The Police Field Services Bureau is led by Deputy Chief Chris Rozman and Deputy Chief Akin Bryant.
Patrol Division
The Patrol Division is led by Deputy Chief Chris Rozman. The division includes our patrol officers who provide law enforcement services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The department responds to all calls for service and investigates all criminal incidents occurring on property owned by the University or governed by the MSU Board of Trustees. Over the years, the area of patrol has grown from a small agricultural college to a major University with one of the largest residence hall systems in the nation. Patrol Officers are the first responders to incidents, as they respond directly to calls that are dispatched from the Ingham County Regional 9-1-1 Center when people call in an emergency.
The purpose of the Field Training Officer (FTO) Program is to train new officers so that each officer is prepared to function as a solo patrol officer at the conclusion of their training cycle. Field Training Officers are specially trained, highly motivated officers who must attend a 40-hour advanced training program prior to instructing new officers. The training cycle for new officers consists of a minimum of 720 hours of intensive on-the-job training and daily performance evaluations.
Once sworn into the police department, each officer must successfully complete the Field Training program. The Field Training program is divided into four phases. Each phase has tasks which must be learned by each new officer. These tasks are ordered so that the new officer is exposed to the most basic and necessary ones first. This curricula forms the foundation upon which new officers build upon during the remainder of the program and into subsequent years of service. As the new officer progresses through the program, they will encounter increasingly more difficult and complex assignments. By the end of the training program, new officers must show proficiency in all training areas to maintain their employment as an MSU Police Officer.
Patrol Officers are one of the most visible representatives of the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety. They can frequently be seen proactively patrolling our community in police vehicles, bicycles, or on foot. Officers work to become well-acquainted with the area and with the community members they serve within our jurisdiction. When not responding directly to 9-1-1 calls, non-emergency police requests, or providing backup to other officers; patrol officers proactively focus on current criminal or safety-related issues throughout the community.
Patrol officers are given extensive training in many different skill sets and attend mandatory training throughout their careers, being that they come across a wide variety of incidents and situations. A background and understanding of patrol work is essential before a transition to any other type of police work. Because of this, all sworn officers begin their careers participating in patrol.
Investigative Division
The Investigative Division is led by Deputy Chief Akin Byrant and consists of the Investigations Command, Detectives, Community Care Unit, Crime Analysis, Special Victims Unit, Court and Prosecutor Liaison, and Special Response Team. The division also oversees the department's police social worker.
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety investigates all reports of crime that occur on property owned by the university or governed by the MSU Board of Trustees. Detectives are specialized in techniques to conduct victim-centered investigations and trauma-informed interviews. Detectives attend numerous training sessions to remain current with best practices for law enforcement investigations. Detectives are also assigned to the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force and the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.
The Community Care Unit responds to incidents that involve a behavioral health concern or crisis with a primary goal of providing safety and support. CCU detectives provide customized care based on individual needs and intersectional identities. Detectives respond using trauma-informed and inclusive practices. Detectives also collaborate with the MSU Care and Intervention Team to engage in early interventions and enhance safety and supportive services for our campus and community. CCU detectives work with our department's police social worker, who provides a secondary source of support through the unique lens of a behavioral health professional.
SVU detectives investigate cases regarding sex-related crimes, relationship violence, stalking, and child and vulnerable adult abuse using trauma-informed, victim-centered and offender-focused practices. Detectives are specially trained to recognize intersectional identities within incidents to provide support and resources that are inclusive and accessible. The unit collaborates with campus/community partners to minimize additional trauma and support survivors. The Special Victims Unit is committed to ensuring that all survivors are treated with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding, and professionalism.
Specialized detectives are assigned to the Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Unit and conduct digital forensic investigations and examinations involving computers, mobile devices, digital media, servers, networks, internet service providers, and cyber-enabled crimes.
Specialized Units
The Specialized Units is led by Deputy Chief Chris Rozman and has responsibility for the following areas and functions: K9 Unit, Comfort Canine Unit, Stratified Policing, Honor Guard, Community Outreach, and Special Projects.
The K-9 Unit is comprised of 7 handlers and 8 K-9s who provide search, detection, and protection services. Four teams are dual-purpose explosive detection-trained and patrol-certified (German Shepherds). The other 4 teams are single-purpose explosive detection teams (Labrador Retrievers).
You can follow the MSU DPPS K-9 Unit on Instagram here.
The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety currently has 8 officers assigned to the Bike Unit. All bicycle officers attend a rigorous 40-hour Police Mountain Bike Patrol training program, which certifies them as a bicycle officer. Currently, the Bike Unit utilizes 29” Trek Police model mountain bikes, which includes a new brighter light system to assist with patrols during evening hours. In addition to normal patrol riding, officers escort the MSU football team and band into the stadium on home football game days.
To assist with maintaining the bike officers’ skill levels, two officers assigned to the Bike Unit are trained as certified instructors.
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety has an international reputation for its proactive-based philosophy of policing that strives to strengthen relationships and engage community partners in developing strategies to reduce crime. The Unity Through Community Policing concept arranges connections between the community and MSU DPPS to build emotional association and inspire behavior. It focuses on unity between the police officers and members of the community. Through unity, the goals of the department and the needs of the community can be met providing a safe environment for Spartans to learn, work and live.
The department also participates in the Car Seat Safety Program as a service to our community. To sign up for that program and others, visit the Services page.
The Honor Guard consists of 10 officers who attended the Sheriffs and Municipal Memorial Assistance Response Team (S.M.M.A.R.T.) Honor Guard School in Alpena, Michigan. Honor Guard officers maintain skills and practice for upcoming events by attending bimonthly training sessions.
The unit was formed in response to the passing of MSU Police Sergeant Brian Keith McDaniel in 2009. Sergeant McDaniel’s untimely passing uncovered a need for trained officers to respond and represent the department in matters such as funerals and memorials.
The Honor Guard takes pride in representing the department at various events. The primary purpose of the Honor Guard is to honor the sacrifice for those who have fallen in the line of duty. Unit members attend every fallen Michigan officer’s funeral to honor their sacrifice and service to our country.
Members of the Honor Guard routinely present the colors for multiple MSU sporting events to include basketball, hockey and football. The unit also participates in community events such as the Lansing Lugnuts vs. MSU Crosstown Showdown and the MSU Homecoming Parade. The unit also has presented the colors for the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Red Wings.