USP Enhances Security and Crisis Management Procedures

In consideration of events surrounding the Virginia Tech tragedy, USP is among the thousands of university communities who are affirming and evaluating security and crisis management procedures. Maintaining the ongoing safety and security of students, faculty, and staff at USP is of the utmost concern to us. In light of this, we would like to update you on some of the new security measures and initiatives underway.

• In February 2007, our phone system’s 911 capabilities were enhanced so that whenever anyone on campus dials 911, a text message is sent to the security office that identifies the exact building, floor, and room where the call originated. The same call is also received by city authorities in the 911 Call Center with the same building information.

• By the fall 2007 semester, we expect to complete phase one of the implementation of a card swipe system to be installed on one front door of every USP building. Additional security cameras will also be installed to monitor these doors.

• We are in the process of enhancing our current communications capabilities. Through the software that powers our in-house cable channel, USP TV, we will be able to transmit real-time messages to all campus TVs, post RSS feeds to our portal and websites, and send text messages directly to mobile devices and PCs. We expect to implement a full-ranging system by the fall semester.

• USP contracted with the Philadelphia Police Department who provides a presence on our campus and supports our security team through additional campus surveillance. Since the beginning of 2006, uniformed Philadelphia police officers have been patrolling USP’s campus from 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. daily.

• In September 2006, new, more powerful streetlights were unveiled on campus streets as part of a University City District (UCD) initiative to improve visibility.

• Early this year, our security personnel were outfitted with new uniforms that make them more visible, as well.

• Several of our security officers are now certified as PA Campus Crime Prevention Practitioners, and our current acting director of public safety and security is trained in incident command. Our security personnel, or first responders, are trained in first aid and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), and are routinely recertified.

• The head of our disaster preparedness/crisis management committee just received training from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the latest techniques in campus security. The lessons learned from the Virginia Tech tragedy were a part of that training.
  
• In an effort to evaluate USP’s entire internal security operation, the University hired an outside security consultant who visited campus from January 24-26. As a result of the security consultant’s report, the University has been taking immediate and focused action on the recommendations.

We would like to also detail services and initiatives that USP has had in place:

• USP currently has a van and escort service in place to service our students, faculty, and staff. The van service makes regular stops between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m., 7 days a week, when classes are in session. Additionally, an on call service by USP security officers provides escorts at anytime of day or night when safety or medical issues arise.

• Our students have expressed that these services are not always convenient for them. So to improve access, we are negotiating with an outside firm to provide van and escort services by the start of the fall semester that would increase transport and to allow more USP security officers to maintain a presence on campus.

• USP is also negotiating with University of Pennsylvania to include additional stops on our campus by their bus service. This enhancement will be available at the start of the fall 2007 semester and will increase the van/escort service range giving students more opportunities to visit venues in University City.

• Emergency call boxes that dial directly into our emergency line (215-596-7000) are strategically placed around campus and are tested at least twice per day to ensure that they are functioning properly. As the campus grows, more boxes are added.

Since the tragic events at Virginia Tech, the Division of Student Affairs has received many questions about our practices related to responding to students who may be in distress. The USP Student Early Intervention Response Team (SEIRT) provides proactive strategies and tools to address concerns about and support for students. The team consists of faculty, staff, and administrators who have received training in this regard and who can intervene on behalf of a student. Training sessions for students, staff and faculty are currently being offered on our campus and will be offered consistently every semester going forward.

Please know that we are continually evaluating our security and safety procedures and practices so that we can be prepared for emergencies. We will continue to update you on enhancements to our program.