1

Team Oracle:

Rackel Reneau

Rizy Rodriguez

16 May 2019

Table of contents: Pages

University of Belize

Campus Security

(Belize City Campuses)

Done By: Rizy Rodriguez

Raquel Renuea

2

Introduction

Background 3

Figure 1. Belize City campus 3

Figure 2. Belmopan Campus 3

Figure 3. Central Farm 3

Figure 4. Punta Gorda Campus 3

Figure 5. Calabash Caye 3

Figure 6. Hunting Caye 3

Figure 7. 3

Problem 4

History of the Problem 4

Factors Enhancing the Problem 5

Figure 8. 5

Figure 9. 5

Figure 10. 5

Figure 11. 5

Figure 12. 5

Figure 13. 5

The Project 6

Needs for the Project 6

Disadvantages of not proceeding with plan 7

Advantages of Team Oracle Safety and Security Master Plan 7

Solution Overview 8

Safety and Security Master Plan 8

Safety guide 8

Policies and Procedures 9

Infrastructures 9

Security booth 9

Figure 14. 9

Figure 15. 9

Installation of Security Cameras 9

Figure 16 10

Crisis Communication/Notification 10

Two way Communication System 10

Figure 17. 11

One Way Emergency Communication System 11

Figure 18. 11

Notification 11

Staffing 12

Emergency Management Liaison 12

Police Patrol Operation 12

Figure 19. 13

Trained Security Personnel 13

Training 13

Equipment 14

Implementation of Safety and Security Master Plan 14

Budget for Proposal 15

Recommendations 16

Reference 16

Appendix 17-21

3

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

On August 1, 2000, the University of Belize (UB) was created from a merger of five institutions: the

University College of Belize (UCB), the Belize Technical College (BTC), the Belize Teachers’ Training

College (BTTC), the Belize School of Nursing (BSN), and the Belize College of Agriculture (BCA). The

Belize Teachers’ Training College was established in 1964 when UNESCO commission recommended

the merging of the main training colleges that were operating in Belize. Since the merge, the university

has been under controlled by the government of Belize. It was operated by a joint board of teachers which

was compromise of the ministry of education of three different countries, Belize, Bahamas and Jamaica

(Bennett, 2008).

In 2004, the main campus was officially moved to Belmopan City. Since then the university had invested

in other locations such as:

Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4.

Belize City campus Belmopan Campus Central Farm

Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7.

Punta Gorda Campus Calabash Caye Hunting Caye

4

1.2 Problem

The rate of crime and violence in the country of Belize has been steadfastly increasing over the years. The

University of Belize’s student and staff are no exception to these criminal activities with several offences

that had occurred on campus. The UB community is very concerned about their safety given the absence

of proper security personnel on campuses. As a result UB has seen the growing concern and need for a

functional safety measures. They need to develop and implement safety and security procedures in order

to create a safer learning environment.

1.3 History of the Problem

The rate of violence has been increasing rapidly over the past few years in the country of Belize. Due to

the small population and high per capita murder rate, Belize consistently ranks among the top 10

countries in the world for homicides. Belize averages approximately 40 homicides per 100,000 residents.

The official murder total in 2018 countrywide was 143, (Overseas Security Advisory Council, 2019).

These activities were occurring only in the Southside of Belize city but has recently spilled over to the

north side. With the continuous increase of criminal activities in the city it has continue to affect students,

faculty and staff of the university.

Recently and more consistently, crime and violence have been in the headlines of our local, regional and

international news media. The student of the University of Belize seems to be the targets of criminals in

Belize. In less than 10 years the University of Belize student body and staff have been the victims of

sabotage, robbery and kidnapping. It seems as if nothing is been done to properly implement safety and

security on campus or in the community.

On May 9 2013, the University of Belize (Belmopan campus) faced a major bazar rubbery. According to

Duane Moody, reporter for news 5, the incident occurred just before nine on a Wednesday night as

students were dismissed from their last classes. “Fourteen students were attacked by six armed robbers

dressed in full black wearing masks and gloves. The male students were tied up and placed within the

living room while the robbers had ransack the rooms; stealing over forty-one thousand dollars’ worth of

electronics, cash and other personal items”. Since that incident the University of Belize began facing

problems such as sabotage and robbery of students being on campus, and commuting from one campus to

another.

