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Security of Campus Facilities and Crime Prevention

Security of Campus Facilities and Crime Prevention

Purpose

This policy addresses security considerations for campus facilities, including residential facilities, and grounds. The considerations comply with the standards set forth by the U. S. Department of Education for inclusion in the annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report. Additional information regarding crime prevention programs is also provided in this policy.

Scope

Faculty, staff, and students.

Policy History

Effective Date:  December 17, 2015

Approval:  December 17, 2015

Policy History: 

  • Approved in its original form:  December 17, 2015

Maintenance of Policy:  Department of Public Safety

Policy

   I.  The Department of Public Safety manages the security of University facilities and provides recommendations concerning security measures and equipment. Security measures are implemented to enhance safety of University facilities, including the installation of electronic access control, security camera systems, and security alarms.

  II.  Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management conducts evacuation drills of all residence halls and selected campus facilities at least once annually. The results of these drills are recorded and maintained on file by Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management.

 III. Public Safety will prepare and facilitate crime prevention awareness programs to enhance the safety and security of the campus.

Reference Documents

  1. U.S. Department of Education Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting
  2. University of Dayton Fire Safety and Evacuation Policy
  3. Appendix A: Security Management
  4. Appendix B: Crime Prevention

Appendix A: Security Management

Administrative and academic buildings are open during university business hours to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  Academic and administrative buildings are customarily locked after business hours, during weekends, and on holidays to prevent unauthorized entry.

Residence halls are required to be locked twenty four hours per day, with the exception of the lobby entrances, which are open daily from 7:00 AM to midnight while school is in session to permit visitors lobby access.  Doors from the lobbies to residential areas are required to be locked twenty four hours per day to prevent unauthorized access. Apartment buildings are required to be locked twenty four hours per day. University owned houses are locked as required by residents.

The University of Dayton invests significantly in the security of the university environs. Physical security assessments are conducted with the goal of evaluating the appropriateness of current physical security measures and implementing additional measures as required. The Director, Administration and Security maintains responsibility for all physical security systems (access control, security alarms, and remote camera systems) to coordinate the university’s security efforts.

  • Electronic access control has been installed on exterior and lobby wing doors of all traditional residence halls. The system will be installed on the exterior doors of other facilities as renovation projects are undertaken, with the exception of single unit houses and duplexes. Public Safety officers respond to open door alarms within academic and administrative buildings after business hours. Residence hall staff or Public Safety personnel respond to open door alarms at residential facilities.
  • Remote camera systems have been installed in common areas of academic, administrative, and residential facilities (including the seven traditional residence halls). These systems record data on a server for investigative follow-up.  The cameras are not actively monitored but may be monitored as situations dictate. Additional servers and cameras will be installed in conjunction with building renovations or as the result of a physical security analysis.
  • Security alarm systems are installed in areas with high value or increased risk of loss.  The systems are armed and disarmed by using departments and report intrusion or security breach to Public Safety.

Evacuation drills are conducted at least once annually as part of emergency preparedness exercises.  These drills may be a tabletop exercise or actual evacuation.

Appendix B: Crime Prevention

The Department of Public Safety provides important services to the community, but nothing Public Safety does can replace individual actions in maintaining security and safety on campus. Information and awareness are the best weapons against crime and accidents.  Some of the crime prevention services provided by Public Safety include:

  • Crime prevention presentations to faculty, staff and students.
  • Crime prevention training for residence hall staff.
  • Security assessments of buildings and areas. 
  • Annual campus lighting and safety survey in partnership with Environmental Safety, Facilities Management, Residence Life and Student Government to improve security.
  • Crime Prevention publications are available free of charge.
  • Public Safety will engrave personal property at no charge.
  • Bicycle registration aids in identifying ownership of bicycles in the event of a loss. The registration form may be printed from the Public Safety web site and the completed form turned in to Parking Services.  Bicycle registration is free.

Crime prevention requires active, cooperative efforts between the Department of Public Safety and the university community.  Personal security and the protection of home and community are all within the scope of crime prevention efforts.  We encourage all community members to consider their personal safety and the security of their residence, study, and working facilities at all times.  Any security or crime prevention concerns should be reported immediately to the Department of Public Safety.

CONTACT

For questions relating to the University policies of Student Development, please contact:


Bill Fischer, Vice President for Student Development
937-229-3682
Email