Safeguarding NSU

Recognized nationally as a model for campus safety, Nova Southeastern University's Public Safety Department oversees the safety and security of all NSU campuses and sites. As a key component of Facilities Management, our dedicated team is committed to fostering a safe environment for education and research.

Our commitment to safety is reflected in our low crime rates and proactive approach to crime prevention. Our innovative approach to campus security has garnered national recognition, with numerous colleges and universities seeking our expertise in security methodology and technology. We’ve been featured in national publications and local news for our accomplishments.

The true measure of NSU Public Safety's success lies in the trust and confidence of our campus community. Students, faculty, and staff rely on us to provide a safe and secure environment, and their positive feedback is a testament to our dedication and effectiveness.

General Responsibilities

24/7 Campus Patrol: Our uniformed officers and contracted security personnel patrol the campus to ensure safety and security.
Emergency Response: We are equipped to handle emergencies and provide immediate assistance.
Community Engagement: Our officers foster positive relationships with students, faculty, and staff, promoting a sense of community and safety.
Crime Prevention Programs: We implement proactive measures to deter crime and educate the campus community about safety best practices.
Compliance and Regulations: We adhere to federal and state regulations, ensuring a secure and compliant campus environment.

Our team also manages essential administrative functions such as safety protocols, parking and traffic control, physical security measures, and government compliance.

Public Safety Officers

Our dedicated Public Safety team, many of whom are current or former NSU students, fosters strong relationships within the campus community and enhances our ability to provide effective security services. This unique perspective, combined with the support of local law enforcement and contract security, ensures a comprehensive approach to campus safety.

Field Operations

NSU Public Safety provides 24/7 uniformed patrols and inspections at both the Oceanographic Center in Dania Beach and the main campus in Davie/Fort Lauderdale.

Led by Associate Director Shane Lam, the Public Safety Department's (PSD) Field Operations group comprises:

Coordinators: First-line supervisors
Public Safety Officers
Contract Security Officers (unarmed)

PSD personnel receive extensive training in life safety, security practices, and caregiving, including:

First Aid
CPR
First Responder
Blood-borne Pathogens

Officers undergo a 120-hour orientation program, followed by ongoing training in:

Communications and relationships
Patrol procedures
Reporting
Investigations
Safety
Parking control

Coordinators are typically promoted from within the ranks of Public Safety Officers, ensuring continuity of institutional knowledge. All PSD uniform officers are unarmed and trained in crime prevention.

Managed Contract Security Patrol

We partner with reputable security companies to provide additional uniformed security officers at various campus locations, ensuring comprehensive coverage and enhanced safety.

Town of Davie Police Officers

We collaborate with the Town of Davie Police Department through a contractual agreement to provide enhanced security on campus. This partnership includes the assignment of dedicated community-oriented police officers and additional off-duty officers, who are supervised by the Davie Police Department in conjunction with our Public Safety team.

Shark Watch

As members of the university community, we all play a role in campus safety. The Shark Watch program empowers us to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to Public Safety at (954) 262-8999. To help boost crime prevention on campus, NSU's Public Safety staff performs several informational instructions each month to students and staff regarding safety and security.

The NOVALERT announcements on bulletin boards and the information on telephone stickers include the NSU Public Safety telephone number. This number should be called whenever necessary for the safety and security of you, your property, or the campus.

Contact Us

For emergencies, call NOVALERT at (954) 262-8999.

For non-emergency information, services, or reporting, call the Public Safety Office at (954) 262-8999 or use our contact form. A member of our staff will address your question or concern as soon as possible.

Contact Form