Campus Law Enforcement Authority

Portland State University Campus Public Safety employs special campus security officers. These officers are granted authority by Oregon Revised Statutes and the State Board of Higher Education to prevent and deter crime, control the flow of traffic and preserve the peace and safety of the public. Special campus security officers of this Department are not authorized to carry firearms as a peace officer pursuant to Oregon Revised Statutes 352.385. Except under circumstances specifically enumerated by the State Board of Higher Education, special campus security officers are not considered police officers for purposes of Oregon Revised Statutes 181.610, 238.005, 243.005or 243.736.

The Portland Police Bureau is a fully empowered law enforcement agency and has police jurisdiction over Portland State University.  The Campus Public Safety Office operates with a memorandum of understanding with the Portland Police Bureau that delineates the roles of the respective agencies.