Security and Safety Department

Campus security

The Norwich University Security and Safety Department provides 24-hour coverage 365 days a year. The Security Office is located in the southwest end of the Hayden Building. From an off-campus phone, security personnel can be contacted by dialing 802.485.2525/2499. On-campus callers can reach security by dialing ext. 2525 or 2499. Emergency call boxes are located in the parking lots defined as Lots A, B, C, and D. These call boxes are readily visible because of the illuminated blue light located at the top of the call box stanchions.

The Security and Safety Department has only those enforcement powers as designated by the president of Norwich University. The department does not have law enforcement powers, however, an excellent working relationship exists between state and local law enforcement. All emergencies and any criminal actions that are reported will be investigated by the Security and Safety Department and/or local law enforcement agencies. Academic buildings are patrolled and locked down, per schedule, by security personnel. Residence Halls are patrolled periodically and upon request.

Crime reporting

Students are encouraged to report all violations and criminal activities to the Security Department. During orientation, students are instructed on the procedures for contacting the Security Department. The Security and Safety Department will investigate all complaints and act on them in an appropriate manner.

  • Annual Report: A comprehensive report of crime-related information is published annually and is available to any member of the campus community as here: 2007 Crime Report. The detailed annual crime report, forwarded to the Department of Education, is available at this website: ope.ed.gov/security. This report is updated annually and contains the Norwich University crime statistics for the past three years. This report represents crimes reported to Norwich University officials that were alleged to have occurred on campus, noncampus and public property.

    Definitions of locations for crime reporting

    On Campus
    • The building is owned or controlled by Norwich University and is located within the confines of the main campus.
    • The building is owned by Norwich University, but is controlled by a student organization and located within the confines of the main campus.
    Noncampus
    A building owned or controlled by Norwich University and is located off campus.
    Public Property
    Those areas, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that are within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
  • Special Alerts: If circumstances warrant it, special crime alerts are prepared and distributed throughout the campus via electronic notices, campus wide emails, and posted notices.
  • Residence Hall Safety: Crime and fire prevention presentations are made available to resident students.
  • Facilities Surveys: Comprehensive surveys of exterior lighting, exterior doors and grounds are conducted by the Security Department throughout the year.

Emergency communication

In case of a campus wide emergency, Norwich University has two emergency communication methods:

  1. Emergency Siren—An emergency siren is located on the roof of Chaplin Hall. When activated, the siren will emit a wailing sound followed by a prerecorded verbal message. This device also has a public announcement capability.
  2. MIR3 Web Based Notification System—The MIR3 system is an electronic notification system. All faculty, staff, and students are required to register their contact information in order to be notified through the MIR3 system. Once registered in the system, MIR3 messages can be transmitted via email, telephone, and SMS (text messaging).

Student information

Programs designed to inform students about campus security and safety are initially covered at orientation. This subject is also included in student handbooks. The Security and Safety Department provides support services to the University community. Some of these services are:

  • Registration of student, faculty and staff motor vehicles.
  • Assistance to campus motorists with minor vehicle problems.
  • Maintenance of a lost and found department.
  • After-hours assistance with room lockouts.
  • Escort to car or from building to building upon request.
  • All security officers are CPR qualified.
  • Electronic notices for changing parking schemes due to weather, construction etc.

Weapons posession

The unauthorized possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major or minor explosives or any lethal weapon is forbidden and subject to University discipline as well as criminal sanctions. Any instrument that propels a projectile such air soft, BB, paintball guns, slingshots etc., are considered weapons.

Alcohol and controlled substances

A statement of policy concerning alcohol and drugs is found in the Student Rules and Regulations and the Staff/Employee Handbook. The unauthorized possession, use or consumption of any controlled substance or related paraphernalia is prohibited on campus. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on University property except in designated areas or at events where the University’s licensed caterer serves alcoholic beverages. Security officers will notify the local police department in all cases of underage drinking.

Additional information

Additional information about campus security can be obtained by calling the chief of security at 802.485.2498.

Frequently called numbers

  • Security/Safety (Normal Business): x2499
  • Emergencies: x2525
  • Facilities Operations: x2148
  • Commandant of Cadets: x2135
  • Dean of Students: x2640
  • Cadet Guardroom (1630 – 0700): x2589
  • Student Health Center (Infirmary): x2552