LOCATION:  McKeldin Gymnasium, Room 1005, adjacent to Parking Lot E 

The mission of Bowie State University Department of Public Safety (BSUDPS) is to provide police, security, risk management, environmental safety, parking, and identification services to the Bowie State University community. 

We recognize that our authority comes from the Constitution of the United States, a continually reaffirmed expression of the will of the people, and we are dedicated to upholding its expression of the fundamental value of all people. 

We view our community and our employees as invaluable assets whose welcome diversity encourages us to strive for a place where their expression and worth can flourish.  We do this with the clear understanding that our ultimate responsibility is to enhance and celebrate the University experience. 

The Department recognizes that specific programs aimed at encouraging community participation will be most successful when fostered within a climate of mutual community trust.  This is most likely to occur as a result of frequent, free, and open contact among Department members, the public at large, and University community representatives.

POLICE SERVICES

The Department of Public Safety / Campus Police operates 24 hours a day with the primary purpose of protecting life and property, enforcing fire safety regulations, and preserving peace and order.  The Officers in the Department of Public Safety enforce both the laws of the State of Maryland and the regulations of the University.  The BSUPD Officers patrol designated areas on a random and continuous basis; being alert for fire and/or safety hazards, and any suspicious persons/activities.

• Crime prevention information programs and service to systematically deter, deny, and detect criminal opportunity;
• Round-the-clock response to emergency and non-emergency situations relating to the safety and security of people and property associated with the University;
• Documentation of criminal activity and certain defined non-criminal incidents as required by law and administrative policy, and follow-up where deemed worthwhile or necessary;
• Preventive and directed uniform vehicle or foot patrol to lessen criminal activity and to assist people generally;
• emergency messages, giving directions, providing "jump starts";
• Make arrests, collect evidence, write citations, provide information for prosecution and testify in court

 SAFETY, SECURITY, and PARKING SERVICES

The Officers and Public Safety Aides give special attention to security as it relates to lighting on campus and report any irregularities or non-performance to the shift supervisor and maintenance department. They pay particular attention to trash removal from buildings and the grounds to insure safety for the employees as well as being watchful that property is not being removed by unauthorized personnel.

The Officers and Public Safety Aides exercise good judgment in dealing with employees, student population and visitors; being humane and sympathetic to individual and their problems as deemed appropriate.

• Parking Operations serves to expedite the safe and orderly movement and storage of vehicles within the limits of available space to support the role and mission of the Bowie State University;
• Locking and unlocking of designated University buildings, and patrols of campus grounds and buildings;
• Assist individuals with special needs which include, but are not limited to, unlocking office doors, unlocking car doors, pushing stalled vehicles, delivering messages

Escorts and transportation of faculty, staff, and students to and from University parking areas

Mission: To protect, serve, and create a safe and academically sound environment for the students, faculty and staff at the university.

Mission Statement
The select mission of the Bowie State University Department of Public Safety is to enhance a high quality of learning and life opportunity for the campus community through dedicated and professional service.  The department serves with integrity, discretion and expediency; and in a fair, proper, and thorough manner.  The conduct of each member of the department will be professional and honorable.  We work with other organizations to create a campus environment that is socially rich and diverse.

Vision Statement
The vision of the Bowie State University Department of Public Safety is to facilitate and strengthen partnerships with Bowie State University faculty, staff, and students and to ensure a safe learning environment that supports academic freedom, respect for the individual, tolerance, and the open exchange of ideas.

Values & Goals

• Work with students, faculty and staff to reduce crime
• Reduce crime through community policing policies
• Provide proactive visual patrols and encourage prevention awareness
• Provide a secure and safe campus environment, reducing fear of criminal activity
• Protect the constitutional rights and freedoms of all persons
• Apply integrity and honesty as the most important basis for public trust
• Protect all people's rights through fair and impartial enforcement of university policies, Federal laws,     and the State of Maryland Statutes
• Work with other departments and agencies to maximize benefits to Bowie State University
• Strive to always act in the best interest of Bowie State University
• Provide outreach educational opportunities to students, faculty, and staff
• Recognize that University Police Officers are capable, caring people who are doing important and satisfying work for BSU
• Self-evaluate to improve the department
• Make the Bowie State University Department of Public Safety (BSUDPS) the best possible place to work by encouraging professional development and growth opportunities of all members
• Understand and respect our roles and responsibilities as part of the educational process at BSU

Authority
The Department of Public Safety is a legislated police agency.  University police officers are vested with full police authority under provisions of Title 13, Subtitle 6, Section 13-601, Educational Article, and Annotated Code of Maryland.
In addition, police officers are granted additional jurisdictional authority as prescribed in the Criminal Procedure Act, Title 2, Subtitle 1, Section 2-102.

Please send us an email at DPS@bowiestate.edu if you have any questions for the Department of Public Safety.

BSU DPS Telephone:
301-860-4040