2009 Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act Report

THE ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS POLICY
(ANNUAL CLERY REPORT)

Applies to all campuses

(Rocklin, Roseville, Nevada County, and Tahoe-Truckee)

The Sierra College Police Department is responsible for gathering and disclosing crime statistics. The annual security report for the Sierra Community College District 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 the Sierra Community College District and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

In accordance with mandated reporting requirements, information concerning the monitoring and recording of any criminal activity in which students engaged, at off campus locations and/or within student organizations that are officially recognized by the district, are gathered from local police agencies. These agencies include any city, county, state, or federal agencies that may have relevant information. These agencies are sent a letter annually encouraging the reporting of these crimes or incidents. The statistics provided are published in the disclosure.

The Sierra College Police Department is aware that crimes may go unreported to law enforcement; as such, the police department and employees who have significant responsibility for students and student activities are required to report to the Sierra College Police Department any crimes they become aware of in the course of their daily contact with students. As a reminder, annually a letter is sent out encouraging the collection and reporting of crimes or incidents. Certain Deans, Directors or other administrators, Faculty Advisors, Student Academic Advisors and Coordinators are all included in the annual notification. These individuals are designated as Campus Security Authorities. Faculty (except for Advisors), Physicians, Counselors and Clerical Staff are examples of employees who are not required to report as Campus Security Authorities under the Clery Act.

The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters. Each year by October 1, an email notification is made to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff. Hard copies of the report are also available at the Sierra College Police Department Offices. For specific locations and contact information, see the website: http://police.sierracollege.edu. Prospective students and employees receive the notice of availability in the application process. Notices of availability of the annual report are printed in the course catalogs. The notice of availability is also printed in various other publications like the student handbook.

POLICE AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

The Sierra College Police Department has limited staffing and resources; as such, officers will respond to and conduct preliminary investigations into criminal matters. The department does maintain a strong relationship with local agencies in which the campuses are located and have memorandums of understanding with each agency that provide the department the ability to request additional resources when needed to conduct comprehensive follow-up investigations or in response to a crime in progress that exceeds the response capabilities of the Sierra College Police Department. The members of the police department routinely work in conjunction with the local public safety agencies in two counties and four cities.

The Sierra College Police Department does provide a 24/7 presence combining peace officers and security officers. The specific powers and authority are:

Peace Officers: The peace officers have statewide peace officer authority, full powers of arrest and are vested with law enforcement powers pursuant to California Penal Code Section 830.32. Peace officers enforce local, state and federal laws on campus and immediate perimeter. Their peace officer authority includes concurrent jurisdiction with municipal and county agencies on adjacent streets. The department is required to comply with selection standards as mandated by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and peace officers are required to meet ongoing training requirements mandated by POST, as well as additional training designed to meet the needs of the college community. Law enforcement duties and responsibilities of the Sierra College Peace Officers are comparable to local police departments and sheriff offices.

Security Officers: Campus security officers are contracted by the district. They have the same powers of arrest as a private citizen.

This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Board Policy No. 7600.

PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

The Sierra College Police Department District Office is located at the west entrance to the Rocklin campus on the northwest corner of Rocklin Road and West Campus Drive. Office hours are consistent with normal instructional hours. The Nevada County Campus Police Office is located on the Grass Valley Campus in building N-3. Officers patrol both the Rocklin and Nevada County campuses 24-hours a day, every day of the year.

Students and other campus community may report crimes in person at the Police Department counter or by telephone. A special local telephone extension number 1111 has been instituted to accept emergency calls from "in-house" campus phones for campus police assistance. In addition to regular campus phones, there are red or yellow emergency phones installed in highly visible areas throughout each campus and parking lots. When the campus police department receives an emergency call, an officer will be dispatched to the scene when appropriate. In any case where campus resources are inadequate to handle or properly investigate a crime, Police Services may request and coordinate assistance from local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies.