On November 19, 2018 news 5 reported that three men, one of whom was armed, robbed the security

guard posted at the University of Belize compound on Chancellor Avenue in Belize City. The men were

said to be looking for firearms, but when the guard couldn’t produce one, they handcuffed and robbed

him of his personal items. Other recent incidents include students being robbed of personal equipment’s

while moving from the Education campus to the business campus or to the technical campus, security

being hold up by gunmen, and other premeditated robbery and sabotage. These crimes against students

can be resolved by establishing the following:

Proper security system

Effective security personnel with proper training

Adequate security measures

5

1.4 Factors Enhancing the Problem

Figure 8. Campus A (Education Campus) Figure 9. Police station not properly

Functional

Figure 10. Security booth and entrance gates Figure 11. Long walking distance

between campuses

Figure 12. Bushes surrounding Campuses Figure 13. Distance between poles with lights

6

1.5 The Project

In order to implement safety and security, the University of Belize need to consider the amount of

security personnel assigned to each campus. The security booth at the entrance will need to be updated

and reposition to the centre of the entrance/exit gate in order to monitor the flow of traffic on campus.

Both the education and business campus are dangerous for students travel between campuses due to the

environment. It is surrounded by bushes, swamps and dark alleyways which make it easier for students to

get robbed.

According to John Salam, Chief of public safety, these campus officers aims to promote and maintains

safe and secure environment at university of Belize. They are assigned to conduct patrolling, inspecting

building, monitoring different access points on the premises. The university of Belize need to invest in

trained and armed officers with proper communication equipment’s. Being that the education and

business campus are very there shall be more security personnel assigned to them.

There are many factors leading to the predominant issue of safety and security. Other subsequent facts to

the problem are:

i. Education Campus Gate and Fence:

At the education campus the gate and fence are both dilapidated. It is impossible to stop

unwanted visitors such as kidnappers, robbers and other criminal from entering the

compound.

ii. Business Campus Fence

At the business campus the fence un-finished. This allows anyone to enter/exit through

the back without the awareness of the officers on duty.

iii. Street Lights

There are a limited amount of lights on the path between campuses. There are many poles

without a lamp which makes it hard to see when walking at night. Therefore, it creates

many danger zones between campuses.

These are some of the main reasons students got robbed of their laptop, cell phones, cash and other

personal items. This is why it is very important for the University to invest in trained security officers,

security equipment and police assistance for the three campuses in Belize City.

1.6 Need for the Project

Campos’s security of a university is to encompass all measures to combat threats to people and property

in an education environment. Campus safety is defined as a shelter for students from violence and other

crimes. It should also protect students from harmful elements such as drugs and gang activity, thief’s,

sabotage, kidnap, vandalism. Security officers with equipment’s such as radios, fire arm, or baton helps to

prevent potential threats as mention earlier. When focusing at the importance of security, we can conclude

that it is very important on school campuses. The issue of campus security has been a core problem,

especially in the Belize District. The increase rate of robbery and sabotage of students has been increasing

over the past ten years, and is only getting worst. These high profile incidents lead to the need of more

security on campus. Having proper security personnel with proper equipment will allow both parents and

7

students to be confident about their safety while on campus. It will embrace the role of the University of

Belize’s Department of Public safety, as they aim to develop and promote safety measures within the

establishment. Team Oracle had prepare a safety and security master plan to help maintain a safe and

functional Institution in order to have a healthy learning environment

1.7 Disadvantages of not Proceeding with Plan

The absence of proper security measures for the University of Belize may brand them as being unsafe for

students, faculty and staff. In addition, an unsafe campus will likely lead to poor academic performance

and decreased social activity for its students. Being that the University of Belize is consider to be the

university of the nation, we should take pride in the service being provided and try to maintain a positive

image for both local and international interests. It is imperative that we take the necessary measures to

promote security and invest accordingly for a safer environment.

