East Tennessee State University Public Safety Officers are commissioned pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated, 49-7-118, and the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Policy No. 5:01:07:00. Commissioned Public Safety Officers have all of the police powers necessary to enforce all state laws, as well as rules and regulations of the TBR. They are also certified firemen and are first responders to any on-campus fire emergency.Public Safety Officers may exercise their authority on all property or facilities owned, leased or operated by the TBR and the university, including any public roads or rights of way which are contiguous to or within the perimeter of such facilities or properties.

The Johnson City Police Department furnishes the Department of Public Safety information concerning all offenses which occur off-campus at fraternity and sorority houses. The Department of Public Safety coordinates with the Johnson City Fire Department concerning all campus fires.