New security provider begins VCU operations on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses

By Corey Byers Standlick

Community members will now see different private security officers on Virginia Commonwealth University's campuses in Richmond.

Starting Aug. 12, Sentry Force is the new security provider and will have nonsworn, unarmed security officers in select academic buildings and residence halls on the Monroe Park Campus. Sentry Force officers will also be stationed in select VCU Health facilities and VCU buildings on the MCV Campus, including entrances with weapons detection systems.

John Venuti, VCU and VCU Health's associate vice president for public safety and chief of police, said the university utilizes private security personnel to support public safety staffing and operations.

"While VCU Police officers patrol both campuses at all times, private security officers are stationed strategically to enhance safety," Venuti said. "Whether they're near a weapons detection point or in an academic or residence hall, they look out for the safety and well-being of community members. They observe and report issues to the police, and we rely on their diligence."

Other duties for security officers will include pedestrian and vehicular traffic control, assignments in specific parking locations and assignments in other VCU-owned buildings.

Security officers will conduct mobile patrols in vehicles marked "VCU Security" and "Sentry Force Security" and that feature yellow, high-visibility lights at night. Sentry Force staff on the Monroe Park Campus will wear black and yellow uniforms, while security staff in VCU Health facilities will wear black uniforms with VCU Health and Sentry Force Security patches.

Security officers will conduct mobile patrols in vehicles marked "VCU Security" and "Sentry Force Security" and that feature yellow, high-visibility lights at night. (Contributed photo)

In a universitywide safety survey from spring 2024, the vast majority (92%) of VCU students, faculty and staff reported feeling "very safe" or "safe" on campus at VCU. A majority of respondents also said their feelings of safety increased by having private security officers on campus and having them conduct mobile patrols at night.

VCU's switch to a new security provider was based on the expiration of a contract with a previous security company. As is standard practice, VCU issued a public request for proposals for security services. The contract was awarded to Sentry Force Security LLC, has an initial two-year term and may be renewed in the future.

Community members are encouraged to report any safety concerns to security personnel. The VCU Police Department will continue to oversee security; police leaders rely on feedback and tips from the community to determine how police and private security officers are deployed on the campuses.

Community members can reach VCU Police at any time by calling804-VCU-1234 (804-828-1234), by dialing 8-1234 from a campus phone or by using the LiveSafe app.

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