Safety is a top priority for Michigan State University, and all members of the campus community — students, faculty and staff — are encouraged to take an active role in preventing and reporting incidents that jeopardize safety on and around campus.
Michigan State has more than 80 sworn police officers certified by the State of Michigan on campus. Additional campus safety and security services include late night transport/escort service, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks and controlled residence hall access.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
MSU, in compliance with a federal law called the Clery Act, publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report that provides MSU students and employees (both current and prospective) with information about the campus, police and public safety resources, reporting crimes, fire and medical emergencies, crime and fire prevention, victim support services, crime statistics, fire statistics, the crime and fire log, the University’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy, the MSU Drug and Alcohol Policy and more. A hard copy of this document may be obtained by contacting the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator at (517) 353-2620 or clery@msu.edu.
Our Commitment
MSU is committed to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community characterized by caring and respect for others. This promise extends to you whether you are a student, faculty or staff member, patient or visitor.
Visit the MSU Police community commitment page for more information, including details about our commitment to equity, Community Engagement Unit, and more.
MSU safety app
The SafeMSU App provides students with quick access to safety resources, including the virtual friend walk, one-touch emergency calls, access to Safe Ride, and a form to send tips to the police.
Emergency alert system
In accordance with the Clery Act, the MSU Police Department operates an emergency notification system through email, text message or voice message sent to phones with campus safety warnings and information. Parents and guardians are welcome to subscribe to MSU Alerts to receive the same messages.
The MSU campus also is equipped with a mass notification outdoor speaker system to launch severe weather warning sirens and/or an audible message detailing actions to take.
Residence halls
Residence hall rooms feature hard-wired smoke detectors and fire-rated room and wing doors. Residents regularly participate in fire drills. All room doors have peepholes, and night receptionists are in place to see that only building residents — or guests signed in by residents and taking responsibility for them — are allowed in the building after hours. All halls have security cameras in the lobby.
Late night safety
In addition to MSU’s extensive campus bus system, the Night Owl service provides late night transportation on campus after the buses stop running at 2 a.m. In addition, students can use StateWalk, an on-campus nighttime walking service in which pairs of volunteers will walk with individuals between on-campus destinations.
Go to Our Commitment page
Go to MSU Police homepage
Learn more about MSU Alerts
Read MSU's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report