Emergencies include:
• Crime in progress
• Disruptive person/group
• Fire
• Medical need
• Other circumstance posing an immediate threat to persons or property

Non-emergency reasons to request an officer include:
• Request for taking a preliminary investigation report of a crime
• Request for a safety escort
• Request for a funds escort
• Other circumstance where an officer can aid in keeping the peace or monitoring safety

Reasons for requesting an officer to address a facilities matter include:
• Classrooms/facilities that need to be locked/unlocked
• District employee using a facility after normal operating hours
• Faulty fire/intrusion alarms
• Heating or air-conditioning problems in classrooms/facilities
• Lighting problems
• Plumbing or electrical problems
• Other problems related to facilities that may pose a hazard until repaired.

Confidential Reporting Of Crimes

Sierra College Police Department encourages the prompt reporting of all crimes. Because police reports are public records under state law, the Sierra College Police Department, in some circumstances, cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Confidential reports for the purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can be made to other campus security authorities. The purpose of confidential reporting is to comply with the reporter’s request for confidentiality, and yet allow the Sierra College Police Department to maintain accurate records to ensure the safety of the community.

Campus Security Authorities

A Campus Security Authority is any individual having significant responsibility for student and campus activities and who also have the responsibility to report and notify police of any Clery crime brought to their attention. Crimes may also be reported to designated Campus Security Authorities. The Campus Security Authorities at the Sierra Community College District are listed below:

• Vice-President for Student Support Services (916) 660-7301
• Dean of Student Discipline (916) 660-7303
• Residence Hall Supervisor (916) 660-7382
• Dean(s) of all campuses

o Tahoe-Truckee, Dean
o Nevada County Campus, Executive Dean
o Dean, Students
o Dean, Liberal Arts
o Dean, Learning Resource Center
o Dean, Research and Planning
o Dean, Business
o Dean, Physical Education
o Dean, Sciences and Math
o Associate Dean, Liberal Arts
o Associate Dean, Child Development Center
o Associate Dean, Sciences and Math
o Associate Dean, Nursing
o Operations Manager, Roseville Campus
o Supervisor, Residence Hall

• Faculty Advisors for the District

For off-campus options you may refer to the Sierra College Police Department website at http://police.sierracollege.edu. College Police and the Rocklin, Grass Valley, Roseville, and Tahoe-Truckee Police departments have mutual aid and working agreements. You may also find information and contact the Sheriff’s Office in either Nevada or Placer Counties. Each department augments the other within their jurisdictions during mutual investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. Sierra College Police personnel attend regular meetings with local law enforcement agencies to exchange ideas and problems which may be of concern for the College community.

This reporting policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3515 and Board Policy No. 3515.

SECURITY AND FACILITY ACCESS

The Sierra College Police Department provides 24-hour patrol of campus buildings, property, and parking lots. Officers will conduct preliminary investigation of crimes, alarms and suspicious circumstances and persons; also, officers respond to medical and fire incidents on the campus. Campus facilities and buildings are generally open to the campus community, visitors and guests Monday through Friday from 7AM until 10PM and for special events as necessary. All staff and faculty are encouraged to either lock or report unlocked doors, which are not in use, to the police. Custodial and police staff regularly check the security of the buildings.

Pursuant to principles of crime prevention through environmental design, campus landscaping, shrubbery, trees and other vegetation are routinely manicured with safety in mind. Artificial lighting has been placed at various locations throughout all campuses to contribute to a safer environment. Campus community members are encouraged to report unsafe conditions created by vegetation or lighting to the police department or campus grounds keeping.

Cameras are installed at various locations throughout campus. The cameras are subject to random monitoring and some provide limited recording capability. The cameras may contribute to crime preventive, crime intervention, and enforcement efforts. Students, staff and faculty are cautioned against relying on the camera system to provide or guarantee safety. Campus community members are encouraged to immediately report problems with cameras are to police department. This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3505.

Emergency phones are installed at various locations throughout campus. The phones allow users to either dial 1111 or simply push a button to be connected with police dispatch. Campus community members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the nearest location of emergency phones based on their dealings on campus. The emergency phones are periodically tested and campus community members are encouraged to immediately report emergency phone problems to the police department.

Access to campus facilities is controlled through a combination of physical keys and electronic locking mechanisms that are administered and maintained by Facilities and Maintenance Services, while policies and procedures are enforced by Police Services. Problems with building security or access should be reported immediately to the police department.

HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

General Health and Safety Policy
Student health services are provided to assist students in their educational aspirations.
This policy is more addressed in Sierra Community College District Board Policy No. 5200.

Alcohol Policy

The Sierra Community College District complies with the Drug Free Workplace Act Amendment of 1989; Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, 1988. The Sierra Joint Community College District is committed to providing its employees and students with a drug-free workplace and campus environment. It emphasizes prevention and intervention through education.
The following is a list of the District’s educational services and programs available to students and employees:

• Intervention, assessment and referrals to student health services and/or general counseling
• Referral to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling services
• Seminars and lectures presented by community organizations
• CD-Rom for college students on Alcohol 101
• Informational brochures on drug and alcohol abuse published by community organization

This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3560.

Prohibition of Controlled Substances (Drugs)

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or any controlled substance is prohibited on District property, during District-sponsored field trips, activities or workshops, and in any facility or vehicle operated by the district.
Violation of this prohibition will result in appropriate action up to and including termination of employment, expulsion, and referral for prosecution, or, as permitted by law, may require satisfactory participation in an alcohol or drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.
This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3550.

Alcohol and Controlled Substances Assistance and Education

Rocklin Campus:
Winstead Building L-183
Phone: (916) 660-7490
Fax: (916) 630-4545

Nevada Campus:
C Building, Room 105
Phone: (530) 274-5317
Fax: (530) 274-5347

Community:
Alcoholics Anonymous (916) 454-1100
Narcotics Anonymous (916) 732-2299
Detox Center Pick-Up (916) 264-5471

Weapons Possession

State law prohibits the possession of weapons, all firearms, fireworks, explosives or any dangerous weapons on campus. Refer to Penal Code sections 12020, 626.9 and 626.10. Violators are subject to criminal prosecution and/or district discipline. The possession of a firearm on district property is prohibited and strictly enforced.

Firearms, knives with blades longer than 2 ½ inches, explosives, or other dangerous objects, including but not limited to any ammunition, paintball gun, BB gun, pellet gun, or any facsimile of any of these, are prohibited on any District campus or at any District center, or in any facility of the District except as authorized by law or with written authorization from the Chief of Police Services.

Activities involving firearms or other weapons conducted under the direction of District officials or as authorized by an official law enforcement agency shall be reported to the Chief of Police Services before taking place.

Any person who believes that he or she may properly possess a firearm or other weapon on campus or in a District center or other facility of the District must promptly notify the Chief of Police Services. If you observe a firearm or other weapon on campus, contact the campus police immediately at (916) 660-7120.

This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3530.

Workplace Violence

The Sierra Community College District is committed to creating and maintaining a working, learning and social environment for all students and employees that is free from violence. The District has zero tolerance for violence against any member of the workforce, other persons in the workplace, or property. Each year, the District presents training and awareness on workplace violence matters. This is formalized in District Administrative Procedure 3510.

Any employee who is the victim of any violent threatening or harassing conduct, any witness to such conduct, or anyone receiving a report of such conduct, whether the perpetrator is a District employee or a non-employee, shall immediately report the incident to his/her supervisor or other appropriate person. Such reports may also be made to District Police Services at (916) 660-7120 or to the Manager, EEO & Human Resources at (916) 660-7802.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to the conduct is made a term or condition of an individual's employment, academic status, or progress;
• submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as a basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual;
• the conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or educational environment; or
• submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the community college.

This definition encompasses two kinds of sexual harassment:

"Quid pro quo" sexual harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority makes educational or employment benefits conditional upon an individual's willingness to engage in or tolerate unwanted sexual conduct.

"Hostile environment" sexual harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct based on a person’s gender is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to alter the conditions of an individual's learning or work environment, unreasonably interfere with an individual's academic or work performance, or create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive learning or work environment. The victim must subjectively perceive the environment as hostile, and the harassment must be such that a reasonable person of the same gender would perceive the environment as hostile.

Sexually harassing conduct can occur between people of the same or different genders. The standard for determining whether conduct constitutes sexual harassment is whether a reasonable person of the same gender as the victim would perceive the conduct as harassment based on sex.

