Annual Security Report
Sacred Heart Major Seminary is part of the Detroit Metropolitan area, an area that has a total population of approximately 950,000. The campus, built at Chicago Blvd. and Linwood, is completely secured with a perimeter fence and controlled access to the grounds.
The only entrance to the grounds is through one gated area. Once access to the grounds has been obtained, admittance to the building complex can only be obtained through the main entrance.
The SHMS Security Department, supplemented by a licensed private security agency, is responsible for campus security at the Seminary. This full time staff operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week overseeing the entrance gate as well as the building entrance. SHMS Security officers are also responsible for conducting patrols of the campus buildings and enforcing Seminary policies and regulations. Although their arrest powers are limited, public safety is never compromised since a cooperative relationship with other local, county and state police agencies is maintained.
All campus facilities are well maintained and inspected regularly with adequate lighting provided in all areas. All guests to the complex must be escorted by a resident or staff member. Exit doors of the complex are electronically alarmed, with any intrusion immediately alerted to the front security desk and taken care of accordingly.
All vehicles of staff, residence and students are tagged with a parking permit which allows access to a restricted parking area. All visitors are directed to the visitor parking area.
Reporting of Criminal Offenses
All students, faculty, staff and guests of the College are asked to report emergencies and criminal activity to the Security Department or the Detroit Police Department. Once a report is made an investigation will be done. Security can be reached by dialing 8536 from any Seminary phone or dial direct at (313) 883-8536. For police emergencies call 911 for the Detroit Police. If desired, security officers will assist in the notification and reporting to the police.
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Confidential Reporting SHMS does not have procedures for voluntary, confidential reporting of crimes. Violations of the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies and when appropriate, to a member of the college administration for review. These reports are public records and under state law are subject to the Freedom of Information Act requests.
Timely Warnings
When a potentially dangerous threat to the college occurs or other circumstances warrant, special alerts or "timely warnings" can be prepared and issued by in class announcements, the posting of fliers or other appropriate means.
Campus Security Authority
The Sacred Heart Major Seminary security authority and those to whom employees and students should report criminal activity are:
| Sacred Heart Major Seminary Security |
(313) 883-8500 |
| Rector |
(313) 883-8501 |
| Vice Rector |
(313) 883-8552 |
| Dean of Studies |
(313) 883-8556 |
| Dean of Institute for Ministry |
(313) 883-8696 |
| Director of Graduate Seminarians |
(313) 883-8500 |
| Director of Undergraduate Seminarians |
(313) 883-8566 |
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Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs
The cooperation, personal support and involvement of students in the campus safety program are essential to its success. Students must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions.
During Orientation, resident students are informed of services offered by SHMS Security. They are also are told about crime on-campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. The SHMS website provides additional crime prevention suggestions.
The Security Department safety and security related programs are part of the information supplied by the Deans of Students. Brochures on crime prevention and personal safety are distributed to students and are readily available.
Missing Student Notification
If a student, employees, or other individuals should have reason to believe that a student living on campus is missing, a report shall be made to SHMS Security or Campus Security Authorities. Campus Officials taking missing student reports shall immediately notify SHMS Security who will immediately initiate an investigation. There is no 24-hour waiting period required before filing reports about missing students. The Detroit Police Department shall be notified immediately by SHMS Security when a student is reported missing. All possible efforts will be made, in collaboration with the SHMS Security Department, Campus Authority Officials, and the Detroit Police Department, to locate the student and to ensure their safety.
Students living on campus may register a confidential contact person to be notified in the event the student is determined to be missing. Students may register the confidential contact information with the Dean of Formation or Director of Undergraduates.
Regardless of whether a student names a contact person, SHMS Officials shall notify the Detroit Police that the student is missing. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers in furtherance of a missing person investigation may have access to this information. If the student has a designated contact person, SHMS Security will notify that contact person within 24 hours.
A parent or guardian must also be notified if a student less than 18 years of age, who has not been emancipated, is reported missing. SHMS Security will notify the un-emancipated student’s custodial parent or guardian within 24 hours.
Criminal Activity Off Campus
SHMS Security communicates with law enforcement agencies adjacent to the campus. Should an incident occur that may impact the college timely warnings may occur. The college has no off campus residential facilities or off-campus organizations.
Alcohol and Drug Policy
Adherence to all Seminary, local, State and Federal laws and rules of conduct is expected to assure maximum security. Sacred Heart Major Seminary prohibits the unlawful possession, use, storage, sale or distribution of drugs and alcoholic beverages by students and employees on campus. In addition, the use of tobacco products in all public areas of the building, unless otherwise designated and posted, is strictly prohibited.
Drug or Alcohol Abuse Education Programs
The college offers an employee assistance program for drug or alcohol abuse. Please contact the AOD Human Resources Department for details.
