Public Safety on the ISU campus was first organized in the 1960’s with the first Public Safety Director, Glenn Hadley, taking the position in 1966. At that time, an officer’s primary responsibilities included foot patrol of the campus, citizen assistance, locking and unlocking buildings, and raising and lowering of the U.S. flag. 

In the 1990’s a push was made to transition officers from security guard status to a more professional law enforcement organization. This included additional law enforcement training, updates in uniforms, and the creation of a Department Operations Manual.   

In 2013, the State Board of Education authorized concealed weapons holders to carry concealed on State campuses. This decision drove another significant change - the ability for officers to carry firearms while on duty. The transition to armed officers was seamless, thanks to an organizational culture that had already been established.

Today our services include access to a 24/7 Dispatch Center, oversight of Emergency Management and Clery Compliance functions, and inclusion in ISU’s Parking and Transportation Services. We cover all of our campuses, with uniformed officers available on our Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian locations. 

We also love our student employees! ISU students continue to play a significant role in our ability to maintain campus safety and security functions on a day-to-day basis.