This policy applies to the St. John’s University community,
including students, faculty, administrators and staff and to
visitors on the University campuses. This policy applies to all St.
John’s New York campuses.
Policy
The safety and security of students, faculty, administrators,
staff, and visitors during events taking place at the University is
paramount. The Department of Public Safety will plan and implement
appropriate safety protocols for all events taking place on St.
John’s Universitycampuses, and will coordinate and plan placement
and use of security personnel. In an effort to help facilitate
student and/or University programs and to support and encourage
on-campus activities, metal detectors, including magnetometer
machines and hand-held wands, may be utilized to ensure a safe
event.
Magnetometer Use
Metal detection is used at all NCAA sporting events held at the
Carnesecca Arena, Belson Soccer Stadium, and DaSilva Field when the
total number of expected attendees is greater than 100. In
addition, questions normally used to evaluate whether or not the
use of metal detectors is an appropriate vehicle for ensuring the
protection of the University community include the following:
- Will attendees include people from outside the St. John’s
community?
- Will attendance exceed 250 people?
- Are two or more events scheduled on a University campus in
close proximity and time?
Metal detection devices may also be used when information exists
that warrants their use as determined by members of the Department
of Public Safety in conjunction with an executive member of the
University. This may include, for example, when there is a history
of disruptive behavior on the part of the performer and/or patrons,
or when a speaker or sponsoring organization requests security
measures be taken. University events hosted by the President and
other senior leaders of the University may be deemed by Public
Safety not to require magnetometers and discretion will be
exercised when assessing this need.
Magnetometer Security
Procedures
Public Safety personnel will utilize metal detector devices to
screen persons entering an event for weapons and other dangerous
instruments. Backpacks and other similar items are normally not
permitted into an event. At student-centered events, Public Safety
may permit backpacks or similar items; however, they will be
subject to search. The University does not allow individuals to
bring alcoholic beverages into an event, and non-alcoholic
beverages are permitted in plastic containers only. Prospective
attendees may (i) refuse to be screened by a metal detector, (ii)
refuse to permit Public Safety inspection of their hand-carried
items, and (iii) withdraw permission for screening or searches at
any time, provided that a weapon or other threat to safety has not
already been identified. Any person who refuses or withdraws
permission for screening or searching, will be escorted off campus
by Public Safety personnel unless the person has a valid St. John’s
University identification card identifying him or her as a student
or member of the staff, faculty or administration; in such case,
the person will be refused admittance to the event and asked to
leave the event area. In cases in which a person, by reason of
medical necessity, is unable to submit to the screening process,
that person may request a manual pat down by a Public Safety
Officer, provided that person has a valid medical identification
card indicating that he/she is unable to submit to a medical
detector or other device.
Questions concerning this policy should be directed to the
Department of Public Safety at 718-990-6647. This policy is also
located in the Public Safety Manual and in the Student
Handbook.