Changes to the security measures in the Campus The Hague buildings
Leiden University aims to achieve a good balance between a safe study and work environment and the openness and accessibility that are integral to a university. In this notice we are giving an update on security policy at Campus The Hague, where there have been a few changes.
To gain more insight into the way our buildings are secured, the Leiden University security policy has recently been reviewed and updated.
This spring, the Executive Board adopted the Physical Security Framework. This sets out the principles for security at university premises. This framework will be evaluated at regular intervals and, where necessary, updated to take into account new developments and risks.
Changes to security measures
Following the first risk analysis made by the Security Measures Steering Committee at the end of 2025, the university is now providing an update on the measures adopted by the Executive Board in response to this analysis:
- With effect from 1 January 2026, the structural checks on access cards (LU Cards) at the entrance to the Wijnhaven and Schouwburgstraat locations have been altered and there is now a check in the evenings.
- Access gates have been installed at the Spui University Campus. The gates are open in the daytime, but are activated from 18.00 and at the weekend, when there is a lower level of surveillance.
- The systematic use of external security staff not in uniform was ended with effect from 1 April 2026.
- Our university regularly receives dignitaries and/or organises large-scale events. To ensure that these events run smoothly, from 1 April event security staff may be deployed (at the request of the organisers). These security staff will always be in uniform.
- This summer, work will be carried out on the cameras in the Wijnhaven building, also on the advice of the Steering Committee. In concrete terms this means:
- Almost half of the current cameras will be removed.
- The other cameras are outdated and will be replaced by new ones (not smart cameras).
- Two new intercom cameras will be installed allowing reception staff to open two doors remotely. These cameras will only provide ‘live’ feed; they will not record, and footage will not be stored.
We are providing this update because we want to communicate more effectively and transparently about our security policy. In the context of this security policy, choices occasionally have to be made in the at times complex balance between on the one hand the openness and accessibility of our buildings and the necessary safety of our staff, students and visitors on the other hand. You can read more in the earlier interview with Timo Kos, Vice-President of the Executive Board.