FAQ Contents

1. The Role of Security on Campus

Serving our community...

The 80+ officers and staff that make up University Security Services are assigned throughout the University, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although officers are not sworn or armed, they respond to calls of any nature, including all campus emergencies - fire, accidents, physical crimes, and disturbances. A wide range of non-emergency-related services is also available to the University community.

Security officers are selected after a thorough investigation designed to choose individuals who are dedicated, sensitive, and display good communication skills. They hold a New York State license (requiring 32 hours of training) and receive an additional 360 hours of in-house basic training.

Approximately 40 trained, part-time student aides assist our professional staff and work in selected areas of the campus and residence halls during the academic year. These students are in constant radio contact with us, should unauthorized persons or other conditions affecting general safety be discovered. [Think Safe, distributed annually as required by the federal Clery Act]

Authority

New York State Education Law (Section 4605) requires the University to establish procedures for the maintenance of public order on its campus. The procedures are outlined in a "Standards of Conduct" statement adopted by the Board of Trustees on July 15, 1970, and are published in the Faculty Handbook.

University Security Services is charged with providing general security services at the University, and takes steps to insure the maintenance of public order consistent with its mission. [Faculty Handbook, June 1999 edition]

Outline Of Security's Mission

• Protect people at the University
• Educate our community about security issues, personal safety measures and protective strategies
• Prevent disruption of University activities and misuse of premises
• Protect University and personal property against theft or abuse
• Provide a visible, reassuring, and readily accessible presence
• Foster beneficial community relations

[Issued in October 1982; amended 1990, 1995]

Policy On Security Operations

A number of the University's internal policies and procedures are directed to its maintenance of order, discipline, and safety on campus, and to the prevention of activities which impair or jeopardize University services or the legitimate privacy rights and freedoms of members of the University community.

The University of Rochester is an "open campus." Full trust is placed in all members of the University community to be law abiding and to respect the rights of others. Restrictions on members of the UR community or their activities shall not be imposed unless there is a clear and present physical danger or abridgement of others' legitimate rights, including their right to undisrupted participation in University programs and services.

Unlawful behavior will not be condoned. Illegal activities, including the possession, trafficking or use of arms and illegal drugs, as well as the disruption of University activities, are prohibited.

A major part of the responsibility for implementing the University's security policies is assigned to the University's Security Division. University Security, acting on its own observations or on a report or complaints from other members of the University community, is obliged to initiate inquiries, conduct investigations, give directions, and exercise certain controls.

Security staff shall at all times perform those duties in a manner consistent with the highest ethical standards.

As a matter of policy, University employees in general and Security staff in particular will not interfere with or intrude upon private communications, intercept mail, make wire taps or the like, or encourage any criminal act for purposes of entrapment.

As a part of its responsibility for liaison with public law enforcement agencies, University Security must report to the appropriate government law enforcement authority unlawful acts or evidence thereof. Security will also request that a public agency produce its warrant or other legal authority before undertaking a search or having access to private quarters, records, or communications. [Black Community Coalition and University Task Force Report on the Security & Traffic Division - October 1984]

University Facilities & Services Mission Statement

To support the University in accomplishing its academic, healthcare, research and public service missions by providing responsive, competitive and high-value services for a safe and functional physical environment. [circa 1996]

Strong Memorial Hospital Mission

We improve health through caring, discovery, teaching and learning.

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URL: http://www.security.rochester.edu