Statement on Racial Profiling
The SMUPD has instituted a policy that addresses racial profiling and provides a complaint/ compliment process for those who believe they have been stopped or searched based on racial, ethnic or national origin profiling.
The purpose of the policy is to reaffirm the SMU Police Department's commitment to unbiased policing in all its encounters between officers and any person; to reinforce procedures that serve to ensure public confidence and mutual trust through the provision of services in a fair and equitable fashion; and to protect our officers from unwarranted accusations of misconduct when they act within the dictates of departmental policy and the law.
Two of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the United States and Texas constitutions are equal protection under the law and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures by government agents. The right of all persons to be treated equally and to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures must be respected. Racial profiling is an unacceptable tactic and will not be tolerated.
It is the practice of SMUPD to police in a proactive and responsible manner and to enforce state and federal laws without regard to race, ethnicity or national origin. All Southern Methodist University police officers are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and respectful manner when dealing with the public.
Compliments or complaints should be directed to the following channels:
Please be prepared to provide the date, time and location of the event; the names of the Southern Methodist University Police employees involved (if known); and the name, address and telephone number of any possible witnesses.
If you have questions about any specific action taken by the SMUPD, or if you have a recommendation for improvement feel free to email us at police@smu.edu.
SMUPD is committed to providing the highest quality of police service to the university community. In order to be responsive to community needs, it is necessary to have citizen input.
Community Relations Survey Form
Comments may be taken by phone at 214-768-3388, email police@smu.edu, or in writing: Chief of Police
Southern Methodist University
Police Department
PO Box 750334
Dallas, TX 75275-0334
All complaints will be investigated in a thorough and timely manner.