Public Safety

We strive for a high level of safety services to the college community. Mount Mercy University Department of Public Safety is located in the Sisters of Mercy University Center. To contact Public Safety, dial 1234 from any campus phone, or 319-363-1323 x1234 from any off-campus or cellular phone. For an emergency, dial 9-911 from a campus phone or 911 from any off-campus or cellular phone.

Looking after the Hill

In addition to full-time Security Officers, the Department utilizes work-study students to assist in parking enforcement and during special events on campus. Mount Mercy operates an administrator-on-duty call system to ensure that administrative support and decision-making capacity is always available. All Public Safety Officers are trained in CPR/1st Aid/AED, emergency response, evacuation procedures, and interpersonal skills.

Mount Mercy’s campus falls under the jurisdiction of the Cedar Rapids Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Mount Mercy University Department of Public Safety maintains a positive and open relationship with each of these agencies. The appropriate agencies assist Mount Mercy University Department of Public Safety in crime investigation on campus as needed. The Department of Public Safety monitors and records, through local police crime data, off-campus events sponsored by recognized student organizations.

The protection of students, employees, guests, and Mount Mercy property is our priority. We provide the following services:

On-campus escort program
Lost and found
Securing and unlocking buildings after hours
Assistance with parking issues
Student education on fire safety, personal safety, alcohol, and other drug programs
Vehicle unlocks
Violent Incident Preparation (VIP)

Campus Safety Alerts

Shelter in Place

Notifies of an active threat
Secure yourself to prevent someone from gaining access to you
Current students, faculty, and staff receive alerts through text, phone call, and email based on Rave settings

Timely Warning

Communication about safety or health incidents that have occurred, required per the federal Clery Act
There is not a belief of an imminent threat; remain aware and vigilant
Current students, faculty, and staff receive alerts through text and email based on Rave settings

Lockdown

Notifies that nobody will be granted access to enter or leave campus
Current students, faculty, and staff receive alerts through text, phone call, and email based on Rave settings

Remember to take all Rave alerts seriously.

Students and employees can contact the IT Help Desk at help@sydotnet.net and the Director of Public Safety, Joe Cerruto, at jcerruto@sydotnet.net if you're not receiving Rave alerts or would like to update your settings. Please note: International students will only receive Rave emails if they have an international phone number.

Daily crime log

Our daily crime log is provided in accordance with the regulations set out under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Other Mount Mercy University publications regarding campus security and crime activity may not use the same guidelines and, therefore, may not contain complete information.

Crime information is available for viewing Monday through Friday during normal business hours (8:00 AM–4:30 PM) from Joe Cerruto, Director of Public Safety, located in University Center 115A.

Important contact information

Joe Cerruto

Director of Public Safety
319-363-1323 x1028
jcerruto@sydotnet.net

Campus Phones
Dial 9 to access an outside line
If calling internally on campus, use the extension only

Mount Mercy University Department of Public Safety
Direct Line: 319-360-4839
319-363-1323 x1234

Cedar Rapids Police Department: 911
Non-emergency: 319-286-5491

Cedar Rapids Fire Department: 911
Non-emergency: 319-286-5200

Linn Co. Sheriff's Office: 911
Non-emergency: 319-892-6100