SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICY

Introduction:
At LPU, the safety and well-being of our stakeholders are paramount. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment that fosters learning, growth, and personal development. This Safety and Security policy outlines our commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and welfare of all students and other stakeholders at our university. 

Core Principles:

• Prioritize the safety and well-being of our students and other stakeholders in all aspects of university life, including academic activities, extracurricular events, and campus facilities. 

• Take proactive measures to prevent incidents and intervene early to address safety concerns, promoting a culture of vigilance and responsibility. 

• Collaborate with students, faculty, staff, parents, law enforcement agencies, partner agencies for outsourced personnel and community partners to promote student safety and implement effective safety measures. 

• Continuously assess and improve our safety policies, procedures, and resources based on feedback, best practices, and emerging trends in campus safety and security. 

Policy Guidelines:

• Maintain a visible and accessible campus security presence to deter crime, respond to emergencies, and provide assistance to students, faculty, and staff. 

• Develop and update emergency response plans and protocols annually and as necessary to address a range of potential threats and emergencies, including natural disasters, accidents, and security incidents. 

• Provide safety education and training programs to students, faculty, and staff to increase awareness of safety risks and empower individuals to take appropriate actions to protect themselves and others. 

• Conduct risk assessments of campus facilities, activities, and events to identify potential safety hazards and implement mitigation measures to minimize risks, annually and as the need arises. 

• Offer a range of support services, including medical and dental services, counseling and pyschological services, to assist students who have experienced safety-related incidents and to promote their physical and emotional well-being. 

• Provide multiple channels such as near miss online reporting form, email, text or phone calls, for students to report safety concerns, including anonymous reporting options, and ensure that reports are promptly investigated and addressed. 

• Engage with students, faculty, staff, and community members to raise awareness of safety issues, foster a sense of community responsibility, and promote collaboration in ensuring student safety. 

Implementation: 

• We establish a health, safety and security committees comprised of representatives from various university departments and stakeholders to oversee the implementation of safety policies and initiatives. 

• We conduct safety training sessions and drills, including fire drills, emergency and earthquake drills, and first aid training annually, to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies. Refer to LPU Risk Management Manual 

• We invest in technology and infrastructure enhancements, such as security cameras, lighting, and access control systems, to enhance campus safety and security. 

• We organize safety awareness campaigns, workshops, and events throughout the academic year to educate the university community about safety-related topics and promote a culture of safety. 

Review and Revision:
This Safety and Security policy will be reviewed and updated annually and as necessary to ensure its effectiveness, relevance, and alignment with our institutional values and legal obligations. Feedback from students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders, as well as insights from safety experts and authorities, will form any necessary revisions or updates to the policy.

Effective: January 2022