PENNCards and Security

The Division of Public Safety's Advisory Board has issued the following statement regarding PENNCard policies and the enforcement of these policies.

Acknowledging that building security is currently a School and Center responsibility, the Division of Public Safety (DPS) 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 Advisory 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. to 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.

--Dennis Culhane, Chair, DPS Advisory Board

DPS Advisory Board