Welcome
In 1965, Nevada Revised Statute 396.325 became law, giving our Board of Regents the authority to create a police department for the Nevada university system. On June 11, 1965, the Board of Regents created the University of Nevada Police. Since that time, university police officers have served the campus community. In 2019, the Board of Regents consolidated the southern Nevada campus police departments giving University Police Services, Southern Command jurisdiction across College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Desert Research Institute (DRI), Nevada State University (NSU), and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
University police officers are Category I peace officers and are required to complete a 22-week, 750-hour state Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) academy program as well as pass 560 hours of field training to qualify as a University Police Officer I. After completing a one-year probationary period, the officer is promoted to a University Police Officer II.
University Police Services maintains a cooperative relationship with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; enforces federal, state, and county laws and ordinances as well as university regulations; and has the same law enforcement power as all other Southern Nevada police agencies. All criminal incidents are investigated and prosecuted.
University Police Services is a member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (I.A.C.L.E.A.) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (I.A.C.P.).
Our Mission
To provide a safe and secure learning environment for our campuses by using a community oriented policing model based on collaboration and professionalism.
Our Vision
To become an exemplary model and recognized leader in higher education law enforcement by providing the public with quality police service and protection.
Our Values
PRIDE
- Professionalism - We display honor, courage, and respect in all of our endeavors.
- Responsibility - We are always accountable to our campus communities, each other, and our families.
- Integrity - We conduct ourselves in a manner that is always transparent, fair, ethical, and legal.
- Dedication - We consistently demonstrate a heart for serving others.
- Excellence - We are committed to the implementation of innovative strategies to address community concerns.
Director's Message
Vice President of Public Safety Services
Director of University Police Services, Southern Command
On behalf of the men and women of University Police Services, we would like to welcome and encourage you to explore our website. As you familiarize yourself with University Police Services, you will find that this department is responsible for providing both police and security services to the College of Southern Nevada, Desert Research Institute, Nevada State University, and University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus communities. These services include the following patrols:
- Auto
- Bicycle
- Foot
- Police cart
We also provide other services to the community, including fingerprinting, lost and found services, notary services, and student security escort services. We even give interested individuals the opportunity to participate in our ride-along program with an officer.
Our department believes that education is the first step to prevention. Therefore, our staff personally give group lectures to students, faculty, and staff on a range of subjects, including the prevention of sexual assault, robbery, theft, and cybercrimes; active shooter safety; evening safety; and pedestrian safety.
We operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and are the providers and/or coordinators for all emergency services on campus. Our commitment is to provide a professional police department staffed and equipped to serve the community. In turn, we ask you to think about what you can do to protect both yourself and your property.
Thank You,
Adam Garcia
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Community Policing
Our department subscribes to the community policing philosophy, which guides our efforts in our interactions with our campus communities and the Las Vegas community in order to identify and solve problems.
To strengthen the ties and build a partnership with our faculty, staff, students, and residents, we encourage our community to participate in law enforcement events and engage with our officers. Our focus is on creating a safe educational and social environment through proactive policing and a commitment to community relations and outreach.