Dedicated to providing high quality police and security services to ensure faculty, staff, students and visitors enjoy a safe and secure campus environment. The Department of Public Safety services include:
Protection of students, staff, and visitors and university property:
- 24 x 7 police and security presence
- Campus patrol (vehicle and foot)
- Alarm response (fire, smoke, CO2, burglary, panic)
- Medical response and coordination
- Criminal investigations and coordination with city and state law enforcement agencies
- Crime alerts and emergency notifications
- Crowd control and special event security
Enforcement of university rules and regulations regarding:
- Unauthorized use of alcohol and controlled substances
- Weapons violations
- University Parking Regulations, University Policy No. 5.28:1 (PDF)
Services offered to the university community:
Safety escort service
The Department of Public Safety would be happy to safely escort you across campus anytime you feel uneasy about walking alone. Just call (740) 351-3243 or enter 3243 from any campus phone. A Security Officer with proper SSU ID, will meet and walk with you to your campus building, vehicle or residence hall.
Vehicle assistance (battery jump start and vehicle lockouts)
The Department of Public Safety provides battery-jump assistance and vehicle lockout service for vehicles parked on university property. Contact the Department at 740-351-3243 or enter 3243 on any campus phone.
Lost and Found
Have you lost something on campus or do you want to turn in an item you have found on campus? Contact the SSU Department of Public Safety at (740) 351-3243 or stop by the office (formerly Security) located at the former Art Annex Building, by the floodwall. You must present valid identification, preferably a driver's license, to retrieve your lost property. Property is kept for 90 days.
Criminal background checks
SSU offers criminal background checks for state (BCI) and national (FBI) levels. The service is available on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the SSU Department of Public Safety building. Learn more here.
Facilities Access
The Shawnee State University Department of Public Safety maintains the security of all buildings on campus. During regular academic semesters, most campus buildings are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, with exceptions to weekday and weekend hours being posted on building doors. On weekends, students, staff and faculty must present an SSU identification card for admittance to any building that is not open. Staff must provide permission to security via email/letter for a student to enter a closed building.
Safety and crime prevention programs
Shawnee State University is concerned about the safety and welfare of all campus members and guests, and offers information regarding crime prevention and safety awareness programs including ICE and Operation Identification. Additional programs are offered through various University offices to address personal safety, sexual assault, drug and alcohol abuse, and related topics and are presented in various formats, including seminars, films, lectures, and brochures.