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Archdiocese of Detroit
 
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Security and Access
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.

The only entrance to the grounds is through one gated area. Once access to the grounds has been obtained, admittance to the building complex can only be obtained through the main entrance.

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 as well as the building entrance. SHMS Security officers are also responsible for 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.  

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.

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Reporting of Criminal Offenses
All students, faculty, staff and guests of the College are asked to report emergencies and criminal activity to the Security Department or the Detroit Police Department. Once a report is made an investigation will be done. Security can be reached by dialing 8536 from any Seminary phone or dial direct at (313) 883-8536. For police emergencies call 911 for the Detroit Police. If desired, security officers will assist in the notification and reporting to the police. 

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 crime is reported to SHMS Security, either on or off campus, that represents a serious or continuing threat to students and staff, special alerts or "timely warnings" will be issued by the Director of Security. The decision to issue a timely warning will be based on the facts of the incident, nature of the crime, and threat to the Seminary community.  

The timely warnings can be issued by several means including:

  • In-class announcements
  • Posting of fliers in strategic spots on campus
  • A campus-wide e-mail
  • Text messaging
  • Phones
  • SHMS Security Web Site
  • Emergency Notification System

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Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the SHMS campus, SHMS Security and Administration staff will respond to the scene and determine the type of emergency, severity, and appropriate response to the situation. In certain instances police, fire or medical assistance may be immediately requested based on received information prior to response to the scene by SHMS staff.  

Emergency Notification
If an immediate threat to the health or safety of students, staff, visitors or employees is confirmed, SHMS Security and Administrative staff will determine the content of and initiate an emergency notification to all or part of the SHMS community.

Those responsible for carrying out this process will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the SHMS community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless doing so will, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

Each notification, based on the event, will be issued by various means including alarms, an emergency alert system and media.

  Alarm System
The SHMS alarm system uses sound alarm, strobe lighting and a recorded message instructing all SHMS persons to evacuate the building. The system works inside the Seminary as well as the Cardinal Mooney building. It also allows for voice audio communications in both buildings.
   
 

Emergency Alert System
Students/faculty and staff may sign up for immediate notification of SHMS security issues, cancellation of classes or other emergencies by signing up for with Wayne County's Homeland Security Alert System at https://wayne.getalerts.org/

Via this system SHMS Security and Administration can send notices by text messages and prerecorded voice messages on cell phones, hard-line phones, text pagers and SHMS or personal e-mail accounts.

The SHMS emergency notification system can be issued by:

  • The Rector/President
  • The Vice-Rector/Dean of Formation
  • The Dean of Studies
  • The Building Administrator
  • The Director of Security

Testing of this system will occur twice a year in January and September.

   
  Media Notification
Local electronic media may be used to issue emergency information to the larger community.

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Emergency Evacuation
SHMS Security, Administrative Staff or other emergency response personnel will announce evacuation of all or part of a building or the campus. The SHMS community should follow instructions of SHMS Security staff, Building Administration or emergency personnel during evacuations.

  Building Evacuation
An evacuation alarm sounding within a building requires immediate evacuation. All, students, faculty, staff and any other individuals within the building must immediately depart the building using designated exit routes if safe. Department administrators are responsible to ensure that staff is aware of exit routes and the location of their determined designated meeting area.
   
  Limited Evacuation
A temporary evacuation of a portion of a building may occur for several reasons including mechanical or electrical failure, or other facility-related issues of health, safety and/or environmental concerns.
   
  Campus-wide Evacuation
For any event that significantly threatens SHMS, an evacuation of the campus will be announced by the SHMS Security and Administration Department, after receiving approval from the Rector/President or the designated administrator in charge.

SHMS Security and Administration will test the emergency response and evacuation system annually. A description of the exercise will be documented, including a description of the exercise, the date, time, and if it was announced or unannounced.

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Campus Security Authority
The Sacred Heart Major Seminary security authority and those to whom employees and students should report criminal activity are:  

Sacred Heart Major Seminary Security (313) 883-8500
Rector (313) 883-8501
Vice Rector (313) 883-8552
Dean of Studies (313) 883-8556
Dean of Institute for Ministry (313) 883-8696
Director of Graduate Seminarians (313) 883-8500
Director of Undergraduate Seminarians (313) 883-8566

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.

Missing Student Notification
If a student, employees, or other individuals should have reason to believe that a student living on campus is missing, a report shall be made to SHMS Security or Campus Security Authorities. Campus Officials taking missing student reports shall immediately notify SHMS Security who will immediately initiate an investigation. There is no 24-hour waiting period required before filing reports about missing students. The Detroit Police Department shall be notified immediately by SHMS Security when a student is reported missing. All possible efforts will be made, in collaboration with the SHMS Security Department, Campus Authority Officials, and the Detroit Police Department, to locate the student and to ensure their safety.

Students living on campus may register a confidential contact person to be notified in the event the student is determined to be missing. Students may register the confidential contact information with the Dean of Formation or Director of Undergraduates.

Regardless of whether a student names a contact person, SHMS Officials shall notify the Detroit Police that the student is missing. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of a missing person investigation may have access to this information. If the student has a designated contact person, SHMS Security will notify that contact person within 24 hours.

A parent or guardian must also be notified if a student less than 18 years of age, who has not been emancipated, is reported missing. SHMS Security will notify the un-emancipated student's custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours.

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.

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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 AOD Human Resources Department for details.

