DePauw Public Safety

Services to Keep Our Campus Community Safe

The DePauw Police Department provides a range of services to ensure the safety and security of community members and their property. Services include a 24-hour Communication Center, University Switchboard, Safety Escorts, Safe Ride Program, Lost and Found, Building Security, Bicycle Registration, and Fingerprinting.

If you have questions about any of these services, please contact our office at (765) 658-5555.

Communication Center

The Communication Center operates 24 hours a day, combining police dispatch and an information relay system for other campus offices.

In addition to receiving campus calls, the Center coordinates communication after hours for various departments. Once a request is received, dispatchers connect the caller to the appropriate on-call staff member.

Departments that can be reached through the Communication Center after hours include:

Facilities Management (including emergency repairs)
Housing and Residence Life (Residence Life Coordinator, Resident Assistant)
S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)
S.A.S.A. (Sexual Assault Survivor’s Advocate)

To reach the Communication Center, call (765) 658-5555 or ext. 5555 from any campus phone.

University Switchboard

The main university line, (765) 658-4800, is answered by professional operators. The switchboard team directs calls to appropriate departments while supporting other communication center duties.

Safe Escorts

Students may request a Safe Escort at any time by:

Using one of the 42 emergency/convenience phones across campus
Calling (765) 658-5555
Visiting the DePauw Police Department office in the lower level of 101 E. Seminary St.

An officer will escort you on foot or by vehicle between on-campus locations.

Safe Ride Program

The Safe Ride Program provides secure campus transportation after dark. Staff are trained to identify signs of intoxication or illness and will contact DePauw Police if medical attention is needed.

Operating hours:

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (subject to weather or driver availability)
Call (765) 658-5961 for pick-up

Designated Stops:

Indiana St. at Hill St. (behind Roy O’West Library)
Blackstock Lot (Hanna St. entrance)
Olive St. between Jordan Hall and Bishop Roberts Hall
Locust St. at Lucy Hall
Rector Village Lot (behind Reese Hall)
Entrance to Bloomington St. Hall (on Anderson St.)
Spring & Seminary (near AAAS House)
Vine & Seminary St. (in front of the Police Department)
3G Bowling Alley (by request, last pick-up at 1:30 a.m.)

Rider Guidelines:

Inform the driver immediately if you feel ill.
Keep drink containers closed at all times.
No alcohol is permitted. Riders found with alcohol will be denied service.

Building Security

Facilities Management and DePauw Police work together to maintain safe campus buildings and grounds. Regular inspections of facilities and lighting are conducted to identify safety concerns.

Facilities Management locks and unlocks academic and administrative buildings at designated times.
Most facilities are open during class hours and locked during university breaks or closures.
Residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and accessible only to authorized residents.
Police officers patrol campus perimeters and residence hall areas, especially at night.

DePauw Police collaborates with Campus Living and Community Development, Housing and Residence Life, and Information Services to ensure effective key and access control systems.

Bicycle Permit Registration

The DePauw Police Department offers a free Bicycle Registration Program to help prevent theft and assist with recovery of lost or stolen bikes.

To register:

Email police@depauw.edu to schedule an appointment.
Bring your state and DePauw IDs, plus details about your bike (make, model, color, serial number, wheel size, speed, and unique features).
Email photos of your bike, referencing the assigned permit number.

Fingerprinting Services

Fingerprinting services are available for legal documents and background checks.

Schedule:

Sundays: 5 – 7 p.m.
Tuesdays: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursdays: 1 – 3 p.m.

If an officer is responding to an emergency, a short wait may occur. Please bring your fingerprint card and required paperwork. Blank general applicant cards are available upon request.

Lost and Found

The DePauw Police Department and Office of Public Safety serve as the central Lost and Found for the campus.

Location: Lower level of 101 E. Seminary St.
Contact: (765) 658-5555 or police@depauw.edu

Please note:

Unsanitary items (e.g., unmarked water bottles) will be discarded.
Provide a detailed description and contact information when reporting lost items.
Reports of missing items not yet found are kept on file for possible future recovery.

The Lost and Found is open 24 hours a day.