Campus Security &
Safety Report
Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide our faculty,
staff, and students with campus security and safety information in order
that their experiences at
Westchester
Community College may be
safe and enjoyable. This report
is prepared by the Westchester Community College Security Department and any
questions regarding it should be directed to Campus Security, located in
Room #113 of the Student
Center
Building, or telephone (914) 606-6730.
This report is filed as required by the federal "Crime
Awareness and Campus Security Act," (hereafter referred to as the Campus
Safety Act) which was last amended in 1998. This report includes statistics
for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on
campus, in certain off campus buildings or property owned or controlled by
Westchester Community College, and on public property within, or immediately
adjacent to, and accessible from the campus. This report also includes
institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use,
crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other
matters.
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:
http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/Search.asp.
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:
http://www.sunywcc.edu/security
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Emergency Alert System
In case of a major campus EMERGENCY, Westchester
Community College wants to
contact YOU.
You may sign up for this emergency alert system at
http://www.suny.edu/sunyalert.
You will be required to provide your name and an e-mail address, as
well as information for any additional notification media you would like to
enroll (i.e.- cell phone, text message, fax, etc.). Your information will be kept confidential and
ONLY used in a major emergency.
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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, 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 fall under the jurisdiction the Westchester County
Police with assistance from the Director of Campus Security and his assistants.
Campus Security administrators maintain an excellent rapport with the local
police and work closely with them to maintain a safe campus.
The college upholds the rights of students and staff to know 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.
Westchester Community College and the Security
Department recognize 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.
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The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention
Act
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 106 of
Public Law 106-39) is a federal law enacted on October 28, 2000 that
provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed
by institutions of higher education. This law requires institutions of
higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where
law enforcement agency information provided by a State, concerning
registered sex offenders, may be obtained. In
New York, you can obtain this information by
contacting the Division of Criminal Justice Services at 1-900-288-3838 or
visiting their web site at
http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm. To request
information you must be at least 18 years old and must provide your name,
address, and telephone number. The Information Line is open Monday through
Friday from 8:00 am
to 5:00 pm.; it is not
open on state holidays.
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Student Enrollment/Employees
n the Fall Semester of 2004, a total of 11,935
students (5,505 full time and 6,430 part-time) were enrolled at Westchester Community
College.
Continuing education students brought the total number served by the
college to over 18,700. In addition, the college has 556 full time employees
and over 1,000 adjunct professors.
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SECURITY AND
ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES
In order to gain access to campus facilities outside of
normal college hours (Monday-Friday
7am-10:30pm), 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). The Director of Security in conjunction with
other administrators will determine the need for Westchester County Police
or contract security officers to be assigned to events held at
Westchester
Community College. Any
incidents occurring at these events should be reported to, and handled by
Campus Security.
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REPORTING OF
ON-CAMPUS CRIMES AND INCIDENTS
The Director of Campus Security at Westchester
Community records crime and incident statistics throughout the year. These
statistics are recorded in monthly campus security reports sent to the
President of the college and the Dean and Vice President of Administrative
Services. These statistics are totaled at the end of the year and shared
with the college community. These statistics are also reported to the United
States Department of Education and made available to the public. The last
section of this report contains campus crime statistics including arrests
and disciplinary referral made to campus authorities for alcohol, drugs, and
weapons possession. As defined by the Campus Safety Act, a referral is an
instance when a student is formally reported in writing to a college officer
for possible sanction.
As required by the Campus Safety Act, Westchester Community
College must include hate crime statistics in
this report. A hate crime occurs when a person is victimized intentionally
because of his/her actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, ethnicity or disability.
Formal requests for crime statistics for areas defined
as "public property" and "non-campus buildings and property" were made with
local police departments for the main campus and all off site locations. The
definitions of these offenses, which are defined in the "Uniform Crime
Report" and the "Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act," appear later in
this report.
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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 temporarily classified as
"confidential" in order not to jeopardize a criminal investigation or the
identity of a victim.
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CAMPUS SECURITY
AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Westchester County Department of Public Safety has
primary law enforcement jurisdiction at the Valhalla Campus and is
responsible for the investigation of all crimes reported on campus.
Primary law enforcement jurisdiction at each
Extension
Center falls to the Police
Department having jurisdiction in the municipality where the center is
located.
Members of the Campus
Security Department do not have peace or police officer arrest powers, but
two members of the Westchester Community College Campus Security Department
are former Lieutenants of the New York City Police Department and have
extensive knowledge of police procedures. In addition, the following is the
status of Campus Security:
-
Uniformed Security
Officers and Supervisors are provided twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week through a contract service.
-
Uniformed security
staffing levels are adjusted throughout the year as appropriate.
Staffing levels are highest during the fall and spring semesters,
when the college is open.
-
The guardhouse is staffed
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
-
Immediate response to
emergencies is provided by Security Department personnel and by Westchester
County Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical personnel.
-
Westchester County Police
patrol the campus Monday through Friday, eight hours a day, during the fall
and spring semesters.
-
Additional Uniformed Security Officers and/or Westchester County
Police Officers are provided as needed for special events.
