Who Is Campus Public Safety?

The University System of Georgia employs State Certified Police Officers to patrol USG institutions, conduct criminal investigations, and provide crime prevention programs.

Campus Police

Campus Police are REAL police although you may hear law enforcement on your campus referred to as public safety, police department, or campus police department. The law enforcement personnel in each USG police department are certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council which means they completed a rigorous 408 hour law enforcement academy training at a state certified police academy. Each department is led by a Chief who oversees the various members of the public safety department and provides direction to the campus regarding safety/ security issues. The campus police are responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local laws as well as adhering to federal reporting requirements for campus based crime activity.

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Emergency Dispatchers

Considered the heart of the communications division of campus public safety, emergency dispatchers are traditionally the first lines of communication when it comes to contacting public safety for help or general assistance. All dispatchers are certified by Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and have on the job training in handling emergency telephone phones and radio communications.

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Emergency Management

Hurricanes? Earthquakes? Flooding? All of these natural disasters are headed by campus emergency management personnel to assure USG institutions stay safe and secure during hectic times.

Know Your Campus and the Law

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

This federal legislation was originally signed into law in 1990 and was known at the time as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act. Throughout the years the law has undergone several amendments to include a renaming. However, the purpose behind the legislation has remained constant: to require colleges and universities across the United States to publicly disclose information about crime on their campuses and in the surrounding areas. The United States Department of Education requires institutions to publish an Annual Campus Security Report on October 1st each year. The Annual Campus Security Report provides crime statistics up to three years prior in specific campus crime related categories. For further information on the history of The Clery Act and the type of information campuses must disclose, visit The Clery Center for Security on Campus

What All USG Students Should Know

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Register Your Car

At some of the University System of Georgia institutions you are required you to register your car in order to park on campus as a commuter or a resident student. Be sure to check with your public safety department for updated car registration information so you can avoid costly parking tickets.

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Register Your Bike

Biking to and from class? Your public safety department may require you to register your bicycle in order to ride or rack it on campus.

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Report Suspicious Activity

As a member of the campus community take an active part in keeping your campus safe. Report any suspicious activity promptly to your campus police department.

Know Your Surroundings

Be aware of where you are and who is around you. Never let anyone you’re unfamiliar with into your residence hall or dorm room. Going to an off campus event? Make sure to tell friends of your plans or bring them with you. The buddy system is always better than venturing alone. Getting out of class late or late evening study session at the campus library? Feel free to contact your public safety department for an escort to your vehicle or to your dorm if you feel uncomfortable.

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Always Secure Your Belongings

Always remove valuable items from plain view in a vehicle and lock the vehicle upon exiting. Invest in a bicycle lock to secure your bicycle to designated bike racks. Lock your dorm room upon exiting and never give your dorm room code or key to anyone else. You love your computer and cell phone? So do thieves! Record the serial numbers on your computers, iPads, and other valuables and take photos of each item. In addition, turn on tracking on your cell phones and computers so you can locate them quickly if they are lost or missing.

Off to College Checklist

What you should do to be safe and secure before going off to college.

  • Record serial numbers on valuables.
  • Enter Campus Police # on your cell phone.
  • Locate your dorm on a map and check out what other buildings are around it. If you are a commuter student, locate your commuter parking lot and the safest ways to each of your classes.
  • Give your parent/guardian/other member of your family a copy of your class schedule.
  • If you’re new to living on campus, reach out to your roommate and get acquainted prior to move in day. Feeling safe in the dorm starts with being friendly with the person you live with.
  • If you’re living on campus, check with Residence Life to assure that you are not packing items that are not allowed in university housing (i.e. candles, pets, etc).
  • If you plan to have a car on campus always carry a spare key in your wallet. No one wants to pay for a lockout service!

You've Arrived on Campus - Now What?

A few friendly reminders to keep yourself safe while away at college.

  • Never share your dorm room code or key with anyone other than your roommate.
  • If you have a car on campus, move all valuables out of sight or take them with you.
  • Don’t text and walk. Texting while walking is a leading cause of injuries on campus. Also it’s a way to be distracted and not realize what could be happening around you.
  • Always remember you can go to Campus Public Safety if you need to report a crime or have a question about anything on campus. They are always around to help!