PLU is committed to fostering an environment that provides security for persons and property without unduly burdensome policies and practices. No absolute guarantee of individual safety or security of property is possible, but with the cooperation of students, faculty, staff, and visitors, it is possible to provide a level of security that is reasonable, effective, and relatively unobtrusive. All members of the university community are expected to familiarize themselves with campus security policies and procedures, adhere to those policies and procedures, and immediately report violations.

Campus Safety will respond to reported crimes in progress. Safety officers are not armed and do not hold law enforcement authority. If the situation requires law enforcement response Campus Safety will initiate and facilitate that response.

Please refer to the Student Handbook for PLU student policies, the Student Conduct page for conduct procedures, and the University Dispute Resolution Committee for grievance procedures.

Criminal activity of any kind, even activity that appears suspicious, should be reported to Campus Safety in person at Harstad Hall ground floor north side of building, or by phone at x7441 (535-7441). In the case of an emergency, calls should be made to x7911 (off-campus call 911). The Campus Safety office is always open and Safety Officers are always available to help you. Life-threatening emergencies should be reported to 911 directly.

Pacific Lutheran University places a high priority on the safety and security of all members of the campus community. As such, it is university policy to notify members of the campus community of any reported crime(s) that are determined to pose a threat to the safety of students or employees. The Vice-President and Associate Vice President of Campus Life, in consultation with the Director of Campus Safety, is responsible for determining the need for and implementing timely campus notifications. Notification will be made as soon as pertinent information is gathered and confirmed. Means of notification may include campus text message alerts, voice mail, email, postings, or mailings.

When contacting Campus Safety to report an incident, be as detailed and specific as possible. Our response to ‘suspicious individuals’ will vary depending on the circumstances. Campus Safety does not contact people based on their appearance alone. Their appearance, along with location, time of day and/or actions will determine our response. A detailed description of the person or vehicle and their actions will help guide our response. Knowing locations on campus and directions such as North, South, East and West will also assist us in tracking situations.
Please don’t let a lack of specific information deter you from reporting though! We would rather be called about a situation that turns out not to be a problem as opposed to not being called about something important.

Campus Safety is one of a number of resources for anyone looking for information or wishing to file a report. We will work with staff or students that come to us in gathering information and getting them in touch with any resources that they need, including (but not limited to) the Center for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability (DJS), the Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. Additional and more detailed information on sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking can be found on DJS’s Advocacy & Support page.

If you would like to file a police report or seek other assistance you may contact the following resources:

  • Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (911 for emergencies and 253-798-4722 for non-emergency reports)
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Pierce County: 24-Hour Crisis/Information and Referral Line
    (253) 474-7273 or 1-800-756-7273, TTY (253) 274-0448; Administrative Offices (253) 597-6424
  • Your local police agency (if you are not located close to campus)
  • Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-764-2420