University Police Department
Mission Statement
Page Content
Departmental Mission Statement
The University of Southern Mississippi Police Department's overriding mission is to protect and serve the University community by enhancing the safety and quality of life for students, faculty and staff through education, problem solving and enforcement.
What we exist to accomplish is at the core of our mission statement. A mission statement allows us to maintain direction, eliminate complacency and remain focused on our goals and objectives.
Departmental Vision Statement
The University Police Department strives to provide a crime-free and safe environment through strategic policing, integrity, respect and strong community partnerships. Our commitment to excellence supports the campus community’s pursuit of academic and research goals in an environment free of crime and the fear of crime.
By working in partnership with the community, UPD strives to promote public safety and crime prevention through education and enforcement; to maintain public order while preserving the legal rights of all individuals; to provide efficient and courteous service; and to reduce the impact of crime.
A vision statement is an aspirational statement that articulates what we would like to achieve. Furthermore, the vision guides the direction of the organization's efforts.
Departmental Core Values
The University Police Department bases policing practices on the principles of service, ethics, transparency, and diversity. As police officers entrusted with the authority to maintain the public peace, UPD strives to adhere to five-core values. These values provide the guidance and direction for the fair treatment of everyone in the university community.
· Professionalism
Our conduct and demeanor display the highest standard of personnel and organizational excellence. As a professional organization, the “Law Enforcement Code of Conduct” guides us.
· Integrity
We are committed to the highest standards of honesty and ethical conduct, which are the cornerstones of our profession. We will uphold the public trust and our commitment to our core values.
· Respect
We recognize the authority we hold and will treat others as we would like to be treated. We will faithfully, and without bias, honor out obligations to the community.
· Dedication
To the organization, each other, our families, and the citizens we serve and having an unquestionable work ethic.
· Excellence
There is always room for improvement and the search for improvement leads to excellence. We aim for excellence in everything we do.
The value statement informs the community of the manner in which we will conduct our business and deliver services. It is at the core of who we are and serves as our moral compass. Even if we err, we will have the courage to acknowledge our mistake and act in a way that ensures it will not happen again.
For more information about the UPD, contact
Rusty Keyes, Chief of Police
118 College Drive # 5061, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4946
