Samford University's Department of Campus Safety is a general service unit for the campus community. The Department's services include, but are not limited to:

24 hour emergency response

In an effort to provide the best possible emergency services to Samford's community, the Campus Safety Department maintains a close working relationship with the Homewood Police Department and the Homewood Fire and Rescue Service. Campus Safety officers have the shortest response time to any location on campus and are the first responders to incidents on campus. If police, fire, or emergency medical services are needed, Campus safety officers will direct the appropriate service units to the exact location of an incident on campus.

Law Enforcement Service

Sworn Campus Safety officers are charged with enforcing the laws and ordinances of the State of Alabama and the City of Homewood. Officers conduct investigations into and document all crimes and offenses committed on Samford University property.

Security Patrols

The Campus Safety Department continuously patrols the campus with patrol vehicles, foot patrol, and mountain bikes. The department maintains three vehicles for patrol and escort services. Officers often patrol campus by walking through the quad and building areas. The department also maintains a mountain bike patrol unit to combine the ability to maneuver quickly with accessibility to the public.

Traffic Control and Parking Enforcement

The Campus Safety Department enforces rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles on campus. All the rules of the road from the city, county, and state, as well as directive signs and instructions by officers directing traffic, are to be observed on campus. The Campus Safety Department documents and investigates all traffic accidents occurring on campus. All motor vehicles operated on campus must be registered with the Campus Safety Department. A zone parking system is maintained to provide parking for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Department also issues citations for traffic and parking violations.

Nighttime Campus Access Control Gate

At 11:00 PM every night, the main gate onto campus is closed and all access on and off campus is made at the Southwest gate. The Campus Safety Department maintains a substation at the Southwest gate and an officer is posted there from 11:00 PM to dawn to monitor persons coming on or leaving campus. Individuals entering or departing the campus are subject to security checks for valid identification, campus destination or other relevant information.

Safety Escort Service

The Office of Campus Safety provides a safety escort service for all students to any safe destination on campus during the day or night. The escort service is provided for safety-related reasons only. Because there is safety in numbers, groups of three or more students are encouraged to walk to their destination. The escort is given by either foot or vehicular patrol.

Unlocking Vehicles

In most cases, when someone locks their keys inside their vehicle, Campus Safety officers will open their vehicle for them using a door-unlocking device. For officer safety reasons, the department will not attempt to unlock a vehicle equipped with side impact air bags. If Campus Safety cannot unlock your vehicle, there are several locksmiths in the area that we can contact to assist you.

Jump-Start Batteries

Campus Safety Department will jump-start your vehicle's battery to assist in starting your vehicle. The department can also assist in contacting a service center or towing service.

Residence Hall Security Checks

Campus Safety personnel make routine security checks of the Residence Halls checking for building safety and security. The Campus Safety Department will respond to all reports of fire alarms and safety hazards. Routine fire drills are conducted regularly for students living in residence halls to familiarize them with emergency evacuation procedures and exit routes from their rooms.

Facility Security

Administrative and academic buildings are secured as soon as possible after the offices close or, in the case of a classroom building, after the last class of the day. Through routine patrols, Campus Safety officers make regular checks of each building to ensure that the buildings remain secure until scheduled opening time.

Student ID Cards

The Campus Safety Department issues the Samford Card to students, staff, and faculty of the University. All Samford students are issued a Samford Card at no cost. Replacement cards are available from Campus Safety for a small fee.

Lost and Found Service

A "lost and found" service for displaced property is provided by the Campus Safety Department. Found property may be turned in at the Campus Safety office so that it may be returned to the proper owner.