UMass Boston 2011 Annual Security Report OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Transcription

1 UMass Boston 2011 Annual Security Report OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY

2 A Message from the Chief of Police The University of Massachusetts Boston Department of Public Safety is committed to the safety and security of all members of our community the students, staff, and faculty of our waterfront community and the visitors whom we welcome on campus. We solicit your support and active participation in our safety and campus security efforts. We further challenge you as members of this community to act in a security-conscious manner and to avoid actions that jeopardize your safety and the safety of others. The information in this booklet is designed to inform you of the police and security support services and programs at UMass Boston. These services have been developed to create an environment that supports education, research, and extracurricular activities. We encourage you to follow the advice and suggestions in this booklet with the hope that it will greatly reduce the risk of victimization. Preventing and reducing crime effectively in our community means that we need your help, support, and cooperation. James T. Overton Chief of Police Director of Public Safety 1

3 Table of Contents A Message from the Chief of Police... 1 Introduction... 3 About Our Department... 4 Mission and Vision Statements... 5 Living and Learning in a Safe Environment... 7 Facilities Access... 7 Reporting Crimes... 8 Daily Crime Log... 9 Crime Prevention Counseling Center Alcohol and Other Drugs Policies Policy on Sexual Offenses Registered Sex Offenders Information Sexual Harassement Policy Timely Warning Policy Emergency Notification Policy Evacuation Procedures Notification Procedures Drills Procedures for Building Occupants Shuttle Bus Service Non-Campus Buildings or Property Campus Map Crime Statistics

4 Introduction Nationwide, campus security and safety are important goals for law enforcement professionals. Achieving these goals means maintaining a safe educational environment in which to learn as well as keeping students, parents, and employees well informed about campus security. These goals were created by the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of Renamed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, it was enacted by Congress and signed into federal law in November In compliance with the Clery Act, reports from the university community and local law enforcement agencies are compiled and published annually by the Department of Public Safety. As law enforcement professionals, it is our responsibility to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step, readable report explaining the requirements of the Clery Act and what the act requires the educational institution to do. This report explains public safety and security policies in effect at the University of Massachusetts Boston, located in Boston, MA. It summarizes crime reporting procedures, crime prevention programs, and other services available to the campus community. Crime statistics for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 calendar years are provided, including information regarding number of arrests made and types of criminal offenses that occurred during these time periods. It should be noted that the crime statistics included in this publication are organized by locations that are identified as property either owned or leased by the University of Massachusetts Boston. 3

5 About Our Department The University of Massachusetts Boston Department of Public Safety is charged with the responsibility of helping to provide a safe and secure environment in which students, faculty, staff, and community members will be able to learn, teach, work, and visit. The department is committed to a community-based policing philosophy to accomplish this goal. Public Safety Organizational Chart Asst. Director Rich Lee Chief of Police James Overton Admin. Asst. Ethel McClelland IT and Special Projects Sgt. Bonitatibus Parking Lt. McBride Patrol Lt. Hill Bureau of Investigative Services Det. Sgt. Molina/ Det. Parlon Payroll Lt. Wise ISO s (Security) Midnight Shift Sup. Sgt. Jacobs Day Shift Sup. Sgt. Potocki Evening Shift Sup. Sgt. Ryerson Swing Shift Sup. Sgt. Lynch Patrol Officers Patrol Officers Patrol Officers 4

6 Police Authority University police officers are sworn under Chapter 75, Section 32A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. All police officers are required to attend the same police academy as any police officer in the surrounding communities. University police officers have the same authority as any municipal or state police officer to enforce all criminal and motor vehicle statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. University police officers patrol on foot and police mountain bikes, and in marked and unmarked police vehicles. Many university police officers have additional training in specialized areas such as various investigative techniques, crime prevention, sexual assault investigation, and emergency medical technician training. The Police Division provides the same basic services as any other local or state police agency in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. These services include emergency response to criminal, medical, haz-mat, and public safety problems. Additionally, the Police Division will attempt to assist the public with personal safety escorts and motor vehicle assistance, such as unlocking your auto and giving your car a battery boost when needed. Mission and Vision Statements Mission Statement The University of Massachusetts Boston Department of Public Safety is committed to providing a safe campus community and improving the quality of life for all people. We accomplish this by delivering quality police services and enforcing laws with equity and impartiality. In partnership with the campus community and our law enforcement partners, we reduce crime through public education, prevention, and awareness. In meeting this objective, we demand of ourselves the highest professional standards and dedication to our core values. Vision Statement Our vision is to support the administrative and financial performance of the university and provide a safe and healthy physical plant for students, faculty, staff, and the public. The department s efforts to prevent criminal and safety mishaps include preventive education and enforcement measures that promote awareness and individual responsibility. Values Integrity: We strive to uphold the university s trust by being honest, competent, and consistent in our beliefs and actions. We will hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards of moral and ethical conduct. Innovation: This is not accomplished with just technology; it includes the introduction of new ideas, practices, and services. Respect: We will consistently treat all people of our community with dignity and compassion and without prejudice. While embracing our diverse community, we will protect their constitutional and civil rights through impartial enforcement of the law. 5

