If you see a patron on library premises that you suspect is currently excluded, attempt to confirm their identity using the security incident reports database on library commons. Sometimes an individual may look different than the photograph that was taken when that individual was excluded. If you are not sure if it is the same individual, ask another staff member for their opinion.

After confirming the identity of the patron and the fact that they are currently excluded, you can either 1) contact the patron along with another staff member and take the steps listed below or 2) call the police (as applicable):

1. Inform the excluded patron that they are currently excluded, they are welcome to return on (X date), they are trespassing, and they must leave the premises immediately;
2. Remind them that they may appeal their exclusion.
3. If the patron refuses to leave or does not make a reasonable effort to leave promptly, tell them that you are going to call the police.

Calling the police

If the police have been called, contact the police officer when they arrive and point out the excluded patron to them. Then do the following:

1. Give the officer a copy of each current exclusion notice that had been given to the patron in the past;
2. Give the officer the name or names of each staff member who observed the patron on the library premises and the address and phone number for each staff member’s primary work location (if an on-call staff member witnesses the incident, then the phone number of the staff member’s supervisor should be provided).
3. If the Incident Review Team has recommended having the patron arrested for criminal trespass in the second degree: This will be indicated in SIR with a message appearing under the patron’s photo with a case number. Tell the officer (a) the library would like to have the excluded person arrested and charged with criminal trespass in the second degree and (b) applicable library staff will contact the District Attorney’s office and sign a criminal complaint;
4. If the Incident Review Team has not recommended having the patron arrested for Criminal Trespass in the second degree: Tell the officer you would like the officer to (a) inform the patron that the patron is excluded and trespassing, (b) inform the patron that additional trespassing may result in the patron’s arrest, and (c) help ensure the patron leaves library premises promptly and safely.

Regardless of the outcome, complete an incident report.

Remember, if you decide to call 911 for police assistance, tell the 911 dispatcher that a person who has been excluded from all library premises is now on library premises trespassing. If you are in any way concerned for your safety and the safety of other library staff and patrons, tell the dispatcher that you are concerned for your safety and the safety of others and you need the police immediately.