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Annual Security and Safety Report - 2005
The
University of North Carolina at Asheville herewith publishes its
annual Security Report pursuant to the requirements of The Jeanne
Clery Act, the federal
Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, and the Higher
Education Amendments of 1992. This report contains safety and security
information of interests for all current and prospective students,
employees, and visitors.
Several administrative departments at UNC Asheville share responsibility
for crime prevention education, reporting of criminal activity,
response to criminal activity, and the safety and welfare of the
campus community. These departments include Campus Police, Housing
and Residence Life, Student Activities, Counseling Center, and Facilities
Management. Since crime awareness and campus security depend largely
on personal responsibility and concern for others, crime prevention
and education efforts must be assumed by all members of the UNC
Asheville community.
This report focuses on several important issues relating to criminal
activity such as: 1) reporting and incident or offense; 2) the proactive
measures taken to respond to criminal activity; and 3) the preventative
measures taken to deter criminal activity. Many university policies
are summarized in this report, and collectively these policies serve
as the basis for UNC Asheville's crime prevention efforts. The texts
of these policies may be found in the offices of the particular
department or division authoring the policy. In addition, other
significant policies of the university are included in the Department
of Campus Police Standard Operating Procedures Manual, Counseling
Center Policy Manual, Residents' Handbook, and UNC Asheville Student
Handbook.
This report is organized into specific sections as outlined in The
Jeanne Clery Act, the
Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, and the Higher
Education Amendments of 1992. Each section addresses a specific
topic pertaining to the activities and responsibilities required
by the Act.
Reporting Criminal Actions/University Response
Campus Police receives complaints
regarding criminal incidents or offenses. Upon receipt of a criminal
complaint, a Campus Police Officer will obtain as much information
as possible concerning the incident or offense. This includes interviewing
the complainant, and any witnesses or suspects involved. In addition
to ensuring the safety and welfare of the complainant, the officer
will fully document all information that is received pertaining
to the matter. Should Campus Police
require assistance during an investigation or incident, the State
Bureau of Investigation, Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County
Sheriff's Department, or the Woodfin Police Department could be
utilized.
The Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individuals
may report criminal activity or request emergency assistance by
contacting the department at 251-6710, or by calling 911. Upon receiving
the caller's request, a Campus Police Officer will respond accordingly
or other fire/ rescue and medical personnel will be notified and
dispatched as needed, along with UNC Asheville personnel.
The Campus Police communications system is capable
of immediate access to other area law enforcement agencies should
the need for back-up services arise. In addition, the Department
of Campus Police maintains access to the Division of Criminal Information
System. This system affords the department the opportunity to immediately
obtain regional, state, and national criminal and vehicle information.
Timely Public Safety Warnings and Alerts
Information about crimes or emergency procedures that may be vital
to ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of the UNC Asheville
community is added to the campus police web page, published in the campus newspaper, The Blue Banner, and
in the Monday Morning publication for university employees. A
public safety alert is issued to the campus community when the
university considers a crime or incident to pose an on-going threat
to students and employees. Specific
policies regarding emergency responses and criminal incident / offense
reporting procedures are contained in the Campus Police
Standard Operating Procedures Manual and can be located in the
Campus Police Office, Vance Hall.
Security of/Access to Campus Facilities
The UNC Asheville Campus Police Department and Residence Life staff
monitor and secure access to all academic buildings and residence
halls 24 hours a day. For fire and security reasons, police officers
and security officers periodically walk through all university buildings.
Exterior access doors to all non-residence buildings are checked
and secured approximately 30 minutes after closing time. Windows
are checked, and any windows found ajar are closed. Buildings are
not opened after they are secured except:
- When
the student has a building pass from the department chairperson.
- When
items of importance are left in the building. The officer will
then accompany the student.
- When
the student is on an approved list for entry.
- Faculty
and staff may be admitted to buildings in which they work by providing
proper UNC Asheville identification.
Residence Hall Access
Residence halls are monitored by resident directors, resident assistants,
and night assistants. Each residence hall is locked at a specified
time each day. Students entering Mills, Founders, South Ridge, West Ridge
and Governors residence halls between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. must show a UNC
Asheville ID that displays a valid resident sticker. Students living
in the Governors Village residence halls must use the combination
locks to enter 24 hours a day. Resident students must enter through
the main entrance of each residence hall after 8 p.m. All visitors
entering the residence halls after 8 p.m. must sign in at the
reception desk. Visitors may enter with an approved overnight guest
pass, or by checking in with a picture ID. A logbook is maintained
by residence hall night assistants from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Maintenance
Maintenance of all buildings and grounds and general upkeep of
residence halls is performed by the Department of Housing maintenance staff
and Facilities Management personnel. Such activity includes repair
to windows and door locks, maintenance of exterior and interior
lighting, trimming shrubbery and trees, and periodic inspection
of fire safety equipment and mechanical systems. Maintenance items
deemed to present a security hazard are handled on a priority basis.
All exterior lighting is checked on a weekly basis by the Department
of Campus Police, and a report is submitted to the Facilities Management
and Housing departments.
University Law Enforcement
The Campus Police is committed to supporting UNC Asheville's
mission of helping all students realize their full potential. The
department's crime prevention activities further this institutional
goal by ensuring a safe and orderly environment in which students
may learn, faculty members may teach, and employees may work to
provide a broad range of support services. Furthermore, it is the
intention of the Campus Police to develop in students
a respect for and trust in the law, which will serve them well in
their professional careers and assist them in becoming more responsible
and law-abiding members of society.