NOTE: The contract security officers receive eight
hours of pre-employment training, sixteen hours of on the job training, and
eight hours of annual refresher training as required by New York State.
Additionally, all Security Officers receive 16 hours of site-specific
training at the college prior to assignment. They do not have police or
peace officer arrest powers.
Criminal activity at off-campus property is monitored
by the Campus Security Department in cooperation with the local police.
Students involved in off-campus situations involving alcohol/drug offenses
or other criminal activities may be referred for campus disciplinary
procedures.
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INVESTIGATION OF
VIOLENT FELONY OFFENSES & MISSING STUDENTS
Article 129-A of the New York State Education Law
requires all public, private, community colleges and universities in New
York State to adopt and implement rules and a plan for investigating violent
felony offenses committed on campus and also for the investigation of any
report received of a missing student who resides on campus. Furthermore, the
law requires that the plan shall provide for coordination with local
enforcement agencies, and shall include written agreements with these
agencies for the prompt investigation of these crimes.
In compliance with this requirement,
Westchester
Community College has
established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Westchester County
Department of Public Safety, establishing guidelines for the coordination of
law enforcement efforts on the campus and the investigation of crimes,
including those listed above.
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ADVISORY
COMMITTEE ON CAMPUS SECURITY
As required by Article 129-A of the New York State
Education Law, Westchester Community College maintains an Advisory
Committee on Campus Security.
This committee meets regularly to review, and recommend improvements to, WCC
policies and procedures relating to a variety of security and personal
safety issues. The Advisory
Committee on Campus Safety will provide upon request all campus crime
statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education.
See the introduction above for further information about receiving
these statistics.
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CRIME PREVENTION
ACTIVITIES
The WCC campus is generally a safe and secure
environment; however, it is a public access facility, and we cannot
guarantee who is on the campus and for what purpose. You must be alert for
your own safety and security. Listed below are some suggestions for your
safety:
- Pay careful attention to your personal belongings.
- Keep purses, gym bags, book bags and wallets
in your view or under lock and key.
- Because textbooks are expensive, they may be a
temptation to a thief. Put your name on each book, and do not leave
your books unattended.
- Lock your car doors each time you leave the car.
- Leave nothing in your car within view of a
potential thief. Do not, for instance, store your books on the back
seat.
- Have your car keys in hand before leaving a
building.
- Evening students in particular are encouraged to
walk in groups to cars and bus stops after leaving class or the Library.
- Members of the college community are urged to
secure their valuables and be aware of their surroundings.
Additionally, the following security measures are in
place for your safety:
- Campus Security in conjunction with other
departments hold 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 e-mail, posters, and the college 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
payphone or other outside phone, dial (914) 606-6911.
- It should be noted that 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.
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BIAS CRIMES INFORMATION
Generally, a person commits a hate crime when he or she
commits a specified offense and
is motivated in whole or in part by bias on the part of the offender toward
the race, color, national origin, gender, religion, sexual
orientation, age (sixty or older), or disability of the victim.
Penalties for bias related crimes range from monetary
fines up to a minimum of twenty years in prison, depending on the nature of
a specific offense. Specific
information regarding hate crime offenses and related penalties may be
obtained from article 485 of the New York State Penal Law.
Whenever a member of the college community becomes a
victim of a bias related crime, that member shall notify the Westchester
Community College Security Department as soon as possible. The Security
Department will respond, ascertain information for a report, and make the
following notifications as appropriate:
-
Local police
-
President’s office
-
Associate Dean of Student Personnel Services
-
Counseling
-
Director of Personnel (staff involved)
-
Other notifications where warranted
All reports of bias crimes will be investigated and
perpetrators will be subject to administrative discipline consistent with Westchester Community College policies and procedures
as well as criminal prosecution as allowed by law.
The Westchester Community College Department of
Counseling and Student Development is available to assist any individual who
believes they are the victim of a bias crime. The services include not only
the coordination of intervention with other campus departments, but also on
campus counseling as well as referrals to off-campus agencies and services.
The only bias crimes that have been reported to the
Westchester Community College Security Department have been occasional
defacing of property by writing disparaging remarks, tearing/scratching
posters, etc.
The Security Department utilizes the following methods
to advise students, faculty and staff about security measures on campus:
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SEXUAL CRIMES INFORMATION
Westchester Community College (WCC) is committed to
creating a community free from violence. Sexual assault, harassment,
dating/domestic violence and stalking as defined by State and Federal law
will not be tolerated at WCC, college supported events or activities, or at
functions of recognized student organizations, on or off campus. WCC will
take action, as needed, to discourage, prevent, correct and if necessary,
discipline behavior that violates this standard of conduct. Such discipline
will depend on the nature of the offense and may range from a disciplinary
warning up to and including expulsion from the college.
More detailed information related to disciplinary process and
sanctions may be found in the Student Handbook.
Additionally, such offenses may constitute crimes
according to Federal and New York State Law and would be subject to criminal
prosecution.
Confidentiality is fundamental to all aspects of cases
dealing with sexual assault. The names of sexual assault victims shall not
be revealed by persons responsible for implementing and enforcing the
provisions of this policy, except with the consent of the victim.
