SECTION TWO

Emergency Response

201       Fires and Fire Alarms

Fire Alarm System

Nearly all buildings on both campuses are equipped with a central fire alarm system. On the University Park Campus, this system reports simultaneously to SafeCom. The Park Hill Campus system reports only to DFD Dispatch, which in turns calls SafeCom. For further information regarding specifics of fire alarm systems, please refer to the specific campus section in this manual, or the SafeCom Operations Manual.

Responding to Fire Alarms

All fire alarms require a priority one response. Officers should treat any FA call as an actual fire. Upon arrival, officers must notify SafeCom of their arrival, and also the arrival of DFD units. If DPD responds, this arrival should also be reported.

Duties of Responding Units

1. Report to SafeCom the initial status of the scene upon arrival. If it can be determined that an actual fire exists, notify SafeCom immediately.

2. Take control of the premises until DFD arrives. Officers may direct evacuation of the building, render first aid or other actions necessary. Officers should not begin searching the building until DFD units are on scene. Firefighters are trained and equipped for this task, campus safety officers are not.

3. Officers are expected to be familiar with anunciators and other fire equipment in each building so that they may assist firefighters in determining the source of an alarm. Officers must assist DFD units as much as possible. Denver Fire Department has legal authority at the scene of a fire or fire alarm to take the appropriate action.

4. Fire alarm systems may be silenced or reset only on the orders of the ranking DFD officer (Chief). SafeCom should be notified when this is ordered. Similarly, the building may not be reoccupied without authorization from DFD.

Causes of Fire Alarms

Causes of alarms fall into three categories, each requiring different response and documentation:

Category 1: Actual Fire

This category includes situations where flames may not be present, but smoke or overheated equipment may have caused the alarm.

1. See Offenses section under Fire.

2. DFD investigators will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Complete an incident report detailing the information available at the scene. Include the name of the investigator assigned.

3. Make sure proper notifications are completed to department and university officials. Obtain Physical Plant assistance in shutting off utilities, securing buildings, etc., if necessary

Category 2: False Alarm

Intentional

The intentional triggering of a false alarm is a crime. If a suspect is present, he or she should be detained for arrest by DPD. In addition, any physical evidence or witnesses should be identified and protected. Each intentional false alarm requires the completion of an incident report.

Unintentional

Accidental triggering may occur during the course of building maintenance or other causes. Officers should investigate the incident thoroughly and make sure that DFD concurs that this is the cause. Accidental false alarms shall be noted on the officer’s daily log and the corresponding SafeCom records.

Category 3: Malfunction

A malfunction is a problem within the fire alarm system or phone lines, which causes an alarm signal. An incident report is not required, but the alarm should be noted on the SafeCom records. SafeCom should be notified to do a maintenance referral to have the malfunction’s cause corrected.

Flow valves

Flow valves are integral with fire alarm systems and should not be disabled with out permission from DFD personnel on scene. An exception would be for maintenance on the system. DFD has allowed an exception to this rule in Centennial Towers. Due to the extensive amount of water damage that may occur DFD has allowed campus safety officers to shut of the flow valves prior to DFD arrival for a specific floor if the following conditions exist.

1. There is no visible sign or smell of smoke

2. There are no visible flames.

202        Medical Assists

An incident is classified as a medical assist any time illness, injury, or metal health problems are the primary reason for campus safety response. Medical Assists require a priority one response.

First Aid and CPR

Certification in basic first aid and CPR are a condition of employment as a Campus Safety officer. Officers so trained are expected to render such as required in accordance with this training. Note: It is highly recommended that officers utilize protective gloves when responding to calls for first aid. This is especially pertinent when blood and bodily fluids are in evidence.

Obtaining Aid

The ranking campus safety officer on the scene is authorized to obtain aid (i.e. paramedics) on behalf of a sick or injured party in the following circumstances:

1. When requested by the victim or another responsible party.

2. When the officer has determined that the nature of the illness or injury is serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention.

3. When ordered by a physician, EMT, firefighter, or police officer.

Injuries Involving Officers or Other University Employees

1. Employees injured at work must report to Student Health Services located at Centennial Halls, South Tower.

2. If Student Health Services is closed, the employee is to report to Urgent Care. Call 329-3066 for an appointment.

3. For injuries requiring immediate treatment or life threatening emergencies the employee should be transported by ambulance to University Hospital at 4200 E. 9th Ave. (Colorado Blvd. and 9th Ave.).

