Program, Origin and History

The Saluki Patrol, one of the oldest student work programs of its kind in the nation, was initiated by the SIU administration in the summer of 1959. It began actual operations on September 24, 1959.  The mission of the Saluki Patrol is to assist the University Police in the protection of life and property, preserve the peace, and provide general service beneficial to the university community.

Due to the size and enrollment of SIU, the Saluki Patrol is operated on a year-round basis (excluding breaks).  The number of Saluki Patrol officers varies according to current needs. 

The Saluki Patrol assists the Department of Public Safety Police in a number of areas including foot patrol, building security, traffic direction, crowd control, parking enforcement, as well as enforcing  University rules and regulations.  In essence, the Saluki Patrol provides vital support and back-up to our force and is a proven asset to the Department’s Community Relations effort.

The program is of benefit to the student by providing an excellent introduction to law enforcement and university security programs, while helping to finance their college education.  It further develops interest in Law Enforcement as a career and provides valuable experience in the field. 

The purpose of the Saluki Patrol is service.   This service is directed toward the University, its faculty, staff, students, visitors and the community in general.  Good public relations and security are the expected results of this service.

Application for Employment with the Saluki Patrol