Frequently Asked Questions
Sacred Heart University prioritizes the safety and security of its students and works to provide a secure environment on campus through many resources and initiatives, such as routine assistance, safety training and quick access to emergency services.
Through its SHU Safe app, on-campus call boxes and other services, students have immediate and direct communications access with all on-duty Public Safety officers and the department’s dispatch center 24 hours a day, every day.
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions that the Department of Public Safety receives:
Yes. Sacred Heart University places a high priority on the personal safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors. In support of this commitment, the Department of Public Safety provides a safe and secure environment through timely delivery of effective and efficient Public Safety services to our entire community.
Sacred Heart University maintains a full-time, full-service Department of Public Safety. Officers are on duty 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year. Public Safety Officers patrol the entire campus on foot, bicycle or vehicle.
The University’s residence halls and apartment buildings remain locked 24 hours a day, with access restricted to an electronic key access system, a traditional hard key lock or a combination. Residential Life employees conduct training with students concerning housing security and enforcement procedures, and safety and security officers conduct regular safety and security checks of the residences.
In the event of an emergency or dangerous situation, the Department of Public Safety will issue warnings through the University’s email and text system to students, faculty and staff, as well as post alerts in campus buildings and residential halls.
Additionally, the Department of Public Safety is certified by the State of Connecticut Office of Emergency Medical Services as a Supplemental First Responder agency. As a Supplemental First Responder agency, Public Safety Officers respond to medical emergencies and provide medical treatment until local first responders arrive on the scene.
Yes. The Department of Public Safety provides personal safety escorts from dusk to dawn, from and to any on-campus location, for anyone on campus who requests this service. You can learn more on the Personal Safety Escorts webpage.
The majority of reported crime on campus is property crime, usually the theft of unattended property from unlocked or unsecured areas.
These crimes are typically “crimes of opportunity,” such as when property is left in a common area and precautions haven’t been taken to prevent or deter the theft. Thefts also occur when a resident leaves his or her room unlocked and returns to find property missing.
These incidents can be avoided by never leaving your property unattended and by always locking your door.
Most incidents that Public Safety officers respond to are emergency situations rather than crimes. The most frequently reported incidents on campus that require a response are fire alarms, injuries, illnesses and motor vehicle accidents.
Through a combination of preventative measures, including fire alarm systems, student education on fire safety and staff training, Sacred Heart raises awareness about fire danger and prevention.
All on-campus residence halls and apartments have comprehensive fire alarm and suppression systems, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, sprinkler systems, pull stations, horn/siren/voice alert audible warnings, visual strobe lights and full annunciator panels. These visual display panels alert residents and first responders with real-time information about fire and smoke detection.
When a fire alarm is triggered in these buildings, the information is automatically transmitted to the Department of Public Safety Dispatch Center, from which officers are dispatched to respond.
Fire exit drills are conducted regularly in each residence facility so students know proper evacuation procedures.
Freshman are not allowed to have cars on campus. You can refer to SHU’s parking procedures for more information about parking on campus, including student and residential parking rules.
Contact Public Safety to report any suspicious behavior or criminal activity. Public Safety should also be immediately contacted to report any emergencies (such as fire alarms, fires, medical injuries or critical illnesses), motor vehicle accidents or parking regulation concerns.
Many officers have attended the Campus Safety/Security Officer's Academy, hosted by Fairfield University. Officers who have not yet attended this program are scheduled to participate soon.