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General
Definition of Terms
Sexual Assault is defined as any sexual contact/
intrusion/ penetration that is absent or without consent by all parties.
Examples include, but are not limited to: a) touching breasts or another’s
genitals without their consent (through clothing or skin to skin contact),
b) having sexual contact/ intrusion/ penetration with someone who is
incapacitated (one who is incapable of making a rational decision; e.g. from
alcohol/drug usage), c) continuing sexual activity after either party has
made clear, either verbally or by conduct, that they do not wish to have
physical contact.
Dating/Domestic Violence is the intentional use of
abusive tactics and physical force in order to obtain and maintain power and
control over an intimate partner.
Stalking is defined in general terms as engaging in a
course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts towards another person,
including following another person without proper authority with either:
intent to place the person in reasonable fear of bodily injury, or intent to
cause substantial emotional distress to the person.
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Applicable Laws
& Penalties
New York State laws applicable to sexual assault
are found in Article 130 of the New York State Penal Code. The laws provide
the legal definitions of sex offenses. One significant element of every
sex offense is the lack of consent.
Forcing or coercing someone to have sexual intercourse
or engage in other sexual behavior is against the law.
Specifically, in
New York State, if a woman has sexual intercourse
because she is fearful for her life or her safety, or if she is unable to
consent, the behavior of the perpetrator is considered rape.
The perpetrator does not need to use a weapon or beat her to make her
fearful for her safety.
She is considered unable to consent if she is
incapacitated or is physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption,
is mentally incompetent, is asleep, or is less than 17 years of age.
If a female has intercourse under these circumstances, it is rape.
Forcing or coercing a man or a woman to engage in any sexual experience
other than sexual intercourse under the circumstances mentioned above is
considered sexual abuse.
In part, the law defines various offenses and
applicable penalties as follows:
Sexual
Misconduct, a class A misdemeanor, up to 1 year imprisonment
Rape in the
Third Degree, a class E felony, up to 3 years imprisonment
Rape in the
Second Degree, a class D felony, up to 19years imprisonment
Rape in the.
First Degree, a class B felony, up to 25 years imprisonment
Sodomy in the
Third Degree, a class E felony, up to 3 years imprisonment
Sodomy in the
Second Degree, a class D felony, up to 10 years imprisonment
Sodomy in the
First Degree, a class B felony, up to 25 years imprisonment
Sexual Abuse
in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, up to 1year
imprisonment
Sexual Abuse
in the First Degree, a class D felony, up to 10 years imprisonment.
Stalking in
the Fourth Degree, a class B misdemeanor, up to 6 months
imprisonment and a fine.
Stalking in
the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor.
Stalking in
the Second Degree, a class E Felony.
Stalking in
the First Degree, a class D Felony.
Sexual Assault
Allegations of sexual assault or rape should be
reported to the Police by dialing 911 or Campus Security at the emergency
number 6-911 or (914) 606-6730. A professional staff member from WCC will
meet with you confidentially and will pursue formal disciplinary action only
with your consent. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same
opportunities to have others present during such proceedings, and both the
accused and accuser are informed of the outcome of such proceedings. Anyone
may initiate such an action against a WCC student.
Victims of a sex offense will also be informed of their
option to notify either Campus Security or the County Police,
and will be assisted by college personnel in notifying the police if
desired.
If You
Have Been Sexually Assaulted
-
Go to a safe place. Call someone you trust
for support. Sexual Assault Crisis Line Counselors are available 24 hours a
day. To be automatically connected with 24-hour rape hotline, please call
(914) 345-9111.
-
Help preserve evidence. Don't change anything
about the scene where the assault occurred.
Don't wash any part of your body, comb your hair or change clothes.
-
Get medical attention as soon as possible. A
medical examination is important to detect injury and for possible
protection against a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
-
Think about reporting the assault to the
police. Telling the police does
not mean that you have to prosecute (go to trial).
-
If you do want to prosecute, it is essential
to have a rape exam at a hospital emergency room soon after the assault. To
increase your options later, this exam is recommended, even if you are
unsure about prosecution.
-
Following a sexual assault, you may feel
shock, embarrassment, shame, guilt, disbelief, anger, anxiety or nothing at
all. These are all normal reactions to a violent crime.
-
Remember, IT
IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
-
Sometimes months or even years after an
assault, survivors re-experience feelings they had immediately following the
attack. Counseling or support groups may help at these times.
-
You may be eligible for compensation of
medical costs or losses incurred as a result of a sexual assault. In order
to receive assistance, contact Victims Assistance Services at (914)
345-3113.
-
Decisions made after a sexual assault are
difficult; there are no right answers, only what is right for you. Get the
support you deserve.
Victims Rights
-
Victims have the right to choose counseling and
medical treatment and to prosecute and report their case through the college
judicial system and or the off-campus court system. They have the right to
refuse all these options without reproach from any university personnel.
-
Victims have the right to be treated with dignity
and seriousness by campus personnel.
-
Victims of crimes against an individual have the
right to be reasonably free from intimidation and harm.
