University of South Dakota - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Like most students at universities in South Dakota, students at USD feel safe on campus. On campus, students will find blue-lights in the parking lot behind the North Complex dorms and in the DakotaDome lot. Safety concerns have also made key/ID access mandatory to enter the dorms. Public Safety does indoor runs of buildings at night before locking up, and students in the residential halls are reminded to keep their doors locked at all times. There is also a 24-hour escort service for all students, but it is rarely used because of the lack of concern. It should be noted, however, that some areas on the grounds are poorly lit, especially between the student center and the Julian dorms and by the fine arts building.

Off campus, the Vermillion Police patrol both the community and around the University. Because of this, most students say they feel safe walking both on and off campus. However, the lack of taxis or escorts off campus results in some safety concerns, and students, especially females, are encouraged never to walk alone. Just like any small-town community, students are reminded they will usually feel safe, but precaution is always smart. However, rarely does an incident stir the University’s attention, and when it does, both Public Safety and the Vermillion Police work together to make sure future needs are met.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Don’t walk late at night alone,... Don’t walk late at night alone, and do not try to use your cell phone as protection—that’s a dumb idea. If you are worried, get someone to walk with you. Or ask for help. Plenty of people are willing to help. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

The campus security does a good... The campus security does a good job keeping students out of trouble, and I think the students who are worried rely on the escort system. But even that’s hardly used. There’s really no fear here. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Security is just fine, as far as I... Security is just fine, as far as I can tell. We’re in South Dakota, for crying out loud! 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I have never had a problem feeling... I have never had a problem feeling safe on campus. That may be because the only times I have taken long walks at night is when I am drunk, and at that point, we don’t tend to worry so much. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

Keep your doors locked at night,... Keep your doors locked at night, unless you want just anyone walking in. Really, it’s not that I feel unsafe with my doors unlocked; it’s more like I don’t want my friends coming in and tearing up the place. I think stuff like that happens more than real crime. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

USD recently installed two blue-light security phones on campus and is looking for funding to put up more.

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