Dear Cardinal community,
As we transition into the colder months, we continue our unwavering commitment to keeping The Catholic University of America community safe. In this month's newsletter, we'll cover safety in your residence hall or office and highlight a recent community safety meeting hosted by President Peter Kilpatrick and myself with our community partners to reinforce our commitment to collaboration and discuss our respective communities' latest safety and security updates. We'll also share essential winter safety tips, provide information about AlertDC, and remind you of the importance of reporting safety concerns. Together, we make our campus a secure and thriving environment.
Remember, safety first, safety always!
— Kirk McLean, Associate Vice President for Public Safety & Emergency Management
When it comes to safety in your residence hall or office, being proactive is key. Ensure doors are locked, whether in a shared residence or an individual office space. Never prop open external doors to maintain the security of the building. Keep valuables secured, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet, and consider engraving identification on expensive items to deter theft.
In shared living or working spaces, communicate openly with roommates or colleagues about security practices. It’s vital to keep a line of communication open in case of emergencies or concerns. Familiarize yourself with the fire evacuation plan and take note of fire alarm locations.
One of the fundamental principles of maintaining a secure environment in residence halls and offices is to exercise discretion when allowing access to your building. While being friendly and helpful is commendable, your responsibility is your safety and that of the students or colleagues in your building.
In both your residence hall and office setting, avoid letting strangers into the building without proper verification. Encourage the use of key cards or access control systems to scan individuals in. If someone requests access and you’re unsure of their identity or purpose, it’s perfectly reasonable to direct them to contact Public Safety.
Report any suspicious behavior or unauthorized individuals immediately to campus police. Participate in any safety drills organized by the University to prepare for emergencies. Lastly, always keep emergency contacts saved and easily accessible, including the Department of Public Safety (DPS), local law enforcement, and health services. Practicing these safety measures can create a secure and supportive environment for everyone.
University leadership is holding a residence hall safety walk on Monday, Nov 13.
President Peter Kilpatrick and Kirk McLean, associate vice president for Public Safety and Emergency Management, meet with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Department on Nov. 6, 2023, at Nugent Hall on The Catholic University of America’s campus.
President Peter Kilpatrick and Kirk McLean, associate vice president for Public Safety and Emergency Management, recently met with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Metro Transit Police, and counterparts from Trinity University. The primary objectives of the meeting were to reinforce the joint commitment to collaboration, discuss the latest safety updates, and demonstrate ongoing dedication to the safety and security of the group's respective communities. It was an invaluable opportunity to share insights and strengthen partnerships in this essential area.
We want to express our gratitude to MPD Commander Sylvan Altieri from the Fifth District, Commander Nikki Lavenhouse from the Fourth District, Lieutenant Nadim Al-Hinawi from Metro Transit Police, and Trinity Washington University Security Director Andrea Glascoe for their presence and contributions during the meeting. Their engagement was instrumental in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing our collective approach to safety.
These collaborative efforts are vital in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all our community members. Additionally, the MPD reaffirmed their commitment to increasing patrols in Monroe St and Hawaii Ave, underscoring their dedication to the safety and security of the community. We look forward to continuing these discussions and initiatives in the future.
With the arrival of colder weather, it’s vital to be prepared. Here are some quick tips to stay safe during the winter months:
You may have noticed increased “Keep Catholic Safe” safety posters throughout our campus, designed to provide important reminders and information to keep our community safe. These posters are part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a secure and informed environment for all. From fire safety to emergency response instructions, these visual aids are here to serve you. We encourage everyone to take a moment to read and absorb the valuable information presented. These posters are just one more step in our shared mission to “Keep Catholic Safe” and promote a culture of awareness and preparedness on our campus. Your safety is our top priority, and these posters are a small but significant contribution to achieving this goal. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember that we are here to support you every step of the way.
We continuously seek to provide you with resources that keep you informed and safe. One such resource is the AlertDC, an invaluable tool to bolster your safety in your neighborhood and across the nation's capital.
AlertDC is the official District of Columbia emergency alert and warning system. This system enables the District to provide you with critical information in a variety of situations, including transportation incidents, utility outages, severe weather, and police alerts, among many other timely notifications.
AlertDC is adaptable and accessible, delivering alerts via cellphones, landlines, and email. You can tailor the system to receive a message and critical instructions when an incident occurs nearby. Always follow these instructions and never take individual action during emergencies.
You will receive the alerts that you choose to receive for an array of events, including reports on transportation incidents, utility outages, government/school closings, Amber/Silver Alerts, breaking news and information, community outreach for D.C., events, schools, severe weather, police alerts, communities/neighborhoods, and colleges/universities. To make this even more effective you can tailor the alerts to match the off-campus neighborhood or community in which you live.
D.C. offers this service free of charge, but check with your wireless carrier for any associated data or text charges.
There is an app for Android and iPhone. Search for “Mobile Member” by Everbridge, Inc. on the Google Play or Apple Store. There is no application available for Windows or Blackberry devices at this time.
Your role in this system is crucial; reporting crimes in your neighborhood allows for faster police response. Most arrests happen within minutes of a crime, not hours. It's vital to understand that initial crime reports can sometimes contain inaccuracies or incomplete information. In such cases, follow-up messages will be issued to ensure accuracy. If you have actionable information, dial 911 immediately. For emergencies on campus, call the Department of Public Safety at 202-319-5111.
Register for D.C. Police Alert through AlertDC. AlertDC is not only an asset for our community but a powerful tool to enhance your safety. By staying informed, you're better prepared, and by reporting promptly, you contribute to the security of your community.
DPS will offer Safety Chats on the Nest, the University’s online hub for information about student activities and organizations. These chats will provide safety tips to the campus community and their families from 4:15 to 4:30 p.m.
Topics
The Department of Public Safety will conduct the annual silent auction of lost, found, and unclaimed property on Wednesday, Nov. 15. The auction will be held in Caldwell Auditorium. The viewing is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bidders will place their bids in an envelope for any item they wish to buy.
The auction will begin at 1 p.m. and end when the last item is auctioned. All bidders must be present when the silent bids are revealed to accept their property. This is a cash-only event (All proceeds are turned over to the University Treasurer).
Below is a list of the property available for bidding during the silent auction.
Join members of DPS lunch! This is an opportunity for the campus community to sit and chat with officers from the Department of Safety while sharing a delicious pizza lunch. DPS officers will share safety information for off-campus travel, traveling on the Metro, and being safe on campus.
When: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Pryzbyla Center – Great Room A
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is administering training sessions for our community members. The purpose of the training is to provide faculty, staff, and students with vital safety awareness information that will prepare attendees on how to remain safe in the event of an active threat or hazard. The sessions will include training on sheltering-in-place, evacuations, individual preparedness, active shooter threats, staying informed, and questions and answers. Please consider attending one of the dates and bring others with you. All training sessions will be held in Hannan Hall, Room 108, Herzfeld Auditorium.
The Office of Emergency Management offers customized safety training to our campus community. We understand that different groups may have specific safety concerns or unique needs. We provide specialized training sessions to address those concerns and ensure everyone is well-prepared. Whether you’re part of a student group, the faculty, or staff, we can design training programs that cater to your specific requirements. Just contact the Office of Emergency Management, and we will work with you to schedule a training session that best suits your group’s needs. Your safety is our priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us at: oem-emergency-management@cua.edu