POLICY FOR REPORTING THE ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CRIME STATISTICS
Each year, an e-mail notification is sent to all enrolled students, faculty and staff that provides the web site to access this report. Copies of this report may also be obtained at the Public Safety and Security Office located in the NAC room 4/201 or by calling (212) 650-7992. The City College prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report has been prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our campus and the Division of Student Affairs.
Please click here for the crime statistics for 2007 (CLERY Report) City College was founded in 1847 with the mission of providing underprivileged New York City residents access to higher education characterized by academic excellence. There were approximately 12,500 students and 1,500 full time faculty and staff in 2005. It is second nationally in graduating minority engineers and has more Nobel Laureates among its alumni than any other public institution in the United States. Its campus is located in the Manhatanville/Harlem section of uptown Manhattan and covers 35 acres with 15 buildings on-campus and one leased off-campus building in lower Manhattan. There is a residence hall on campus called the Towers which is located at St. Nicholas Terrace and West 130th Street. It houses 600 students.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY SERVICES AND POLICE AUTHORITY
The Director of Public Safety manages the department of Public Safety and Security which is also overseen by the City University of New York Department of Public Safety and Security. The Department has several Assistant Directors, Campus Security Specialists, Campus Peace Officers, Campus Security Assistants and private security guards. Campus Peace Officers have arrest powers granted by the State of New York. Officers patrol the campus twenty-four (24) hours a day on foot, in patrol vehicles and by bicycle patrol. The level of patrol varies according to the time of the day. Peace Officers serve primarily as a deterrent force but are fully trained to take action in the event a crime is committed. The Division of Student Affairs handles disciplinary actions for minor offenses to City College rules and regulations.
The personnel of the Public Safety office are available for consultation, advise and guidance on security related matters. Any situation requiring police intervention is referred to the proper authorities at the local precinct.
TIMELY WARNINGS
If a situation arises either on or off campus that, in the judgement of the Director of Public Safety, constitutes an ongoing threat, a campus wide "timely warning" will be issued through the College e-mail system to all students, faculty and staff.
Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Department of Public Safety may also send out a notice using the CUNY ALERT system.
ACCESS TO FACILITIES
The College balances the requirements for proper flow of traffic into, out of, and throughout buildings with the need to safeguard the community from intrusions with the potential to harm individuals, college property, or commit thefts.
All faculty, staff and students are required to wear college issued identification cards on campus at all times. Visitors must obtain temporary I.D. Cards from the Office of Public Safety and Security and the Identification Office.
CAMPUS SECURITY AWARENESS AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
The Department of Public Safety and Security offers crime prevention programs and other programs related to safety to the City College community. A list of the programs follows:
Escort Service
City College is committed to your safety and convenience. We urge students, faculty and staff, and Towers Residents, to utilize our transportation services.
For your convenience and safety, the college offers several ways to get to and from the subways at all times.
Free Shuttle Bus/Van to and From Subways
MASS TRANSIT LOOP - A CCNY marked bus stops at Campus Bus Stops and the subway Station at 145th & St. Nicholas Ave. every 10 minutes.
7:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday
Intercession 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Holidays and Intercession Saturdays - Escort Service Only
CAMPUS LOOP - A CCNY marked van stops at Campus Van Stops every 10 minutes.
7:15 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
Saturdays, Holidays and Intercession - Escort Service Only
Escorts by CCNY marked Vans and GEM cars are available when shuttle services do not run at the same stops as the shuttle buses, along with the 125th Street, 137th and Broadway, and St. Nicholas Avenue train stations. Please plan your safe return to campus accordingly. To request an escort vehicle call (212) 650-6911.
NOTE: To use any CCNY bus, van, or other escort vehicle, you must display a valid CCNY ID card, Dorm ID or visitors pass.
For inquiries about the Mass Transit or Campus Loop service call (212) 650-8675 between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday - All other times call (212) 650-6911. For inquiries about the Escort Service call (212) 650-6911.
OPERATION IDENTIFICATION
Operation Identification is a crime prevention program designed to identify and to inventory personal and College equipment (i.e., computers, calculators, cameras) with electric engravers. Once the items are identified and inventoried, they are registered in the Department's central crime coding filing system.
SECURITY POLICIES AND CRIME REPORTING PROCEDURES
The City University of New York and the City College requires that students, faculty and staff report all safety hazards, crimes, and loss of property, illness or injury. This requirement facilitates the apprehension of criminals and helps the Department maintain a safe environment.
All incidents can be reported to any uniformed peace or security officer by calling (212) 650-6911 or visiting the Office of Campus Public Safety and Security located in the North Academic Center, Room 4/201.
