FOR COMMENT

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PENNCard Policy

In January of 1998, the University instituted a policy requiring the wearing of PENNCard identification cards in buildings that are being used 24 hours a day (Almanac, December 15, 1998). The first phase targeted specific buildings with high after-hours populations. The policy states "building users are required to prominently display their PENNCards between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.--7 days a week."

In February of 2000, phase II of the PENNCard Identification Policy was expanded to include all campus buildings used by students, staff and faculty after hours (between 10 p.m and 7 a.m.), with the obvious exception of students, staff and faculty residents in residential buildings and those actively participating in activities in athletic buildings.

As a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Division of Public Safety's Advisory Board was asked to examine the issue of security within all University buildings, and in particular the issue of displaying PENNCard identification cards 24 hours a day --7 days a week. The Board issued the following recommendation:

"Acknowledging that building security is currently a school and center responsibility, the Advisory Board also recognizes that DPS must be prepared to undertake heightened security measures at specific buildings or across campus in the event of an emergency or high security risk. The Board reviewed the current policies governing the use of PENNCard identification cards, and wishes to acknowledge that there are currently two University of Pennsylvania policies governing their use:

The first policy is the University of Pennsylvania Human Resources policy number 119. This policy states, "Each faculty and regular staff member will be issued a photo identification card (PENNCard) while a member of the University community. The PENNCard is the property of the University of Pennsylvania and is not transferable. It should be carried at all times and presented upon request of any University official."

The second PENNCard policy is the University of Pennsylvania Security Policy for 24 Hour Academic Buildings (see Almanac Of Record, January 18, 2000).

This policy requires faculty, staff and students utilizing Academic Buildings between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. prominently display their PENNCard identification.

The Advisory Board wishes to note that in the event of a heightened security risk, members of the Penn community must be prepared for the enforcement of these policies, as well as potentially greater restrictions on access to campus buildings and events. To that end, the DPS Advisory Board recommends that these policies be expanded to include a statement to the effect that "Faculty, staff and students of the University of Pennsylvania must carry their PENNCard Identification Cards with them, or risk being denied access to a University event or building." The DPS Advisory Board also wishes to acknowledge that some schools and centers may implement procedures regarding their individual building internal security that exceed those governing the general PENNCard policies adopted by the University."

The Public Safety Advisory Board seeks the input of all segments of the Penn community. Please direct your comments to: Maureen Rush via tcoffey@pobox.upenn.edu.

--Maureen Rush, Vice President Public Safety