University Police

Mission Statement

“Our mission is to provide exceptional police services, infused with Christian principles, in partnerships with both the HSU family and community of Abilene, to preserve a safe campus environment in which to live, learn, and work.”

Chief’s Welcome

Welcome to the Hardin-Simmons University Police Department website. The HSUPD consists of professionally trained and licensed Texas Peace Officers who operate under Texas Education Code Sec. 51.212 and support staff who strive to serve according to biblical servant leadership. We maintain patrol operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officers patrol University property and adjacent off campus housing/facilities during all shifts and have a close working relationship with the Abilene Police and Fire Departments, Abilene Christian University Police, Texas Tech University Police, and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. We understand our role extends beyond serving and protecting our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. As members of the HSU family, we believe our presence is an essential part of enriching student growth and development during their time spent at HSU. We strive to ensure the HSU campus remains safe by continuously looking for ways to improve our services. Please contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns. Go Cowboys!

Sincerely,

Dean Stringer, Chief of Police
dean.stringer@bongobaystudios.com
325-670-1158

University Police Department
hsupolice@bongobaystudios.com
Main Phone – 325-670-1911
Fax – 325-670-1558
Compere Building
2200 Hickory Drive
Abilene, Texas 79601

Campus Police Directory

It is the practice of HSUPD to police in a proactive and responsible manner and to enforce state and federal laws without regard to race, ethnicity, or national origin. All Hardin-Simmons University police personnel are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner when dealing with the public.

HSUPD complies with the Texas Racial Profiling Law (SB 1074 of 2001, HB 3389 of 2009, HB 3051 of 2017, & SB 1849 of 2017). Therefore, it is the policy of HSUPD to receive and investigate formal complaints concerning its employees.

All complaints must be in writing and will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner.

Any person wishing to make a complaint may do so by emailing or delivering our Compliment/Complaint form. Persons desiring to make a formal complaint must understand the importance of submitting their complaint in writing with their signature affixed. The Texas Government Code, Section 614.022 provides that all complaints to be considered on law enforcement officers must be in writing and signed by the person making the complaint.

The Texas Government Code also requires that a copy of the formal complaint be presented to the employee within a reasonable time and before any disciplinary action may be imposed.

Once the complaint has been investigated, the person making the complaint will be notified of the findings without delay.

Compliments or complaints should be directed to the following channels:

Mailing address:
HSU Campus Police
Attn-Chief of Police
PO Box 14163
Abilene, Texas 79698

Email address: hsupolice@bongobaystudios.com

Phone: 325.670.1911

In order to maintain peace and safety on campus, the University Police Department also relies on the awareness of every member of the HSU community. It is essential that you remain aware of your surroundings and report any unusual or suspicious activity. The officers would much rather respond to a call that turns out to be nothing than to write an incident report after a situation occurs in which they had no opportunity to intervene.

  • See something, say something- Report suspicious behavior in your community.
  • Lock your vehicle-Don’t keep valuables inside or insight
  • Do not share passwords/PINs
  • Keep housing doors locked

Safeguard Your Valuables

Our officers use leadsonline.com as an investigative tool to aid in the resolution of property crimes on campus. Leadonline.com provides a free service called “ReportIt” to the general public to input/track their valuable items. To start entering your items, go to the Report It website or view the Report IT flyer for more information. This online system allows users to enter and maintain secure records on the property they own. Users may store serial numbers, item   descriptions, pictures and even scanned receipts that can easily be identified in the event of theft or loss. Your account can be accessed from anywhere via a secure site. “Report It” is searchable and even allows users the ability to print a full inventory of their property and valuables. While not required, we encourage students to keep records of their valuables in the case of accidental loss or the unfortunate event they are stolen.

From time to time, items get misplaced and are turned into the HSUPD or Moody Student Center If you’ve lost something or find something, please report it by calling the University Police Department. Items not accepted: clothing, including coats and jackets. Food and drink containers are usually discarded. Items that present a sanitation risk (soiled) are also discarded.

Items maintained at the University Police Department Lost and Found:

  • Books, notebooks, and planners
  • Sunglasses, prescription eyewear
  • Cell phones
  • Books
  • Keys
  • Jewelry
  • Backpacks
  • Sports equipment
  • Computer equipment
  • Other miscellaneous items

Claiming Lost Items

Pick-up by appointment only. Call 325-670-1911 to schedule
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Valid photo ID required (e.g., DPS ID card, HSU ID, Texas Driver’s License, official Passport). Property will not be released to anyone without an ID.
Unclaimed items are maintained for 60 days before final disposition. Unclaimed items may be donated to charitable organizations or disposed of accordingly. Unclaimed data sensitive materials are destroyed to prevent identity theft.

These free services are available for vehicles which are on Hardin-Simmons University properties. The complexity of locking hardware on vehicles, availability of an officer, and their ability to unlock vehicles will be the determining factor on whether or not a vehicle can be unlocked.

As an alternative program, two local companies are available to offer assistance. The companies charge from $25 to $50, and there could be extended waits for their services.

  • O’Bar Wrecker Service (AAA Service) – (325) 673-4581
  • Abilene Pop-A-Lock – (325) 677-2600