7 6

8 Living and Learning in a Safe Environment As a community-oriented policing organization, we are committed to a partnership with the community in which we pledge to provide high-quality community-policing programs and services. Our mission is to work with all communities to preserve life, maintain human rights, protect property, and ultimately enhance the quality of life on campus and in the community. The Department of Public Safety is centrally located on campus in the Quinn Administration Building. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All incoming reports of criminal activity involving UMass Boston students are investigated. Criminal and administrative prosecutions for offenses taking place on campus and off campus within our jurisdiction area are initiated by the University Department of Public Safety with appropriate follow-up. The Department of Public Safety provides basic police services to the campus community. The department s main objective is to provide a safe environment for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. University police officers perform a variety of law enforcement tasks, which include investigation of criminal activity, apprehension of criminals, traffic enforcement, emergency response, and special security assignments. The UMass Boston Department of Public Safety currently employs 40 members. This number includes sworn accredited police officers, non-sworn security officers, and operational and administrative staff. The Department of Public Safety reports to the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Campus Center, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA. Telephone: student.affairs@umb.edu Facilites Access The University of Massachusetts Boston does not maintain any housing facilities. The buildings which comprise the campus are mixed-use facilities, and are operated on an open campus basis during normal business hours; twenty-four hour access is available upon demonstrated need. Keys are provided in accordance with a policy that requires the approval of an employee s department head. Students are provided off-hour access to laboratories and other restricted facilities by security personnel upon approval of a professor or other authorized staff member; they are not issued keys, as a rule. The Department of Public Safety provides the University s Facilities Department with input on issues regarding lighting, and other concerns involving security and maintenance of the facility. Every effort is made to assign top priority to repairs impacting the security of campus facilities. 7

9 Reporting Crimes Crimes may be reported to the university police either by telephone or in person at the police station on the plaza level adjacent to the Quinn Administration Building. The station is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Emergency reports by telephone may be made by dialing 911 from any campus telephone or by dialing or from off-campus telephones. The department encourages the use of the business number, , for non-emergencies. University police regulations require that an officer be dispatched to meet in person with anyone reporting a crime, whenever possible. The university does not have a confidential reporting program, and all victims are encouraged to report crimes to the UMass Boston police. Crimes reported to the university police that require follow-up are investigated by university police officers and/or UMass Boston police detectives. Neither the university nor any of its recognized student organizations maintain off-campus facilities under the jurisdiction of any other enforcement agency. Nevertheless, through regular communication and participation in formal working groups, UMass Boston police maintain ongoing relationships with state and Boston police, as well as other area law enforcement agencies. This allows university police to keep abreast of crime trends in the surrounding community. This knowledge is incorporated into crime prevention awareness programs conducted by the UMass Boston police. The resources of these other departments are available to the university police, and are utilized as needed, or as required by statute. Contacting the Department of Public Safety To report an emergency from an on-campus phone, dial: 911 To report an emergency from an off-campus phone, dial: For non-emergency matters, dial: Emergency Telephones 911 Emergency Numerous highly visible, blue light emergency telephones and call boxes are located around the campus and within various buildings of the University of Massachusetts Boston. These security devices are provided to ensure the safety of the campus community. To activate the emergency telephones and call boxes, simply push the large red button, which will connect you to an officer of the UMass Boston Public Safety Department. The officer will then identify the activated emergency telephone and immediately dispatch an officer to that location while asking the nature of the emergency. Try to remain calm. Speak loudly and clearly and give the location and nature of the emergency. 8

10 Daily Crime Log The UMass Boston Department of Public Safety maintains a Daily Crime Log that records all crimes and other serious incidents that occur on the University of Massachusetts Boston campus by the date the incident was reported. The log is open for public inspection at the Department of Public Safety, located in the Quinn Administration Building. The UMass Boston Department of Public Safety posts specific incidents in the Daily Crime Log within two business days of receiving a report of an incident, and reserves the right to exclude reports from the Daily Log under exigent circumstances. 9

