Page 106-107 - 2012-2013 Student Handbook

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Campus Security & Safety
CAMPUS SECURITY OBJECTIVE
The objective of Campus Security is to provide a safe environment for teaching, research
and social endeavors and to protect the lives and property of the students, employees
of, and visitors to Westchester Community College. This objective is pursued within the
framework of Westchester Community College’s rules and regulations and all local,
state, and federal laws. The investigation of crimes committed on campus falls under the
jurisdiction of theWestchester County Department of Public Safety with assistance from the
Director of Campus Security and his assistants. Campus Security administrators maintain
an excellent relationship with the local police, and they work together closely to maintain
a safe campus.
The College upholds the rights of students, faculty, and staff to be informed of incidents which
occur on campus, measures taken to promote precautions, and swift effective responses
to crises. The responsibility for maintaining personal and campus safety is shared by all
students, faculty, and staff of the College.
The College recognizes the necessity of a community which is open and intellectually
stimulating, where diversity of ideas is valued and every person’s safety, dignity and
autonomy is respected whether they are students, faculty, or staff, and regardless of race,
ethnicity, age, religion, class, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
More information about security and safety policies can be found online at
.
SECURITY and ACCESS to CAMPUS FACILITIES
In order to gain access to campus facilities outside of normal college hours (Monday-Friday
7:00
am to 10:30 pm), persons must arrange with the Facilities Coordinator for the use of the
facilities. After permission has been obtained, the Director of Security must be contacted for
arrangements to gain access to the building(s).
REPORTING of ON-CAMPUS CRIMES and INCIDENTS
In compliance with the Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, Westchester
Community College publishes an annual “Campus Security & Safety Report.” This report
includes statistics concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus for the previous
three years; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the college;
and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.
The report also includes institutional policies related to campus security, such as policies
concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault,
bias crimes and other crimes. The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide,
upon request, all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department
of Education. To obtain these crime statistics, access the U.S. Department of Education
website at
To get a copy of the full report and crime statistics, contact the Security Office, Room 113
in the Student Center Building (914-606-6730) or access the following website:
SAFETY
DAILY CRIME LOG
Campus Security maintains a daily log of crimes and incidents occurring on campus that is
available for the public to view. This information is recorded by date, time, general location,
and disposition of the complaint. The daily log is available at the Security Office, Student
Center, Room 113 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entries or updates are
generally made within two business days after the event occurs. Incidents or situations
deemed to pose a threat to the campus community are logged as soon as possible. While
most events are logged, the Director of Campus Security may determine that an incident
be classified as “confidential” in order not to jeopardize a criminal investigation or not to
release the identity of a victim.
The following security measures are in place for your safety:
Campus Security, in conjunction with other departments, holds educational programs
each semester on a variety of topics including personal safety awareness, rape
awareness, sexual assault training, and anti-theft programs.
Information on safety and security is provided to students and employees,upon request,
via seminars, crime alerts, campus-wide email, posters, and the College’s student
newspaper.
During orientation, students are informed of upcoming safety programs and the safety
services available on campus.
The campus is well lighted in parking areas and pathways frequently traveled by
students.
There are Emergency Blue Light phones strategically located throughout the campus
that connect directly with the County Police without having to dial. These phones are
for emergencies requiring immediate police assistance. Directions for proper use are
printed on the inside of the call box in English and Spanish.
There is a “Campus Emergency phone” in the lobby of each building. This phone will
automatically dial the college Emergency Number (ext. 6-911) when activated.
By calling extension 6984, or 914-606-6984 from an outside phone, a person may
request an escort to his/her automobile.
To contact the Security Department for an emergency dial 6-911 from any college
phone. If calling from a pay phone or other outside phone, dial 914-606-6911.
In addition to the above security suggestions, the College makes free cell phones
available for any student in need of a 911 emergency connection. Please contact our
Security Office in the Student Center.
The Security Department will assist students and staff in obtaining and enforcing
orders of protection when necessary.
SAFETY