In addition, students, faculty and employees may seek assistance for Substance Abuse treatment and prevention programs through Catholic Social Services of Wayne County. These Substance Abuse programs focus on outpatient care for adult alcoholics, drug abusers and their families. Services are comprised of:

  • Counseling through group and family formats
  • Direct support and skill training for individuals and groups
  • Case Management designed to assist with accessing community resources
  • Group Counseling for individuals with similar types of problems 
 
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.

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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.

Catholic Social Services of Wayne County, through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), provides a wide-range of support services for individuals, children and adult victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or assault.   Services include:

  • Outpatient counseling
  • Information and Referral
  • Psychiatric and psychological consultations
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 Web site at www.mipsor.state.mi.us.

Clery Act
The Office of Sacred Heart Major Seminary Security maintains and annually discloses to the SHMS community crime statistics for incidents occurring on campus. Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the SHMS office of Security and local law enforcement agencies.

Annually, an e-mail notification will be made to all students enrolled informing them of the web site to access this report. Faculty and staff will also receive notification through e-mail. Copies of the report may also be obtained by calling the office of SHMS Security (313) 883-8653 during normal business hours. This information is also provided to perspective students and staff, upon request, through the Human Resource and College Admissions offices.

 

SHMS Crime Statistics
The Office of Sacred Heart Major Seminary Security prepares this report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act.

On Campus Crime 2007 2008 2009 2010
Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter, Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 0
Sex Offenses 0 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 1 0
Burglary 0 0 0 0
Larceny-Theft 0 0 6 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 2 0 0
Arson 0 0 0 0
Hate Crimes 0 0 0 0

Arrests for listed crimes occurring on campus 2007 2008 2009 2010
Liquor Law Violations 0 0 0 0
Drug Abuse Violations 0 0 0 0
Weapons Violations 0 0 0 0

Criminal Offenses in on Campus Residence Halls 2007 2008 2009 2010
Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter, Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0 0
Sex Offenses 0 0 0 0
Nonforcible Sex Offenses 0 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0 0
Burglary 0 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 0
Arson 0 0 0 0
Hate Crimes 0 0 0 0

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Annual Fire Safety Report

In 2009 there was an electrical fire in the Main Chapel attic.

 
  2007 2008 2009 2010
Fires 0 0 1 0
Cause n/a n/a electrical n/a
Human Injury 0 0 0 0
Deaths 0 0 0 0
Damage Values 0 0 $480,000 0
 
Fire Safety
Sacred Heart Major Seminary (SHMS) adheres to the local fire code and performs fire evacuation drills for employees and residents. The SHMS Security staff and Administration work together to provide the residents and staff with fire safety programs. In addition, fire drills are conducted and evacuation routes are posted throughout the building. Future improvements for Fire Safety Plans are an ongoing process with SHMS Administration and Security.

In 2009 an updated fire alarm system was installed throughout all buildings. Fire safety equipment is monitored and checked by SHMS Security and Administration personnel. All buildings, including residence halls, are equipped with fire alarm systems, smoke/heat detectors, and portable fire extinguishers.

In the event of a fire, first-response fire fighting service is provided through the Detroit Fire Department. All fires should be reported. If you need to report a fire in progress DIAL 911. Activate the fire alarm if you detect a fire, burning odor or smell smoke.

When a fire alarm is activated, building evacuation is mandatory. Learn the location of fire exits. Do not use elevators during a fire evacuation. Stay clear of the building once you have exited. The designated gathering point for evacuees is the center of the parking lot. Do not re-enter a building until an all clear is given by emergency personnel.

In the case where a fire may have occurred but is not active a report should be made to SHMS Security or Administration. For non-emergency fire inquiries, you may contact the SHMS Security office at 313-883-8653 or the Detroit Fire department at 313-596-2900.

  Open Flames and Electrical Appliances
Candles are permitted in dormitory rooms with permission of the House Director. No open fires are allowed in any building. Permission should be sought for outside open fires through the building administration. Portable electric appliances should be approved by building administration prior to use.
   
 

Smoke-free Building Policy
Due to the negative health effects associated with inhaling second-hand smoke, the Seminary is a smoke-free building. Our smoke–free environment includes all enclosed indoor areas of the building, all courtyards, and the St. Joseph's porch. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entrance to the building.

Smoking will be permitted in other outdoor areas of the seminary grounds. People who smoke must do so outside the building. This policy extends to any visitor to the building, construction workers, and event attendees.

No smoking signs or the international "no smoking" symbol must be clearly and conspicuously posted at each entrance. Ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia must be removed from all smoke-prohibited areas. "Smoking paraphernalia" means any equipment, apparatus, or furnishing that is used in or necessary for the activity of smoking. Individuals smoking in violation of this policy should be asked to smoke outdoors. If the individual continues to smoke, the incident should be reported to the Building Administration Office.

All buildings on campus are smoke-free. This includes all enclosed indoor areas of the building, all courtyards, and porches. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entrance to the building. Any violations should be reported to the Building Administration Office.

Medical Emergencies
The Detroit Fire Department operates a full paramedic rescue unit 24 hours a day.
In the event that emergency medical assistance is needed call 911 to contact the City of Detroit EMS.

For additional assistance contact the SHMS Security desk by dialing 8536 or "0". Automated External Defibrillators are located throughout the building. The locations are:

  • Front Door / Security Desk
  • Interior hall /Outside Gym
  • Hallway / Bishop Gallagher Room
  • North Quadrant 1st floor / Registrar Office
  • North Quadrant 2nd floor / SJV Elevator
Security
Incident Log
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Crime Prevention
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