Concern about personal safety in today's world makes sense. Too often we hear or read about crimes to life and property. Although university campuses seem in some ways as secure as a small town, no campus is immune from crime.

Fortunately, Kennesaw State University has one of the lowest crime rates among colleges and universities in the University System of Georgia. The Department of Public Safety at KSU is commited to preserving that record. That's why we have prepared this information - to inform students, faculty, staff and parents about our efforts to keep the campus safe and sound.

The Department of Public Safety maintains a force of 24 certified public safety officers, whose duties include enforcing laws, preventing crimes, providing security, controlling parking and encouraging safety awareness.

The department, which also utilizes security officers, dispatchers, and other support personnel, strives to contribute to the academic environment by performing professional law enforcement tasks with a proactive, service-oriented and educational approach. The department also maintains a good relationship with the Kennesaw State community of faculty, staff and students, and encourages communication, including crime reports and suggestions.

Kennesaw State officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers offer numerous services to the campus community, ranging from assisting motorists and providing campus escorts to investigating crimes.

All KSU officers have the power of arrest and the authority to enforce all state laws. Their jurisdiction includes the entire campus and extends to 500 yards outside any KSU property controlled by the state Board of Regents. If an offense occurs within the officers' jurisdiction, they can leave this area to pursue the offender.

All KSU law enforcement personnel annually receive in-service and specialized training in firearms qualifications, criminal law procedures, first responder for medical emergencies, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, crime scene search, report writing, and interpersonal communications. In 2007, KSU officers completed more than 3,418 hours of training.

The department has established open lines of communication with nearby law enforcement agencies so that information about criminal investigations may be exchanged and any assistance needed may be obtained.

CAMPUS FACILITIES

Police officers regularly patrol all campus facilities to maintain security and inspect all doors and locks to ensure they are properly maintained. Security Officers provide additional security for the community by patrolling parking lots and buildings, and providing escorts for those who request them.

After hours, when campus buildings are locked, no one is allowed access without proper authorization by an appropriate university official. As stated in the KSU student handbook, under Student Conduct Regulations, "No student shall make or attempt to make unauthorized entry or use of any university officials, authorization for the use of university facilities can be withdrawn or otherwise restricted."

OFF CAMPUS FACILITIES

Kennesaw State does not have off-campus organizations or housing, but student organizations may sponsor an event, such as a dance, at an off-campus facility. At those times, student organizations may sponsor an event, such as a dance, at an off campus facility. At those times, a Kennesaw State police officer may be assigned to the event for crime prevention purposes. If a Kennesaw State police officer is not present, the local law enforcement agency will be responsible for crime prevention and protection, and should report any problems to the KSU public safety department.