Patrol and bike patrol services

The primary function of the University of Sydney Security Service is the protection of people and property, and the prevention and detection of crime. The protection of people extends to all persons within the University and includes staff, students, contractors and visitors, equally.

The Security Service operates a patrol and emergency response service.
Patrol Officers wear distinctive uniforms to make them readily identifiable.

They are Prescribed Officers of the University of Sydney in terms of the Enclosed Lands Protection Act and under Senate Resolutions. Each Patrol Officer is a fully licensed Security Officer.

Patrol Officers are empowered to act under the Enclosed Lands Protection Act on behalf of the University. They are all Authorised Officers for the purposes of traffic and parking control. They are Authorised Officers to issue infringement notices under the Self Enforcing Infringement Notice Scheme (SEINS). This scheme results in infringements, so issued, being processed by the New South Wales Police Service Infringement Processing Bureau.

Patrol Officers are fully trained Security Officers. They all hold current first aid certificates and have been trained in first response fire fighting and building evacuation. Each of the officers has undertaken training in techniques for response to bomb threats. Officers are trained in a diversity of initial responses to emergency situation circumstances including situation assessment, management of criminal incidents, and crime scene preservation.

Patrol Officers undertake routine refresher courses on law and procedure as well as customer service and first aid. Where appropriate, joint training is undertaken with other emergency services personnel.

The Security Service routinely liaises with Police Local Area Commands to manage criminal activity occurring on the University campuses. The University has facilitated an Emergency Management Committee that is attended by Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, the University Risk Management Office, Security Personnel, and Local Council and District Emergency Management Officers. The Committee develops the readiness of the University to deal with emergencies and fosters cooperation between emergency services. Areas of risk are also routinely identified and managed.

Reports of Security Incidents (crime and other incidents) are taken by trained officers, usually at the scene. Those reports are then entered on the Security Incident database and treated as highly confidential. Appropriate matters are notified to Police or other emergency services. If a crime against the person, such as assault or assault and robbery is reported, this is immediately reported to the Police who will attend and take carriage of the investigation.

Serious property crime or criminal matters, where physical or other evidence that may lead to a successful prosecution is available, are also immediately referred to Police. Patrol Officers act as the first response agency in these matters.

If a matter is relatively minor and involving property only, with consent of the victim, the report is taken by Patrol Officers who manage the entire investigation and report the incident to Police via the Police Assistance Line (P.A.L.) through a special arrangement. Where crime involves the personal (non-University) property of a victim, Patrol Officers will assist the victim to report the matter via the P.A.L. system and also lodge an internal Security Incident Report. All reports managed within
Security Services are subject to strict privacy controls.

Each Security Patrol shift is managed by a supervisor. Patrol management is on call 24 hours a day to support the supervisor and the shift.

Patrol Officers are in radio contact with a Central Monitoring Station. The Central Monitoring Station is also operated by the Patrol Section, 24 hours a day. This facility allows for rapid initial response to incidents and provides a ready means of arranging for the attendance of other emergency or support services, if they are required.

The Central Monitoring Station has sophisticated equipment to monitor the University's alarm infrastructure. All Access Control and Fire Alarm activity is also monitored from this area. The Central Monitoring Station has access to University databases relevant to all manner of emergency circumstances. Chem alert, hazchem, after hours contacts and CAD databases are accessible to assist in the management of any emergency. The area also has infrastructure in place to operate immediately as an Operations Centre for the management of large-scale emergencies or disasters.

The Security Patrol uses high visibility patrolling techniques to deter crime. The frequent patrols are also designed to facilitate the identification of areas of risk for crime or general safety.

The Patrol group also maintains a rapid response capability. These responses are initiated through the extensive electronic security and electronic access or safety infrastructure deployed throughout the University. Responses may also be initiated based on advice from the community via telephone, in particular on the emergency numbers or from emergency contact points located about the campus (refer to: "Emergency"). Responses are managed from the Central Monitoring Station and overseen by the Supervisor.

