Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

This section of the Public Safety web site is intended to provide information related to campus security and safety including crime and fire statistics, policies and procedures, and other information designed to inform prospective and current students, employees and visitors about prevention of crimes, how to respond if a crime occurs, as well as safety advice. RWU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is an annual report that includes crime statistics and prevention information to assist community members in making decisions which affect their personal safety and that are required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This report also includes fire safety and policy information for RWU’s residence halls as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. The most recent annual report can be accessed by clicking on the link below. A copy of the report can also be obtained by contacting RWU Public Safety at (401) 254-3611.

2023 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Maintaining Security

We at the Roger Williams University Department of Public Safety are concerned about the welfare, security and safety of every individual at Roger Williams University.  However, maintaining a secure and safe campus environment can only be achieved through a cooperative effort of the entire University community.

The Roger Williams University Department of Public Safety is a service-oriented branch of the University’s Student Life Division. The Department has a Director, 3 Shift Commanders, 19 full time officers, an Administrative Assistant, and a Manager of Transportation and Parking who are changed with assisting the campus community with various services including the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws, as well as campus policies and regulations.

The Department strives to provide high quality security, safety and crime prevention services that meet the needs and standards of a progressive academic institution.  The Department is responsible for providing security and safety for the entire University community.  Public Safety Officers provide a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week security service for access control, vehicular patrol, bike patrol and foot patrol.

Officers do not carry firearms nor do they have police powers of arrest.  However, the Department of Public Safety has close and highly effective working relationships with state and local police, who can provide these services to the campus in a timely fashion, if required.

Maintaining Relationships

The Department of Public Safety also has close and highly effective working relationships with other organizations, on and off campus.  Working closely with Student Life, Department of Residence Life and Housing, Department of Student Programs and Leadership, Department of Health Services, Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Office of Facilities Management, and the Student Senate, the Department of Public Safety endeavors to meet the needs of the campus population.  Additionally, well-established relationships with local, state and federal agencies enhance campus security and law enforcement operations.

As previously noted, maintaining a safe and secure campus is not the sole responsibility of the Department of Public Safety.  We encourage all individuals who are on this beautiful campus to be conscious of their surroundings and assist in making security and safety a matter of routine in their activities.