The Department of Public Safety is organized under the General Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs. The Department consists of a Director, Deputy Director, uniformed officers, the Providence Campus, Public Safety Officers and shuttle van/bus drivers. Additionally, students are employed to augment security operations.

The Department strives to provide high quality security, safety and crime prevention services that meet the needs and standards of a progressive academic institution. The Department is responsible for providing security and safety for the entire University community. Public Safety Officers provide a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service consisting of access control, vehicular patrol, bike patrol and foot patrol. Officers do not carry firearms nor do they have police powers of arrest.

Working Relationships

However, the Department of Public Safety has a close and effective working relationship with the Bristol Police and Portsmouth Police Departments as well as the State Police and federal law enforcement agencies that provide services to the campus in a timely fashion, when required.

The Department of Public Safety also has close and highly effective working relationships with a myriad of other organizations, on and off campus. Working closely with the Dean of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Life, the Directors of Residence Life and Housing, Department of Campus Programs, Department of Health Services, Office of Facilities Management, and the Student Senate. The Department of Public Safety endeavors to meet the needs of the student population. 

Additionally, well-established relationships with Bristol Fire and Rescue services enhance campus safety. The Department of Public Safety also has eight certified Emergency Medical Technicians (E.M.T's.) on staff that are available upon request.

Safety Monitoring

Further, in addition to the Public Safety Officers monitoring campus lighting to enhance security, administrative members of various departments routinely conduct surveys to assess the operability and adequacy of lighting throughout the campus. The Department of Facilities Management maintains the ability to respond on a 24-hour basis to correct significant discrepancies related to safety and security.

This response facilitates prompt repairs to building and room access, equipment, fire and safety equipment, lighting and other deficiencies that present an immediate risk to the University community. Utilizing portable radios, officers are able to notify Public Safety Headquarters of situations requiring the immediate attention of the Facilities Management Department.

As previously noted, maintaining a safe and secure campus is not the sole responsibility of the Department of Public Safety. We encourage all individuals who are on this beautiful campus to be conscious of their surroundings and assist in making security and safety a matter of routine in their activities with the Departments of Facilities Management and Department of Residence Life and Housing to provide a safe and well-lit campus.