This website uses cookies to ensure site visitors get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Statement. To find out more, please visit Southern University's Privacy Statement.

I agree
Campus Police

Authority and Jurisdiction

UNIVERSITY POLICE AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Police Department is responsible for responding to all emergencies, suspicious activities, crimes, security concerns, and parking. The goal of every member of the SUNO Police department is to provide for a safe, secure, enjoyable, and fulfilling university experience. Police employees are proud to be a part of a university team that works with students, staff, and neighboring communities to further improve conditions in and around Southern University at New Orleans.  

SUNOPD officers are vested with all of the powers, authority, and responsibilities of any police officer of the state on property owned or operated by the university, including adjacent public streets. Police authority is derived from Section 17:1805 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. In addition, this law grants officers the authorization to carry concealed weapons, power of arrest on and off-campus, jurisdictional boundaries, and authorization for the investigation of crimes occurring within one’s jurisdiction to include the entire state. At times, SUNOPD will work with the New Orleans Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and first responders to ensure your safety.

Working Relationship with Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies

The SUNO Police Department maintains a cooperative relationship with local and surrounding police agencies. This includes inter-operative radio capability, training programs, special events coordination, and investigation of serious incidents.

 

Memorandum of Understanding between SUNOPD and the New Orleans Police Department

SUNO Police Department has a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Orleans Police Department. The MOU outlines the administrative responsibility, geographic responsibility, and operational responsibility. Key topics in the MOU are emergency response to crimes, medical or fire response, alarm response, 9-1-1 response, explosive ordnance response, tactical operations, and special events. The MOU also addresses ongoing communication and informational exchanges in the form of reports and statistical data.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What does a jurisdictional expansion mean for SUNO Police Officer's arrest authority?

The primary focus for SUNO Police Officers continues to be the core campus geography for the SUNO campuses and providing services to students, faculty, and staff. SUNO Police Officers have the same arrest authority as the New Orleans Police Department. They can arrest anyone who commits a crime within SUNO Police's jurisdiction, not just SUNO-affiliated students, faculty, and staff. The expansion gives SUNO Police Officers arrest and investigative authority in a larger geographic area giving SUNO Police Officers the authority to respond and assist with "off-campus" special events and emergencies.

 

Patrol Area Versus Clery Geography

SUNOPD’s patrol area, which includes SUNO-owned property as well as public and private spaces, differs from Clery geography. SUNOPD monitors this larger geographic area to ensure community safety; Clery geography is used specifically for federal crime reporting and only includes SUNO-owned property and designated adjacent property and city streets. For more information on federal reporting, visit our Clery section or view our Clery On-Campus Maps.