About

The USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) is one of the largest campus public safety departments in the United States employing 300+ full-time personnel and 30 part-time student workers.

Under the leadership of Chief John Thomas, 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.

Experienced Officers with Extensive Resources

Everything we do centers on preparedness. We utilize highly-trained personnel, innovative technology and a community policing philosophy to keep the campus community safe both on and off campus. Among our many services, we pride ourselves on the following:

  • on and off-campus patrols 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • a 2-mile patrol radius maintained by officers in car, on bike and on foot
  • a 24-hour communications center prepared for immediate response to emergencies
  • more than half of our team attended the Los Angeles Police Academy, meeting the same training standards as LAPD officers
  • blue light phones with under 3-minute response time provide a direct line of communication to safety officers
  • 100+ video cameras located throughout campus
  • new access control technology on all USC-owned housing, including fingerprint scanners and 24/7 security officers
  • restricted access to campus from 9pm to 6am

We don’t work alone

Because USC is an integral part of an urban community, DPS works with the city of Los Angeles to ensure student, faculty and staff safety beyond campus. Our layered approach includes open communication between DPS, the Los Angeles Police Department and Fire Departments. We have a direct line of contact to first responders. We share resources and data. By openly communicating with city forces and our campus community, we’re continually building a safe foundation for life and study.

Shared Responsibility

We believe in prevention through partnerships. We work with departments and organizations on campus to increase awareness and collaboration. Our Adopt-a-Hall and Greek Liaisons programs provide training and presentations on safe practices and self-defense. We partner with Student Affairs and Residential Life to help new students transition into campus life. DPS believes that we can all ensure our own safety through knowledge, community support, and above all, by staying aware.

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.

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 (UPC) or 323-442-1000 (HSC). Non-emergencies can be reported to DPS at (213) 740-6000 (UPC) or 323-442-1200 (HSC).