An alternative to reporting a crime directly to the Public Safety Office, reports may be made to:
The Office of the Dean of Students (212) 650-5426 Administration Bldg. Room 204
The College Affirmative Action Officer (212) 650-7331 Administration Bldg. Room 200
The Dean of Faculty and Staff Relations (212) 650-8276 Administration Bldg. Room 200
The Human Resources Director (212) 650-7226 Shepard Hall Room 50
The Wellness and Counseling Center (212) 650-8222 Marshak Bldg. Room 15
CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING
The Department of Public Safety urges anyone who is a victim of a crime to report the incident as soon as possible. Persons who do not want to pursue action with the University System or the criminal justice system may want to consider making a confidential report. With permission, the Director of Public Safety and Security or a designee can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with the wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety by alerting the Department to potential threats. With such information, the College can keep an accurate record of their number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to a potential danger. Because our reports are public under state law, reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes statistics of the College.
CRIME AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
1) The officer assigned to the case will gather all pertinent information (note: immediate action will be taken in emergency situations)
2) An incident report will be prepared by the officer.
3) The incident will be directed to the proper authority:
a) The Police, Fire Department or Emergency Medical Services
b) Physical Plant Services or Campus Planning and Development (structural
and physical plant problems)
c) The appropriate Vice Presidents, Deans, Department Chairs, the Human
Resources Office, etc.
4) The information gathered will be analyzed and the College Community will be notified if deemed necessary in writing (Security Alerts), via phone mail and/or posters
5) Advise the complainant of his/her post incident options such as:
a) NYS Crime Victims Compensation Board;
b) College provided psychological counseling; or/and
c) Assistance provided through the office of Student Services
6) Give advice on how to prevent future occurrences.
The City College prohibits the reckless or intentional endangerment of a City College student that cause mental or physical harm or involve the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE POLICY
The City College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs or other controlled substances by any City College students or employees on City College property or as during any City College activity.
The unlawful possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages by City College students and employees is also prohibited.
City College employees are also required to notify the Human Resources Director if they are convicted any criminal drug violation that occurred in the workplace. The employee is required to report such conviction within five (5) days of such conviction.
ADDITIONAL POINTS OF INFORMATION
The legal drinking age for in the state of New York is 21. The state laws has very strict laws about underage drinking. It is against the law in New York to sell liquor to anyone under the age of 21.
The possession or use of illegal drugs is a crime in the state of New York. If anyone is arrested for possession and/or use of drugs on City College property will be subject to the laws of the State of New York and may be subject disciplinary actions by City College.
The College's Drug and Alcohol Assistance Program is available to all students, faculty and staff who may have questions about or need assistance with substance abuse. For more information on this program, please feel free to contact at (212) 650-6868 or you can stop by their offices in NAC Building room 7/217.
GAMBLING POLICY
The City College prohibits gambling on campus. The City College defines gambling as any person who stakes or puts at risks something of value on the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event that is not under the person's control or influence with an agreement or understanding that such person will receive value in the event of a certain outcome. The City College does allow students to play cards and dominos in certain designated areas.
LOCAL POLICE
The Department of Safety and Security meets regularly with local area police to discuss crimes in the area. The Department of Safety and Security maintains information on hate crimes that may involve a member of the City College community. City College is a safe place in which to work and study. Police Department statistics, as well as those compiled by our own Public Safety and Security Department, indicate that the CCNY campus is safer, or at least as safe, as that of other comparable institutions in the city. The College has worked very hard in close collaboration with the local Police Precincts (26th and 30th) to achieve this goal. The Department of Public Safety and Security is constantly seeking new ways to enhance and expand security on campus so that all members and visitors of the City College community can enjoy campus life without unreasonable preoccupation for safety issues.
WEAPONS POLICY
The City College prohibits the possession of rifles, shotguns, firearms or any dangerous instrument or materials by anyone in City College's facilities unless otherwise authorized by the President of City College.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
The City University of New York and the City College prohibits sexual harassment of employees and students. The policy prohibits engaging in sexual harassment and preventing anyone from reporting sexual harassment, this policy is related to and is in conformity with the City College's Equal Employment Opportunity policy. All allegations of sexual harassment will be investigated promptly and confidentially.
The City College's Sexual Harassment policy can be found in the City College Bulletin, the Student Guide and in a brochure that is available at various locations on campus.
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND THE SEX CRIME PREVENTION ACT
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains a registry of convicted sex offenders which is available to local law enforcement agencies, including CUNY's Public Safety departments. To obtain information about a Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender you may:
(i) Contact the local police department in the jurisdiction in which the offender resides and/or in which the college is located;
(ii) Contact the Director of Public Safety at City College at (212) 650-6911; or
(iii) Call the Division of Criminal Justice Services sex offender registry at (800) 262-3257
To obtain information about a Level 3 Offender only you may:
(iv) Contact the Division's sex offender registry site and then click on "Search for Level 3 offenders" at http://www.criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/index.htm
(ii) Access the Division's Level 3 sub-directory electronically or via CD-ROM at the college's Public Safety department or the local law enforcement agency for the jurisdiction in which the offender resides.
If you are a victim of an sexual offense, you may request a change in your academic situation.
