A “lockdown” is a temporary sheltering technique utilized to limit civilian exposure to imminent threat of violence.  A lockdown will be made only if there is a serious risk of danger to staff, faculty and students.  The general purpose of a lockdown is to convert a building into a large “Safe Room.”  The decision to initiate building lockdown procedures may be at the discretion of University officials or in response to a request by local law enforcement officials. 

Responsibilities of Public Safety

In the event of a situation requiring the initiation of building lockdown procedures, Public Safety Officers will perform the following tasks to the extent possible:

·              Declare and initiate the lockdown directive;

·              Activate appropriate emergency notification systems;

·               Immediately respond to the scene;

·              Contact and coordinate with the Chicago Police Department;

·               Provide security for the scene;

·              Advise Facility Operations staff to switch to the Public Safety radio channel;

·              Lock and secure perimeter building doors with assistance from Facility Operations staff, custodians and maintenance personnel as needed;

·               Post pre-printed signs on all lobby doors; and

·              Attempt to discourage building occupants from exiting the building.

Lockdown involving a Traditional Residence Halls

During a lockdown involving a traditional residence hall, all Resident Education staff in the residence hall are to report to a pre-determined area to assist with lockdown and communications, as follows:

·              Lock and secure perimeter building doors and, if possible, electronically disable student access cards;

·              Post signs on all doors indicating that the building is locked down and that no one will be permitted to enter;

·              Evacuate the lobby desk;

·              Notify building occupants of the lockdown; and

·               Discourage students from exiting the building.