The only entrance to the grounds is through one gated area attended by a trained security officer 24 hours a day. Once access to the grounds has been obtained, admittance to the building complex can only be obtained through the main entrance, which is staffed by a trained security officer 24 hours a day.
All campus facilities are well maintained and inspected regularly with adequate lighting provided in all areas. All guests to the complex must be escorted by a resident or staff member. Exit doors of the complex are electronically alarmed, with any intrusion immediately alerted to the front security desk and taken care of accordingly.
All vehicles of staff, residence and students are tagged with a parking permit which allows access to a restricted parking area. All visitors are directed to the visitor parking area.
Confidential Reporting SHMS does not have procedures for voluntary, confidential reporting of crimes. Violations of the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies and when appropriate, to a member of the college administration for review. These reports are public records and under state law are subject to the Freedom of Information Act requests.
Timely Warnings
When a potentially dangerous threat to the college occurs or other circumstances warrant, special alerts or " timely warnings" can be prepared and issued by in class announcements, the posting of fliers or other appropriate means.
Campus Security Authority
The SHMS Security Department, supplemented by a licensed private security agency, is responsible for campus security at the Seminary. This full time staff operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week overseeing the entrance gate, conducting patrols of the campus buildings and enforcing Seminary policies and regulations. Although their arrest powers are limited, public safety is never compromised since a cooperative relationship with other local, county and state police agencies is maintained.
Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs
The cooperation, personal support and involvement of students in the campus safety program are essential to its success. Students must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions.
During Orientation, resident students are informed of services offered by SHMS Security. They are also are told about crime on-campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. The SHMS website provides additional crime prevention suggestions.
The Security Department safety and security related programs are part of the information supplied by the Deans of Students. Brochures on crime prevention and personal safety are distributed to students and are readily available.
Criminal Activity Off Campus
SHMS Security communicates with law enforcement agencies adjacent to the campus. Should an incident occur that may impact the college timely warnings may occur. The college has no off campus residential facilities or off-campus organizations.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Adherence to all Seminary, local, State and Federal laws and rules of conduct is expected to assure maximum security. Sacred Heart Major Seminary prohibits the unlawful possession, use, storage, sale or distribution of drugs and alcoholic beverages by students and employees on campus. In addition, the use of tobacco products in all public areas of the building, unless otherwise designated and posted, is strictly prohibited.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Education Programs
The college offers an employee assistance program for drug or alcohol abuse. Please contact the Human resources Department for details.
Weapons Policy
No unauthorized person is permitted to carry on his person, in a briefcase or handbag or any other container or in any other way have possession of any weapon, firearm, ammunition or explosive. In addition, any dangerous article or substance with the potential to injure or distress a person on the premises is prohibited.
Fire
In the event of a fire, service is provided through the Detroit Fire Department. All buildings on campus have fire alarm systems and accessible fire extinguishers. In addition, fire drills are conducted and evacuation routes are posted throughout the building.
Medical Emergencies
For medical emergencies, clinics and local hospitals provide professional help to the Seminary community, guests and visitors. The Detroit Fire Department operates a full paramedic rescue unit 24 hours a day, which can be dispatched to the Seminary at any time.
Sex Offenses
If you are the victim of a sexual assault at SHMS, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. Victims of a sexual assault should go to the hospital for necessary medical treatment. The assault should be reported to the Detroit police in a timely manner at 911. SHMS security should be contacted also.
Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. Filing a police report to the police will:
- Ensure that the victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim.
- Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam).
- Assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.
The Detroit Police Department's Victims Assistance Program provides educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. The contact number is (313) 833-1660. The counseling is free and there is no waiting list. The hours are 8 a.m. to midnight. SHMS does not offer on campus or off campus services.
SHMS Security will assist victims in contacting the police, medical assistance and the Victim's Assistance Program.
SHMS will change a victim's academic and living situation after an alleged sex offense, and the options for those changes if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available.
The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding.
Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that is brought alleging a sex offense.
Sex Offenders
Registered sex offenders employed by or attending SHMS are required by law to register with the police. Sexual Offender information may be obtained by accessing the Michigan State Police Wed site at www.mipsor.state.mi.us.
Sacred Heart Major Seminary is part of the Detroit Metropolitan area, an area that has a total population of approximately 950,000. The campus, built at Chicago Blvd. and Linwood, is completely secured with a perimeter fence and controlled access to the grounds. 