Department of Public Safety
Vision Statement
The Department of Public Safety envisions a campus environment where safety, trust, and collaboration empower every member of the Transylvania University community to thrive. Through proactive engagement, continual innovation, and unwavering professionalism, we aim to be a national model of campus safety excellence rooted in community partnership and ethical responsibility.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Transylvania University Department of Public Safety is to enhance the quality of life for the university community by providing professional and dedicated services that promote a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our success is rooted in strong community partnerships and a commitment to a community policing philosophy. The department operates with the highest standards of honesty and integrity and values open, effective communication with those we serve.
Core Values
The Transylvania University Department of Public Safety is committed to upholding the following core values, which guide all aspects of its operations and interactions:
- Integrity
- Upholding the highest ethical standards in every action and decision, fostering a culture of honesty, transparency, and honor.
- Accountability
- Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes, while using departmental resources wisely to fulfill obligations to the university community.
- Respect
- Treating all individuals with dignity, fairness, and cultural sensitivity, regardless of background, identity, or affiliation.
- Professionalism
- Demonstrating excellence through continuous training, expertise, and adherence to best practices in campus safety and law enforcement.
- Customer Service
- Responding to community needs promptly and courteously, ensuring high-quality support in all situations.
- Collaboration
- Working cooperatively with university departments, students, faculty, staff, and external agencies to promote a unified approach to campus safety.
- Service Orientation
- Embracing a service-first mindset by prioritizing the well-being of the campus community in all public safety initiatives.
- Inclusivity
- Promoting a welcoming environment where diversity is valued, and where all individuals feel safe, heard, and protected.
- Preparedness
- Maintaining readiness to respond to emergencies and unexpected events through ongoing training, strategic planning, and resilience-building efforts.
- Innovation
- Leveraging technology, data, and continuous improvement strategies to proactively enhance safety and efficiency.
Availability and Patrol Services
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring continuous coverage and support for the Transylvania University community. The DPS office is located at 439 W. 4th Street.
- For emergencies or non-emergencies, call: (859) 233-8118
- To text a message or anonymous tip, use: (859) 351-7343
Sworn peace officers conduct regular patrols by foot, bicycle, golf cart, and vehicle to provide comprehensive campus coverage. The department is staffed by:
- 10 full-time armed sworn peace officers
- 1 Clery and Title IX Compliance Officer
- 4 part-time armed sworn peace officers
Safety Escort Services
The Department of Public Safety offers both virtual and in-person safety escort services to any student, faculty, or staff member who feels unsafe on or near campus.
- Virtual escorts utilize the university’s network of security cameras to monitor individuals as they travel across campus, providing real-time oversight and support.
- In-person escorts are available by foot, golf cart, or vehicle and may be requested at any time, day or night. These escorts are provided within approximately one block of campus.
This service is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and supportive campus environment for the entire Transylvania community.
Community Engagement and Leadership
DPS officers not only undergo rigorous law enforcement training but also participate in leadership development programs to ensure they are equipped to serve as role models and effective community partners.
The department is committed to utilizing a variety of community policing strategies to actively engage with the Transylvania University community, build professional relationships, and foster mutual trust. These initiatives are designed to promote safety through visibility, approachability, and collaboration.
Examples of such programs may include:
- Community safety forums and town halls provide opportunities for open dialogue and feedback. The department is always open to suggestions and will work with other organizations like student life to address concerns.
- Safety public service announcements and safety flyers addressing concerns.
- Joint safety walks or campus safety audits with student and staff participation. The campus safety and emergency response programs are enhanced by this active feedback.
- Informal meet-and-greet events, such as “Coffee with a Cop,” to create approachable interactions in non-crisis settings.
These efforts reflect DPS’s dedication to a proactive, community-centered approach to campus safety.
