The UNMC and Nebraska Medicine employee identification badge holds the key to more than access to the work environment. It also grants access to fellow employees, valuables and critical (and sometimes expensive) equipment used to save and improve lives.
Leaders at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, as well as public safety personnel, are asking the med center community to protect their personal safety and valuable assets from potential theft or damage by not letting others into secured buildings or areas without a work identification badge.
“It’s tough not to be nice and hold the door for someone, but we need to fight the urge,” said Charlotte Evans, chief of police and assistant vice chancellor for the UNO and UNMC Department of Public Safety. “Those with bad intentions are counting on someone being nice, and once they get in that door, they gain access to many places.”
Evans said public safety staff are seeing more members of the public “tailgating” into buildings with the help of staff holding the door. “Oftentimes, it’s a simple mistake of going to the wrong door,” Evans said. “Other times, it’s obvious their access was planned for not-so-innocent reasons.”
Security is the responsibility of every medical center staffer, faculty member and student, Evans said. “COVID-19 forced us to secure buildings more extensively and because of that, many of our staff feel much safer,” she said. “We’ve also have seen far less theft and damaged property.”
Evans asks anyone to call public safety at 402-559-5111 if they encounter:
- Someone attempting to get into a secured building without a badge.
- Someone in a secured building without a badge.
- Someone on a secured elevator without a badge.
- Anyone, anywhere on campus that appears in need of assistance, seems out of place or gives cause for concern.
A call to public safety will ensure that the unaccompanied guest without a badge either gets the help they need or a quicker escort from the property.
Reminders:
- Visiting vendors and collaborators are expected to call their campus contact on arrival and meet at an appropriate location to be escorted.
- Badges are required to be worn by all staff at all times while at work. Staff who have forgotten their badge will be asked to retrieve it to gain proper entry.
Read tips on dealing with strangers in the workplace.
What would be very nice is if the parking garages had the door scanners inside the garage at the entry doors, not after we have entered into a stairway or elevator with someone who should not be there and then scan to get into overpass. It would also be wonderful if the automatic buttons on the garage doors to Lot 50 actually opened when you touch them for people who are handicapped.
Many of those associated with construction, furniture moves/additions, etc., within Wittson Hall (and the Wigton Center, and the grounds outside our building, etc.) use only Door 3099B for entry/exit. Many do not have proper access, and continually prop open the door with rocks, drywall, sticks, and even a door stop.
Thanks Chief, you are doing an awesome job! We appreciate you!