VCU news

By Corey Byers

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, teleworking, online courses and hybrid schedules for Virginia Commonwealth University students and employees changed how the university is using its academic and administrative buildings.

John Venuti, VCU’s chief of police and associate vice president for public safety, said concerns about fewer people in buildings, and unauthorized access, came up in a recent conversation with Beth Angell, Ph.D., dean of the School of Social Work. In addition, the police department had received requests for increased visibility of police in VCU’s facilities.

Venuti considered the conversations in the wider context of the changing workplace at VCU and decided to implement a “property blitz” for the Monroe Park and MCV campuses, in which VCU Police officers made more than 2,400 property checks between Feb. 1 and the early morning hours of Feb. 16.

“Typically we have patrol officers conducting property checks as part of their duties, but this was an all-hands-on-deck approach,” Venuti said. “Work habits have changed as people have kept their doors closed more, or they telework. The changes aren’t bad in and of themselves, but it does mean fewer eyes may be on those coming and going in the workplace.”

Venuti enrolled all patrol, academy and community policing officers, along with detectives and supervisors, to touch base with staff at front desks and conduct foot patrols throughout academic, administrative, residential and general-use facilities. Officers also visited VCU’s parking lots and decks and facilities at VCU Medical Center.

Officers logged each visit and how many students, faculty and staff they spoke with, which totaled more than 6,500 individuals.

“We’ve gotten feedback and people have noticed an increased police presence,” Venuti said. “At times, we know that one, or a few employees, may be the only ones in the building, and so it made sense to have officers checking in.”

While visiting a building along North Belvidere Street, VCU Police Sgt. Douglas Dawson explained how certain locations may be prone to unauthorized access. VCU’s urban campus has a high population and buildings with main entryways along busy thoroughfares.

He noted some buildings have open access, versus others that are access controlled, meaning authorized individuals use VCU ID cards to swipe in.

“Some of the staff have really enjoyed seeing us and wish they could see us more,” Dawson said. “It’s that higher level of isolation people are feeling because of the pandemic. Even when they are in a workspace with other people, they are still going to isolate themselves for safety purposes and to prevent exposure, and any human contact is greatly appreciated.”

While routine property checks will continue, Venuti encourages people to always be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious behavior to VCU Police by calling (804) 828-1234 at any time.

“People’s routines may have changed, but the best judges of what’s normally happening in a building are the students, faculty and staff who spend time there,” Venuti said. “We would much rather have an officer respond to your location in person and check in with you, even if the officer doesn’t find anything.”