St. Thomas Office of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety at St. Thomas University is responsible for providing physical security on campus. Public Safety Officers patrol the campus in order to provide security to all campus community. The Department of Public Safety is also responsible for enforcing campus traffic and parking regulations, registering vehicles, enforcing all campus policies and procedures, and most importantly, providing immediate emergency assistance as required. All Public Safety Officers are radio equipped and centrally dispatched.

The Public Safety Department is located in Lewis Hall and is comprised of dedicated security personnel who are focused on the delivery of quality security services to all people within our community. Our department provides inclusive solutions to security problems for our campus that best meet the needs of the large and diverse community we serve.

Emergency Contacts

Life Threatening Emergency
911

University Public Safety
305-628-6500

Report Suspicious Activity
1-855-352-7233

Florida Poison Information Center
305-858-5250

Student Health Center
305-628-6690

Miami-Dade Fire Department
305-759-2468

City of Miami Gardens Police
305-474-6473

Office of the Physical Plant
305-628-6594

Parking, Fines, and Vehicle Registration

Each student is responsible for operating the vehicle in a safe and courteous manner of the St. Thomas University campus. Students must adhere to all traffic and parking signs. Parking of any motor vehicles on the grass, medians, sidewalks, and places not designated as parking areas is illegal.

Traffic regulations will be enforced 24 hours a day by the security officers of St. Thomas University. A maximum speed limit of 15 MPH will be enforced on the campus at all times. Speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, and failing to adhere informational signs will be considered violations and citations will be issued accordingly. Motorcycles and mopeds will follow the same rules as automobiles for registration and operation on the campus.

Every St. Thomas University student who operates a motor vehicle on the University campus must register his or her vehicle. Students using more than one vehicle must register each vehicle. Registration must be done within the first two weeks of class ONLINE and the decal must be picked up at the Public Safety Office, Building 9.

  • Violations
  • Speeding
  • Reckless Driving
  • Towing/Parking Boot
  • Parking in handicapped space
  • Failure to obey traffic sign (moving)
  • Blocking emergency access zones
  • Non-registration of vehicle
  • Expired decal
  • Parked in reserved space or parking lot
  • Blocking traffic
  • Parking in non-designated curb
  • Driving and parking on grass
  • Blocking sidewalks/crosswalks
  • Parking in no parking zone
  • Improper display of parking decal
  • Fines
  • $50.00
  • $50.00
  • $100.00/50.00
  • $50.00
  • $40.00
  • $40.00
  • $40.00
  • $40.00
  • $25.00
  • $25.00
  • $20.00
  • $25.00
  • $20.00
  • $20.00
  • $15.00

FAQ’s

Q: Can a name be left at the gate with an agreement to take responsibility for guests arriving for open invitation events on campus?
A: No, all guests must be accounted for and sponsored individually on campus by a student or campus employee.

Q: Are students allowed to use the service gate entrance on 32nd Avenue to access campus?
A: No, the 32nd Avenue gate is reserved strictly for service and emergency vehicles.

Q: Is there a curfew on campus?
A: Yes, Sunday – Wednesday 1:30 am – 9:00 am; Thursday – Saturday 2:30 am – 9:00 am Curfew does apply to law school residences in the University Inn. Please contact the Office of Campus Life for further details at 305.628.6768.

Q: Where is the office of Public Safety?
A: The Office of Public Safety is located on the Southwest end of campus in Lewis Hall.

Q: Can a Public Safety vehicle be used to jump-start a student’s vehicle?
A: No, University policy and procedures prohibit maintenance and public safety personnel from performing any automobile repairs.

Q: Can Security use a “Slim Jim” to assist students/employees who have locked their keys in their car?
A: No, University policy and procedures prohibit maintenance and public safety personnel from using such a device.

Q: Is it safe to walk around campus at night?
A: Yes, however, you should always walk with a group of friends and stay away from heavy foliage areas and dark areas.

Q: Where do I get a parking decal for my car?
A: You can obtain a parking detail at anytime at the security gate at the front entrance.

Q: What information is needed to obtain a parking decal?
A: You’ll need your student/employee ID card, state vehicle registration, driver’s license, and proof of vehicle insurance.

Q: Why must I carry and show my STU ID card?
A: Identification cards (ID) assist Public Safety officers to quickly identify authorized personnel, which ensure your safety and security on campus.

Q: Are security escorts available?
A: Yes, security escorts are available during evening hours, 7 days a week for transport to a vehicle on campus from any building at the university or vice versa. Please contact the Office of Public Safety at ext. 6500