-
College personnel are encouraged to inform all
victims that:
-
Victims are not responsible for crimes
committed against them
-
Victims are not negligent and do not assume
the risk of crime
-
Victims should always report their crime,
despite the possibility of adverse publicity for the university
-
Victims will be made aware of appropriate
student services, including counseling
-
Victims are entitled to the same support
opportunities available to the accused in a campus disciplinary proceeding
-
The victim has the right to information
regarding the status of his/her case
-
Any victim who does not wish to remain in
his/her present class section may be granted a transfer to another class
section if available
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Substance Abuse
and Sexual Assault
Some Basic Facts on the criminal use of sedating
substances to facilitate sexual assault:
For centuries alcohol has been used to facilitate
sexual assault. Today it remains the substance most frequently associated
with date rape, and the most accessible sedating substance. Other sedating
drugs are increasingly being misused to commit sexual assault by spiking
victims' beverages. These are referred to by a number of street names of
which you should be aware. These include Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Grievous
Bodily Harm and Easy Lay for GHB, and Special K for ketamine. Common street
names for Rohypnol include Roofies, Roachies, La Rocha and the forget pill.
The physical effects of alcohol and sedating drugs are
very similar and include impaired judgment and motor coordination,
disinhibition, dizziness, confusion and extreme drowsiness. If enough
alcohol or sedating substances are consumed, an individual may fall
unconscious or may not remember the details of what occurred. Depending
on the substance and the presence of alcohol and other drugs in the person's
system, more dangerous and sometimes life-threatening side effects may
occur.
How to reduce the risk of being drugged and sexually
assaulted:
-
Do not leave beverages unattended.
-
Do not take any beverages, including alcohol,
from someone you do not know well and trust.
-
At a bar or club, accept drinks only from the
bartender or server.
-
At parties, do not accept open-container
drinks from anyone.
-
Be alert to the behavior of friends and ask
them to watch out for you. Anyone extremely intoxicated after consuming only
a small amount of alcohol may be in danger.
-
Limit alcohol consumption so you are better
able to assess your surroundings and eat substantive food before drinking to
help curb its sedating effects.
-
When drinking in social settings, make
arrangements with a friend so that you can leave together.
Most importantly, remember that whether you follow
these tips or not, if someone sexually assaults you, it is not your
fault. You are never to blame for someone else's actions.
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Precautions
Even the best self-defense program cannot completely
prevent sexual assault.
Be aware that everyone is a potential victim of sexual
assault. The most vulnerable target is a woman alone. It is a myth that
assault is provoked by a woman's dress or mannerisms.
Opportunity and vulnerability are the key factors. Over 80
percent of all sexual assaults are committed by an acquaintance of the
victim, but almost half of these victims tell no one about the attack. Many
attacks begin with casual conversation. If your gut-level response to a
stranger or friend is uneasiness, try and get out of the situation as
quickly as possible, even if it means being rude or making a scene. The keys
to prevention are awareness, trusting your intuition, and assertive
behavior. Take the time to think ahead what you might do in the event of an
attack.
The following tips are designed to increase your
awareness of personal safety and to encourage you to think ahead about how
you would react if assaulted:
·
Be
alert to your surroundings
-
Know your route and stay in well-lighted
areas. Walk confidently.
-
Walk with other people whenever possible.
-
Consider carrying a whistle on your key chain
and use it if you find yourself in danger.
-
Know the locations of public and blue light
telephones, and keep change handy.
-
If you are walking alone, don't use
headphones; they distract you and prevent you from being alert.
·
If you
travel by car
-
Always keep your car locked, while you are
riding and when it is parked.
-
When returning to your car, do so with your
keys in your hand.
-
Check the back seat before you get in.
-
After you get in, re-lock the car immediately
and keep the windows up.
-
Do not stop to assist stalled drivers. Drive
on and call the police.
-
Do not accept assistance if your car is
stalled. Tell anyone who offers help to call the police.
-
Do not pick up hitchhikers.
·
If you
travel by bus
-
Go to the bus stop with other people whenever
possible, particularly at night.
-
Don't accept rides from strangers.
·
If you
feel you are being followed
-
Walk to the nearest occupied or well-lighted
building, not to your car or a bus stop. If on campus, contact campus
security for assistance; if off-campus, call the police.
Note the appearance of the person or persons; note the license plate
number of the car. Your personal safety should come before the security of
belongings, such as books, bags, etc. When in doubt, leave them behind.
·
If you
feel threatened
-
Shout "Leave me alone." Others may hear you
and/or the potential criminal may be frightened away.
-
Trust your instincts.
If you feel in danger, you probably are; don't be embarrassed to seek
assistance.
·
Cell
phone program
-
The college provides free 911 cell phones to
students and others on campus who have reason to fear for their safety.
Contact Security or one of the offices listed for more information.
·
Blue
light phones
-
There are 15 strategically located emergency
blue light phones on 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.
·
At
home, keep the doors and windows locked.
Ask repair, service or delivery persons for identification or have
them wait outside while you call to verify their employment.
·
Learn to
defend yourself.
·
Teach
children about the potential for sexual assault and what to do if they
are ever approached inappropriately. Children should be told that they are
never responsible for sexual assault and to tell a trusted adult if an
assault should ever occur.
