Murray State University Department of Public Safety

LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND INTERAGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

The Murray State Police have the responsibility for law enforcement and criminal investigations on Murray State University property.   Police Officers are responsible for a full range of services, including the enforcement of university, state, and federal laws, investigating reports of crime, filing crime reports, working traffic accidents, and responding to medical and fire emergencies.   Murray State Police Officers are empowered as Peace Officers through the Board of Regents under the authority of Kentucky Revised Statute 164.

Officers have formal law enforcement authority on property owned or controlled by the University and on streets running through and adjacent to the campus.   They are also empowered to conduct investigations anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky for crimes originating on campus.   Additional jurisdiction may be exercised pursuant to KRS 164.955(2) or by agreement with local authorities.

Officers are trained according to Kentucky Law Enforcement Council standards, which include attending the 18-week basic-training academy and 40 hours of annual in-service.   Additional training is conducted in first aid, CPR, emergency responses, firearms, and other topics as needed.

Officers work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement and emergency services agencies in an effort to provide services to the university community.   Crime related information and reports are routinely exchanged, including information related to off-campus locations owned, leased, or controlled by University student organizations.   Crime reports are submitted to the Kentucky State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation monthly, using National Incident Based Reporting standards.   Murray State Police routinely solicits information for crimes occurring on property owned, leased, or controlled by the University from local and state agencies.

The Murray State Police Department also manages a select number of students known as Racer Patrol.   Racer Patrol provide escorts, ensure facility security, and perform surveillance during the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily.  

We strongly encourage adherence to all University, local, state, and federal laws and rules of conduct to assure maximum safety and security.