The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a service-oriented branch of the institution’s Student Affairs division. The department has 22 full-time officers and an auxiliary force of reserve officers who are charged with assisting the campus community with various offered services including the enforcement of federal, state and local laws, and campus regulations.
DPS is also responsible for monitoring security activities 24 hours a day on University property. Department officers patrol the campus on foot, bicycle, motor vehicles, and on fixed posts such as the Entry Control Station at the main entrance to the campus. Electronic patrols can also be conducted by use of surveillance cameras in the dispatch office. All reports of crimes, minor or major, are reported to DPS. DPS is also the campus liaison to the Smithfield Police and Fire Departments and works in close relation to both. DPS is also responsible for parking enforcement, emergency medical services on campus, fire safety, and a variety of ancillary services including the production of identification cards and personal security escorts.
Department of Public Safety members also act as first responders to all campus emergencies. A major component of this service includes the emergency medical technicians (EMT), who respond to all medical emergencies on campus and are licensed by the State of Rhode Island.
Department of Public Safety officers are not sworn officers and do not possess arrest powers. However, within the jurisdictional boundaries of the campus they have the inherent right and authority to detain persons for wrongdoing. They may restrain persons who create a disorder, or refuse admittance to the campus, or ask persons to leave who become disorderly or violate Rhode Island laws, campus rules, or regulations or demonstrate improper behavior. The University has a close working relationship with the local and state police departments and each cooperates in attempting to maintain a secure campus. Bryant University encourages its community to quickly report the incidence of crime and DPS promptly relays accurate information to the local police agency.
The Department of Public Safety 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. Bryant University annually coordinates the Rhode Island Public Safety Training Academy, which is open to all campus public safety officers in the state. |
