Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a service-oriented branch of the University's Student Affairs division. Our full-time officers are charged with assisting the campus community with various services including the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws, as well as campus rules and regulations.

DPS is also responsible for monitoring security activities 24 hours a day on University property. Our officers patrol the campus on foot, bicycle, motor vehicles, and at fixed posts such as the Entry Control Station at the main entrance to the campus.  All reports of crimes, minor or major, are reported to DPS, which serves as the campus liaison to the Smithfield Police and Fire Departments and works closely with both.

We are the first responders to all campus emergencies. A major component of this service includes our emergency medical technicians (EMT) who respond to all medical emergencies on campus and are licensed by the state of Rhode Island.

We also are responsible for parking enforcement, fire safety, and a variety of ancillary services including personal security escorts.

View Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (.pdf)

DPS is accredited by CALEA - the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. DPS is a member of and active participant in the Rhode Island College and University Public Safety Directors Association, the Northeast College and University Security Association, and the International Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators. These groups provide assistance and insight into changing security trends and offer information about all areas of security operations on campuses.