The Residence Hall Security Program is located in Dickinson Hall, 351 Hicks Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9363, room 101. The residence hall security team provides security during the evening hours in the residence halls and apartment buildings across campus. The Residence Hall Security Manager collaborates with UMPD and Residential Life to meet the ongoing security needs of the residence hall system.
During the academic year, over 200 students are employed as Security Monitors to check residents’ identification, register guests and screen visitors. During vacation periods, security is also provided in the occupied nine-month and year-round halls. All UMass Amherst residence halls are locked 24 hours per day. Residence Hall Security personnel staff the lobbies from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM on weekdays and from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM on weekends. Residence Hall Security supervisors also provide the Walking Escort Service to and from any location on campus.
Residence Hall Security supervisors serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for UMPD by reporting unusual conditions, safety or lighting concerns or other issues that require UMPD attention. During special events, Residence Hall Security personnel provide support for the UMPD by assisting with parking and directions during the semi-annual move-in process, and during Commencement each May. Residence Hall Security personnel are responsible for staffing 53 posts at 48 entrances in 45 residence halls and four apartment buildings, housing over 14,000 students. See Residence Hall Security jobs if you are interested in Residence Hall Monitor positions.
The Police Cadets provide another important level of security to further strengthen UMPD's community policing efforts. These students are trained in police techniques and de-escalation techniques, serve as foot patrol, perform ancillary functions, and free officers for other duties.
Policy and Guidelines for Campus Security Cameras
The following are the UMPD standards for the responsible use of security cameras in public areas.
The UMPD seeks to enhance public safety and security and our community's quality of life in a professional and ethical manner, consistent with accepted legal rights of privacy.
The objectives of the current security camera program include:
- Enhancing community safety
- Preventing and deterring crime
- Reducing the fear of crime
- Identifying suspects of criminal activity
Initial and ongoing needs assessments will be conducted.
Information that the UMPD obtains with the use of the video cameras will be used exclusively for safety and law enforcement purposes and will be handled according to the police department's rules governing the handling of evidence.
There will be periodic dissemination to the campus community describing the location of all video cameras.
UMPD employees shall receive appropriate training, including but not limited to, the ethical limits of using video equipment and instruction on applicable civil and criminal laws.
UMPD personnel will monitor new developments in relevant law and in security industry practices to ensure that camera use at UMass Amherst is consistent with the highest standards and protections.
Recorded images will be stored for a period not to exceed 30 days and will be erased unless retained as part of a criminal investigation, court procedure, or other bona fide use.