The functions performed by the UM-Rolla Police Department include many services offered by a small municipal police agency, as well as certain service functions unique to the University setting. The University presents a sensitive environment, involving highly educated people, which requires a high degree of judgement, sophistication, knowledge, and diplomacy on the part of department personnel. The UM-Rolla Police Department has an authorized strength of 21 full-time employees, including 11 state-commissioned police officers, 8 security guard/dispatchers, and 2 secretarial staff members. All Missouri S&T officers possess city police commissions as well, and are all instructors in various law enforcement related training areas.

In addition to the full-time staff, the department employs 15 to 25 Campus Service Officers (CSO's), who are students that assist on a part-time basis. Missouri S&T PD also has a Reserve Police Officer Program where part-time officers are used on an as-needed basis.

Duties of the UM-Rolla Police Department include, but are not limited to, crime prevention through active campus involvement, individual interactions and public educational endeavors, preventative patrols, service to students and others in emergencies, special event coverage, control and supervision of traffic, overseeing parking lot operations, maintenance of peace and order, the enforcement of state laws, city ordinances, and University rules and regulations, insuring university compliance with federal legislation concerning post secondary educational institutions, the investigation of crimes, providing law enforcement related training and assisting other police agencies.