Sentry Force Security

The Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department oversees security services on VCU’s Monroe Park and MCV Campuses. The university’s vendor for security services is Sentry Force. While security staff members are not armed, they are responsible for observing and reporting suspicious behaviors and circumstances to VCU Police. Security personnel receive DCJS Campus Security Officer (CSO) training as well as Campus Security Authority (CSA) training. Their duties include:

Security Posts

Sentry Force Security staff members are stationed in select academic halls, including academic learning spaces; time frames are based on the individual needs of the facility. Some locations will have 24-hour coverage.  Security staff also handle emergency locking and unlocking assignments for authorized personnel on the Monroe Park Campus. For emergency access after hours, call the VCU Police at (804) 828-1196. Authorized persons must have their employee ID cards and a valid reason for entering the facility after hours. All other access requests should be sent to VCU Card Access services. 

To request Sentry Force Security coverage in an academic facility, please e-mail a request to policedept@vcu.edu with the subject “Request for Sentry Force Security coverage.”

Sentry Force Security staff members are also posted in residence halls (midnight to 8 a.m. during the academic year and 24/7 during the summer and breaks). 

Patrol Operations (Mobile Patrols) 

Security staff members have marked vehicles and bicycles to conduct mobile patrols every evening. 

During final exam periods, there are extra patrols at night when students are expected to be visiting libraries and other academic facilities as they prepare for exams.

In an effort to maintain pedestrian safety, staff members also manage security duties at select crosswalks on the Monroe Park Campus. 

On the MCV Campus, security staff will be posted at select parking lots for visibility.

VCU Health Emergency Department

Sentry Force Security staff members conduct 24-hour weapons screenings at the emergency department (ED). Every individual entering this area is screened for weapons; firearms and knives are not allowed in VCU Health facilities.

Special Events

Any academic department can request Sentry Force Security staff to work at a special event; these are events that do not require a police officer. (Some university events require the presence of a VCU Police officer.) 

Requests for Sentry Force Security staff coverage can be made online: https://police.vcu.edu/services/special-event-coverage/