About Us

Our mission at the Department of Public Safety is to foster and maintain a safe and inclusive urban campus environment for the university community. Our team operates under the philosophy of protecting lives and property through integrity, professional development, community education, and a commitment to service.

2 DPS officers at university seal

Seattle University’s Department of Public Safety is part of the Student and Campus Life Team. We are made up of full-time non-commissioned professional staff and part-time student staff who are charged with, and committed to, protecting the lives and property of our community and of the visiting public.

We have chosen lives and careers of service, compassion, and guardianship. We are committed to Seattle University’s mission, vision, and values,
DPS officer carrying a jump starter battery pack outside

and most of all, to the just, compassionate, and equitable treatment of all people. We are officers, dispatchers, supervisors, and administrators, but above all, we are members of the Seattle University community.

Our officers perform proactive patrols covering the entirety of the university’s 50 acre property. We respond to calls for service and emergency incidents thoughtfully and with care. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including campus closures. The university community can rely on us at all times to assist their needs.

Our officer training includes, but is not limited to the following:

  • Red Cross CPR, AED, and First Aid for Adults, Children, and Infants
  • De-escalation and defensive tactics
  • Emergency response and communications
  • Incident documentation and report writing
  • Suicide prevention and mental health response
  • Opioid overdose and naloxone administration
  • FERPA compliance
  • Clery Act reporting
  • FEMA Emergency Management (4 courses)
  • End Violence Against Women International (5 courses)
  • ALICE active shooter response

We work closely with our partners across campus to help provide the appropriate resources for all situations. Learn more about our campus partnerships.

Meet our Leaders

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Safety provides a multitude of services, you can find them here. 

Call our emergency line at (206) 296-5990. We are available 24 hours a day to assist.

Call us at (206) 296-5990 to request a walking escort. Public Safety is available 24 hours a day for walking safety escorts anywhere on campus and up to 2 blocks off of campus.

Call Public Safety at (206) 296-5911. If you are off campus, call 911. Any on campus threat or risk that puts lives in immediate danger should be reported to Public Safety.

SeattleUAlert is a text messaging and email service that allows us to send emergency information instantly to students, faculty, staff, and community members who register. It allows us to send time-sensitive emergency communication and provide official notification of any emergency situation that poses an imminent physical threat to the community. We may also use the service to distribute important non-emergency information such as unexpected campus interruptions or closures.

All information you provide is private and will not be shared. Registration is free, however your cell phone provider may charge standard text messaging fees. To register, text SeattleUAlert to 79516.

Join our team!

Want to work with us? Explore the many benefits and apply today to start your career in Public Safety!

2 DPS officers jumping a car. Female officer giving a thumbs up to the camera.

We're here to help

Officer coverage 24/7

1313 E. Columbia Building

Business office: Mon-Thurs, 8:30am-4:00pm