11 Crime Prevention Throughout the year, university police crime prevention officers conduct a variety of programs intended to inform and educate the community on crime issues. Rape awareness, physical security, and vehicle and bicycle security are examples of the issues dealt with in these programs. Additionally, crime prevention officers assist in the design of new facilities and in evaluating areas where theft is or may become a problem. Crime prevention officers are available throughout the year to speak to groups or to staff. They appear at exhibits at various functions sponsored by the university s Department of Student Life, where they demonstrate innovative security products and provide guidance on a wide range of security and safety concerns. University police representatives attend new student and employee orientations to promote awareness of the department, to encourage the prompt reporting of crime or suspicious activity to the department, and to provide an awareness of security policies and procedures. There is an ongoing effort to educate the community concerning the availability of the 911 emergency number and the locations of the emergency telephones that provide direct contact with a university police dispatcher. Each week a police blotter is provided to the student newspaper, listing all crimes reported for the prior week. A monthly newsletter is distributed throughout the university containing crime prevention tips, featured programs, public safety services, consumer alerts, and community notes, along with other items of interest. Special Crime Prevention Programs The P.R.I.D.E. Program is run by University Health Services and provides education and remediation in the areas of drug and alcohol abuse. The alcohol awareness program is a student run peer support program; for additional information, contact the Department of Student Life. Domestic Violence Prevention Throughout National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the university displays a Silent Witness exhibit campus-wide to educate the campus community about domestic violence prevention and to show support for the victims among us. In addition, UMass Boston offers a Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program in which women can learn prevention techniques and receive hands-on self-defense training. Active Shooter Awareness The university provides education and training on actions to take in the event of an active shooter on campus. Faculty, staff, and students are offered the opportunity to view training videos and are given hand-out materials listing recommended actions to take when dealing with an active shooter on campus. 10

12 Counseling Center The Counseling Department provides counseling and a wide range of personal development opportunities to help students maintain good mental health. These services assist students in using the resources of UMass Boston to maximize educational opportunities. Counselors help students explore their needs, feelings, interpersonal relationships, and life goals. The department provides a variety of counseling methods and prevention programs. Group, individual, peer, and substance abuse counseling are offered as well as crisis intervention. Prevention programs include personal development workshops, suicide awareness, assessments for at-risk students, depression screening, inventories and career exploration, and sexual-assault awareness programs. Department of Counseling Quinn Admin. Bldg., 2nd floor Monday Thursday, 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m Crisis and Emergency Services In an emergency, help is available 24 hours a day during the academic year. If an emergency occurs during regular business hours, call the Counseling Center at or the University Department of Public Safety at HOTLINE NUMBERS Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Hotline: Domestic Violence Hotline: Safelink: Rape Crisis Hotline: / Runaway and Homeless Youth Hotline:

13 General Guidelines for Alcohol Policy The acquisition, possession, transportation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are governed by various statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. In general, some of the more pertinent statutes and regulations provide: No person, group, or organizations may sell alcoholic beverages except pursuant to a license granted by the Commonwealth through the local licensing authority. No person shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. No person who is intoxicated shall be served an alcoholic beverage. No person or group shall purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages for consumption by a person under 21 years of age unless the acquiring person is the spouse, parent, or guardian of the minor. No person under the age of 21 years shall transport, purchase, sell, possess, or receive alcoholic beverages (except such persons over 18 who may be lawfully employed in the alcoholic beverage industry). No person under 21 years of age shall use the liquor identification card of another or furnish false information in obtaining such a card or alter or deface such a card. Violation of many of these provisions can subject the violator to criminal punishment, including fines and imprisonment. In addition, persons who drive under the influence, or furnish alcohol to intoxicated persons or persons under 21, may be civilly liable to any persons who suffer personal injuries. The statutes and regulations are numerous and subject to change. The above generalizations should not be considered a complete and categorical statement of the present law. All members of the university community are expected to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations relative to the possession, consumption, and sale of alcoholic beverages. 12

