About

The San Diego State University Police Department

The San Diego State University Police Department (UPD) provides policing services to students, faculty, staff, and individuals visiting within SDSU’s jurisdiction. Our police officers and emergency dispatchers are graduates of a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) academy and are empowered by section 830.2 (c) of the California Penal Code. On an average year, UPD officers and dispatchers handle roughly 45,000 incidents. UPD deploys officers on foot, bicycles, and patrol vehicles. Our detectives work quickly to resolve cases and connect victims/survivors with resources. The traffic unit focuses on traffic-related safety, education and enforcement. The K-9 unit supplements our patrol efforts, while our community relations unit focuses on community outreach and engagement. 

Other critical units comprising the UPD include records, property and evidence, the behaviorial health unit, crime analysis, and key issue & access control. We also proudly hire our own students to serve as our community service officers (CSO) to augment our policing goals.

We pride ourselves on the strength of our working relationships with our community. UPD embodies the principles of community policing. In other words, working collaboratively with our community in order to prevent and solve crime, while building trust and legitimacy.

Mission Statement

The University Police Department endeavors to promote a safe environment in a manner that is fair, transparent, and respectful. We recognize the value in collaborating with our diverse community to improve the quality of life for those who live, work, study, or visit San Diego State University.  

Vision

Employing effective policing strategies and cultivating community partnerships while honoring the past, present, and future needs of our diverse community.

Safety & Policing Philosophy

• Environment 

• Engagement 

• Education 

• Enforcement 

• Empowerment 

• Empathy

"Establishing strong community relationships and sustaining community dialogue are core pillars of policing within an organization. The San Diego State University Police Department's safety and policing philosophy is based on the six E’s of public safety. We are committed to enhancing public safety initiatives while cultivating a climate of service, care, and belonging." - Chief Gregory L. Murphy