Report all
incidents to Security if on campus, to the police if off
campus.
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Sexual
Harassment
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted verbal or
physical sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually explicit
derogatory remarks, and sexually discriminating remarks which are offensive
or objectionable to the person at whom they are directed or which cause a
person discomfort or humiliation.
Sexual harassment can be as subtle as a look or as
blatant as rape. Women are most often, though not solely, its victims.
Verbal harassment may include "humor" or "jokes" about
women, sex, or sexual orientation, or remarks connecting a person’s sex with
intellectual or academic abilities. Whether verbal or physical, sexual
harassment is an act of aggression. It is a violation of both federal
(Section 703 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX Education
Amendments of 1972) and New York State Human Rights law.
Verbal harassment may include: sexual innuendos and
comments and sexual remarks about clothing, body, or sexual activities;
suggestive or insulting sounds; sexual propositions, invitations or other
pressure for sex ("My office hours are limited. Why don’t you come by my
house, or we can have dinner, and get to know each other better in
privacy."); implied or overt threats ("It’s simple; if you want to pass the
course, you have to be nice to me and sex is the nicest thing I can think
of. It’s up to you.")
Physical harassment may include: patting, pinching or
other inappropriate touching or feeling; brushing against the body;
attempted or actual kissing or fondling; coerced sexual intercourse.
Other kinds of sexual harassment may include: leering
or ogling (for example, an advisor who meets with a student and stares at
her breasts); obscene gestures. If you feel you are being sexually harassed
at WCC, you may request help from several sources:
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Sexual
Harassment Officers
Allegations of sexual harassment should be reported to
the college’s Sexual Harassment Officers, Susan Stanton (914-606-6931) or
Dean Kevin Slavin (914-606-6733), The Women’s Forum (914-606-6901), your
faculty advisor, or your counselor.
They will investigate sexual harassment complaints and institute the
formal procedures for resolving them. These procedures are in accordance
with collective bargaining agreements and established college policies and
guidelines.
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Student Affairs
As with other complaints about discrimination, students
can contact Kevin Slavin, Assoc. Dean, Student Personnel Services, in the Student Center
(914-606-6733), Wendell Mims, Coordinator of Student Life or Iris Cordero,
Coordinator of Student Activities (Student
Center, 914-606-6731).
After hearing your complaint, they may suggest several courses of action,
including contacting the department head of the faculty member or staff
person involved, or the relevant Dean, with mediated discussion and/or
hearings, which ensure confidentiality. In cases of physical harassment,
they will call on security personnel, if necessary.
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Counselor
Students may also feel comfortable approaching a
counselor or a faculty advisor to get advice and support, or to make an
initial complaint.
Women’s Forum
Adult women students may wish to go to counselors in
the Women’s Forum for assistance. Employees, too, can consider Women’s Forum
as a support service. Call 914-606-6901 for additional information.
CAMPUS AND
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The following programs and services are available in Westchester County to provide assistance to you in an
emergency situation or for on-going support in dealing with and recovering
from a sex offense.
Westchester
Community College
Associate Dean of Students
914-606-6733
Room 219, Student Center
Security Office
914-606-6730
Room 113, Student Center
Student Health Services
914-606-6610
Room 112, Student Center
Counseling & Student Development
914-606-6778
Room 217A, Student Center
Dean of Student Personnel Services
914-606-6709
Hartford Hall
Women’s Forum
914-606-6901
Room 118, Science Bldg.
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Community
Resources
Domestic Violence & Special Prosecution Bureau
914-995-3000
Westchester Medical Center
Main Number
914-493-7000
Crisis Intervention
914-493-7075
Westchester County Police 914-864-7600
Westchester Jewish
914-761-0600
845 N. Broadway, Suite 2
Community Services
White Plains
Victims Assistance Services
914-345-3113
2269 Saw Mill River Road Bldg. #3, Elmsford
24-hr. Rape Crisis Hot Line
914-345-9111
No matter where or when the assault occurred, support
and referral resources are available to help you in notifying local law
enforcement.
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HOW TO REPORT A CRIME:
All criminal incidents and emergencies should be
reported to the Campus Security Office located in the Student Center
Building, room 113, in
person, or by telephone (914-606-6984).
Our emergency phone number is 6-911.
If necessary, the Westchester County Police will be informed of the
incident. The Westchester County Police can be contacted directly by using
the Campus Blue Light Emergency Phones or by dialing 911 from any phone
(9-911 from college phones). A County officer will be dispatched immediately
to the site of the complaint. These phones should be used only for
emergencies.
Campus Security will record, classify, and log all
reports received. Individuals reporting incidents will be informed of their
rights and given an opportunity to file a police report for insurance or
criminal purposes. All reported incidents are reviewed on an on going basis
to determine patterns and required corrective action. Any incident of
extreme serious nature will be immediately reported to the President or his
designee. A strong working relationship between Campus Security and the
local police departments will be maintained. Third party reports will not be
accepted by a police officer. Only persons who are involved directly in such
incidents should report them.
In the event of a major emergency or anything that
poses a threat to students, employees, or others, an alert will be prepared
by posting notifications on all campus outer doors and distributing a campus
e-mail notification.
