Public Safety

A public safety officer with a graduating student

Public Safety Lost and Found

Public Safety Lost and Found

Public Safety Lost and Found is located in the Alcala Park West - Durango, Suite D. You can contact us at 619-260-7777 or come in person.

Reporting a Lost Item

If you lost something on campus, please fill out our Lost & Found Report Form. After submitting your lost item claim, please wait for Public Safety to contact you. We review all item claims as they are submitted, and when items are turned in. You do not need to follow up. Your claim will stay active with Public Safety for 30 days. At that time it will be archived. If you want to cancel a claim please email publicsafety@sandiego.edu.

Many buildings on campus hold on to items. We encourage you to call and visit the buildings and departments you were in to try and locate your property.

Turning in Lost Items

If you found an item on campus that can be turned into Public Safety please bring it to Alcala Park West - Durango, Suite D.

If you are turning in items on behalf of your building or department, please verify the items you have can be accepted by Public Safety and make sure all items are dated for when they were found. All items will be reviewed against our claims but their found date will be based on the date provided by the department, and the same procedure will apply.

Lost & Found Procedure

Items are retained for 30 days. Found items will be checked against Lost Item claims when turned in and examined for Owner Information. Public Safety will attempt to contact an identified owner whenever possible but will not extend the 30 day time period, unless it is approved by a supervisor and contact was made with the owner.

The Department of Public Safety may open bags, wallets, and similar items to identify the owner. Any contraband or illegal items discovered during this process will be confiscated, and appropriate action will be taken, which may include criminal charges if warranted.

Found items that go unclaimed are donated or disposed of based on their condition and the donation requirements of the organization. Money is donated to the USD Food Pantry or given for scholarships.

Examples of items we accept include, but are not limited too:

  • Backpack, Purse or Tote
  • Cash or Bank Cards
  • Cell Phone
  • Earbuds / Headphones
  • Jewelry
  • Keys / Key Fob
  • Laptop
  • Money
  • Personal Documents
  • Reusable Drink and Food Containers (Must be empty, clean and sanitary for storing, or will be discarded)
  • Small electronics (chargers, calculators, etc.)
  • Tablet
  • Wallet

We are unable to accept the following items:

  • Clothing
  • Drink / Food Containers that are disposable or dirty
  • Food / Perishables
  • Furniture
  • Large equipment
  • Linens
  • Soiled items of any kind
  • Public Safety may discard any items that are deemed unsanitary, or unsafe to store.

If you find the following items Call Public Safety (619) 260-7777 so an officer can assist with documentation and/or disposal. These items will NOT be stored in Lost and Found.

  • Alcohol
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Illegal Substances or Paraphernalia
  • Medication (over the counter or prescription)
  • Tobacco Products
  • Vape Pens and Cartridges
  • Weapons
  • Any items not allowed on campus per University Policy, or that present a safety concern or hazard.