Mission Statement
The Fort Hays State University Police Department's fundamental duty is to serve mankind and to safeguard lives and property. The University Police Department takes pride in assisting others.
Our Purpose
The Fort Hays State University Police Department's role, unlike the traditional role of other law enforcement agencies, is to also contribute to the overall purpose of an educational institution, which is - to educate.
Official Duties
The Fort Hays State University Police Department (UPD) provides primary police protection services to the University campus, Sternberg Museum of Natural History, FHSU Foundation property, the University Farm, the Pavilion, parking lots and residence halls 24 hours/day, 365 days/year and employs nine full-time, armed, state-certified police officers and one unarmed security officer.
FHSU police officers are commissioned by the State of Kansas under K.S.A. 76-726 and have the same law enforcement authority and responsibilities as local police and sheriff deputies. UPD has primary jurisdiction over all property owned or controlled by Fort Hays State University, concurrent jurisdiction within the City of Hays and all UPD officers carry an Ellis County Sheriff Deputy commission.
UPD officers are responsible for a full range of public safety services, including criminal investigations, enforcement of criminal statutes and city ordinances, collection of data for the required statistical crime reports, motor vehicle accident investigations, civil commitments for person(s) in need of care, traffic and parking enforcement, emergency management, enforcement of FHSU Rules and Regulations and the security of the University's physical assets. UPD refers statutory violations for judicial oversight and prosecution to Municipal, District and Federal Courts.