A7400.00 Security

1.0 Statement

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Shawnee Community College (SCC) places a high priority on providing a safe and secure environment for students, employees, and visitors. To support this commitment, the College engages qualified security services through an independent contractor master service agreement, which provides both armed and unarmed security officers to assist in maintaining campus safety.

In accordance with applicable Illinois law, and all required licensing, firearm authorization, training and certification requirements, all security personnel must comply with requirements governing the possession and use of firearms. Only those security officers expressly authorized under the College’s agreement and in compliance with applicable law may carry firearms on College property.

All individuals designated as security officers are required to undergo a criminal background investigation prior to assignment. The College retains the authority to enforce restrictions related to weapons on its property and to ensure that all armed security personnel operate in strict compliance with legal, contractual, and institutional requirements.

 

2.0 Purpose & Scope

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2.1 Purpose

• Establish requirements for the engagement and oversight of security officers
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws, contractual requirements, and College expectations governing security services.
• Define expectations, authority, and accountability for security personnel operating on behalf of the College.
• Promote coordinated communication and collaboration among Security personnel, College departments, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and other appropriate partners in support of a safe and secure College environment.

 

2.2 Scope

This Operating Standard (OS) applies to all individuals designated as security officers for Shawnee Community College who are engaged through a master service agreement with an approved third-party vendor. It applies to all College locations, facilities, and events where security services are utilized.

 

3.0 Definitions

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• Security Officer – Any individual employed or assigned by an approved, independent contractor to provide safety, security, monitoring, or protective services on behalf of Shawnee Community College on College property or at College-sponsored activities.
• Master Service Agreement (MSA) – A contractual agreement between the College and an approved vendor governing the provision of security services, including roles, responsibilities, compensation, and compliance requirements.
• Independent Contractor – A third-party entity contracted by the College through a master service agreement to provide security services.
• College Property – Any building, land, or facility owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Shawnee Community College.
• College–Sponsored Activity – Any event, program, or function officially authorized or sponsored by Shawnee Community College, whether conducted on or off College property.

 

4.0 Procedures

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4.1 Procurement and Assignment

1. Security services shall be provided only through an approved Master Service Agreement (MSA) executed in accordance with College procurement requirements.
2. The independent contractor shall assign qualified security personnel who satisfy all contractual, statutory, and licensing requirements.
3. The College reserves the right to approve or reject any security officer assigned to provide services on College property.

 

4.2 Background Investigations and Qualifications

1. All security officers shall successfully complete a criminal background investigation prior to assignment.
2. Armed security officers shall maintain all licenses, certifications, and training required under Illinois law.
3. The contractor shall provide documentation verifying compliance upon request.

 

4.3 Operational Requirements

1. Security officers shall perform duties in accordance with the executed MSA and College expectations.
2. Security officers shall promptly report safety concerns, criminal activity, emergencies, and significant incidents through established reporting procedures.
3. Security officers shall cooperate and coordinate, as appropriate, College officials, local law enforcement, emergency responders, and other authorized partners in matters affecting campus safety and security.
4. College departments and Security personnel are expected to communicate and collaborate regarding safety concerns, events, facility access, student or employee matters, emergency response, and other circumstances in which coordinated action may be necessary.
5. Information shall be shared only with those individuals who have a legitimate institutional or operational need for the information and in accordance with applicable confidentiality and privacy requirements.

 

5.0 Guidelines

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5.1 Professional Conduct

Security officers are expected to:

• Conduct themselves professionally and courteously.
• Respect the rights and dignity of students, employees, and visitors.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Exercise sound judgment while performing assigned duties.

 

5.2 Weapons

• Only security officers authorized by the College and permitted under Illinois law may carry firearms while performing assigned duties.
• Firearms shall be carried only in accordance with the applicable law, required licensing and firearm authorization requirements, and the terms of the MSA.
• The College retains the authority to prohibit or restrict weapons on College property as permitted by applicable law and Board policy.

 

6.0 Roles & Responsibilities

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Vice President of Administrative Services

• Administers the Master Service Agreement.
• Oversees contractor performance.
• Coordinates campus safety initiatives.
• Verifies compliance with contractual and statutory requirements.

 

Independent Contractor

• Provides qualified security personnel.
• Maintains required licensing, certifications, insurance, and background investigations.
• Ensures employees comply with applicable laws and College requirements.

 

Security Officers

• Perform assigned duties professionally.
• Protect life and property.
• Report incidents and safety concerns promptly.
• Comply with College procedures and contractual expectations.

 

College Departments and Employees

• Communicate identified safety and security concerns through established College Operating Standards and reporting protocols.
• Cooperate with Security personnel and appropriate College officials when responding to incidents, emergencies, events, or other safety-related matters.
• Share relevant information with appropriate personnel when necessary to support campus safety, while maintaining applicable confidentiality requirements.
• Participate in coordinated safety and emergency preparedness efforts applicable to their areas of responsibility.

 

7.0 SCCES Connections

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This Operating Standard supports the SCC Effectiveness System by promoting:

• Safe Learning Environments
• Operational Excellence
• Risk Management
• Compliance and Accountability
• Institutional Stewardship

 

8.0 Monitoring Report Connections

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Implementation of this Operating Standard supports monitoring activities related to:

• Campus Safety and Security
• Risk Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Facilities and Operations
• Insurance and Liability Management

 

9.0 Oversight & Review

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The Vice President of Administrative Services is responsible for administration and oversight of this Operating Standard.

This Operating Standard shall be reviewed at least every three (3) years, or more frequently as necessary, to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws, Board policy, contractual requirements, and institutional operational needs.

 

Change Log	Governance Unit: Administrative Services Council
Date	Description of Change
07-08-26	Initial Development, Includes Legacy Policy 7207
07-13-26	Provided to Executive Leadership-Share to Teams
08-27-26	First Read, Executive Council
09-18-26	Legal Review, Also Review by St. Moritz
09-24-26	Approved by Executive Council