1.8 Advantages of Team Oracle Safety and Security Master Plan

Team Oracle Safety and Security Master Plan aim to make the University of Belize a better place for

students, faculty and staff. Some advantages of Proceeding with this plan are:

safer environment,

students, faculty and staff feeling safe,

students can focus on their education,

great reputation for the university,

potential investors,

increase in students enrolment,

safer community, etc.

8

2. Solution Overview

The University of Belize campus security can be enhanced in many areas. The aim of making sure

students, Faculty and staff feel safe is a very important role for the university in terms of success and

growth of the organization. Both parents and students choose a university by their educational value and

safety. The University of Belize can improve its campus security by implementing Team Oracles Safety

and Security Master Plan.

2.1 Safety and Security Master Plan

This Safety and Security Master Plan aim to align with the University of Belize’s core beliefs and

commitments. This plan has been develop to include all campuses in an effort to creating physical and

operational consistencies that will help the university progress in a safe manner. It aims to highlight the

main issues the university is facing when it comes to keeping students, faculty and staff safe. This plan

also offer some recommendations the university can follow to maintain a safer environment. The safety

plan is consist of a safety guide that highlights major points the university could improve on.

2.1(a) Safety Guide

This Safety Guide is designed to increase campus security of our educational environment. The guide

describes interrelated components that are the foundation of protection and safety. The components are

identified as Policy and Procedures, Infrastructure, Crisis Communication/Notification, Staffing and

Training. Team Oracle Safety Guide encompasses the affirmation components and includes all current

campuses in the district of Belize. The guide creates physical and operational consistencies that allow

flexibility and scalability based on the unique challenges and environmental threats for each campus. The

guide request the collaboration of both the Mayor of Belize and the University of Belize. It gives valuable

recommendations that are consistent with best practices in educational based institution around the world.

Currently the safety and security measures implemented at the University of Belize are as follow:

Dilapidated Fence

Entrance and exit gates

Security booths

Limited Security Personnel

Below is a list showing how the University of Belize could improve these safety measures and implement

new features that can help to create a safer environment:

Renovate entrance/exit gates and fence

Recruit additional security personnel

Proper training and equipment for security personnel

Better security booths

Invest in security camera

Notify students and staff of different safety measures

Partner with the police department to improve patrols between campuses

Keep a vehicle on standby in case of emergency

Reinforce the ID check policy

9

2.1(b) Policies and Procedures

The University of Belize is known as an open campus university that welcome students, faculty, staff and

visitors. In order to better enforce policies and procedures that has already been established, the university

needs to advance from being an open campus to a close campus. With the implementation of a close

campus the university can better enforce their ID policy. This will help to monitor who is entering or

exiting the compound. It will help students, faculty and staff to feel more secure.

2.1(c) Infrastructure

i) Security Booth

The main goal of an enhanced university infrastructure is to narrow potential risks and create

a safe learning environment for students. With the renovation of the security booth and the

installation of security cameras, the security officers can monitor the entrance and exit gate. It

is also suggested that the booth be relocated to the center of the entrance/exit gate. This will

make it easier to conduct ID checks.

Figure 14. Figure 15.

ii) Installation of Security

Cameras

The purpose of a security camera is to monitor an area for better protection. Since it is

difficult for security personnel to monitor the entire campus all at once, the installation of

security cameras can help. The security personnel will be able to see the different activities

happening around campus and respond immediately. The University of Belize can also

construct a security base on campus where the monitoring of the cameras can be done. This

will allow the gate security to stay on post while the other security personnel monitor and

conduct patrol around campus.

In figure 16 there is an example of a high definition security camera that is consist of night

vision and can be rotated to different angles from the security control room. The University

of Belize can cut cost on man power when it comes to patrolling while preventing vandalism,

theft and other related crime.

10

Figure 16.