14 General Guidelines for Other Drugs The general policy relative to substance use and/or abuse by UMass Boston students is contained in the Code of Student Conduct. The code defines as a violation of proper conduct the manufacture or attempted manufacture, or use, possession, or distribution of narcotic or dangerous drugs or controlled substances, including, but not limited to, marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), except as expressly permitted by law. In addition, any student engaged in employment pursuant to the provisions of a federal grant or contract (i.e., work/study) is included under the policy statement relative to employees contained in the March 15, 1989, memorandum issued by the university president: Section 1. In the event that a student is observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, appropriate action is to be taken. The progression of actions, from the least to the most severe, is the following: (a) The supervisor/faculty member will discuss his/her concerns and observations with the student. The supervisor/faculty member will recommend that the student seek assistance and will suggest a referral to appropriate University services. This will occur on an informal (verbal) basis and will not be included in the student s record. Appropriate arrangements will be made to ensure that the student reaches his/her home safely that day. (b) Should there be a repeat occurrence, the referring supervisor/faculty member will submit a written statement to the Dean of Students (or designee). Again, the student will be encouraged to utilize appropriate University services. (c) Any continued use by the student of drugs and/or alcohol at school will result in an investigation by the Dean of Students (or designee). The student may be subject to administrative disciplinary action which may range in severity from oral and written reprimand, parental or legal guardian notification, probation, suspension, and/or expulsion from the University. Students may also utilize the appropriate hearing and grievance procedures available to them during this process. These procedures are described in detail in the Code of Student Conduct. Faculty members/supervisors are to consult with the vice chancellor for student affairs (or designee) relative to each student situation to ensure that disciplinary actions are followed or accelerated as dictated by the severity of the behavior. In the event of behavior that is in violation of state and federal statutes regarding controlled substances, the student will also face criminal prosecution. 13

15 Policy on Sexual Offenses Any student who believes he or she is the victim of a sexual offense, or any member of the university community who believes he or she is the victim of a sexual offense on campus, should report the offense as soon as possible to the Department of Public Safety. The Department of Public Safety provides specialized training to a number of officers, enabling them to deal in a sensitive and effective way with victims of sexual assault. The department will assist a student who believes he or she is the victim of a sexual offense in notifying the appropriate law enforcement agencies if the student requests the assistance of such agencies. By law, the identity of sexual offense victims is kept confidential. The department s primary concern in assisting victims of sexual offenses is to ensure that they receive prompt medical and emotional treatment and support. Additionally, the department makes available written information, speakers, and programs dealing with both the prevention and the aftermath of a sexual offense. Contact the Department of Public Safety for further information. In addition to, or in lieu of, taking action through the criminal justice system, victims may also pursue a complaint of sexual offense under the Code of Student Conduct. To pursue a complaint of sexual offense through the Code of Student Conduct, the complaint should be filed with a student-affairs designee, as are all other complaints concerning violations of the Code of Conduct. When a student files a sexual offense complaint with the studentaffairs designee, he or she shall be subject to the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct with the following additions: a. The student-affairs designee will ensure that both the accused and the alleged victim of a sexual offense have the right to advocates at each step of the process. As specified in the procedures on handling student misconduct, the student... shall have the right to be accompanied... by member of the university community of his or her choice (except legal counsel) to act as an advocate on the student s behalf. (However, a student charged with conduct that is also the subject of pending criminal proceedings shall have the right to the presence of legal counsel for advice. This right shall NOT include the participation of counsel. This right to have an attorney present will also apply when, in the judgment of the student-affairs designee, it appears likely that such charges will be filed. In either case, a student who elects to be accompanied by an attorney shall be required to give advance notice to the Discipline and Grievance Committee). b. The student-affairs designee may, if it is considered necessary, provide a change of the victim s academic situation after receiving complaint about an alleged sexual offense. c. Both the accused and the accuser shall be advised of the findings at each step of the process involving the adjudication of a misconduct complaint. Sanctions for students found to have committed a sexual offense are those outlined for other types of misconduct up to and including expulsion from the university. 14

16 Sexual Harassment Policy Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention. As a form of sex discrimination, sexual harassment is a violation of federal and state law. It is the policy of the University of Massachusetts that no member of the university community may sexually harass another. For purposes of this policy and consistent with federal regulations, sexual harassment is defined as follows: Registered Sex Offenders Information The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, went into effect October 28, The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where to obtain information provided by the state concerning registered sex offenders. Please contact the Sexual Offender Registry Board at or at It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, to each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. Unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:» submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual s employment or academic work;» submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual;» such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment. It is the policy of the university to protect the rights of all persons within the university community by providing fair and impartial investigations of all complaints brought to the attention of appropriate officials. Any member of the university community found to have violated this sexual harassment policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Any student or employee who believes that he or she is a victim of discrimination should contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at

17 Timely Warning Policy In the event that a situation arises, either on- or off-campus, that the chief of university police (or his designee) deems to be a Cleryreportable incident and to constitute an ongoing or continuing threat to the campus community, a campus-wide timely warning will be issued after consultation with the vice chancellor of student affairs and the vice chancellor of finance and administration. The warning will be issued to all students, faculty, and staff via the UMass Boston system. If there is confirmed, imminent danger, the UMass Boston alert system will be used to provide notice by voice and text messaging to office and cell phones. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Office of Public Safety may also issue a UMass Boston alert emergency notification to the campus community and post a notice on the university s website providing the university community with additional immediate notification. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the university police or in person at the dispatch center within the Office of Public Safety

