Student Advisory Committee for Public Safety
The Johns Hopkins University Student Advisory Committee for Public Safety (SAC) is a university-wide advisory committee that serves as a forum for students to discuss public safety matters of broad interest to the University with the Vice President for Public Safety. As a consultative body, the SAC shall seek to provide feedback and recommendations to the Vice President for Public Safety through informed and collegial discussions. The committee broadly represents Johns Hopkins University undergraduate and graduate students and reflects the diversity of the university community.
Overview and Membership
The Student Advisory Committee for Public Safety addresses a variety of subjects related to student safety. It provides diverse perspectives from undergraduate and graduate students on issues such as recruitment and training of personnel, public safety-related communications and reports, and new safety initiatives.
The committee meets with the Vice President for Public Safety and senior administrators from the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs to provide insight and feedback, share concerns of fellow students, and offer ideas for improving public safety.
The committee is supported by staff from Johns Hopkins Public Safety, Student Affairs, and key campus stakeholders, who will provide information on current university policies, practices, and programs as necessary and assist with other materials to inform the committee’s work.
The committee comprises eight undergraduate and graduate student representatives from across JHU’s schools and reflects the diversity of the university community. Members are appointed by the Vice President for Public Safety in coordination with the Vice Provost for Student Affairs for a one-year term and are welcome to apply for additional terms. Students must be currently enrolled at the university to serve on the committee. The committee is expected to meet at least twice each spring and fall semester and as needed to consider timely issues.
Charge
The JHU Student Advisory Committee for Public Safety will provide input and recommend strategies to enhance the university’s security policies, practices, and programs and serve as a forum to voice concerns about and provide ideas for improving security at JHU.
The committee will advise the university in its ongoing efforts to:
- Enhance the university’s current public safety program;
- Incorporate student feedback into hiring and training practices for public safety personnel;
- Advise on transparency in public safety operations;
- Provide guidance on crime prevention, individual safety, and emergency preparedness messaging for students;
- Incorporate student perspective in the development of a strategic plan for Johns Hopkins Public Safety;
- Enhance support and advocacy for victims of crime;
- Advocate for a fair and balanced process for responding to public safety-related incidents, concerns, and complaints;
- Explore methods for integrating new technology into public safety operations and,
- Work toward student inclusion and involvement in issues impacting safety and security on campus.
Focus Areas
- Recruitment and Training. Johns Hopkins University recognizes the need to employ public safety personnel who represent the diversity of the community we serve, understand the university culture, and are trained to the highest standards for a public safety organization. JHU students are key stakeholders in identifying priorities for recruiting and training these individuals.
- Crime Prevention and Safety. Safety training and tips can be incredibly valuable in preventing crime and protecting our community. Students can be a force multiplier in identifying and reporting issues and are essential to an overall crime prevention strategy.
- Communication and Reporting. Johns Hopkins Public Safety is committed to timely, accurate reporting of crimes on and around our campuses to ensure students, faculty, staff, and visitors are aware of incidents that may impact their safety. Students’ perspectives are valuable in determining the best methods and procedures for ensuring the community is informed about prior incidents and ongoing risks.
- Policies and Procedures. Public Safety policies and procedures must be transparent, fair, based on best practices, and reflective of the university’s mission and values. Student input is vital to the evaluation of new and existing policies.
- Engagement and Transparency. Johns Hopkins Public Safety cannot be successful without genuine, transparent partnerships and collaboration. The committee will work to ensure inclusion, appreciate diversity, and maintain respect for differing viewpoints.
Meeting Notes
In a commitment to transparency, Committee Members approve meeting notes to post online. Each meeting’s notes can be found below: