The BGSU Department of Public Safety is committed to our vision of promoting a safe and secure campus that demonstrates openness, trust, honesty, integrity, and respect for differences in ideas, people, and lifestyles. These same qualities will be reflected in the Department of Public Safety's leadership, personnel, programs and services, and its image, both on and off campus.

The Department of Public Safety, located in 104 Commons, provides the campus with 24-hour police protection by a fully certified staff of police officers, detectives, and dispatchers. The department supports the University's core values and continually seeks ways to improve the quality of service the campus receives by working in partnership with students, faculty, and staff to enforce the law, provide quality services, reduce the fear of crime, and promote joint problem-solving. The Department of Public Safety actively investigates problems and incidents and search for positive solutions to support a sense of security throughout the campus. BGSU maintains an open campus environment and encourages the community to participate in activities that are open to the public. However, the University reserves the right to restrict unauthorized persons from its grounds when appropriate.

The department is staffed by police officers who have full police authority, meet all state law enforcement standards, and are state certified. The Ohio Revised Code (Section 3345.04) grants the University authority to designate employees as police officers who take an oath to uphold the rules of the institution and laws of the state. The department provides law enforcement and security, regulates parking and traffic, shuttle service, campus escort service, educational programs, and crime prevention information for the campus community.

Uniformed officers patrol the campus using marked police cars, bicycles, and foot patrols and are empowered to arrest any offender and bring that person before the local court system for judgment. Likewise, the Office of Student Life is responsible for on-campus disciplinary proceedings. The Department of Public Safety and the Office of Student Life work collaboratively to resolve incidents of student misconduct that involve University policy and procedures.

The Department of Public Safety encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all crime. The Department of Public Safety investigates incidents of a criminal nature and initiate, before a court of law, any required legal action. If needed, assistance is available from Bowling Green City Police, Wood County Sheriff's Department, Ohio State Patrol, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In addition to the sworn police officers, the Department of Public Safety employs a student security staff that provides services for the University community. Campus Service Officers do not have statutory arrest powers, but work to assist police with security matters.