Our Campus Safety Model – Office of Public Safety

As a result of a thorough review of campus safety protocols, St. Mary's College of Maryland introduced a new campus security model in August of 2023. Recent tragedies on campuses and communities across America prompted us to take a proactive approach.

When additional changes are planned, we will provide updates to our community and archive those announcements here. We will also maintain a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs); you may send additional questions you may have through the link at the bottom of the page.

FAQs

What was done to enhance our Office of Public Safety?

● Provide additional training and body cameras to officers
● Install security cameras around campus
● Assess and fix all door locks
● Implement a security/special police model that will include sworn armed Campus Police Officers (CPOs)

What was the purpose of this plan since there is no threat at this time?

Safety in public spaces, especially in educational settings, is a national concern. Mass shootings aren't the only kinds of gun violence on college campuses. Everytown for Gun Safety documented 308 instances of gunfire on college campuses, occurring in 42 states and Washington, D.C., from 2013-2022. These incidents include individual attacks, unintentional gunfire, legal interventions, self-harm, and other instances. Considering recent tragedies on campuses and in communities across America, especially the increased frequency of these events in recent years. The College conducted an overall assessment of our campus safety protocols. Analyzing these assessments, we came to recognize two things: we need to enhance campus security, and this will require, among other things, a new security model. Waiting until a threat occurs is too late to act. We must be vigilant and proactive in protecting our campus community; students, faculty, staff and visitors.

What training do public safety officers (PSOs) receive?

Every PSO completes a minimum of a 6-week field training course with an experienced PSO. They are also trained in First Aid, CPR, AED, proper use of force, use of OC spray, handcuffing, and use of an expandable baton. After Field training they also take classes such as Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training, Mental Health First Aid, Fingerprinting, along with other various training courses throughout the year.

What is the difference between PSOs and CPOs?

Public safety officers provide a whole range of information, service, and protection efforts including emergency preparation, parking management, lockouts, physical security, and Jeanne Clery Campus Security Act compliance. Other services provided include event security, shuttle/escort, welfare checks, safety presentation, building access, jump starting cars, emergency phones, self-defense classes, fingerprinting, lost & found, investigating maintenance complaints, police record request, victim services referral, campus vehicle driver certification, property registration, and light surveys. PSOs conduct bi-monthly checks of all external lights on campus and complete a form which is forwarded to the Physical Plant office detailing lights that are inoperative or in need of repairs. The form is called a light survey.

Campus Police Officers are sworn officers with academy certification. They fulfill all security roles, respond to all emergency and non-emergency calls for service, conduct criminal, campus, and administrative investigations and provide training/education for the campus community

Both PSOs and CPOs will work for the Office of Public Safety.

The primary focus of both PSOs and CPOs will remain community policing.

Why was money spent on body cameras?

In past assessments of the Office of Public Safety, it was recommended that PSOs use body cameras, a widely recognized best practice.

Both PSOs and CPOs are equipped with Body Cameras while on duty.

What is the protocol for use of body cameras and other recording devices?

The use of body cameras and other recording devices is covered in the official policy directive.

How can you be sure that marginalized students feel safe with CPOs?

We are thorough in our vetting and hiring process and training of CPOs. All CPOs must understand and commit to honoring our campus values, and value a campus community where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive, be free from discrimination and feel safe. We must do our part to hold everyone accountable to this ideal that we hold paramount.

Is the campus community be involved in developing Public Safety policies?

The Director of Public Safety will bear the responsibility of developing language specific to the engagement of Campus police officers with the campus community, in consultation with both experts and the upper administration. The Public Safety Advisory Board can propose recommendations that may inform policies to enhance campus safety and quality of life on campus.

updated 08/06/25

Is there a system for civilian or student oversight?

The Director of Public Safety created a Student Advisory Board to Public Safety. The board meets regularly to share needs and expectations, as well as discuss emerging trends that inform policies and procedures.

Can students have conversations with the Director of Public Safety?

Yes. Students can schedule individual meetings or join the Advisory Board

What is the relationship with St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office?

We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in place that guides the response of the Sheriff’s Office to the campus. It details the level of support they provide to us as well as the resources our Office of Public Safety provides to them when they arrive on campus. This includes training, investigative resources, emergency response, and other topics.

In the case of an emergency, the Sheriff’s Office will assume incident command. Currently, the Sheriff’s Office cannot provide us with a designated officer. Response time for them to arrive on campus is dependent on where an available officer is located in the county. In past campus emergencies, response time has varied from 11 minutes to 45 minutes.

If someone is having a mental health crisis, who responds?

In the event that a psychological crisis occurs after hours, students or staff should call Public Safety at 240-895-4911. They will provide assessment and coordinate transportation to St. Mary’s Hospital if needed. If the psychological crisis is during the day, students should utilize the Counseling Center Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Students may also access walk-in appointments from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Wellness Center has also contracted with ProtoCall, a toll-free crisis hotline available 24/7 by licensed professionals. To access ProtoCall Services, dial 240-895-4200 or 855-826-1869 and you will be provided with immediate support, crisis intervention and/or stabilization.

Does Public Safety drive students to the hospital?

If students are experiencing a medical emergency and need to be transported to the hospital, they should contact Public Safety so an ambulance is called. However, if a student has a medical appointment or needs transportation to urgent care, The Division of Student Affairs provides transportation for students to local medical appointments in the Lexington Park, California, and Leonardtown, Maryland areas. To arrange for transportation call Student Affairs at 240-895-4208 during business hours Monday-Friday. To schedule transportation to your medical appointment email studentaffairs@smcm.edu at least two weeks in advance of your appointment with the date, time, and location of your appointment.

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