On behalf of the Department of Public Safety, I am happy to welcome you to Washington State University. It is the goal of the WSU Public Safety Department to do everything possible to create an environment where people can feel safe to learn, work, live, and visit. We believe that one way to help create such an environment is to fully inform the campus population about issues, campus policies regarding safety and security, and the services that your campus Public Safety Department provides. As a result, we are pleased to present our WEB Site and we hope it will be helpful and informative.

Our Police Department consists of 18 commissioned police officers assisted by students who comprise the Cougar Security Patrol and the Police Intern Program. The department enjoys close working relationships with other regional emergency providers. With automobile, bicycle, and walking patrol, WSU Police are on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Officers control traffic, assist those in need, and are alert for situations requiring their intervention. Each officer also works with residents of specific residence halls so that he or she may provide more personal service to residents. WSU police officers receive the same training and have the same authority as their municipal counterparts. They conduct investigations, make arrests, and refer cases to the local courts or the University Conduct Board as appropriate for prosecution.

Cougar Security Patrol members, carrying radios, perform walking patrol of the campus, and serve as escorts during hours of darkness. The department also sponsors a Police Intern Program for students interested in a law enforcement career.

Members of our campus community should be aware that the WSU Police Department considers acts of harassment which are based on a victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or a mental, physical, or sensory handicap to be especially pernicious and directly contrary to the educational goals of this institution. We are committed to assisting the University to the fullest extent possible in providing an academic setting that is supportive of all students, faculty, and staff. Accordingly, all arrests involving hate crimes on our campus are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.

The WSU Department of Public Safety offers a variety of crime prevention programs and materials. We also offer non-judgment referrals for persons needing assistance dealing with a personal or substance abuse problem. If you are interested in any of these programs or services, simply call 335-8548, or visit us in the Public Safety Building located on Wilson Avenue across from the Compton Union Building.