Search Guidelines
Searches other than plain view observations are to be conducted only after obtaining consent; at the direction of a senior University official having program authority for the area; in support to a proper search warrant being executed by a law enforcement officer; or, if an exigent circumstance affecting immediate health/life safety risk is noted.
Searches are intended to be limited to the purpose(s) for which entry was made or to resolve immediate health/life safety conditions.
Whenever possible, they will be conducted in conjunction with Residential Life and/or Dean of Students Office representative present, unless prohibited by exigent circumstances or for reasons articulated by a law enforcement officer. In cases where a representative is not available or cannot be contacted, other notifications will be made as soon as possible given the event circumstances.
Entry Guidelines
It is the intention of University Public Safety to provide proactive, preventive patrols in public spaces within University residential and leased housing. Public Safety foot patrols of residential areas should be conducted with the goal of promoting the health and safety of the residential community; to provide defense of personal and University property; to provide a visible deterrent and security omnipresence to help repress crime and other behavior deemed unacceptable by the University; to assure that building systems are functioning properly; to ensure adherence to University Policy/Procedures/Sanctions and to cultivate positive attitudes and open avenues of communication with those residing, working and visiting the housing areas.
It is the intention of University Public Safety to assure all reasonable privacy is extended to those residing in rooms and apartments leased from the University. When appropriate, advance notification should be given to housing occupants before security staff enter an individual room or apartment. However, there will be instances when it will become necessary for security staff to enter housing rooms and apartments without notice to carry out protective or personal safety duties. In addition, Residential Life Staff will often contact Public Safety for assistance in documenting and resolving alleged or observed violations of Student Conduct Standards, University Policy or NYS Laws occurring in and around their respective living areas, halls and buildings.
ENTRY STEPS
1. Knock loudly on the room or apartment door, clearly announce your identity, ask occupants to allow you to enter and state your intention (to enter) if occupants do not respond to your entry request.
2. Under all circumstances, Public Safety officers shall contact and obtain authorization from a Public Safety supervisor before entering a housing room or apartment when the occupant has not requested the door opening or invited the officer to enter.
3. When a decision is made to open a housing room without the occupant’s knowledge or permission, Public Safety staff shall, whenever possible, make contact with a housing staff representative from the list below. Housing staff will provide assistance in obtaining a key for the room (as needed) and act as a witness to the entry. Public Safety staff shall not enter a locked housing room without a witness unless entry is required to investigate an immediate personal safety concern, serious property concern, or fire/fire alarm investigation (with Public Safety supervisor knowledge and approval).
- Building Manager
- Property Management Representative
- Resident Advisor
- Community Assistants
- Area Coordinator
- Residential Life Director
- Fraternity House Officer
4. All entries made to housing rooms without the occupant’s knowledge or permission must be appropriately documented (case report) outlining the incident in question, persons present, and reason for entry.