Sexual harassment is prohibited on campus and is defined as unwelcome sexual conduct; sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and repeated derogatory sexual remarks. Violations by employees are subject to disciplinary action ranging from oral warnings to dismissal from employment. To make an inquiry or complaint against a student or district employee, contact the Sierra College Police Department. This policy is more specifically and generally addressed in District Administrative Procedure 3430.

SEXUAL OFFENSES AND OFFENDERS

Crime prevention and awareness bulletins are available in the Sierra College Police Department lobby. Members of the police department are available to present a variety of topics at orientation or any other time as needed, to inform prospective students and their parents of available police services and District programs. Similar presentations delivered to new employees and international students. Sexual assault aspects are discussed at orientation and to residential students annually. Safety talks are also provided upon request, for any office, organization or classroom as needed on campus.

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, you are encouraged to do the following:

• Get to a safe place.
• Make notification to the police agency having jurisdiction of the location where the crime occurred.
• Seek medical attention regardless of your intention to notify police. A medical examination is important to check for sexually transmitted diseases, other infections, injuries, and pregnancy.
• Preserve evidence; physical evidence is paramount in the prosecution of assailants. Generally evidence should be collected immediately after the assault and only by a certified medical facility upon the request of a law enforcement agency.

To preserve evidence after an attack, you should not change your clothes, bathe, shower, or take any other personal hygiene action before contacting police. If it becomes absolutely necessary that you change your clothes, each item should be packaged separately in a paper bag. If oral contact took place, do not brush your teeth, use mouthwash or smoke. Do not straighten up or clean the area where the assault took place.

Reporting the Sexual Assault

The Sierra College Police Department has limited resources and will transfer the investigation of sexual assault crimes to the local agency having concurrent jurisdiction. The Sierra College Police Department is however committed to ensuring that students, employees, and other persons who have been sexually assaulted are provided treatment, medical assistance, counseling assistance, information, and that they are treated with sensitivity, dignity, and confidentiality. Every effort is made to ensure our campus environment promotes and assists in prompt reporting of sexual assaults. Sexual assault includes but is not limited to acts or attempted acts of rape, forced sodomy, forced oral copulation, rape by foreign object, sexual battery and acquaintance/date rape. Sexual assaults may be reported to any of the following agencies at Sierra College:

• Sierra College Police Department Ext. 1111 or (916) 660-7120
• Other Police Departments 911
• Sierra College Health and Counseling Services (916) 660-7490
• Rape Crisis Line (Sexual Assault) (916) 920-2952

If requested, Sierra Community College District employees will assist a victim in making a report. Reports may be made anonymously. A victim may request academic counseling to change their course schedule after a sexual attack, if the changes are reasonably available. Contact the college counselor to request an academic change.

Criminal Prosecution

Notification to a police agency begins the criminal prosecution process. The Sierra College Police Department will facilitate contact with the agency sharing concurrent jurisdiction or provide information about how to contact them directly. Trained police officers will facilitate medical and counseling services, referrals, and the collection of evidence and information. You will be interviewed at a location of your choice and will be allowed or offered an advocate to accompany you during all aspects of the investigation. The protection of the victim’s name and any identifying information will be of the highest priority. Your written consent is required under California law before this information can be disclosed. Your decision to prosecute does not necessarily have to be made during initial contact with officers and your decision determines the officers’ subsequent investigation protocol. Officers have legal authority to arrest as appropriate and to forward the case to the District Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution.

Civil Prosecution

Victims may consult an attorney about initiating a civil suit for damages against the assailant for compensation of wrong doing. Civil action may be sought irrespective of the decision to pursue criminal prosecution.

District Disciplinary Procedure

If the assailant is a student, in addition to criminal and civil action, district administrative action may be initiated. A student charged with sexual assault may be sanctioned by the Sierra Community College District. Sanctions may include, but are not limited to: counseling, probation, suspension, eviction from residential facilities, and/or expulsion. If the assailant is a faculty or staff member, they may be subject to disciplinary action under applicable personnel policies or collective bargaining agreements in addition to criminal and/or civil actions.

Report suspected employee misconduct to the Sierra College Police Department. The Sierra Community College District is committed to providing disciplinary proceedings that are supportive, sensitive, expedient, and respectful to each individual’s rights. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding, and both must be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense.