2.1(d)

Crisis Communication/Notification

The third component, Crisis Communication/Notification, is the means to effectively and accurately

communicate during an emergency and on a daily basis. Effective communication eliminates the risk of

wrong translation and being misunderstood. When there is an emergency, instant and clear

communication is essential in having a safe resolution. Without an effective campus

communication and notification system, the ability to implement an operative response is greatly

diminished. The use of multiple communications and notification devices within the university is

desirable for both the university body and the security personnel.

i) Two way Communication system

There are several communication device that the university can use to increase safety and

security. The implementation of a two way communication system is consist of radios and an

intercoms. These device can help security and staff communicate around the campus when

performing patrols. This effective communication device as shown in figure 17 and 18

provides an avenue for an effective, rapid response. The security personnel would have the

ability to communicate directly with the staff member who initiated the emergency

notification and receive real time information, thereby significantly reducing the response

time and assistance to the staff member’s location.

11

Figure 17. Figure 18.

ii) One-Way Emergency Communication System

Another advance technological device that allow faculty, students and staff to interact with

security personnel in case of an emergency is a 4200 series, One-Way Emergency

Communication System. This system allows an individual to push a button to be connected

straight to the security base (See figure 19). This push button communication system along

with security cameras will allow security personnel to be alert of the situations around

campuses.

Figure 18.

iii) Notification

Student, faculty and staff should be aware of the different safety measures of the university.

Knowing what to do in times of an emergency can prevent panicking and accidents. It will

also help the security personnel to control the situation and evacuate the building/compound

in a safer and more effective manner.

12

There are many ways to provide notification and awareness in a university. Before or after a

class session the chief of security or any representative of the safety and security team can

conduct a brief informative presentation about the different emergency safety measures. The

officers can also demonstrate an emergency drill periodically, to see if students understand

the procedures. The emergency drill can also be a practice for the security personnel to know

what should be done in case of an emergency.

2.1(e) Staffing

Faculty, staff and students all play a critical role in sustaining a safe and secure learning environment.

Therefore, it is imperative that they are all aware of their surroundings and prepared for any emergency

situations. Key personnel such as the Emergency Management Liaisons and Police Officers can assist in

creating a safer environment.

i) Emergency Management Liaison

An Emergency Management Liaison (EML) is an individual who is trained with information

that can assist with incidents and other emergency related issues. An EML can be assigned to

various campus to assist the security personnel and the Department of Public Safety in times

of an emergency. The EML is tasked with ensuring that emergency preparedness procedures

and training is being carried out regularly. This requires additional staff since there are few

existing staff member with the necessary requirements.

ii) Police Patrol Operation

The university should seek to work alongside crucial stake holders such as the police

department to adhere to its safety and security. In an effort to reduce police response times to

campuses in an emergency, the University and the police department can establish a full-time

patrol operation between campuses. A consistent police patrol operation would be divided

into three separate patrol shifts, each with a specific task.

Day shift patrol officers can be directed to patrol within established geographical

boundaries of the three campus, ensuring that mobile police units are able to

respond to the needs of the university within those boundaries as shown in the

image below. The patrol officers would also be responsible for proactive

prevention measures at the university campuses, thus allowing secondary officers

to remain on their respective assigned post.

Figure 19.

13

Evening shift patrol officers can focus on providing protection for students

attending classes at night. These session are between 5:30 pm to 8:15 pm which

makes it very risky due to the dark alley between campuses. Therefore, these

evening shift patrol officers can provide safety and reliability for students and staff.

iii) Trained Security Personnel

The University of Belize can hire trained/armed security personnel to improved safety of the

university. These trained/armed personnel can be hire to secure the university property along

with a two of the university security officers. If the University of Belize choose not to hire

these personnel they can conduct training for the officers that are already in place so that they

could be equipped to do their job.

2.1(f) Training

Training is important for any individual to perform their job at the highest level. To ensure the safety of

students, faculty and staff the university needs to have properly trained security officers. There are many

training program that can help develop a security personnel ability to function professionally. With a

proper trained and equipped personnel, the University of Belize will be a safer institution. Below is a list

of training that can be conducted.