Emergency Communications: T-ALERT
T-ALERT is Transylvania University’s official emergency notification system, designed to promptly disseminate urgent safety information to the campus community. The system delivers alerts through multiple communication channels, including:
- Text messages to subscribed mobile devices
- Emailing all university email accounts
- Displaying alert on digital signage strategically placed throughout campus
T-ALERT is activated only in critical situations that require immediate attention or action from students, faculty, or staff. Examples of such emergencies include:
- Active shooter incidents or civil disturbances
- Fires or fire-related emergencies
- Hazardous material leaks or spills
- Campus closures or delays due to inclement weather
- Tornado warnings
- Nearby external threats that may endanger the university community
The primary goal of the T-ALERT system is to enhance campus safety by ensuring timely and effective communication during emergency situations. DPS will work with Resident Life, CERT, and Communications departments to properly utilize these warning systems.
Campus Safety Infrastructure
Transylvania University’s campus is thoughtfully designed to prioritize the safety and well-being of all community members. Key safety features include:
1. Personal Safety Awareness
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- Avoid walking alone at night; use campus escort services or walk with friends.
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated places.
2. Secure Personal Belongings
- Lock residence hall doors, windows, and vehicles, even when stepping away briefly.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended in common areas, the library, or the cafeteria.
- Use a lockable drawer or safe for storing passports, IDs, or other sensitive documents.
- Don’t leave items of value visible in your vehicles.
3. Know and Use Campus Resources
- Program Public Safety’s emergency number into your phone. (859)-233-8818
- Familiarize yourself with the locations of red emergency phones and AEDs.
- Use virtual or in-person safety escorts when feeling unsafe.
4. Digital Safety
- Use two-factor authentication for school and personal accounts.
- Be cautious about oversharing personal information online, especially your location.
- Report suspicious emails or phishing attempts to IT services.
5. Fire Safety and Evacuation
- Know evacuation routes from your residence hall and academic buildings.
- Participate in fire drills and take them seriously.
- Never tamper with smoke detectors, fire alarms, or extinguishers.
6. Alcohol and Substance Safety
- Make informed decisions and be aware of campus policies and local laws.
- Never leave drinks unattended and don’t accept open drinks from strangers.
- Use the buddy system at social events and check in on your friends.
7. Mental Health and Wellness
- Encourage awareness that emotional safety is just as important as physical safety.
- Know where and how to access counseling and mental health services. Student Wellness at (859) 233-8464 or studentwellbeing@transy.edu.
- Report concerning behavior (your own or others’) to trusted staff or through campus support channels. Promote the culture for self-care. https://www.transy.edu/parents-families/care-team/
8. Reporting and Support
- Learn how to report incidents of harassment, assault, or suspicious behavior.
- Understand the Title IX process and how to contact campus Title IX Coordinator, Lisa Ladanyi, 859-233-8502.
- Encourage open communication and early reporting to avoid escalating safety concerns.
For additional information, please refer to the [Campus Safety Brochure] and [Pedestrian Safety Flyer]. Printed copies are also available at the Department of Public Safety office.
Parking and Bicycle Regulations
Students are permitted to park vehicles on campus provided they display a valid parking permit issued by the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Parking regulations are designed to promote vehicle security, efficient traffic flow, and safe access to campus facilities.
All vehicles must be registered with DPS, and parking is permitted only in designated areas. Enforcement of parking regulations helps maintain a safe and orderly campus environment.
In addition, bicycle permits are available through DPS at no cost. Registering your bicycle assists in theft prevention and expedite recovery in the event of loss or damage.
For more information about parking zones, regulations, or to obtain a permit, please contact DPS.
Transparency and Compliance
The Department of Public Safety maintains a publicly accessible daily incident log and annually compiles and reports campus crime and safety statistics in accordance with the Federal Clery Act and Kentucky’s Minger Act. These efforts reflect the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of campus safety practices. By sharing this information openly, DPS fosters trust and empowers the Transylvania University community to make informed decisions regarding their personal and collective well-being.
Campus Safety Records
DPS maintains a daily log of safety incidents and fires and annually reports crime statistics and security information according to the federal Clery Act and Kentucky’s Minger Act.
Information pertaining to registered sex offenders is available from the Kentucky State Police.
Contact Information
Emergency:
(859) 233‑8118
Text-a-Tip: (859) 351-7343
DPS Office: 439 West 4th Street, Lexington, KY 40508
Local Police (Lexington): 911 or (859) 258-3600
Red Phones: Instantly connect to DPS by lifting the receiver at any of the more than 60 red phones on campus.