In addition, students, faculty and employees may seek assistance for Substance Abuse treatment and prevention programs through Catholic Social Services of Wayne County. These Substance Abuse programs focus on outpatient care for adult alcoholics, drug abusers and their families. Services are comprised of:
- Counseling through group and family formats
- Direct support and skill training for individuals and groups
- Case Management designed to assist with accessing community resources
- Group Counseling for individuals with similar types of problems
Weapons Policy
No unauthorized person is permitted to carry on his person, in a briefcase or handbag or any other container or in any other way have possession of any weapon, firearm, ammunition or explosive. In addition, any dangerous article or substance with the potential to injure or distress a person on the premises is prohibited.
Fire SafetySacred Heart Major Seminary (SHMS) adheres to the local fire code and performs fire evacuation drills for employees and residents. The SHMS Security staff and Administration work together to provide the residents and staff with fire safety programs. In addition, fire drills are conducted and evacuation routes are posted throughout the building. Future improvements for Fire Safety Plans are an ongoing process with SHMS Administration and Security.
Fire safety equipment is monitored and checked by SHMS Security and Administration personnel. All buildings, including residence halls, are equipped with fire alarm systems, smoke/heat detectors, and portable fire extinguishers.
In the event of a fire, first-response fire fighting service is provided through the Detroit Fire Department. All fires should be reported. If you need to report a fire in progress DIAL 911. Activate the fire alarm if you detect a fire, burning odor or smell smoke.
When a fire alarm is activated, building evacuation is mandatory. Learn the location of fire exits. Do not use elevators during a fire evacuation. Stay clear of the building once you have exited. The designated gathering point for evacuees is the center of the parking lot. Do not re-enter a building until an all clear is given by emergency personnel.
In the case where a fire may have occurred but is not active a report should be made to SHMS Security or Administration. For non-emergency fire inquiries, you may contact the SHMS Security office at 313-883-8653 or the Detroit Fire department at 313-596-2900.
- Open Flames and Electrical Appliances
Candles are permitted in dormitory rooms with permission of the House Director. No open fires are allowed in any building. Permission should be sought for outside open fires through the building administration. Portable electric appliances should be approved by building administration prior to use.
- Smoke-free Building Policy
Due to the negative health effects associated with inhaling second-hand smoke, the Seminary is a smoke-free building. Our smoke–free environment includes all enclosed indoor areas of the building, all courtyards, and the St. Joseph's porch. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entrance to the building.
Smoking will be permitted in other outdoor areas of the seminary grounds. People who smoke must do so outside the building. This policy extends to any visitor to the building, construction workers, and event attendees.
No smoking signs or the international "no smoking" symbol must be clearly and conspicuously posted at each entrance. Ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia must be removed from all smoke-prohibited areas. "Smoking paraphernalia" means any equipment, apparatus, or furnishing that is used in or necessary for the activity of smoking. Individuals smoking in violation of this policy should be asked to smoke outdoors. If the individual continues to smoke, the incident should be reported to the Building Administration Office.
All buildings on campus are smoke-free. This includes all enclosed indoor areas of the building, all courtyards, and porches. In addition, smoking is not permitted within 50 feet of any entrance to the building. Any violations should be reported to the Building Administration Office.
- Annual Fire Saftey Report
| Year |
Fires |
Cause |
Human Injury |
Deaths |
Damage Values |
| 2010 |
0 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
| 2009 |
1 |
electrical |
0 |
0 |
$480,000 |
| 2008 |
0 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
| 2007 |
0 |
n/a |
0 |
0 |
n/a |
Medical Emergencies
For medical emergencies, clinics and local hospitals provide professional help to the Seminary community, guests and visitors. The Detroit Fire Department operates a full paramedic rescue unit 24 hours a day, which can be dispatched to the Seminary at any time.
Sex Offenses
If you are the victim of a sexual assault at SHMS, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. Victims of a sexual assault should go to the hospital for necessary medical treatment. The assault should be reported to the Detroit police in a timely manner at 911. SHMS security should be contacted also.
Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. Filing a police report to the police will:
- Ensure that the victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim.
- Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam).
- Assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.
The Detroit Police Department's Victims Assistance Program provides educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. The contact number is (313) 833-1660. The counseling is free and there is no waiting list. The hours are 8 a.m. to midnight. SHMS does not offer on campus or off campus services.
SHMS Security will assist victims in contacting the police, medical assistance and the Victim's Assistance Program.
Catholic Social Servies of Wayne County, through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), provides a wide-range of support services for individuals, children and adult victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or assault. Services include:
- Outpatient counseling
- Information and Referral
- Psychiatric and psychological consultations
SHMS will change a victim's academic and living situation after an alleged sex offense, and the options for those changes if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available.
The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding.
Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that is brought alleging a sex offense.
Sex Offenders
Registered sex offenders employed by or attending SHMS are required by law to register with the police. Sexual Offender information may be obtained by accessing the Michigan State Police Web site at www.mipsor.state.mi.us.
