Policies for Campus Safety

ALCOHOL & CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES POLICY
The college policy regarding alcohol and controlled substances is specified in the student handbook “The Net,” and in the Employee Personnel Policy and Procedure Manual. Any individual who violates College policy regarding the possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol will be subject to criminal or civil sanctions and subject to college disciplinary procedures including, but not limited to, probation, suspension, or dismissal from the college.  Anyone who is concerned about another person’s drinking or drug use is encouraged to seek assistance and support through the Center for Personal Development, which is ready to assist in a confidential manner any individual experiencing a problem with alcohol and/or drugs.

WEAPONS POLICY
Possessing, using, or selling firearms, other dangerous weapons, dangerous chemicals, incendiary or explosive devices, including fireworks, on college property or at college sponsored functions will result in disciplinary sanctions in addition to any criminal or civil sanctions allowed by law.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is defined by the EEOC as, “…unwelcome sexual advances” and is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. There are two types of sexual harassment:

“Quid Pro Quo” harassment: occurs when a person in a position of power or authority over another person pressures the individual in the subordinate position into a sexual relationship in exchange for a favorable decision, outcome, or exercise of that authority.

“Hostile Environment” harassment: occurs when repeated offensive behavior or comments create an unpleasant, intimidating, or hostile environment and may include inappropriate touching or suggestive comments or statements.

Saint Peter’s College disapproves of all acts or patterns of sexual harassment of employees and students and will not tolerate violations of the law pertaining to such acts.

CAMPUS SEX CRIME PREVENTION ACT
Amended by Section 170101 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14071), the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires individuals convicted of a sexually violent offense against minors to notify the state and each institution of higher learning at which they are employed or enrolled. The State of New Jersey must then ensure that the information reported by the individual is promptly entered into the state police data system and made available to local law enforcement agency with geographical responsibility or jurisdiction where such institution of higher education is located. The institution of higher education (IHE) is not required to request this data from the state, but the institution must issue a statement advising the campus community as to where information concerning registered sex offenders can be obtained. This change shall take effect two (2) years after the date of enactment of this Act.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, is amended to make it clear that nothing in that Act may be constructed to prohibit an educational institution from disclosing information provided to the institution under Section 170101 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14071) concerning registered sex offenders. Any member of the Saint Peter’s College community who wishes to obtain further information regarding a sexual offender may refer to the New Jersey State Police website at: http://www.njsp.org

SEXUAL ASSAULT
“Saint Peter’s College reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, and staff shall be free from sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment and any other form of sexual misconduct.  Sexual assault of any kind will not be tolerated.  Sexual assault consists of rape and any kind of non-consensual sexual contact including, but not limited to, intentional touching by the aggressor, or coerced touching by the victim, of another person’s private areas either directly or through clothing.  It is a violation of College policy and of the criminal laws of the State of New Jersey for any member of the College Community to engage in such behavior.” – The Net

HATE CRIME
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Saint Peter’s College documents and investigates thoroughly all cases of crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected because of actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or the disability of the victim.  Such data is collected and reported according to category of prejudice. Statistics concerning the occurrence of hate or hate crimes on campus will appear in this annual report.  Such incidents will also appear in the Campus Crime Log, located in the office of Campus Safety in Saint Peter Hall.

OTHER DISCLOSURE POLICIES
In addition to the policies listed above, Saint Peter’s College is in compliance with other policy statements that are required by the Clery Act. The additional policy statements are incorporated into the Saint Peter’s College Student Handbook, The NET, or as otherwise noted below.

The Campus Safety Department is comprised of a Director of Campus Safety, who is a college employee, Immediate plans call for an Assistant Director and Shift Supervisors who will be College employees as well. The College  has contracted with Summit Security Services, a New Jersey based company, to provide our guard service The Campus Safety Officers do not possess police arrest powers, but rather that which is entitled to all citizens, which is citizen’s arrest. Be advised that the Campus Safety Department maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Jersey City Police Department.  All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report any crime to the Campus Safety Department and to the appropriate police agency.  Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.
When a Saint Peter’s College student is involved in an off-campus offense, local police officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with other agencies, such as state or federal law enforcement.  The Jersey City Police routinely work and communicate with campus officers on any serious incidents occurring on-campus or in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding campus.  Saint Peter’s College operates no off-campus housing or off-campus student organization facilities.  However, some students live in the neighborhoods surrounding the college campus.  While the Jersey City Police have primary jurisdiction in all areas off campus, Campus Safety Officers can and do respond to student-related incidents that occur in close proximity to campus.  Campus Safety Officers have telephone numbers of the police, fire, and ambulance services to facilitate rapid response in any emergency situation.

STUDENT HOUSING
The college has apartment-style residence halls located on its West Campus in addition to Whelan Hall, Saint Peter Hall, and Millennium Hall situated on the East Campus.

To enhance a student’s experience, Saint Peter’s College provides a staff comprised of people trained to work in a living, learning environment.  Desk Attendants (DA's) or Campus Safety Officers man lobby entrances 24 hours a day in areas where desks are located.  The attendants and/or officers provide hall security, screening of students, guests, and visitors entering the premises, as well as making appropriate notifications during difficult or crisis situations.   Building entrances and sidewalks are electronically monitored from the security office CCTV system.  Campus security cameras videotape the exterior of selected college buildings, and permits constant monitoring of entry, grounds, and walkways.

As an additional safety measure, heat sensitive sprinkler head fire protection devices cover the residential life facilities such as corridors, mechanical areas, and students’ rooms.  Should any part of the residential fire detection system be activated, the Jersey City Fire Department will immediately be notified by the Central Station.

Residence Life staff members are on call 24 hours a day to handle emergencies, student questions, concerns and needs. The staff members are available and may be contacted through the campus safety office.

Campus Safety and the Office of Residence Life are jointly responsible for the development of procedures and protocols that promote campus safety and student awareness of security issues.  Safety and security procedures are published in the student handbook, The Net, and the Residence Life Handbook.

Educational programs emphasizing personal safety and security are provided for freshman student body. In addition, supplemental seminars are conducted by the Campus Safety Department, Jersey City Police Department, and Jersey City Fire Department.  Handouts, posters, and campus wide e-mail alert bulletins are periodically issued as required.

CAMPUS FACILITIES
Except for the student residencies, college facilities are open to all students during the day and evening hours when classes are in session.

When the college is officially closed, college buildings are locked with only security, faculty, staff, administrators, and authorized students with proper identification being admitted.

MAINTENANCE OF CAMPUS GROUNDS & FACILITIES
The Maintenance Department is responsible for all of the college buildings and grounds.  Maintenance personnel regularly inspect campus facilities and buildings with emphasis on compliance with local fire codes and building ordinances.  They regularly inspect fire extinguishers, firefighting equipment, smoke detectors, and fire panels.

Fire drills and inspections are conducted periodically at randomly selected locations.  The fire drills are conducted by the Jersey City Fire Department in conjunction with Campus Safety.

The Maintenance Department regularly inspects campus lighting, stairs, sidewalks and walkways. Reports of, and requests for, repairs of broken windows, doors, and locks receive prompt attention.

The Campus Safety Department reports hazardous conditions that may require immediate attention.  Campus Safety urges all students, faculty, and staff to report to the Maintenance Department or the Campus Safety Department any hazards they may discover.