Measures to enhance security on TMU campus

November 07, 2022

We understand that recent incidents on our campus have been especially concerning for our community members. The safety and security of the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus is our top priority.

As a team, Community Safety and Security takes a proactive approach to safety and security on campus by innovating, growing and adding specific training to its program to improve our ability to respond to a wide variety of incidents. In advance of the Fall semester, additional security protocols were implemented and this work will remain ongoing as part of the university’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of our community. In addition, we have outlined the proactive ways our team works with the city and community partners to respond to the unique challenges that impact our campus.

Security protocols implemented prior to the fall semester

This fall, Community Safety and Security implemented additional security protocols:

Maintained OneCard Access only for all buildings on campus.
- As part of this, intercoms were added to nearly all buildings, supporting community members and community guests with contacting security or requesting access to facilities in a more timely and direct manner.
Additional TMU security guards were positioned visibly throughout the campus to monitor activity.
- This included additional security patrols and community engagement staff positioned in Kerr Hall.
Partnered with Toronto Police Service to have officers on foot and bike patrol who proactively engage with our on-campus community to provide an additional layer of support for our security team.

There are four patrol guards and two Crime Prevention Specialists stationed in Kerr Hall, Monday to Friday, and additional patrols during evenings and weekends. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed in Kerr Hall. We will continue to pursue additional security enhancements for these spaces.

Responding to the evolving needs of the broader community through partnership and collaboration

In response to the nuanced and complex challenges facing our campus, our department has undertaken a multidisciplinary approach.

A focus on community engagement

In 2018, our department created a Crime Prevention and Community Engagement team that includes community engagement ambassadors that are on campus Monday to Friday. This team partners with the Covenant House, the Downtown Yonge BIA, and Toronto Public Health teams for outreach and support.

Partnering with community supports

Our Campus Safety and Security team also maintains key partnerships with important external community agencies such:

Toronto Police Service,
Toronto Public Health,
Streets 2 Homes,
Downtown Yonge BIA,
Covenant House, and
Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

Resources and tools for supporting your personal safety

We want to be clear that no one is at fault or responsible for their experience of crime on campus. With this in mind, it’s important that our community is aware of the resources that are available to them and practical strategies to support a shared commitment to safety on campus.

Walk Safe Program: Available to all community members, this provides a uniformed security crew member to escort you to various locations on campus, including the subway and nearby parking lots. This service is available to all TMU community members—including visitors—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Personal Safety Planning Sessions: Offered by Community Safety and Security to all community members for support with scenario-based guidance, tools and resources so you can make informed decisions.
Tailgating: Community members are encouraged to be mindful of individuals who may follow behind them when entering building lobbies and asked to not hold open doors for other individuals. If you are concerned about any unusual behaviour or activity please inform our TMU Security immediately.

Supporting your wellbeing

We recognize that one’s self of safety and security is deeply personal. Learning about risks to one’s safety can profoundly impact our mental, physical and emotional well-being and contributes to a heightened sense of alert and concern about personal safety. If you are feeling impacted, please know you are not alone, and support is available:

Consent Comes First offers expertise, support and resources for TMU community members affected by sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence. You can contact CCF for one on one support at osvse@torontomu.ca.
Centre for Student Development and Counselling offers various care, referrals, and resources, including individual and group counselling. You can make an appointment by email at csdc@torontomu.ca or phone at 416-979-5195.
Keep.meSAFE is a mental health counselling service that specializes in student mental health support and provides 24/7 access to licensed counsellors through telephone and mobile chat: 1-844-451-9700, My SSP app.
Office of Student Care supports students who are navigating complex challenges, including personal, academic and/or financial struggles. They can be reached at studentcare@torontomu.ca.
Human Rights Services administers a free and confidential complaint resolution process under the University’s Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy and Sexual Violence Policy and can be contacted at humanrights@torontomu.ca.
Employees can contact Workplace Wellbeing Services to discuss the availability of other supports and services.