1. Policy
Issued: January 15, 2025
Last Revised: January 15, 2025
Last Reviewed: January 15, 2025
Applies to: This Policy applies broadly to the entire University community, including students who are registered or enrolled in University classes or in one of the University’s degree or non-degree programs (“Students”); all full-time and part-time faculty (“Faculty”); all non-faculty University employees, including University Staff, Keck Medicine employees, professional research staff, and post-doctoral fellows (“Staff”); and contractors, vendors, visitors, guests, or other individuals who are participating in or seeking to participate in the University’s education program or activities (“Third Parties”).
2. Policy Purpose
To provide guidance on the university’s role and responsibilities when working with government officials, including law enforcement officers, when they seek to enter university residences and non-public areas of university buildings and premises.
3. Scope and Application
This policy applies anytime government officials, including law enforcement officers, make contact with Covered Personnel in an attempt to enter a University Residence or non-public areas of a University Building or Premises.
4. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| University Buildings or Premises | Any building, property, or grounds owned, leased, and/or operated by the university, including at the University Park Campus, Health Sciences Campus, and all other locations. |
| Non-Public Areas | Spaces in University Buildings or Premises that are not open to the general public and that are restricted to authorized university officials, employees, students, and invited guests. |
| University Residence | Any room/apartment that a university student is assigned pursuant to a signed and confirmed Housing & Hospitality Services Contract & Living Agreement between the student and the university, or that an individual is assigned by the university in connection with a faculty or staff appointment, such as faculty-in-residence or residential staff. |
| Covered Personnel | All Faculty and Staff, as well as Students and Third Parties who are assigned specific responsibilities by the University that grant them heightened access to Non-Public Areas of University Buildings or Premises, whether as a result of possession of physical keys, keycard access, or other credentials allowing entry to areas not generally accessible to the public or the university community at large. This may include vendors providing security services; resident assistants; designated student leaders, such as Trojan Marching Band squad leaders and section leaders and Student Athletic Academic Services (SAAS) tutors; or leaders and members of other student programs. |
5. Policy Details
- No Covered Personnel, including Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers, shall consent to the entry by government officials, including law enforcement officers, into a University Residence other than their own, for the purpose of a search or arrest.
- No Covered Personnel, including DPS officers, shall consent to entry by government officials, including law enforcement officers, into Non-Public Areas of University Buildings or Premises for the purpose of a search or arrest unless they have received authorization to do so from an attorney in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC).
- If government officials, including law enforcement officers, indicate that exigent circumstances authorize their entry without consent into a University Residence or Non-Public Areas of University Buildings or Premises, the Covered Personnel shall immediately contact DPS at (213) 740-6000 and explain the situation.
- If Covered Personnel are asked by government officials, including law enforcement officers, for access to a University Residence or to Non-Public Areas of University Buildings or Premises and are presented with a warrant, they shall follow the University and Health System Protocol When Presented with a Warrant or Government Subpoena issued by OGC.
- Under no circumstances shall Covered Personnel physically block or interfere with any government official, including a law enforcement officer, who demands to enter a University Residence or Non-Public Areas of University Buildings or Premises. Covered Personnel should immediately contact DPS at (213) 740-6000.
6. Procedures
N/A
7. Forms
N/A
8. Responsibilities
| POSITION or OFFICE | RESPONSIBILITIES |
|---|---|
| Office of the General Counsel | Policy Owner |
9. Related Information
Policy on Acceptance of Summons, Complaints, and Subpoenas
University and Health System Protocol When Presented with a Warrant or Government Subpoena
Policy on Responding to Immigration Enforcement Actions
10. Contacts
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to:
| OFFICE | PHONE | |
|---|---|---|
| Office of the General Counsel | (213) 740-7922 | gcoffice@usc.edu |