Residence Hall Security
The UMPD works in partnership with the staff of Housing and Residence Life to ensure that our 45 residence halls are safe places to live.
Safety Features
UMass Amherst uses a variety of systems to keep the residence halls safe. The doors are locked 24/7 and residents must use their UCards to enter. A student’s UCard will only work at his or her residence hall. All exterior doors are connected to a silent alarm system, which is monitored remotely by the Housing and Residence Life staff as well as the police.
Additionally, 350 security cameras monitor the residence halls. The cameras are focused on the main entrances and areas of high pedestrian traffic. Residence hall security monitors staff the lobbies from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. on weekends, checking IDs and registering guests. On the weekends, police cadets join them for added support.
There are many ways that you can help keep the residence halls safe:
- Follow residence hall guidelines.
- Do not share your keys and UCards.
- Report lost keys or UCards immediately.
- Lock your door, even if you are leaving the room for just a moment.
- Always use main entrances and exits–except during a fire alarm.
- Do not prop any exterior doors.
- Don’t let anyone “tailgate” you—don’t let a stranger follow you into the residence hall as you enter.
- Show proper ID to the security staff and keep your UCard hall stickers valid.
- Always register your guests.
- Notify staff of broken doors and security equipment.
- Tell police or security if you see any attempts to tamper with safety equipment or undermine security.
- Report suspicious activity to the police.
Security Monitors
Over 200 students assist with campus security through the Residence Hall Student Security Program (a division of the UMPD). These security monitors work during the evening, screening access to the residence halls, checking IDs, and registering guests. They also look for unusual conditions, safety or lighting concerns, and other issues that require attention. Beyond their role inside the residence halls, residence hall security supervisors are also on-call to provide safety walking escorts to and from any location on campus.
During vacation periods, security staff members continue to provide security to the occupied nine-month and year-round residence halls.
If you are interested in a job with Residence Hall Security, go to Job Opportunities for application information.
Community Outreach
UMPD officers are a familiar presence in the residence halls, getting to know staff and students, and helping to maintain a safe environment. Over the past few years, the UMPD Community Outreach Officer has built a strong relationship with the residence halls, significantly improving communication and programs.
Police Cadets
The police cadets provide another level of security and further strengthen the department’s community policing efforts. These students are extensively trained in police techniques, and serve as foot patrol, perform ancillary functions, and free officers for other duties. As students, they often see and hear what the police cannot, spotting problems early and preventing escalation.
