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Active Shooter
In recent years our society has noticed an increase in active shooter situations in schools, businesses, and government buildings and facilities. As such, Northwestern State University and the Natchitoches Law Enforcement community have developed a training video to help students, faculty, and staff to know what options are best when they encounter a situation like this in their lives. The video was created using the standards established by A.L.E.R.R.T. (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training). Here are some helpful tips that you can use to further enhance your safety.
- Always Be aware of your surroundings
- Know the exits for the buildings you enter
- Look for alternative exits other than doors (ex. 1st floor windows)
- Be aware of suspicious people or objects
- Once you decide to do something do it
- Doing nothing is not an option
- Every second matters so DON’T DEBATE….ACT
- Offer as many details to Law Enforcement as possible
- Have a mental plan in place of what you are going to do
Career Options
Northwestern State University Police is an equal opportunity employer. Our department is comprised of a Patrol division and Investigative division. Our Patrol division monitors and patrols the Northwestern State University campus 24 hours a day 365 days a year. They are responsible for the enforcement of the laws of the State of Louisiana, Federal Laws, and local ordinances. All of our Patrol division are certified through Louisiana’s Police Officer Standard Training also known as P.O.S.T., and have the power of arrest and the ability to carry firearms. The Patrol division has the options of Marked Car Patrol, Golf Cart Patrol, Bike Patrol and Foot Patrol. These options give our Officers the best interactions with our University Community allowing us to better serve NSU students, faculty, and guest. Our Investigative Division is also comprised of P.O.S.T. certified Officers, and they conduct follow up investigations of criminal activity and also investigate infractions of University policies and procedures.
For information on open positions for NSU Police Department please contact NSU Human Resource Department at (318) 357-6152 or look online at Louisiana Civil Service website.
INTERNET & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Social media and the internet play a big role in student life at NSU, but it’s important to stay smart and safe online. Always be cautious with personal information—avoid sharing your location, phone number, or other sensitive details with people you don’t know. When shopping online, stick to secure, trusted websites and never send personal info via email.
Be selective with friend requests—just like in real life, not everyone online is who they claim to be. And remember, once you post something, it’s out there. Future employers or important people in your life may see it, so think before you share. Use good judgment, protect your privacy, and enjoy the internet responsibly.
MISSING STUDENT POLICY
In compliance with federal law (20 USC 1092(j), Section 488 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008), Northwestern State University is committed to responding swiftly and responsibly to reports of missing students who reside on campus. This policy outlines how the University community—led by University Police and Student Affairs—works together to investigate such cases and support student safety.
A student is considered missing if absent for more than 24 hours without explanation. Reports should be made immediately to NSU Police, who will investigate, notify appropriate university personnel, and—if necessary—inform law enforcement agencies within 24 hours. If the student is under 18 and not emancipated, their parent or guardian will also be notified.
All students living in on-campus housing have the option to register a confidential emergency contact for use if they are determined missing. Only authorized personnel and law enforcement involved in the investigation may access this information. Students over 18 may opt out of the policy by signing a waiver.
NSU housing is apartment-style, meaning students’ daily movements aren’t routinely monitored. Still, student safety remains a top priority. Students are encouraged to keep their contact information current by completing a Contact Information Form at the start of each lease term.
Reporting & Procedures:
- All missing student reports go to NSU Police immediately.
- NSU Police will investigate, determine status, notify the Dean of Students, and contact external law enforcement if needed.
- The Dean of Students will notify university leadership and the emergency contact.
- Students under 18 will have their custodial parent or guardian notified within 24 hours.
- The Dean may take additional actions as needed to protect and support the student.
For more information or to update your emergency contact, reach out to the Office of Student Affairs or NSU Housing.
REPORT A CRIME
Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to report any criminal activity or emergencies by calling University Police at 318-357-5431 or 911 from any campus phone. Non-emergency calls can also be made to 318-357-5431, available 24/7.
Designated personnel at the Shreveport, Fort Polk/Leesville, and England Air Park campuses will document incidents and forward reports to NSU Police. Each campus maintains a monthly crime/incident log.
If you prefer not to report to campus police, you may contact:
- Director of Student Accountability: 318-357-6703 (100 Student Union)
- Vice President for Student Affairs: 318-357-5286
- Your supervisor or division Vice President (employees only)
SAFETY ESCORTS
It is one of the goals of this Department to provide a safe environment for our students and faculty members. One service that we are happy to use is what is known as a Safety Escort. If you are leaving a building late at night and want to feel a little safer walking out to your vehicle, don’t hesitate to call our office and request an Officer to make sure you make it out to your vehicle safe.
If its night time and you are scared to walk across campus by yourself call our office an Officer will come give you a ride to an on campus building. It’s one of the ways that we let our students and faculty/staff feel a little safer at night. Call our Office at (318) 357-5431 and an Officer will be there when available to see you safely to your destination on campus.
STUDENT ID’S
Many campus safety issues involve non-students engaging in criminal activity. To help protect yourself and our community, NSU students are expected to carry their Speed Demon ID at all times and present it when requested by University Police or staff.
Your first student ID is issued when you enroll. Replacements are available for a small fee if lost or stolen.
UNIVERSITY SAFETY DIVISION
University Safety, led by Director Jon Caliste, focuses on maintaining a safe environment across all NSU campuses. The team provides safety training, analyzes crime trends, investigates incidents, and ensures university properties meet safety standards.
The division also manages NSU’s Annual Security Reports and ensures compliance with the Clery Act. For student trips lasting over 48 hours, the following forms must be submitted to Director Caliste at calistej@nsula.edu:
- Student Hotel Form – For stays over 48 hours in one location
- Student Facility Form – For leased or rented spaces during student travel
ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
Northwestern State University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors across its campuses in Natchitoches, Shreveport, Fort Polk/Leesville, and England Air Park. Campus safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a role in keeping our community safe.
In compliance with the Clery Act, NSU tracks and reports crimes such as burglary, assault, sexual offenses, dating violence, stalking, and more. Arrests related to drug, liquor, and weapons laws are also included. This information is available to the public and can be viewed online or picked up at the University Police Station.
Access NSU’s full Annual Security Report at the link below.
Campus Parking Regulations
If you’re driving to campus, your vehicle must be registered with University Police and display a valid permit. Temporary passes are available when using another vehicle, and visitors can pick up a day pass near University Police (unless attending a public event). Zoned hours, special-designated spaces, and visitor parking help keep things safe and organized. Avoid fines, towing, or lost parking privileges—review the rules before you park.
