Metal Detectors

The Metal Detector Policy addresses safety concerns on the MIT campus during student social events.

Policy for the Mandatory Use of Metal Detectors

1. The use of metal detectors is required for any on-campus student party/dance which meet the following three criteria:
   1. Attendance: The organizers anticipate 250 or more persons will attend, or the Police at MIT, in their sole discretion, believe there is a substantial likelihood that 250 or more persons will attend; AND
   2. Admission: Open to non-MIT students. (Exceptions: a function may not be considered open to non-MIT students merely because MIT students are accompanied by a single non-MIT guest per MIT student and a function with a limited number of non-MIT guests on a guest list); AND
   3. Event Specifics: Alcohol will be served, there is a live band or other form of musical entertainment, or event has special circumstances, as determined by MIT Police (i.e. VIP speaker).
      
      Where feasible, more than one metal detector may be used at a single event to minimize crowding outside the entrance.
2. Walk-through and hand-held detectors will be delivered to the event. Detectors will be tested to make sure they are in working order.
3. Student group sponsors are required to meet with staff from SOLE, CAC and Police at MIT two weeks prior to the event to discuss safety issues and develop a safety plan. On the night of the event, student sponsors will meet with the CAC manager and Police at MIT officer on duty to implement the plan. For more information, contact the Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement Office at 253-6777.
4. All metal detector events must use a current College ID with a photo of person using ID on it admission policy. A second form of ID may need to be presented to verify first ID.
5. Student events not required to have metal detectors as outlined in part one (1) may request metal detectors by making the request in writing (at the time of event registration), and setting forth the reasons supporting the request. Final decisions on special requests will be made by the Chief of the Police at MIT or his/her designee.
6. No more than one (1) event subject to the metal detector policy will be held per night.
7. Student groups will advertise on tickets and other promotional materials: "Student ID Required, No bags and no cameras" and "Metal detectors in use."
8. Unless restrooms are located outside of venue, no re-admittance is allowed to metal detector events.

Use of Metal Detectors

1. The Campus Activities Complex manager or other facility manager will be responsible for posting the required notices, provided by the Police at MIT, to advise guests that metal detectors are in use. The location of the notices is subject to review and approval by the Police at MIT supervisor on duty on the night of the event. Notices should be posted at the entrance to the event, in the area where the devices will be used, as well as outside that area so that potential guests will encounter the notice before they must get in line to be screened.
2. Prior to entering the event, each guest will be screened through a walk-through metal detector. If the detector indicates the presence of metal, the screener will ask the guest to remove any keys, jewelry, or other belongings that might activate the detector before being screened again. If the presence of metal is detected a second time, the guest will be taken aside and screened by a screener with a hand held detector.
3. If any guest is unable (or unwilling) to clear the metal detector, the screener shall deny that person entrance to the event, notify the detail officer and then ask the guest to leave the premises. There will be no exceptions, except at the discretion of a detail officer following a same sex consensual pat-down of the guest (to accommodate guests who have metal contained in a medical device or the like).
4. If any person denied entry refuses to leave the premises, the screener shall promptly request the assistance of a detail officer who will be responsible for ensuring that the person leaves.
5. If the screener, through use of the detector or otherwise, discovers or has reason to believe that a weapon is present, he or she shall promptly report that information to a detail officer.