Policies of Colorado State University

University Policy

University Seal
Policy Title: Security Screening Category: Public Safety/Risk Management
Owner: Vice President for University Operations Policy ID#: 5-6023-012
Contact:
CSU Police Department
Web: http://police.colostate.edu
Phone: 970-491-6425
Original Effective Date: 8/22/2018
Last Revision: 11/9/2021

POLICY OWNERS

This policy is jointly owned by the Vice President for University Operations and the Vice President for Information Technology.

PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to provide for the use of metal detectors and other security screening methods and devices at Colorado State University facilities and events.

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to all persons entering a secure facility or event where the University has elected to use security screening protocols.

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY

Instant Security Check is a process by which the Colorado State University Police Department accesses the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Crime Information System.

Threat Assessment is the process used by the Chief of Police of the Colorado State University Police Department (or their designee) of identifying and evaluating risk factors and an estimation of the likelihood and nature of a negative outcome at a university event.

POLICY STATEMENT

The safety and security of students, faculty, staff, and visitors during events taking place at the University is paramount. The CSU Police Department (CSUPD) will plan and implement appropriate safety protocols for all events taking place on university campuses and will coordinate and plan placement and use of security personnel, in coordination with the others as appropriate. In an effort to help facilitate safety at university events, and to support and encourage on-campus activities, metal detectors, including walk through magnetometer machines,  hand-held wands, and instant security checks may be utilized.

Canvas Stadium and Moby Arena are certified as critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security, which necessitates a process to protect and secure people, property, and equipment from potential internal and/or external threats. This policy specifies the use of certain devices and protocols that will be deployed at these venues, as well as at other University facilities and events as determined necessary and appropriate by the University.

POLICY PROVISIONS 

Stadium and Arena Events

  1. For any event for which the  Chief of Police or designee of the Chief deems it appropriate, CSUPD will perform a threat and vulnerability assessment to determine whether metal detectors and other security devices and protocols will be deployed as part of the overall security footprint. It is important to note that there is no hard-and-fast rule with respect to all events, and decisions will be made based on all the facts and circumstances, including (but not limited to) the expected crowd size, availability of alcohol, other security measures to be used (clear bags, barricades, bike rack removal, tactical deployment, etc.), and any identifiable risk or threat.
  2. Metal detection may be used at ticketed sporting events held at Canvas Stadium and Moby Arena and may be used for other events held in the stadium or in Moby as determined by CSUPD’s threat and vulnerability assessment.
  1. An instant security check may be used at Canvas Stadium and Moby Arena events for all news media, employees, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and community groups currently using the staff and media entrances of these facilities, as determined by CSUPD’s threat and vulnerability assessment.
    1. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older and is reporting to Canvas Stadium or Moby Arena as a member of one of these groups must present identification upon check-in. The individual must allow their identification card to be scanned into the University’s threat assessment software, which performs an FBI screening.
    2. The instant security check software, which is used at many large venues to protect the lives and assets of the venue, screens the identification card, and performs an instant query to the National Crime Information Center, which is an FBI-managed database. The screening includes a search of files including, but not limited to, wanted persons, violent persons, suspected or known terrorist, sex offender, and gang members. When the screening is conducted, the person scanning the ID will only see a simple green or red flag, with no additional detail regarding the flagged record. If an ID receives a red flag, that individual will not be permitted into the facility until the red flag has been investigated.  The individual may then sign a digital consent acknowledgement voluntarily consenting to the official query.  After investigation, the ranking police supervisor at the event renders a decision on entrance.  
    3. Acceptable forms of identification include current, valid:
      1. U.S. driver’s license and identification cards
      2. Passports and passport cards
      3. Permanent resident cards and visas
    4. Forms of identification that will not be accepted include, but are not limited to, University ID cards, consular ID card, Transportation Worker Identification Credential, and other similar identifications.

Other On-Campus Events

Security screening may be used at other large-scale and/or higher-risk events as determined by CSUPD based on the threat and vulnerability assessment, which will include the feasibility of deploying screening devices at a specific time and place. Higher-risk events may include but are not limited to the attendance of political figures or heads of state, or groups or speakers with a history of violent disturbances. When a special event is planned to be held on campus, the event/program facilitator must contact CSUPD regarding security requirements at least two weeks in advance. Based on its assessment, CSUPD will make a recommendation on security screening to the  Associate Vice President of Safety and Risk Services and Chief Resilience Officer.

Mandatory Screening

Whenever security screening is in use, all persons entering the event or screened area must be screened.  A person may bypass the screening if authorized by the police supervisor. Even when screening is bypassed, bags and other items will be searched each time the person enters the controlled area. Persons refusing to undergo screening will be denied entrance and may be required to leave the property. A person who has a medical condition that puts them at risk for magnetic screening (e.g., a pacemaker) or other medical reasons, may be screened by alternative means.

Questions regarding security screening may be directed to the University police department at 970-491-6425.

Use of Metal Detectors by Outside Entities

On occasion, the University may rent out its screening equipment to an outside agency or entity for use at an event to be held on University property. All such uses must be approved in advance by:

  • The Colorado State University Chief of Police.
  • The Associate Vice President for Facilities; and
  • The head of the University department that is working with the outside entity for the event 

A written agreement in which the entity agrees to be solely responsible for claims and damages arising from their use of the metal detectors, including any damages to the machines as well as third party claims, must be signed before the event. Facilities Management will determine the rental price.   

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

Compliance with this policy is required. For assistance with interpretation or application of this policy, contact the Colorado State University Police Department                    

REFERENCES

Clear Bag Policy - Colorado State University Athletics (csurams.com)

Game Day Landing Page - Colorado State University Athletics (csurams.com)

CSU Policy: Special Events on University Property

 

APPROVALS 

Approved by Anthony A. Frank, President, on August 22, 2018

Revision approved by Anthony A. Frank, President, on April 18, 2019

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations, on February 17, 2020

Revision approved by Lynn Johnson, Vice President for University Operations, on November 9, 2021