Physical Training

First Aid Training

Fire Response

Tactical Awareness

Suspicious Persons

Medical Emergencies

Effective Communications

Patrolling

Teamwork

Report Writing

Armament Systems and Procedures

Armed and Unarmed Training

Safeguarding the bank asset

Emotional Intelligence training

2.1(g) Equipment

After the security personnel’s have received training, the University of Belize can provide equipment to

help them perform at their best. These equipment entails the following:

i) Clothing:

bullet-proof vest

high-visibility clothing

belt

ii) Defense equipment

pepper sprays

batons or guns

14

iii) Two-way radio

iv) Notepad and Pen

v) Flashlight

2.2 Implementation of Safety and Security Master Plan To implement this plan there are many steps that can be taken. Team Oracle in partnership with the

University of Belize can conduct several different fundraisers to create funds for this plan. The university

can also ask for donations, sponsorship and discount from businesses around the other country. Below are

lists of potential fundraisers, donors and Sponsors.

i) Fundraisers:

School Gala

Fairs

Bake Sale

Tournaments

Concerts

ii) Donations:

Stake holders

Ministers/Government of Belize

iii) Sponsorship

Belize Telemedia Limited

Smart

Banks (Scotiabank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, Atlantic Bank, Central Bank of

Belize)

RF&G Insurance

Filtec System Ltd

GS-Com

15

2.3 Budget for Proposal:

Topic Project Amount Calculation Total

Infrastructure Security Booth 3 (1 per campus) 3 x $8,212.50 $24,637.50

Security Camera 110 cameras total

(21 Bus., 46 Edu. And

43 Tech.)

110 x $396.00 $43,560.00

Crisis Communication/

Notification

Two Way

communication

System

(6 Security officers per

Campus x $595.56 per

radio)

(6 x $595.56=)

$10720.08

$10,720.08

One-way

emergency

Communication

System

(7 Business campus +

14 Education+13

ITVET Campus= 34

Call Stations)+(1

Annunciator panel per

campus x 3 campus)

(34x $3684 per

call station =)

$125,256

3x153 per

annunciator

panel=) $459

(125,256 +

459=) $125,715

$125,715

Staffing Emergency

Management

Liaison

$1,250 per month X12

months)

$15,000

annually

$15,000

Trained Security

Personnel

2 personnel per

campus 2 for patrols

1500.00 monthly per

Security personnel

8 security

personnel

1500.00x8 x12

months

$144,000.00

Training Security Personnel (6 on each campus X 3

Campuses) X ($550

per course X 14

courses)

(18X $7,700=)

$138,600

$138,600

Equipment Bullet proof vest

Guns

Belts

Pepper spray

Batons

Flashlight

3 campus x 2

officers per gate

3 campus x 2

officers per gate

1 per officers x 18

1 per officers x 18

1 per officers x 18

1 per officers x 18

6

6

18

18

18

18

$27,689.65

Total Estimated cost $529,922.23 Kindly see estimates below in reference to budgeted figures.

16

2.4 Recommendations

The University of Belize has been working hard on remodelling and renovating most campuses, however

the institution core issues that need to be addressed fiercely is the improvement of campus security.

Safety and security on campus has become the most important issue especially for the Belize City

campuses.

Team Oracle proposed that trained security officers with proper equipment be provided on all of the

university campuses. It is recommended that approximately one arm security officer and two gate officers

be assigned to each campus. For patrols, two armed security personnel and a police officer can patrol the

transition route between the three campuses. It is also recommended that the University of Belize hire

trained security officers of conduct training for the officers already in place. In addition it is important for

all gate and security officers be properly equipped with communication devices and in case of an

emergency.

In terms of the street lights, the University of Belize can contact the Belize City Mayer and request for

street lights to be installed to the poles. This will also help students to feel a little secure when traveling

these areas.

Reference

OSAC(2019) Belize 2019 Crime & Safety Report; Terrorism; Political Violence; Crime; Employee Health

Safety, Western Hemisphere, retrieved May 16, 2019.

https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=25790

(2019) Belize 2019 Breaking news; Belize ranks 4th

in global murder rate

https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2019/02/13/belize-ranks-4th-in-global-murder-rate/

(2018) Belize Breaking News; ub-targeted by armed robbers

https://www.breakingbelizenews.com/2018/11/19/ub-targeted-by-armed-robbers/

(2018) Insight Crime; homicide- roundup

https://www.insightcrime.org/news/analysis/insight-crime-2018-homicide-roundup/

(2013) Amandala; UB dorm invasion

http://amandala.com.bz/news/ub-dorm-invasion-41000-robbed/

17

Appendix:

