Below are a few reasons which led to the establishment of the Escort Program in 2013:

• Princeton Universities obligation to provide a secure space for the community. 
• Contractors leaving work spaces unsecured allowing for easy entry into residential spaces. 
• Discovery of thefts in residential areas that were committed by contractors. 

• We provide escorts to all outside contractors to assure the safety and security of our residential community. 

• The escort CANNOT be a part of the working project. Their main function is to ensure that occupants are safe while work is being done. 

• An escort will be assigned to all contractors working in residential areas. 

• Safety risks are higher in the summer months when the dormitory residents are as young as 8 years old. 

• DPS Escorts need to be scheduled 7 days in advance. 

• In emergent conditions, exceptions will be reviewed and a decision will be made if accommodations can be made. 

• In cases where DPS cannot fill a request: other trained University staff members, who have successfully completed the required on-line escort training, can be assigned to work the detail. 

• If an escort is not available, work will be rescheduled. 

• All escorts should carry a mobile radio (distributed by DPS Communication Center) or a cellular phone at all times. 
• To call DPS using a mobile radio make sure you are on the PS-Safe channel before stating “Escort - your name - to “61”. 
• Princeton base will acknowledge stating, “”61” to - escort name - go ahead”. You can then convey your message. 
• For cellular phone use, you should dial 911 for emergencies and 609-258-1000 for routine calls. 
• If you call the emergency line a dispatcher will answer and state “911 where is your emergency”? Give the exact location of the emergency. The dispatcher will keep you on the line until help arrives. 

• DPS encourages advanced planning for projects in occupied residential spaces. This achieves cost-effectiveness as the cost of escorts is part of billing. 
• Working to completion in one place before moving to the next area vs. multiple areas will be more cost-effective. 
• Departments wishing to employ their own escorts, should have the employee complete the on-line training. All escort(s) must be University employee(s), and a background check must have been completed by HR. 

• In general, one escort per floor is responsible for monitoring contractors. The escort should be mobile and always have easy eyesight of the contractors performing the work. There may be a need for additional escorts depending on the size of the space. 
• Escorts should not leave the floor where the work is being conducted. 
• Breaks for escorts should coincide with breaks for contractors. 
• When work is being completed in a “common” area(s) the contractors should not be interacting with the residential community. 
• If students/campers are present the contractor and escort should NOT use the same bathroom facilities as the resident. 

• The escorts primary function is to monitor the room contents while they are in the residential space to ensure valuables and belongings of occupants are safe, and nothing is taken. 
• The highest risk is when contractors are working in rooms that are currently housing students or campers. Specifically when the residents are present. 
• Rooms that contain property must be monitored closely to protect the residents belongings. 
• When work is completed, the escort must make sure the room is left secure. For first floor work locations, this also means assuring the windows are secure. 
• If you are to be relieved by another escort, you should remain on location until your relief arrives. Do not leave contractors unsupervised. 

Report any/all incident to DPS immediately. Radio communication is the fastest form of communication. Incidents that need to be reported include, but are not limited to: 

• Injuries 
• Contractors wandering from work area 
• Contractors interacting with students/residents 
• Confrontational behavior, foul/inappropriate language or behavior in front of students/residents 
• Any attempt by someone to enter an area who is not part of the contractors work force