Homecoming Security

Homecoming is a time to celebrate our beloved Bowie State University, as we connect with many students, alumni, and community members – near and far. As we approach this year’s Homecoming, we want to ensure everyone enjoys a memorable and safe event. It’s essential for the university to keep our campus safe, especially during Homecoming Week, where so many members of the Bowie State community come to campus to enjoy various activities.

To prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our entire community, we've developed a comprehensive security plan to keep our campus and guests safe during Homecoming Week.

Campus Security Upgrades

  • Our campus-wide security camera system has been updated to more than 315 cameras, which allows law enforcement to monitor activities in real time
  • License plate readers help manage vehicle traffic and ensure the safety of those driving on and near campus.
  • Metal detectors have been added to strategic locations, including buildings, sports arenas and entrances throughout the campus.
  • 19 Blue Light Emergency Phones have been added throughout campus, which are designed to deter criminals and give students and guests a direct line to emergency services.
  • Enhanced lighting towers have been placed throughout campus. Well-lit spaces deter suspicious activity and potential threats and improve visibility, allowing people to see their surroundings clearly.
  • Bowie State has added fencing around the perimeter of campus to control access points.

Enhanced Security Measures

  • The Bowie State University Police Department has partnered with State and County Law enforcement to increase the presence of officers throughout the campus to keep everyone safe.
  • Aerial drones will be deployed to provide additional surveillance of key areas on campus.
  • Weapon-detection technology, ShotSpotter, identifies the location when a weapon is discharged and guides law enforcement to that area. This technology will help officers respond rapidly to any potential threats.

Campus Access

  • All attendees must register for Homecoming Day and Homecoming Week events. Attendees must present their registration QR Code and/or Bowie Bulldog ID card. Registration allows us to provide important safety information and updates to attendees before, during and after Homecoming. Knowing who will be on-site makes it easier to account for everyone in case of an emergency and enables quick communication during emergencies. Registration also helps ensure that our campus doesn’t exceed safe limits, which is crucial for crowd control and emergency evacuations, and it can help identify any unauthorized individuals, thereby enhancing overall security.
  • All faculty, staff and students are required to wear their BSU Bulldog ID cards in a prominent manner while on campus.

Campus Policies

  • The BSU Department of Athletics has a clear bag policy for all athletic events, which is consistent with those in many CIAA and non-conference venues. Guests will be encouraged to return unauthorized items to their vehicles and prohibited items will be confiscated.
  • Bowie State University's No Smoking Policy is intended to reduce health risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke for the campus community.
  • Bowie State University's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy establishes standards for student alcohol use on campus and during student organizational activities on and off campus. Additionally, this policy prohibits the use of controlled dangerous substances by students and campus guests.
  • Weapons are prohibited on campus. Please refer to Bowie State University's Policy on Prohibiting Firearms.

Building and Campus Closure Times

  • Only on Saturday, October 19, Homecoming activities will end by 7 p.m. Announcement reminders will begin at 6 p.m. by campus loudspeakers. BSU police officers will ask guests to begin clearing the area at 6:30 p.m. We ask that all attendees plan accordingly and exit the campus promptly to ensure a safe and orderly conclusion to the day’s events.
  • Only on Saturday, October 19, access to campus buildings will be limited. Outside restroom facilities will be provided.

Traffic and Parking Management

  • BSU police officers will manage vehicle and pedestrian traffic, parking and crowd control throughout Homecoming Week. Please follow posted signs and instructions from officers to help us maintain smooth operations.
  • The University has updated all gated entry points with “Gate Logic.” Gate arms will be down when the campus is closed or has reached capacity. Gate arms will automatically lift when vehicles leave. Security guards will be present to ensure vehicles do not attempt to enter when the exit arm goes up.
  • When campus parking reaches capacity, satellite parking will be available in the MARC Train parking lot, Jericho Park, Horsepen Park and Saddlebrook East Community Park. There will be shuttle service to and from the satellite parking areas.
  • No parking will be allowed on 197 (Laurel-Bowie Rd.), Jericho Rd. and surrounding neighborhoods. Towing will be enforced.
  • On Homecoming Day, Saturday, October 19, campus will close to additional guests if campus reaches capacity.

Homecoming Attendees

We expect all attendees to respect campus policies and procedures and the directives from Bowie State University’s Police Department and security personnel. Criminal behavior, violence, or any actions that compromise the safety and wellbeing of our campus will not be tolerated. Anyone involved with or connected to criminal activity will face prosecution.

If you observe any suspicious behavior or potential threats, we urge you to report it immediately to BSU police officers at (301) 860-4040 or call 911.

Bowie State University is committed to providing a safe environment for all who attend Homecoming Week. We appreciate your support and understanding as we implement these public safety measures. It takes all of us doing our part to create a safe and memorable Homecoming at Bowie State.