06-24.00 – Policy on Law Enforcement Access to Non-Public Spaces

  1. Policy Statement

    It is the policy of Towson University (“TU” or “University”) that law enforcement access to non-public University spaces is limited to the extent articulated in applicable federal, state, and local law and regulation.

  2. Responsible Executive and Office

    Responsible Executive: Chief, Towson University Police Department and Associate Vice President for Public Safety

    Responsible Office: Towson University Office of Public Safety

  3. Affiliates Affected by this Policy

    All University faculty, staff, and students

  4. Definitions

    1. “Law Enforcement” is defined as federal, state, and local government agencies authorized by law or regulation to enforce civil and criminal laws and regulations.  For the purposes of this Policy only, Law Enforcement does not include the Towson University Police Department (“TUPD”).
    2. “Public Space” is defined as outdoor space on University owned or controlled property and the following indoor spaces:  the University Union, West Village Commons, and Cook Library.
    3. “Non-Public Space” is defined as all space on University owned or controlled property that is not Public Space.

  5. Policy

    1. Law Enforcement in Public Space
      University students, faculty, and staff are encouraged - but not required - to notify TUPD if they observe Law Enforcement in University Public Space. TUPD can be reached at 410-704-4444.

      Faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors are prohibited from interfering with Law Enforcement activity in University Public Space.

    2. Law Enforcement Access to Non-Public Space
      Law Enforcement Access to Non-Public Space shall be limited as articulated in applicable law and regulation, including the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Maryland Code Annotated, Criminal Procedure Article Section 2-104.2(b)(2).

      Law Enforcement agencies seeking to enforce federal immigration law may access Non-Public Space only:  (i) after presenting to TUPD or the Towson University Office of General Counsel (“OGC”) a valid warrant issued by a federal court; or (ii) in exigent circumstances, as that term is defined by applicable law.  Law Enforcement agencies seeking to enforce other criminal laws may access Non-Public Space only when contemplated under applicable law and regulation.

      In general, “exigent circumstances” refers to emergency situations that require Law Enforcement to act immediately to address a threat to public safety without pausing to obtain the prior approval from a judge that the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution would typically require.  Exigent circumstances include the following:  imminent risk of death, violence, or harm to a person or property; hot pursuit of a dangerous suspect; and the imminent risk of the destruction of evidence of a crime.
    3. Employee Obligations
      If Law Enforcement appears at a Non-Public Space, University employees shall direct Law Enforcement to the Office of Public Safety, located at 290 Towsontown Boulevard West.  If a University employee does not feel it is physically safe to issue that directive to Law Enforcement, the University employee shall allow Law Enforcement to enter the Non-Public Space and shall immediately contact TUPD at 410-704-4444 to notify TUPD of the Law Enforcement activity.

      In no circumstances shall University employees interfere with Law Enforcement, attempt to make Law Enforcement leave a Public Space, attempt to conceal any person from Law Enforcement, or attempt to assist any person in evading Law Enforcement.
    4. Compliance Visits by Immigration Officers
      Nothing in this Policy limits the ability of federal immigration officials to make routine site visits to conduct compliance checks related to immigration rules, including student and employee visa rules.  Such activity will generally be coordinated with the University’s Office of International Student Support Services and/or the Office of Human Resources.

      To the extent that such compliance visits require access to Non-Public Space, the Office of International Student Support Services and the Office of Human Resources shall provide that access after coordination with TUPD or OGC.
    5. Compliance With Applicable Privacy Laws
      The University takes seriously its obligations under applicable privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), which prohibits the University from releasing student education records without student consent unless (i) the requestor has produced a court order or lawful subpoena or (ii) a FERPA exception applies. More information about FERPA at 51AVis available at /registrar/registration/ferpa/.

      Employees are prohibited from releasing personally identifiable information about University students, faculty, or staff unless such release is authorized by applicable law or regulation.

  6. Policy Violation

    A violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from academic programs.

  7. Contact

    Contact the Towson University Office of Public Safety or Office of General Counsel.

Related Policies:

  • Towson University FERPA Policy (available at ). 

Authorization: President’s Cabinet

Approval Date: September 30, 2025

Effective Date: October 1, 2025

How to Request the Policy PDF

This online version of the policy may include updated links and names of departments. To request a PDF of the original, signed version of this policy, email the Office of the General Counsel, .