Megan’s Law

Persons convicted of certain sexual offenses are required by law to register with the law enforcement agency where they live. If the person is attending or employed by the Sierra Community College District, they are required to register with the Sierra College Police Department also. Please visit the California Attorney General’s Office website at http://www.meganslaw.ca.gov/ to search for registered sex offenders in your area.

Procedures for Sex Offenders on Campus

Sex offenders are REQUIRED to register at the Sierra College Police Department at the time of enrollment and/or employment. This must be done immediately, during first available business hours. Sex offenders must notify the Sierra College Police Department upon their decision cease attendance and/or employment for the Sierra Community College District. Students and/or employees required to register MUST contact either the College Police Office at their campus or the main police office located at the Rocklin campus.

This policy is more specifically addressed in Sierra Community College District Administrative Procedure No. 3540.

SECURITY AWARENESS AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM

The reason crime happens is well known. Crime happens because there is a criminal (who is motivated) to commit the crime, a victim who can be victimized by the criminal, and the opportunity for the crime to occur. The potential for crimes to occur can best be reduced by reducing or eliminating the opportunity for the criminal to commit the crime.

Students, staff and visitors need to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and their property. Everyone should strive to help others with this responsibility, which creates a safer environment for all. The Sierra College Police Department has several ways to help students and employees learn more about safety and crime prevention.

Crime prevention bulletins are available in the Sierra College Police Department lobby. Members of the Sierra College Police Department are available to make presentations at orientation, special events or upon request to discuss various aspects of crime prevention/awareness, and to inform of services and programs available.

The internet, intranet, MySierra, and printed material are used by the Sierra College Police Department for the dissemination of crime prevention tips and newsworthy information. All bulletins are available at the police department either in the lobby or upon request.

DAILY ACCESS TO CRIME LOGS

The Sierra College Police Department maintains a daily crime log for the most recent 60-day period. The Daily Crime Log lists by date reported, all crimes reported to the Sierra College Police Department. The log is available to the public during normal business hours. Log entries older than 60 days may be obtained by request within 2 business days.

TIMELY WARNINGS

The Clery Act requires that education institutions issue timely warnings when an imminent or ongoing threat exists to the community of the institution. Crime alerts (used to issue timely warnings) are issued in compliance with the Higher Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1092(f)). This act requires that a timely notice be issued when a:

A. Murder
B. Sex Offense; forcible or non-forcible
C. Robbery
D. Aggravated Assault E. Burglary
F. Motor Vehicle Theft
G. Manslaughter or
H. Arson

occurs on or near Sierra College facilities/property AND there is reason to believe that there is a current and/or ongoing threat to students and/or employees.

Determination on Sierra College will issue a Crime Alert is based upon the following questions:

1. Is the incident one of the above crimes (A-H)?
2. Did the incident occur in an area for which SCPD must report statistics or at a location where SCPD is the primary police responder?
3. Is the suspect unknown?
4. Did the incident by its nature (A-D, G) or during the commission of the intended incident involve a crime against a person (E-F) or in the event of arson (H) occurred in an occupied building?
5. Is there a potential that harm to students and/or employees could occur currently or in the future as an outgrowth of this incident?

If all of the above questions (1-5) can be answered with a “yes,” then a crime alert shall be issued. In addition, on a case-by-case basis and upon the discretion of the Sierra College Police Chief or designee, a crime alert may be issued for any other crime where there is a compelling need to get information to or from the Sierra College Community about a specific crime.

Crime Alerts should contain as much of the following information as possible: Relevant incident numbers, date, time, location; a summary of the incident to include any suspect description and special preventive instructions. Crime Alerts will be issued as soon as possible after the specific event. If the report is delayed by the victim, the time and date the victim reported the incident will be included in the report. Nothing shall be included in the Crime Alert that would hinder an ongoing investigation. The Crime Alert will not identify the victim by name or address. The general description of the location may be given such as, but not limited to, Sierra College, dorm, geographic location, etc. The Timely Warning (Crime Alert) will be issued in a variety of formats to include Be On the Look Out flyers distributed throughout the District, District e-mail, and electronic notification.

A Crime Alert Determination Sheet shall be completed for each of the above crimes
(A-H) crimes reported to Sierra College Police Department.