Welcome to USC DPS

We are one of the largest university public safety agencies in the nation. DPS has  more than 300 full-time members. Under the leadership of Chief Lauretta Hill, DPS is responsible for providing public safety services to the university community. Our patrol area is the University Park Campus and two and one-half square miles surrounding the campus, and the Health Sciences Campus, and about one square mile surrounding that campus. DPS operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment conducive to learning.

DPS Mission & Values

We serve the USC community by providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment through community engagement, technology, collaborative partnerships, and commitment in support of USC’s mission for all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors to realize their full potential intellectually, educationally, spiritually, and through their social pursuits.

DPS has embraced the university’s Unifying Values as our department’s values. They are:

Our Unifying Values

DPS Safety Tips Video

A smartphone illustration showcasing a USC-themed cardinal and gold app with the text “USC Trojan Mobile Safety App" on a cardinal red background, with a “Learn More” button at the bottom.
Text displayed on a gold background reads: “USC TrojansAlert. Sign up for text alerts. TrojansAlert is a mobile notification system that sends emergency updates to your phone or email.” with a "Learn More" button at the bottom.

Chief’s Message

Chief Lauretta Hill, DPS is responsible for providing public safety services to the campus community which stretches more than 2.2 square miles.

Types of Officers

Learn about the different types of officers here at USC DPS

Services We Provide

Discover the services we provide

Safety Tips

In order to take full advantage of your stay at USC and to make it as safe as possible, the USC Department of Public Safety would like you to consider the following safety tips.

Clery & Crime Alerts

Transparency is one of the Department of Public Safety’s top priorities. We believe citizens are best able to ensure their safety when they’re informed. 

Community Outreach

The Community Relations Office (CRO) provides the USC campus community with various resources that include security assessments, safety presentations, and community relations officers

Alerts

  • Community Safety Advisory
    The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to make the campus community aware of a telephone scam in which an individual posing as a USC security officer attempts to collect or extort money from USC parents. The scam involves late night phone calls to USC parents claiming that their student has been incarcerated and…
More Alerts

News & Announcements

  • Reminder: updates to how TrojansAlerts will be distributed
    Dear USC community, We wanted to remind you that USC is upgrading the TrojansAlert system, and the way we manage recipient lists for some user groups will change significantly beginning on September 17. TrojansAlert is an emergency notification system that allows university officials to contact you during an emergency by sending updates via text message and email. All alert…
More News & Announcements