In January 1997 the University of Sydney established a Security Bicycle Patrol Unit. The development of the service was desirable in consideration of:
Proven record of service - Bicyle Patrol units have been in operation in Security and law enforcement organisations for many years. Many Universities and like organisations around the World are known to use bike patrols. Reliable and cost efficient - After initial expenditure on equipment the bikes are very cheap to operate and maintain. The initial purchase of equipment is itself relatively inexpensive compared to other vehicle based patrolling techniques.
Positive approachable image - Officers on bikes are much more approachable than those in vehicles. Bikes do not provide the same physical barrier to communication and approach that is unavoidable in cars. The location of the Officer in relation to environment is desirable as it allows him/her to identify cues to security/safety issues more readily. Environmentally friendly - Bikes are an environmentally friendly alternative to other vehicles. Bikes are a quiet and clean way to move about the campus without adding to the daily campus traffic/parking load. Highly Visible - Officers on bikes are highly visible and can move around the campus quickly and efficiently. The deterrent effect of visible patrolling is well known and encouraged. Safety - Bikes are safe means of transport both for the rider and in consideration of the reduction of risk to other campus users. Operational Efficiency - The physical nature of the campus tied to the patterns of use by the community make bikes an efficient way of moving about. Bikes are highly visible when on routine patrol and offer a means for rapid response to any emergency elsewhere on the campus. Officers on bikes are known to be able to respond more quickly than those in vehicles in many circumstances whilst maintaining high levels of safety. Bikes provide a quiet, efficient and proactive means to patrol relatively large areas in short time frames. Personnel Considerations - Bikes provided an opportunity for Officers to improve their physical fitness whilst performing duty. In addition, the inclusion of this means of patrolling increased work diversity and interest.
Since the introduction of the service, feedback from the University community has been very positive. The community appears to appreciate the advantages of the technique and clearly encourages the community based nature of this type of service.
Bicycle Patrol Officers wear a distinctive uniform when engaged on this duty. Whilst it is based on the normal Patrol Officers' uniform, allowances have been made for the operational demands of this type of duty. Certain uniform variations are dictated by Occupational Health and Safety and Officer comfort considerations. Bicycle Patrol Officers wear helmets when riding as this is a requirement under the Australian Road Rules. Since its inception the Bicycle Patrol has an impressive record of performance in routine and emergency service. The Patrol has been instrumental in effecting many arrests in circumstances that indicate other methods of patrolling would, in all probability, have failed.
Organisation:
The Bicycle Patrol Unit Facilitator is Patrol Officer Paul Taylor. The Bicycle Patrol Unit is a function of the Security Patrol Service.

Have your bike registered to reduce the risk of theft/increase chance of recovery and return.

The Bicycle Patrol Unit provides a bicycle registration programme for the University community. The process involves the bike being digitally photographed and entered on a database together with serial number and distinguishing characteristics. The owner's contact details are also recorded on the database. The bike is engraved with a unique identification number to aid recovery.

The program makes recorded bikes less attractive for resale if stolen. The bikes are therefore less attractive to thieves in the first instance. If bikes are stolen and recovered the engraving provides a point of contact for Police or other agencies to locate the owner through our database.

The service is provided on the basis of making an appointment with one of the Bicycle Patrol Officers on the numbers indicated (refer to: "Contact Details").

It may be necessary for a Bicycle Patrol Officer to call back if one is not available at the time of your enquiry. The service is provided at the Security Office, Services Building, Codrington Street.

The Australian Road Rules apply to roadways on the University of Sydney. Bikes may only be ridden on roads when riding in the University. Riding on footpaths is not permitted. Helmets must be worn when riding bikes in the University Bikes should be parked and secured only in the bike racks provided, using a quality locking device. U-locks are recommended. Bike racks are strategically located about the campus and routinely patrolled by Security. Bikes should not be secured to trees, signs, railings, poles, or other fixtures.
Any bicycle causing an obstruction may be removed without notice. Bike riders must observe the road rules that apply in the surrounding street when riding in the University.
Refer to the "Restricted Entry-Bicycles" section of the "Resolutions of Senate" on the "University Calendar" page of the University website.

The University has trained one of its officers to deliver courses on bicycle patrolling techniques, maintenance and safety to other Officers. The purpose is to ensure that our officers are trained to the highest standards, thus ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the unit.

From time to time the University provides a two day bicycle patrol training course to members of the NSW Police. The course is usually undertaken by Police and University Security Officers simultaneously. The course is provided in consideration of the University's responsibilities to the wider community. In providing this service we support the community based Policing efforts of the NSW Police and the people of NSW.

The course also allows us to familiarise Police with the campus for emergency responses. In addition, it creates an opportunity for the Security Service to build a strong operational relationship and mutual professional respect with Police.

The course is provided at minimal cost to the University and structured around our own training requirements. The availability of an accredited training officer in such an obscure area of expertise is naturally useful to the Police Service.

The training course is a practical one with the great majority of the time spent in the field. The benefit to the University is that whilst undertaking the course there are four or five serving Police on duty and on the campus. The presence is extremely valuable in terms of visibility and deterrence. In past courses Police have always demonstrated their willingness to respond to any emergency or criminal matter. The course is of mutual benefit to two public institutions and has resulted in many properly trained Bicycle Patrol Police developing a good operational knowledge of the University.