Dartblog

Below are Safety & Security’s protocols for random walk-throughs. For the life of me, I can’t see how this kind of thing is anything more than PR window-dressing. How will an unannounced walk-through — that is so obviously announced — serve to deter anything? By the time S&S gets down to a basement, lights will have flashed, any mess will have been cleaned up, and the brothers will be reciting Robert Frost.

GOALS: Safety, prevention, deterrence of high risk behavior

● All trial walk-throughs will be completed by Monday, October 1, so that each organization has the opportunity to consult with Safety and Security about the process and areas that will be covered. Safety and Security will continue to blitz each house ahead of time before they arrive for the trial walk-through so that organizations know when to expect them, and so that students understand the designation of common areas within the facility.

● The process will be similar to current safety walk-throughs:

o Knock

o If no response DOSS will enter and shout to get the organization’s attention, so that an exec or member can accompany them. DOSS would prefer to be accompanied, but will continue if no member or exec responds.

o If no response, DOSS will proceed with the walk-through, and then leave. DOSS expects the walk-through of common areas will be brief, similar to current safety checks.

o Walk-throughs will be limited to common areas. If during a walk-through, there is a reasonable suspicion that student safety is at risk or a violation of College policy is occurring within a private area, DOSS will knock and investigate.

o If the walk-through has not been escorted, DOSS will leave a message that a random walk-through was conducted.

● Walk-throughs may occur any time day or night. DOSS anticipates 2-4 walk-throughs per day, but that may vary depending on campus events, staffing levels and other variables. Random walk-throughs will not occur on the same day that an organization has a registered event where a party check by DOSS is already required.

● DOSS will make every effort to involve female officers in sorority walk-throughs. If that is not possible, DOSS will make every effort and will prefer to be accompanied by a sorority member who will move ahead of them to announce their presence.

● DOSS’ internal schedule for walk-throughs will ensure that the number of checks each house receives in a term will be the same — no single house should get more or fewer checks.

● DOSS will be available to meet on request with GLOS or with individual organizations, and will plan to meet with GLOS leaders one month after the unannounced checks begin. Organizations with immediate concerns about a walk-through or who want to provide ongoing feedback should contact Director of Safety and Security Harry Kinne