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CONFIDENTIAL
CRIME REPORTING POLICY
Persons wanting to report a crime or incident can do so
confidentially by contacting the Director of Campus Security, or one of his
assistants, in his office (room 113 in the Student Center) or by calling
914-606-6730. The reporting person’s name will be kept confidential, but the
incident may be included in the annual crime statistics report without
divulging the person’s name or any other information that would infringe on
his/her confidentiality.
In addition to the campus Security Office, crimes or
serious incidents may also be reported to individuals and officials having
significant responsibility for students or campus activities, or those with
responsibility for controlling access to buildings or facilities (i.e.-
Security Department members, Deans, Extension Site Directors, Coordinators
of Student Activities/Life/Athletics, Faculty Advisors to student groups,
Director of Athletics, Coaches, etc.). These individuals also allow victims
and witnesses to report crime on a voluntary, confidential basis. Reports of
this nature are filed with the Campus Security for informational purposes.
Although professional counselors at the college are
exempt from disclosing reported offenses when acting in their professional
capacity, Westchester Community College encourages them, if and when they
deem it appropriate, to inform those who they counsel of procedures for
reporting crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the
Campus Security & Safety Report.
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TIMELY WARNING
POLICY
Westchester Community College’s policy is to issue
timely warnings to the campus community upon the confirmation of a
significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat
to health & safety; and for certain crimes that are reported to campus
security authorities or local police agencies and are considered to
represent a threat to students and employees, unless issuing a notification
will compromise efforts to contain the emergency.
Warnings may be issued by any
of the following means: campus-wide email, notices placed on external doors
on all buildings, voice mail, Intranet web site, electronic signs, and the
Viking News.
Additionally, Westchester Community
College participates in the SUNY Emergency Alert
system which can issue alert information via voice, text, e-mail, and fax
messaging. To sign up to receive
alerts through this system, go to
http://www.suny.edu/sunyalert, follow the instructions and enter the
requested information.
LOITERING
All visitors to the College not having an acceptable,
legitimate reason for being on campus are subject to prosecution for
loitering under the provisions of Section 240.35 of the New York State Penal
Law.
SELLING,
PEDDLING, SOLICITING, ETC. ON CAMPUS
Selling merchandise or services, soliciting funds,
advertising or distributing leaflets or flyers is strictly prohibited
without prior consent from the Office of Student Affairs.
Additionally it is a violation of Westchester County Law and may
result in arrest.
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WEAPONS ON CAMPUS:
Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not
permitted on campus. Intentional use, possession, or sale of firearms or
other dangerous weapons by anyone is strictly forbidden and is a violation
of state and federal law.
POLICY ON
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Alcohol and drug abuse are devastating both to the user
and to the college community. Substance abuse is a major cause of accidents,
and can seriously affect academic performance and campus morale.
In addition, under local, state, and
federal laws, illegal use of drugs and alcohol is a serious crime.
Conviction of a felony carries serious consequences, including loss of
citizenship rights during the period of sentence and a possible jail term.
Convictions may also jeopardize future employment opportunities.
The college policy prohibits alcohol and illegal
substances on campus. Violators of this policy will be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action. Only by special permission from the
President may wine or beer be served at special ceremonial occasions.
Several documents (student’s rights document and a pamphlet on enforcement
of federal and drug laws) are made available to students, which explain the
college’s policy regarding the use of alcohol and illegal substances. The
College Health Office and Counseling Department in conjunction with the
National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Addictions conduct workshops which
students are encouraged to attend for information and possible assistance
with their alcohol and substance abuse problems.
Further information on the legal consequences of
alcohol and drug abuse can be found in the Library/Educational Technologies
Center under Public Law 101-226. Additional information is also available
from the Associate Dean of Student Personnel Services Office, Room 219, the
Office of Student Affairs, Room 109, or the Security Department, Room 113,
in the Student Center Building.
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CARS ON CAMPUS
Westchester Community College is pleased to offer
free parking to students, faculty, staff and members of the general public
attending events on campus. WCC assumes no liability for theft, loss or
damage to vehicles on college property. We encourage you to keep your
vehicle locked and to remove attractive articles from view. For a parking
sticker, go to the Security Office in the
Student
Center. Make sure that you
have your license number and your WCC student ID with you.
For further information about rules, handicap parking,
ticketing, towing, or fines please see the Automobile Regulations brochure
available through the Security Office,
Student
Center, Room 113, or call
914-606-6730.
LOST & FOUND:
If you’ve lost something, check the Security Office in
Room #113 of the Student Center or call 914-606-6730. You should
also check the Associate Dean’s Office in any building where you have lost
an item. Property may be claimed Monday through Friday during normal
business hours.
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SMOKE FREE
CAMPUS
The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that
cigarette smoking is the largest preventable cause of illness and premature
death in this country. Non-smokers regularly exposed to tobacco smoke are
also at increased risk.
Westchester
Community College has
been, and continues to be, committed to the health and well-being of its
staff, faculty, and students. The College not only has a vested interest in
the vitality of its students and those who administer and operate the
programs here, but also a role to play in the promotion and advancement of
the general health of our society as a whole. WCC is dedicated to providing
a safe and healthful environment.
