The Department of Public Safety Services embraces the University's philosophy that stresses the holistic approach in our students growth in life. Therefore, our mission is to provide a safe environment on campus that is conducive to foster their successful development and education.

The Department of Public Safety Services' primary objective is to protect all persons within its jurisdiction, to insure that all are as free from criminal attack as possible, secured in their properties, which will permit them to develop life skills within a safe and peaceful academic environment.

Description

The Department of Public Safety Services comprised of two divisions:

1. The University Police Department and
2. The Parking Management Office

The University Police Department employs 15 commissioned and licensed Peace Officers, which include the Director, Assistant Director, two Police Supervisors, and nine Patrol Officers. The University Police Department provides police services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (including holidays). Additionally, our department provides a number of services which consist of escorting students during the evening and night time hours; vehicle jump starts; and crime prevention/awareness programs.

The Parking Management Office employs 3 full time employees who issue SHSU Parking Permits, answer parking related questions, and collecting fines from parking violations that occur on the campus of Sam Houston State University. If you have any questions concerning parking citations, parking permits, or parking locations contact the University Police Department at 936/294-1794 or e-mail Tammy Gustafson (Office Manager) at upd_tlg@shsu.edu.

Additionally, we have a support staff of one full time Telecommunications Operator and we employ 50-60 part-time Student Assistants who are employed as Telecommunications Operators, Parking Control Officers, Foot Patrol Officers, and the Hall Security Personnel.

Jurisdiction

University Police Officers are authorized by State statute to enforce Federal, State, and local laws and/or any regulation issued by the Board of Regents of Sam Houston State University on property under the control and jurisdiction of Sam Houston State University. Section 51.203, Texas Education Code; Campus Peace Officers, states "The governing boards of each state institution of higher education and public technical institute may employ and commission peace officers for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this subchapter. The primary jurisdiction of a peace officer commissioned under this section includes all counties in which property is owned, leased, rented, or otherwise under the control of the institution of higher education or public technical institute that employs the peace officer or otherwise in the performance of their duties.