International Estimate

Two Way communications System

Local Estimate

Two Way communications System

18

Security Cameras Estimate Equipment Estimate

Security Booth Estimate

19

Questionnaire for Mr. John Leonard Salam, Chief of the Department of Public Safety

1. What are the duties of the security officers on campus?

Answer: A campus security officer promotes, maintains safe and secure environment at university by

patrolling, inspecting building, monitoring access points premises and personnel.

2. How many security officers are stationed at each entrance of the different campus?

Answer: (6) @ Management and Social Sciences Campus

Answer: (3) @ Science and Technology Campus

Answer: (5) @ Education and Arts Campus

3. Have you been aware of the different unfortunate incidents that have happen between the

Management Campus and Education and Arts Campus? If yes what are your suggestion on

some safety measures for faculty and staff of the University of Belize?

Answer: Not as I am aware, two (2) years ago some students walk between the two (2) campuses they

were rob. The University Department of Public Safety the office I am responsible seek the assistance of

the police department to conduct block patrol and on the university campus.

4. In the circumstances of these incidences, what would you say are some responsibilities the

University of Belize should take?

20

Answer: The department has provided preventative information for students, faculty, staff, and to

increase community awareness about the risk of campus crime through crime prevention services, tips,

and alerts and to generate a sense of personal responsibility in each individual to prevent or reduce

criminal opportunities.

5. What are the safety measures implemented at this moment?

Answer: For students, faculty, and staff, safety is of utmost concern at the University of Belize. Each

person must be alert and careful to protect, personal safety and the security of our possessions.

You're not alone. Working together we can make sure that safety comes first.

Report All Suspicious Persons.

Report All Thefts on campus.

Don't invite strangers to your room.

Don’t accept open drink.

Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.

Park in highly visible, well-lit areas and be mindful of suspicious activity. Report any lights out

or suspicious persons on campus to campus security officer.

Always be alert and aware. Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door

without delay.

If you feel that you are being followed, walk or run quickly to a lighted store or where crowds of

people can offer help if needed. Know where to go for help (police station), fire house, etc. Do

not go home.

6. How many days of the week those the security officers work?

Answer: Twenty-four (24) hours of three (3) eight (8) shift per day, six (6) days a week

7. What are some duties and responsibilities of the security officers?

Answer: To be clearly visible

o To be vigilant, alert, flexible

o To respond quickly and correctly during crisis

o Maintain public order among people

o Establish and maintain a feeling of respect and confidence in the department by the

university community in an effort to generate support for Department initiatives.

o Promote crime prevention by educating the university community of its rights and

responsibilities.

o An emergency action plan for fire safety and any other safety hazards which may affect

the university.

8. In case of an emergency are the security officers trained and equipped and will they be able

to assist?

Answer: The department constantly doing in house training / in service training to better equip our

officers daily.

9. What kind of training do the security officers take part in?

Answer: The campus security officers are train in First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Response for incidents

such as Bomb Threats, Fire and Hurricane Preparedness, supporting NEMO, CEMO and other respected

emergency management committees.

21

10. Do the security officers work closely with the police department?

Answer: Yes

11. If no, do you think working hand in hand with the police department in West Landiver will

be helpful improve safety and security?

Yes No

Answer: Please refer to question # 3

12. What are the techniques and strategies used for campus safety?

Answer: Analyze community risk and crime trends in order to identify crime prevention

awareness campaigns, including focusing on areas to increase patrol, surveillance, educational

programs and public awareness.

o Improvement in lighting across the university campuses.

o Annual Disclosure of Crime Statically Analyze Data (Robbery, Physical Assault, Hate

Crime, Rape, Stalking & Harassment, Relationship Violence, Burglary, etc.)

o Establish a neighborhoods block watch program with the neighboring community.

13. Will there be any new policies for security personnel to patrol the area?

Answer: Yes, there are new patrol strategies for security personnel whilst on campus and revising

manual.