In response to these considerations, the following
regulations have been adopted:
-
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations, including academic
areas (classrooms, lecture halls, seminar rooms, laboratories, the library,
and computing facilities), public places (conference rooms, auditoriums,
exhibition areas, indoor athletic facilities, cafeteria, and bookstore),
common areas (lobbies, hallways, waiting areas, restrooms, stairwells,
elevators and service areas) and all offices.
-
Smoking will be permitted in all outdoor areas surrounding campus
buildings as long as these areas are properly maintained (e.g., cigarette
butts to be placed in receptacles provided). However, smoking is prohibited
in any outside area where there is a roof or overhang above you, unless that
area is specifically designated as a smoking area.
-
Cigarettes are not available for sale at any
location on the campus.
STUDENT ID
Don’t leave home without your WCC ID! You may be asked
to show your ID to an administrator or to security. You’ll need your ID to
use the pool, take out library books, view videotapes, use campus computers,
or to enter special events held at the College.
The WCC Photo ID card can be used as a debit card for
purchases in the Cafeteria and all of the Vending Machines on the Campus.
There are three locations where money can be added to the card: Library,
Main Floor; Science Building,
Student Lounge; and the
Student
Center near the ATM
machine on the First Floor. The machines accept $1, $5, $10, $20 and $50.
A 10% Bonus is added for using $10, $20 or $50. The maximum that can
be put on your card at any one time is $75.
To get an ID, visit the Security Office, located in
Room 113 in the Student Center. Just bring your paid tuition
receipt and fill out a form. They’ll take your picture, so look nice! Your
first ID is free. Each time you lose your ID a new one will cost you ten
dollars. Call 914-606-6730 for more information.
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VISITORS TO
CAMPUS:
All campus visitors must register in the Security
Office, Student Center, Room 113. Questions? Call
914-606-6730.
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EMERGENCIES ON
CAMPUS
All criminal incidents and emergencies should be
reported to the Campus Security Office located in the
Student
Center
Building, Room #113, in person, or by telephone.
Our emergency phone number is 6-911.
When necessary, the Fire Department, EMS or Westchester County Police will be informed of the
incident. You may also use the Campus Blue Light Emergency Phones or dial
911 from any phone (9-911 from college phones) to report an emergency
directly to the Westchester County Police Dispatch.
These phones should be used only for emergencies.
Building Evacuations
A building evacuation, for
fire or other reasons, is an event that may directly affect the life and/or
safety of persons on our campus.
As such, building evacuations and building evacuation drills require the
active participation and support of all college employees and should be
carried out by each of you in a manner befitting a representative of
Westchester
Community College.
Evacuation drills are conducted at the beginning of each semester,
both during the day and evening, and at the beginning of summer session. In the event of a building
evacuation, the Westchester Community College Security Department has
primary responsibility to initiate and coordinate an appropriate response,
including notification of emergency services and the college administration.
Security Officers will be dispatched to assist in effecting an
orderly and efficient evacuation and will provide specific instructions to
building evacuees as appropriate.
Additionally, there are Fire Marshals throughout the campus who have
received specific training in how to assist in the event of a fire or
evacuation. Any responding Fire
Marshals may be identified by the orange safety vest they will wear in the
event of an emergency. You must
comply with instructions given by Security Officers and Fire Marshals.Your primary responsibility
in the event of a building evacuation is to immediately, safely and
efficiently exit the building via the shortest safe route.
ALL evacuation alarms must be treated as real, even if there are
multiple alarm activations within the same day.
Additionally, your adherence to the following simple guidelines is
necessary to help ensure the safety of all building occupants during an
evacuation:
-
If you see a
fire, immediately pull the
nearest fire pull station to initiate the fire evacuation alarm.
-
If you receive
an unconfirmed report of fire or smell smoke, immediately call the WCC
Emergency number at extension 6911 from any campus phone, or 606-6911 from
an outside line. Security will
be dispatched to investigate the report.
-
Once an
evacuation is initiated, make sure to immediately exit the room and proceed
to the nearest safe building exit.
-
Close the door
as the last person exits and proceed to the nearest building exit.
-
If you see an
open door as you are exiting the building, close the door and continue to
the nearest safe building exit. Do not deviate from the shortest safe exit route to do this.
-
If you see any
occupants in the building who do not appear to be evacuating, inform them
there is an evacuation and that they must exit the building immediately.
-
If you are
aware of occupants who you believe did not evacuate the building as
required, notify the nearest Fire Warden, Security Officer or Emergency
Services Person immediately upon exiting the building.
Inform them of how many persons and where they were last seen.
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Evacuation Instructions
In the event of a Fire
Alarm or other evacuation:
-
Remain
CALM
-
WALK, DO NOT RUN, to the nearest exit.
-
Go to the
nearest exit, taking the shortest possible safe route.
-
NEVER USE ELEVATORS AS A FIRE EXIT
-
Once outside,
remain at least 100 feet away from the building, more if directed.
-
DO NOT
re-enter the building until "ALL
CLEAR" is announced by the Fire Department.
