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Campus Security Message from the President
February 15, 2008
Dear Parents and Alumni,
In the wake of the tragic events at Northern Illinois University, we felt it necessary to update you on the security measures we have been instituting this academic year. Many of these measures were contained in my letter of January 9, 2007. To repeat the opening lines of the January letter: “Safety issues are the number one concern of parents with children attending any boarding school or college. With this consideration in mind, we will continue to review our security posture.”
Our efforts to analyze and update security measures have been underway since May of last year. We have moved from the analysis and planning phase, and are now testing procedures and implementing programs. These programs and procedures will continue to be a work in progress. Each test and drill brings successes along with areas for improvement. I pledge to you that we will continue to refine our policies and procedures over time. All faculty, staff, alumni, parents, guest and cadets without exception are to adhere to these policies and procedures. You may expect to see and/or experience some or all of the following:
- Closed gates at night.
- Limiting vehicular access to the main campus.
- Upgraded campus lighting.
- Cameras have been installed in Rose and Hocker Halls and will be installed in all remaining barracks.
- A campus identification system has been implemented where all staff and faculty have been issued a campus ID from the Commandant’s Office.
- Non-uniformed staff and faculty will display their ID on their person at all times
- Uniformed staff and faculty wear their ID on their person and wear nametags at all times.
- All Officer-in-Charge (OIC) personnel wear badges, belts and carry flashlights and NexTel radio-phones which are linked to the Barracks and Health Center.
- A third shift of adult supervisors (Securitas security officers) has been added to each barracks, providing 24/7 coverage.
- Rose Hall (female barracks) exterior doors have been fitted with card-swipe locks.
- Two manuals, covering policies and procedures for Crisis Response, have been developed and distributed to key managers (policies) and the entire staff (procedures).
- Six drills (fire, evacuation, command post, media center, and lockdown) have been conducted in the past two weeks.
- In an attempt to get out in front of a potential incident, a Threat Assessment Plan is in the works.
- Visitors during normal office hours (including prospective cadets and families) will report to the Office of Admissions in Medenbach Hall and be issued a Visitors Pass.
- Visitors after normal office hours will report to the OIC in Lee Hall and be issued a Visitors Pass.
- A copy of a photo ID will be made during the Visitor Pass issue process.
- Visitor logs will be maintained by the departments issuing passes.
- Visitors may be asked to produce their identification at anytime they are on campus and must also state their business.
- Officer of the Day, Sergeant of the Guard, and Private of the Guard will be on duty at the guard shack until 10:00 PM.
- Cadets and Staff have been trained to offer assistance to any visitor without an ID (“Hello. Welcome to Valley Forge; may I help you? “Have you registered at guest registration in the admissions office?”) If not, they will be escorted or given directions to either Lee or Medenbach Hall for registration and the issuance of a Visitor Pass.
- No visitor will have unescorted access to the dormitories.
- Visitors not in compliance will be asked to comply or exit the campus.
- Non-compliance and or chronic non-compliance may result in a campus ban.
- Any unauthorized use of employee identification by any person or persons will not be tolerated and may result in a campus ban.
The safety and well-being of our cadets is one of our major priorities. As we transition to this new system, my administration and I appreciate your cooperation and support. If you have questions about the new campus security system, please contact the Commandant’s Office at any time.
Very respectfully,
Charles A. McGeorge
President, VFMA&C
Security Services
We strive to provide a safe and secure environment for the diverse
population that comprises our campus community. VFMA&C is proud of its
security record and of the measures it has implemented to sustain that
record. The campus will seek to maintain and improve its security precautions
and to continue its efforts to provide its students, faculty and staff with
sufficient safety.
The Commandant of Cadets is responsible for security on campus, and
directly supervises the staff, which provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service.
The campus security staff consists of six full-time and two part-time security
officers, study hall supervisors and tactical officers.
Personal Safety
The security services are complimented by 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency
medical treatment in the campus infirmary. Around-the-clock transportation
is available for injured students either on request or by emergency. As
non-life-threatening circumstances are handled by the campus health center,
the local hospital is only minutes away for all other incidents. The medical
staff at the campus health center also provides basic first aid training to
security personnel.
The institution also enjoys complete cooperation with local police
authorities who assist as needed. All crimes involving violence, major property
loss or any felonies are immediately reported by the Commandant to the
Township Police.
Because of the relatively small cadet student body and staff community,
it is easy to ensure identification of any unauthorized individuals. All
unauthorized persons are interviewed by security officers who take the
appropriate course of action.
Visitors on campus are required to report to Lee Hall for check in and out.
Visiting hours are until 5:30 p.m. each day.
Campus Safety
Although the outside doors to each barracks are open, adult presence is
provided to ensure security. During evening hours, the night tactical
officer is present to monitor access until 1:00 a.m, and a third-shift of adult supervision is on staff during the overnight hours. Contracted night
security officers provide campus security in and around the barracks
from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. At no time are outside guests permitted
inside the barracks unless an appointment has been made with the tactical
officer. Each room is secured by an in-door combination lock with the
security team and tactical officers having access to a passkey for emergency
entry.
All buildings and grounds are maintained by the Facilities and Services
department and inspected on a daily basis with a concern to safety and
security. Inspections include review of lighting systems and repair of
broken windows, doors and locks.
Fire Safety
Since fire is a concern to everyone, each student company performs fire
drills, and buildings are equipped with up-to-date fire alarms and extinguishers.
Fire and security procedures are thoroughly explained and reviewed at the
beginning of each school year.
Any questions or comments regarding VFMA&C's safety and security practices
and procedures can be directed to the Commandant's Office at (610) 989-1257.
Other telephone numbers of interest are as follows:
Health Center - (610) 989-1515
Security Office - (610) 989-1258 |
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