10-Point Safety Enhancement Plan

Tennessee State University

Safety Plan

FUNCTIONING EMERGENCY CALL BOXES AND INCREASE OF CODE BLUE PHONES ON CAMPUS

Each of the newly installed traffic control gates have a call box incorporated into the gate controller with a direct connection to TSUPD.  These new traffic gates are located at the John Merritt Lot, the Ford Apartment Complex entrance, and Humphrey Lot. We will begin installing new traffic gates this month in the Engineering lot, the lot behind the Powerhouse, and the new gate planned for John L. Driver Street between the Powerhouse and Holland Hall.  All upcoming traffic gates will have call boxes as well with the same connection to TSUPD.

All Code Blue Phones are functioning with the exception of 4. These units will be taken out of service by the end of the week and be replaced based on the availability of funds. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to us the TSU Safety. You can download the app for Android of iPhones devices.

RECREATIONAL CENTERS

The Floyd Payne Student Center has extended operating hours and is open Monday-Friday 7a.m.-11p.m., and from 9 a.m. -11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Hours may be extended based on the availability of funds.

MORE POLICE AND SECURITY

TSUPD is continuing to hire police officers and other personnel to carry out the mission of the department to serve and protect. The department is hiring additional communication workers as dispatchers and video surveillance personnel to operate and monitor new equipment scheduled to arrive in late March. The department has also continued its partnership with Metro Police through its Secondary Employment Unit (SEU) for more visibility and manpower.

The University has enhanced the Security Program with the addition of a private contractor and the expansion of the Parking Services Unit.  TSUPD will phase out the Security Guard Program to Allied Barton Security. Additional personnel have been hired to take on the increased responsibilities of the Parking Services Unit. The TSU Parking Unit will provide coverage for all of the guard booths during the day shift 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The Parking Unit will also take over coverage at the Avon Williams Campus.

MORE VISIBILITY FROM ADMINISTRATION

Administration and University officials are visible and accessible throughout campus. One suggestion is that SGA invite The President’s Cabinet along with faculty and staff to meetings and other student sponsored events. Also, have the University Newspaper, the Meter, occasionally do a profile piece on an administrator.  

ID SCANNERS ON BUILDINGS AND CAMPUS ENTRY POINTS

Facility Management is currently in the process of installing access control on entrance doors for two additional buildings, the Indoor Practice Facility, and the Dairy Barn. Other buildings will follow, pending available funding.

GUESTS PASSES

Visitors/Guests include all persons that are not faculty, staff, students not currently enrolled in courses at Tennessee State University. In general visitors can obtain one (1) day visitor badges from the following location: Campus Police (Headquarters, Queen Washington Building);  Events and Conference Services (Jane Elliott Hall); Information Desk (Floyd-Payne Campus Center); One Stop Center (Kean Hall); Parking Services (Hankall Hall, 1st Floor); Security Booths (John A. Merritt Blvd; 33rd & Alameda). You will be required to present one of the following forms of government - issued photo identification in order to obtain your visitor badge: Passport (USA or International), Driver’s License (USA only), State Issued (Non - driver) ID, US Military ID, INS ID (Green Card). In general, visitors will receive a badge that will be valid for a designated time of access to the campus. If a visitor requires extended access to the campus, an authorized university official should e-mail a completed ID/Access Request Form to the ID/Access Center idcenter@tnstate.edu prior to sending the individual to the ID/Access Center.

HIRE MORE QUALIFIED SECURITY AND POLICE PERSONNEL

This is an on-going process for the University as it seeks to fill vacancies in the department. 
Security Guard staff will be the responsibility of our contractor. We evaluate closely monitor their services and contact based on performance.

EQUIP SECURITY AND POLICE OFFICERSWITHA ROSTER OF CAMPUS STUDENTS INFORMATION

A current student roster was provided to TSUPD at the beginning of the semester. This will become a standard practice each semester. Additionally, Facility Management will provide TSUPD with (2) handle-held ID card readers.  The inventory will be increased based of the availability of funds. 

PURCHASE LAND AROUND TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

TSU is currently in the process of purchasing three properties that border the campus and will continue land banking as funds are available.

INSTALLATION OF A FULLY GATED COMMUNITY

Installation of fencing and gates along the west side of campus is 70% complete.  The installation of fencing is complete.  Installation of the fence gates and traffic control gates will be completed in March.