Student Public Safety Officer - Campus Safety Overwatch

Texas State University Campus Safety Overwatch Program (CSOP) – Summary

The Campus Safety Overwatch Program (CSOP) is a nighttime safety initiative by the Texas State University Police Department (UPD) aimed at enhancing campus security from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. seven nights a week. 

Trained student Public Safety Officers (PSOs) monitor over 900 campus security cameras in real time from the Hays County Emergency Communications Center, located off campus at 810 S. Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX, focusing on identifying suspicious activity, safety hazards, and providing immediate intelligence to dispatchers and officers.

This program addresses dispatcher overload during overnight hours by dedicating personnel solely to surveillance, improving incident detection and response. PSOs support field officers with live updates during emergencies, assist in tracking suspects, and contribute to safer tactical decision-making. Their presence also boosts crime deterrence and enhances student safety and confidence after hours.

PSOs are thoroughly trained in surveillance, emergency communication, and legal compliance, and are supervised by UPD personnel. CSOP enhances operational capacity without increasing sworn staffing, creating a proactive, responsive, and safer campus environment.