Welcome from the Chief

Chief Searson welcomes you to the College of Charleston.

Chip Searson
Chief of Police, Fire, and EMS

It is the responsibility of the Department of Public Safety to provide a stable environment in which security is balanced with freedom of movement and, most importantly, one in which individual rights are balanced with the needs of the community.

We support the mission of the College of Charleston by providing a safe, orderly, and secure environment in which students learn, the faculty teaches, the staff works, and visitors can enjoy their time on our campus.

Our success depends on a true partnership between the members of our department and the diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and visitors who spend time on our campus. Through this partnership, everyone’s needs and rights will be taken into consideration as we look for new and better ways to reduce crime, increase safety awareness, and promote a sense of communal concern for each other’s safety and well being.

Chip Searson
Associate Vice President of Public Safety
Chief of Police, Fire, and EMS

Get in Touch with Public Safety

If you’d like to talk with us or get additional information, please feel free to contact us at 843.953.4980 or stop by our headquarters at 89 St. Philip Street (located on the first level of the St. Philip Street Garage).