The Department
The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) is one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States employing 306 full-time personnel and 30 part-time student workers.
Under the leadership of Chief Lauretta Hill, the department’s primary mission is to provide a safe and secure environment on campus and in the local USC community that allows students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to realize their academic and social pursuits.
The department offers a variety of quality public safety services and educational programs administered through the utilization of highly trained personnel, state-of-the-art technology, and a community-based policing philosophy.
A Shared Responsibility
Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. To realize our vision of becoming the safest urban campus in America, DPS seeks the cooperation of the entire Trojan Family. DPS relies on the collaboration and support of students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors who embrace crime prevention best practices and responsible behavior.
DPS enjoys a strong public safety partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department with whom we work with on a daily basis. DPS also works closely with a number of other public safety departments within the university including Fire Safety/Emergency Planning and Environmental Health and Safety, and Risk Management.
If You See Something-Say Something
All students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to report any emergency situation, crime, or suspicious behavior to DPS. Crimes in progress, suspicious or threatening behavior, or other emergencies can be reported to DPS at (213) 740-4321. Non-emergencies can be reported to DPS at (213) 740-6000. In addition, over 400 Emergency Blue Light Phones are conveniently located across campus which provides immediate access to a DPS communications officer.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers, managed by County of Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers, allows for the anonymous submission of suspected criminal activity that occurs on the University Park Campus, Health Science Campus or surrounding communities. Submitted information will be reviewed by our investigative staff and appropriate action will be taken as warranted. To submit a report, click here.
LiveSafe, the Trojan Mobile Safety App
USC Trojan Mobile Safety App, called “LiveSafe” is managed by the USC Department of Public Safety and the USC Department of Emergency Planning. It is a free downloadable app that mobile users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the University Park and Health Science campuses. The app is powered by LiveSafe, Inc. and has versions for iPhone and Android devices. for more information, click here.
Trojans Caring for Trojans (TC4T)
TC4T is an initiative within the Division of Student Affairs that empowers students to take action when they are concerned about another Trojan. TC4T should not be used to report a crime. To learn more about TC4T, click here.
As you tour our site, we hope you will discover information that interests you, as well as learn more about the services and resources offered by DPS. Our priority is to better our relationship with students and the community to both empower and advise you in measures effective in crime prevention and risk reduction. For more information about our department structure, click here.