The Chicago State University Police Department was created by the Illinois General Assembly, as were its sister university police forces. The primary function of the Chicago State University Police is the protection of life, limb, and property, prevention of crime, preservation of the public peace, enforcement of all laws and ordinances, the arrest of law violators, and the collection of competent evidence as well as the promotion of respect and cooperation of all citizens for the law and for those sworn to enforce it. The department will maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics, excellence in the performance of duty, and maintenance of private lives that inspire respect and admiration and provide examples for the entire community. The Chicago State University Police Department has sworn police officers, security officers, police emergency 911 dispatchers, and civilian employees. The Chicago State University Police Department is located in the O&M Physical Plant Building, Room #107 on the southeast side of the campus. The department is fully staffed seven (7) days a week twenty-four (24) hours daily with police officers, uniformed security officers, dispatchers and support staff.
Authority for the Chicago State University Police Department is found in the Illinois Compiled Statutes at 110 ILCS 660/5-45 (11): Members of the Chicago State University Police Department shall be conservators of the peace and as such have all powers possessed by policemen in cities, and sheriffs in counties, including the power to make arrests on view or warrants of violations of State Statutes and city or county ordinances.