Civil Disturbance Procedures

Parent Policy

Civil Disturbance Policy

Reporting a Civil Disturbance

1. Any person who becomes aware of a civil disturbance or the likelihood of a civil disturbance at/or within the precincts of any university premises must, as soon as is practicable, notify the nearest campus security office.

   Responsibility

   Any person who becomes aware of a civil disturbance or the likelihood of a civil disturbance at or within the precincts of any university premises.

Interim Action

1. Where a civil disturbance immediately threatens a particular building or area and security staff are not present, staff in that building should if safe, consider any or all of the following actions to protect themselves and university property;

   • Close and lock all external doors – considering need for emergency egress.
   • Make special arrangements for any visitors to leave the premises.
   • Secure essential or confidential records, consider backing up important computer files and lock away disks, files and papers.
   • Ensure that all offices and non-public areas are locked or sealed off.
   • Ensure someone knows where you are.
   • Avoid physical conflict with persons even if provoked.
   • Follow verbal instructions of campus security staff and/or police.
   • Consider evacuation if your safety is at risk

   Responsibility

   Staff in any building threatened by a civil disturbance.

2. Where possible continue to provide security with updates on what is actually occurring at the location (how many people involved, what activities are they engaging in, etc.).

   Responsibility

   Staff in any building threatened by a civil disturbance.

Security Response

1. The security staff member notified will obtain detailed information regarding the matter and in most instances initiate an immediate operational security response to the location in accordance with security training and standard operating procedures.

   Responsibility

   Security personnel

2. Where a civil disturbance is considered anything other than minor, the security staff member will advise their security supervisor who will assess the information and initiate an appropriate security response.

   Responsibility

   Security personnel

3. If the disturbance is considered serious and/or may be likely to escalate, the relevant campus security supervisor will, as soon as practicable, notify the university security manager and determine an operational action plan to deal with the situation. Where necessary the services of police may be requested.

   Responsibility

   Campus security supervisor

Crisis Management and Recovery Team Notification

1. Where a level of a civil disturbance becomes notifiable within the meaning of the university's crisis management and recovery process, the university security manager, who is also the university crisis team coordinator, will notify and consult with the relevant crisis management and recovery team leader.

   Responsibility

   University security manager

2. As always, the decision to activate a crisis management and recovery team is that of the relevant team leader. Should a decision be made to convene, that team shall manage the university's response in consultation with the Victoria Police.

   Responsibility

   Crisis management and recovery team leader

Content Enquiries: Dunja Licina

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