4. Report all injuries promptly, no matter how minor. An injury to a Campus Safety officer is to be reported to Command Staff as soon as possible.

5. If a Campus Safety officer is involved a Risk Management injury report must be completed by the supervisor on duty.

Injuries Involving Students

1. It is recommended that sick or injured students contact Student Health Services during normal business hours. Many injuries and illnesses can be treated in the office.

2. After hours, the student may wish to obtain emergency treatment at a hospital emergency room or other facility. The Student's insurance carrier may designate the facility. If the student is capable of making a decision, he or she should be asked for a preference.

3. If the student is not conscious or is unable to make a decision, paramedics should be called to render assistance. They will most likely transport to the nearest facility.

Documentation

Upon completion of a Medial Assist, an incident report should be completed. Along with routine information, the report should include:

1. Nature of injuries

2. Cause of injuries

3. Medical attention given and by whom (i.e. ambulance company, paramedics, etc.)

4. Facility where victim was transported if applicable

In addition proper notification of necessary university officials is required.

In some instances, certain departments complete a report for Risk Management. These departments include Athletics, Health Services and Department of Residence. If these departments choose not to share information with the responding officer, the officer should write an incident report relating as much information as is possible and also note that the department involved choose not to reveal necessary information.

203        Mental Health Assists

Definition

In general, a mental health situation arises when a person’s behavior is dangerous to themselves or others, or when they lack control of their behavior.

Examples of Behavior Requiring Assistance:

1. Threatened or attempted suicide.

2. Hysterical or manic behavior - “out of control”.

3. Drug or alcohol overdose.

Responsibilities of Responding Officers

1. The physical safety and welfare of the victim is of primary concern. If first aid or other medical attention is required, request aid.

2. If the victim’s behavior represents an immediate threat to themselves or others, restraint may be necessary. Handcuffs may be used to prevent injury if needed.

3. A mental health professional is the best resource available in these situations. Contact the on-call counselor and get them involved as soon as possible. If the incident occurs in a Residence Hall, the GRD on duty should be notified immediately.

4. Observe closely the behavior exhibited by the victim; make notes if possible. Do not attempt to make a diagnosis or speculation. Inform the mental health professional what the victim says and does.

Documentation

Notifications: Particularly if the incident occurs in a residence hall, all required university officials should be notified when practical.

Incident Report: Should include all routine information, plus name of mental health professional(s) involved. Also name of transporting parties (i.e. paramedics) and facility where victim was taken.

204       Bomb Threats

General Procedures:

1. Denver Police should be notified in all instances where bomb threats are made against university property.

2. Units responding must consider time of detonation (if known) when deciding to evacuate or search buildings.

3. Contact Command Staff as soon as possible if members are not already present. If no Command Staff can be reached in time, the ranking officer on duty should evacuate the building in question. The most effective way to initiate evacuation is to activate the building fire alarm system.

4. Information should be limited on a “need to know” basis in order to prevent panic.

5. DFD/DPD units will assume control of the situation upon arrival. Officers will obey their instructions and inform SafeCom of their arrival.

6. Appropriate university officials should be notified as soon as possible. In particular, the GRD on duty should be notified if a residence hall is involved.

Searches

If a short time to detonation is known, initiation of a search is not practical. Officers should wait until detonation time is past before searching.

If the time of detonation is not known or is substantial, officers should initiate a search of the building.

Faculty or staff who use the areas frequently are most likely to recognize suspicious objects. Officers may request assistance from such staff, who may choose to decline.

Search Procedures

1. Notify SafeCom before entering building. Make sure all personnel involved in search are identified.

2. Turn off portable radios before entering. Radio transmissions may accidentally trigger an explosive device.

3. Search areas of public access first, such as hallways, stairwells, rest rooms, trash containers, and classrooms.

4. Search non-public areas, such as custodial closets, storage rooms, and offices.

5. If suspicious objects are located, do not touch or attempt to open them. Inform DPD of location and description.

 6. Notify SafeCom when search is concluded, and results.

205        Alarm Activation

Burglar (Intrusion)

1. Notify SafeCom upon arrival. Check outside of building for signs of intrusion.

2. Do not enter building until backup unit is present. Notify SafeCom before entering.

3. Both units should listen inside the building for unusual sounds or footsteps.

4. Check the specific area of the alarm. If the area is secure and no sign of intrusion is present, attempt to reset the alarm. If the system is malfunctioning, report it to SafeCom for repair.

5. If an actual burglary has taken place, refer to the Offenses section under Burglary. Use extreme caution if the perpetrator is still present. Call for DPD backup at once!

Panic (Stick Up)

The activation of this type of alarm indicates a robbery in progress. Officers responding to an alarm should assume that an armed suspect is present and exercise extreme caution. Upon receipt of a panic alarm, SafeCom should notify DPD first, then Campus Safety officers. DPD will have primary responsibility for handling the call.

Responsibilities of Responding Officers

1. Approach the scene promptly, but obey all traffic rules and laws.

2. Avoid coming directly in view of the building until necessary. Responding units should use parallel streets to approach the scene.

3. Watch the area for suspects fleeing the scene by foot or automobile. Attempt to get descriptions and radio to SafeCom for relay to DPD. Relay direction of travel if possible. Upon arrival at the scene, each unit should take cover in an area where a potential exit can be watched safely.

4. Do not attempt to apprehend a robbery suspect! Assist DPD units in any way possible, including obtaining information from witnesses and providing information about the physical layout of the scene. Do not enter the building until DPD arrives.

5. The ranking officer on the scene is responsible for contacting responding DPD officers to brief them. Officers should be aware that standard procedure will be for DPD to respond with weapons drawn: Be sure to identify yourself before approaching these officers.

6. An incident report should be completed at the termination of the call. If the alarm is false, the officer should report on the cause of the alarm and persons responsible, if any. If an actual robbery has taken place, refer to the Offenses section under Robbery.

Natural Disasters / Emergencies

Events covered in this category include, but are not limited to:

1. Blizzards or heavy snowfall

2. Tornadoes

3. Earthquakes

4. Floods

Personnel on duty during these events will be expected to remain as long as needed. Overtime and / or adequate compensation will be provided in accordance with university policy. In addition, other department personnel, will be subject to call-in as necessary.

Procedures

1. Officers will not be expected to place themselves in life-threatening positions. In these situations, officers should take appropriate cover or other measures for personal safety until the danger has passed.

2. The primary responsibility of officers in these events is the protection of life. Property safety is a secondary concern.

3. Duties may include crowd control, evacuation of facilities, first aid, communications, or other responsibilities as necessary.

4. Officers will be expected to coordinate as much as possible with civil authorities and other university officials.

Closing the University

The order to close the university is made by the Chancellor or a designated member of the University Senior Staff. Members of this staff include the provost and all Vice Chancellors. Normally, this decision is made when conditions make normal operation of the university difficult or impossible.

Procedures

1. The dispatcher receiving the call ordering closure should call the ordering official back, using the number in the SafeCom directory, Confirming the closure order and recording it, including the name of the ordering official and time.

2. Campus Safety officers are not automatically covered under closure policy. If possible, officers are expected to report for duty at assigned times. If this is not possible, the officer must report by telephone to SafeCom in a timely manner. If necessary, the ranking officer on duty may consider using the department 4 wheel drive vehicles to transport officers for duty. In any event, officers on duty when the closure is ordered are expected to remain on duty until relieved. Appropriate accommodations will be made regarding overtime and other compensation, consistent with university policy.

3. Other university department which may be considered “essential personnel” and not subject to closure include:

(a) Telephone operators

(b) Public Relations

(c) Health Services

(d) Physical Plant

(e) Department of Residence

Requests from these departments to transport essential personnel in department vehicles should be referred to the ranking officer on duty. This officer will attempt to cooperate if possible, given staffing and other considerations.

207       Power Failure

Loss of electrical power to one or more buildings may affect a variety of related systems, including burglar and fire alarms, telephones, and heating and ventilation equipment. SafeCom should be prepared to contact appropriate personnel from Physical Plant as noted in the on-call rosters. A telephone independent of the university IBX system is available for this purpose.

Procedures

1. Personal safety is of primary importance. If the failure appears to be for long duration, consider evacuating non-residential during non-business hours.

2. Fire and burglar alarm systems may not be operative. Be alert for signs of fire or intrusion.

3. If Centennial Halls is included in a power failure, loss of radio communication may result.