The Department of Public Safety and Security provides educational programs on rape awareness, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses. The educational programs include but are not limited to seminars, discussions, film presentations, crime prevention literature, security alert bulletins and articles in the City College newspapers.
The sanctions for rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses following an on campus disciplinary procedure, may result in expulsion of the offender. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome of such proceeding alleging sexual assault. Additionally, City College will vigorously pursue criminal sanctions against any violator.
Any person who is the victim of a sex crime should be careful not to compromise any evidence. Do not bathe or shower or discard any clothing worn during the assault. It is imperative physical evidence be available for police authorities to conduct a proper investigation.
Victims should immediately report sexual assaults to local police and campus public safety officers. Other on-campus assistance is available through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Health Services and the Campus Psychological Center. If you feel aggrieved or have suffered a sex offense involving faculty, staff or other members of the College Community, report your grievance to any or all of the following:
Office of the Dean of Students; Director of Public Safety and Security; the College Affirmative Action Officer; Dean of Faculty and Staff Relations or the Human Resources Director.
You may obtain a copy of the pamphlet "Sexual Assault Prevention Information" from the office of Student Affairs, Administration Building room 201. The College will change a victim's academic situation (class schedule, etc.) if requested by the victim.
BIAS RELATED CRIMES
The City College is a unique place to study and work. The City College community is an environment where individuals can immerse themselves in a culturally diverse, pluralistic society. The campus community should take advantage of the wonderful opportunity available to learn about the various cultural groups represented here and develop an appreciation for their respective historical contributions, folklore, music, food, language, art and customs.
To ensure an environment where an individual can achieve his or her academic/career goals, the Public Safety Department has established policies and procedures to protect the entire college community from what has been termed "bias-related crime."
WHAT IS A BIAS-RELATED CRIME?
Bias-related offenses occur when persons are harassed, annoyed, threatened, alarmed, struck, shoved, kicked or subjected to physical contact because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or physical disability.
A racially or religiously targeted incident is an act or attempted act by any person or group of persons against the person or property of another individual or group which may in any way constitute an expression of racial or religious hostility. This includes: threatening phone calls, certain types of graffiti, hate mail, physical assaults, vandalism, cross burning, fire bombing and the like.
Bias-related crime can be broken down into two legal categories: aggravated harassment in the first degree (NYS Penal Code Sec. 240.31), which is a Class E Felony, and aggravated harassment in the second degree (NYS Penal Code Sec. 240.30), which is a Class A Misdemeanor. Both types of offenses, as well as any other acts or threats of racial or religious intolerance are viewed as serious, and such investigations are given priority by the Public Safety and Security Department.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND DEGREE HARASSMENT?
According to the New York State Penal Code Sec. 240.30, subdivision 3, aggravated harassment in the second degree reads: "Strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise, subjects another person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same because of the race, color, religion or national origin of such person." Aggravated harassment in the second degree is a Class A Misdemeanor. According to New York State Penal Code number Sec. 240.31, a person is guilty of aggravated harassment in the first degree when, with the intent to harass, annoy, threaten or alarm another person, because of race, color, religion or national origin of such person, he or she: Damages premises primarily used for religious purposes, or acquired pursuant to Section 6 of the religious corporation law and maintained for the purpose of religious instruction, and the damage to the premises exceeds fifty dollars; or Commits the crime of aggravated harassment in the first or second degree within the preceding ten years. Aggravated harassment in the first degree is a Class E Felony.
WHAT IS THE COLLEGE'S POLICY ON BIAS RELATED CRIMES?
It is our policy to ensure that the rights guaranteed by New York State Law and the U.S. Constitution are protected for all citizens, regardless of race, color, ethnicity or religion. When such rights are infringed upon by violence, threats or other harassment, the Public Safety Department will use every necessary resource to rapidly and decisively identify the perpetrator(s), arrest them and bring them to trial.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM A VICTIM OF A BIAS RELATED CRIME?
Immediately report the incident to the Public Safety office. Should you become a victim of a bias-related crime, remember that all materials such as graffiti should be preserved, documented and reported immediately to the University Police. The University Police Department will conduct a thorough criminal investigation and work with the court system to prosecute offenders.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT BIAS RELATED CRIMES?
Differences among people, as well as their similarities, need to be discussed so that all can learn to appreciate the uniqueness of every group. In this multi-cultural and multi-ethnic campus community, we hope that through educational programs we may be able to help you understand and combat negative racial attitudes, religious discrimination and cultural intolerance. If you are a victim of a bias-related crime, call the Public Safety Department at (212) 650-7777.
OFF CAMPUS CRIME REPORTS
The College currently does not have any policy regarding the monitoring and recording of "criminal activity in which students engaged at off-campus locations of student organizations" as the College does not recognize any student organization occupying off campus space. However, criminal activities that occur off campus in areas frequented by members of the College community is monitored and recorded in the statistics section of our Annual Crime Report. Issues of immediate threat are addressed through distribution of Campus Security Alerts.