18 Emergency Notification Policy The University of Massachusetts Boston maintains an emergency notification system to provide timely information and direction to students, faculty, and staff in the case of an event threatening harm to the campus. Upon confirmation of conditions that present an emergency or dangerous situation posing an immediate threat to the health or safety of some or all members of the campus community, UMass Boston alerts will be sent by to all current UMass Boston addresses and to contact information supplied to the UMass Boston alert system by members of the campus community. Individuals wishing to receive voice or text messages must select those options specifically from the opt-in website, linked to the university home page. Procedure: The ranking public safety officer on duty has the authority to issue an alert if he or she determines that there is an emergency necessitating an immediate notification of community members. When Public Safety issues an alert, a trained officer may modify pre-approved messages to suit the circumstances. If circumstances permit, the ranking public safety officer on duty or a designee should approve the message prior to release. Following the issuance of the alert, the ranking public safety officer shall notify the director of public safety or a designee, who will then inform the chancellor s office, the vice chancellor of government relations and public affairs, the vice chancellor of student life, and the vice chancellor of administration and finance of the circumstances necessitating the alert. Alerts may also be issued under the authority of the chancellor s office, the vice chancellor for administration and finance, or their designees. These alerts need not signal a life-threatening emergency but must convey crucial, urgent information to enhance the safety of the university community. These alerts shall be sent by members of the communications staff. Prior to issuing these alerts, communications staff shall notify public safety, executive staff, and any other affected units that the alerts are imminent. The director of public safety and director of communications shall designate individual staff members to receive UMass Boston alert training provided by the Office of Safety Planning. Refresher training and drills shall occur on a regular basis. Training of Department of Public Safety personnel should be maintained and documented by the Department of Public Safety. All messages sent out are recorded by the UMass Boston alert system itself and shall be logged by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance. The system shall be maintained by testing and verification through the Office of Safety Planning and IT. 17

19 Evacuation Procedures This plan provides the University with an effective and efficient procedure to respond to a disaster requiring a partial or total evacuation of the campus. The plan provides for the warning of students, faculty, and staff and delineates responsibilities of on-campus and off-campus personnel and local government agencies, provides for evacuation centers, and establishes operating procedures for an effective and safe evacuation of the campus. Initial Response Evacuation of the campus can be ordered by the university director of public safety or an authorized designee, alone, or in conjunction with any of the following: City of Boston Fire Department State fire marshal State police Any appropriate federal, state, or local agency. The director of public safety shall consult with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, the Office of the Director of Environmental Health and Safety, and/or other appropriate university officials in making this decision as time and circumstances allow. Should time and circumstances prohibit prior consultation, notification shall be made through the public safety chainof-command as soon as possible thereafter. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance shall be responsible for notifying university administrators of the situation. Should the order to evacuate the campus come from outside the university, the public safety dispatcher will verify the call and immediately notify the police shift supervisor. The university public safety internal chain-of-command shall be notified by the supervisor or designee. Notification The University of Massachusetts Boston will immediately notify the campus community (or an appropriate segment or segments of the campus community) upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on the campus. (Please see previous section.) Building Evacuation Building-specific evacuations will be signaled by fire alarms sounding in the affected building and, if conditions warrant, a campus-wide ENS message indicating building evacuation and advising people to avoid the area. On-scene notifications may also include use of bullhorns, police cruiser loudspeakers, and door-to-door building sweeps. Campus Evacuation Campus-wide evacuations will be signaled by Emergency Notification System (ENS) messages sent via text, , and voice notifications. Please check umb.edu/preparedness for updates. 18

20 Notification Procedures Public Safety Dispatcher will notify: 1. Coordinator of Emergency Management, who will» Initiate Emergency Notification System (ENS) message, per instructions of Public Safety, using pre-scripted messages revised with pertinent details» Notify Communications for further dissemination via website, social media and external media, when necessary. Also communications to JFK Library, Commonwealth Archives.» Coordinate follow-up communications to campus community. 2. State and Boston Police, which will: Request assistance Control traffic off campus 3. Director of Parking and Transportation, who will: Request additional university shuttle buses 4. Director of Facilities, who will provide assistance as needed: Activate personnel Assign personnel to assist public safety Install barricades Provide vehicles 5. Environmental, Health & Safety, which will: Provide advice and counsel as needed 6. Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance, who will notify:» Office of the Chancellor» Office of the Provost» Human Resources: Activate telephone tree notification system» Vice chancellors, deans, administrators, directors, faculty, and staff 19