8.1 Safety and Security
Purpose
To establish a policy regarding safety and security on campus.
Scope
All employees, students and visitors of Rochester University.
Policy
Introduction
This chapter provides general policy and guidance for campus emergencies and crisis situations. The guidance stipulated in this chapter is neither all-inclusive nor intended to override good judgment and common sense.
Emergency or crisis management is defined as any situation involving College personnel; either employees, students, visitors, or others, who are involved in a health, safety, or welfare compromise. Additionally, it includes situations which compromise the integrity of facilities or property. The actual definition of a crisis or emergency is broad depending upon the source defining the situation.
Priorities
Crisis management shall prioritize the safety of individuals above all other concerns. Following individual safety shall be property safety and other issues. People cannot be replaced. Property and possessions are replaceable.
Responsibilities
Every employee of Rochester University is responsible for exercising prudent safety standards when participating in College-sanctioned activities in an official capacity.
College employees shall be vigilant in identifying health, welfare, and safety concerns and notifying the office responsible for the corrective action. If practical and appropriate, the employee should take immediate corrective action to mitigate the situation and provide safety and security for other personnel and students.
Employees should not take any personal action involving health, welfare, or safety concerns for which they are unqualified, incapable, or untrained to properly address. In such situations, they should immediately notify proper emergency services personnel responsible for such situations.
Procedures
The procedures established in this chapter contain general guidelines and actions which are designed to bring an emergency or crisis situation under control. While these procedures should normally be followed, the actual circumstance encountered may warrant deviating from these guidelines. Personal and professional judgment must be exercised in each situation. When in doubt, contact an emergency services agency immediately. After the situation is under control, contact an administrator.
Reports
Following any crisis or emergency situation on-campus or off-campus (if related to students or employees in an official or sanctioned capacity), an Incident Report shall be submitted to the Human Resource Office. All Incident Reports should be verbally briefed to the President at the earliest opportunity.
The Incident Report should include a complete description of the situation, individuals involved, action taken, and other information as appropriate.
Sensitive situations requiring non-public disclosure should be kept discretionary as required by applicable laws and mandates. Incident reporting is still required within the institution as allowed by law. Disclosure of details or names shall comply with legal requirements.
Incident Reports will be maintained by the Human Resources Office. The reports will be retained as appropriate.
Public Disclosure
It is vital that disclosure of campus emergencies be reviewed thoroughly by college administrators before public release (such as media or individual inquiries). This is necessary to ensure that the individuals involved and the College are afforded legal protection and privacy.
College personnel should direct all requests for information relating to campus emergencies and crisis situations to an appropriate administrator. College personnel shall not disclose such information without first obtaining permission from their supervising administrator.
Public disclosure of crisis or emergency situations is always discouraged pending administrative review and legal counsel.
The disclosure of information presented above does not apply to contacting emergency services such as ambulance, fire, and police services in response to an emergency situation.