you will be picked up. Such calls tie up the telephone unnecessarily and do not expedite service.

If you should call for a pick up and later determine that you will not need the ride, kindly have the courtesy to call back and cancel your pick up request 683-3477.

The courtesy van driver has the authority to refuse to pick up intoxicated or aggressive riders. The courtesy van will not transport any alcoholic beverages.

How do I get a patrol escort or the courtesy van?

Call Public Safety Student Escorts Courtesy Van at 683-3477, or from one of the campus emergency phones between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

How long does it take for a patrol Escort to arrive?

There is an average of 5 to 10 minutes response time to the location for escorts. The courtesy van will depend on the call volume.

Is there any charge?

No, the service is free for unlimited escorts or rides in the courtesy van.

How are the patrol escorts provided?

Patrol escorts respond on foot, bicycle and golf cart to any requested locations. The courtesy van is a small five (5) passenger van displaying a yellow revolving light on the roof.

Who are the patrol aides and escorts?

All escorts and patrol aides are University students, both men and women, working part-time for the police department. They are supervised by the crime prevention sergeant and a student coordinator. The courtesy van is operated by Old Dominion University Security Personnel.

How are the patrol escorts provided?

Patrol escorts respond on foot, bicycle and golf cart to any requested locations.  The courtesy van is operated by Old Dominion University Police Department.  Security Personnel operate the van.