-
If you are
wheelchair-bound at ground level, or otherwise mobility-impaired, exit the
building immediately. If you are
above or below ground level, ask someone to escort you to the nearest
enclosed stairwell landing and close the door. The escort should identify
someone who will tell firefighters the location of the stairwell in which
you are located. Fire department professionals will then evacuate you if
necessary.
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Fire Instructions
In case of fire,
pull the nearest alarm. This will activate an audible and visual alarm
within the building which rings directly at the Security Information
Gatehouse and in WCC’s Department of Building and Grounds. The Security
Officer on duty will call the local fire department, telling them the fire
location and giving them other relevant information.
When a fire alarm sounds,
evacuate the building immediately.
Walk - do not run, do not use elevators. Close doors to classrooms and
offices, leaving lights on, and exit from the nearest enclosed stairwell.
Take your belongings with you. Do not try to fight the fire.
If you are wheelchair-bound at ground level, or
otherwise mobility-impaired, exit the building immediately.
If you are above or below ground level, ask someone to escort you to
the nearest enclosed stairwell landing and close the door. The escort should
identify someone who will tell firefighters the location of the stairwell in
which you are located. Fire department professionals will then evacuate you
if necessary.
Everyone who has exited the building should stay at
least 100 feet away from building entrances until an
"all clear" is announced by the
fire department.
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Injuries and Other Medical Emergencies
Report all
classroom accidents to the professor immediately.
Report all injuries to
Campus Health Services
914-606-6610, located in the Student Center Building, Room 112, staffed by
registered professional nurses (R.N.'s). Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00
am-8:30 pm; Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
WCC has an
emergency phone system which may be used when the Health Service is not
open – after 8:30 pm Monday-Thursday, after 5:00 pm Friday, and on weekends.
To reach Campus Security you may
dial 6911 from any college phone
or (914)606-6911 from any non-college phone.
To reach the
Westchester County Police call
911.If you should witness a medical emergency, call for
assistance and then stay with the patient until professional help arrives.
Do not move the victim or injured person unless there is immediate
danger to yourself and/or the patient.
The Westchester
Medical Center is the closest hospital, located one mile west of WCC on Grasslands Road. Its main switchboard is
914-493-7000; emergency room is 914-493-7307.
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Westchester Community College
Crime Statistics
OFFENSE
DEFINITIONS: The following definitions for murder, robbery, aggravated
assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, weapons law violations, drug abuse
violations, and liquor law violations are excerpted from the Uniform Crime
Reporting Handbook. The definitions of forcible and non-forcible sex
offenses are excerpted from the national incident-based reporting edition of
the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook.
Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing
of one human being by another. Deaths caused by negligence, suicide,
accidental deaths, and justifiable homicides are excluded.
Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross
negligence.
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Sex
Offenses-Forcible: Any sexual act directed against another person,
forcibly and/or against that person’s will ; or not forcibly or against the
person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
A.
Forcible Rape is the carnal knowledge of a person,
forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly against the
person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of
his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity or because of
his/her youth.
B.
Forcible
Sodomy is oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person , forcibly and
/or against that person’s will ; or not forcibly against the person’s will
where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or
because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
C.
Sexual Assault With An Object is the use of an
object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital
or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that
person’s will; or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of
giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or
permanent mental or physical incapacity.
D.
Forcible Fondling is the touching of the private
body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification,
forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or, not forcibly or against the
person’s will where the victim in incapable of giving consent because of
his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental
incapacity.
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Sex Offenses-Non
Forcible: Unlawful, non forcible sexual intercourse limited to Incest
and Statutory Rape.
A.
Incest is the non forcible sexual intercourse
between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein
marriage is prohibited by law.
B.
Statutory Rape is the non forcible sexual
intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
Robbery: The
taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or
control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence
and/or by putting the victim in
fear.
Aggravated
Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for inflicting
severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually
accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or
great bodily harm. It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated
assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used which could and probably
would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully
completed.
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Burglary:
The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For
reporting purposes, this definition includes: Unlawful entry with intent to
commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit
larceny; house-breaking; safe-cracking; and all attempts to commit any of
the aforementioned.
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Motor Vehicle
Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. This includes
cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even
though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joyriding.
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Arson: The
willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn with or without intent to
defraud a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or
personal property of another kind.
Weapons Law
Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon
offenses, regulatory in nature, such as manufacture, sale, or possession of
deadly weapons: Carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly: Furnishing
deadly weapons to minors: Aliens possessing deadly weapons: All attempts to
commit any of the aforementioned.
Liquor Law
Violations: The violation of laws or ordinance prohibiting: The
manufacture, sale, transportation, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating
liquor: Maintaining unlawful drinking places: Bootlegging: Operating a
still: Furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person: Using a vehicle
for illegal transportation of liquor: Drinking on a train or public
conveyance: All attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness
and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
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Drug Abuse
Violations: Violations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful
possession, sale, use, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The
relevant substances include: Opium or cocaine and their derivatives
(morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol,
Methadone); and dangerous non narcotic drugs (Barbiturates, Benzedrine.)
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