The UNC Asheville Campus Police was established by
the authority vested in the Board of Trustees, and duly certified
and sworn officers derive their police powers from North Carolina
General Statutes 116-40.5. The jurisdiction in which such authority
can be exercised includes all property under the care, custody,
or control of the university; on streets and roadways running adjacent
to the campus; or beyond the jurisdiction when in continuous pursuit
of offenders who have violated the law within the campus jurisdiction.
The Campus Police serves the campus community by providing
responsible law enforcement functions in a professional manner.
These law enforcement functions include: patrolling, conducting
investigations, performing arrests, crime prevention activities,
and issuing parking and traffic citations. Such activities are not
objectives in and of themselves; rather, they enable Campus Police
staff to deter criminal activity to prevent accidents, and to promote
a safety conscious attitude, thereby providing the university with
a safer and more secure environment.
The Campus Police is composed of two divisions, Police and Public
Safety. The Police Division consists of eleven sworn and certified
police officers and provides comprehensive law enforcement services.
The Public Safety Division includes six police telecommunicators,
two security officers, and one parking enforcement personnel. This division
provides necessary support services including communications, parking/traffic
enforcement and building security.
Campus Crime Prevention/ Safety and Security Programs for Students
and Employees
The Campus Police provides informational and educational
programs on crime prevention and personal safety throughout the
year. All crime prevention programs are available to faculty, staff,
and students upon request. Programs include drug and alcohol awareness,
personal safety, sexual assault prevention, and other special topics
as requested. Educational materials and brochures are also provided.
Safety and security programs are held in the residence halls, generally
within the first month of school, and periodically throughout the
academic year. These programs are planned in conjunction with the
Office of Housing and Residence Life. The Campus Police
also provides, upon request, safety and security assessments of
facilities and department operations. A property engraver is also
available to the campus community.
At orientation, The Director of Campus Police or the
Investigations Sergeant answer questions of concern
about safety and security issues, provides and overview to students
and parents concerning susceptibility to crime, and provides tips
on how to avoid becoming a victim and the steps to take if victimized.
They also provide, upon request, educational and informational programs
on personal safety, date and acquaintance rape, security issues
and other topics of interest.
As a part of their responsibility to the students and employees,
all Campus Police Officers are expected to provide informational
assistance to members of the campus community concerning crime prevention.
Each officer is aware of the department's expectations of effectively
conveying to the public information that will enhance the safety
and security of the institution.
Monitoring Criminal Activity at Off-Campus Locations
As needed, the Campus Police provides police and security
services to off-campus facilities utilized by the University.
Alcohol and Illegal Drug Policies
Illegal or abusive use of drugs and alcohol adversely affects the
educational environment and interferes with the personal, social
and educational goals of an individual. UNC Asheville's Drug and
Alcohol Abuse Policy emphasizes addressing the problem of substance
abuse through education and, where appropriate, through institutional
disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. Pursuant to the direction
of the Board of Governors, the UNC Asheville Board of Trustees has
adopted a policy on illegal drugs. All students, faculty members,
administrators, and other university employees are responsible for
being familiar with, and complying with, the terms of this policy.
The policy provides that all members of the university community
are responsible for knowing about and complying with the provisions
of North Carolina law that make it a crime to posses, sell, deliver,
or manufacture those drugs designated as "controlled substances"
by Article 5, Chapter 10, of the North Carolina General Statutes.
Any member of the university community who violates the law may
be subject to both criminal prosecution and disciplinary action
by the institution.
The UNC Asheville Counseling Center provides a Drug Education and
Prevention Program, and offers counseling and referral for community
treatment and support services. In addition, it sponsors annually
a Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week, and provides classroom and residence
hall presentations and forums. The State Employees' Assistance Program
provides free and confidential assessment, counseling, consultation,
and referral service for all employees and their family members.
The Campus Police provides drug and alcohol awareness
programs to the residence halls. The Student Health Service provides
short-term counseling and referral in cooperation with the Counseling
Center. Drug and alcohol information is also included in the curriculum
of selected Health and Fitness classes. The Athletics Department
provides drug and alcohol abuse seminars for all student athletes
and coordinates random drug testing as required by the University
of North Carolina system.
Disciplinary proceedings against any member of the university community
who has a substance abuse problem will be initiated when the alleged
conduct is deemed to affect the interests of the university or welfare
of the individual. All disciplinary action imposed against university
employees will be in accordance with the policies and procedures
outlined by the State Personnel Act of North Carolina. Disciplinary
action imposed against students will be in accordance with sanctions
outlined by the university Student Code of Conduct. Students and
employees who are experiencing substance abuse problems are encouraged
to take advantage of the resources offered by the university.
Sexual Assault Policy Statement
UNC Asheville recognizes the importance of assisting students who
are victims of sexual assault in regaining a sense of their personal
dignity and control of their lives, and by providing guidance relative
to future decisions. Sexual offenses, and concern about potential
offenses, obstruct the working and learning conditions which are
valued and desired aspects of a university environment. The psychological
damage created by a sexual assault continues long after the physical
trauma has ended. No form of sexual offense will be tolerated or
condoned at UNC Asheville.
It
should be noted that excessive use of alcohol and other drugs often
precedes many incidents involving a sexual assault. Use of these
substances may interfere with one's capacity to either consent to
or refuse sexual activity. Use of these substances may also interfere
with an individual's judgment regarding sexual aggression. The use
of alcohol or other drugs, however, does not diminish personal responsibility
for behavior that is socially unacceptable or aggressive. It is
for this purpose that several UNC Asheville departments have collaboratively
developed policies and procedures for responding to the needs of
students who are victims of a sexual assault.
Education Programs
Educational programs pertaining to the prevention of sexual offenses
are provided by the Counseling Center, Campus Police,
Student Health Services, and Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Programs are often supported by community agencies. Individuals
interested in arranging or attending a program should contact one
of the officers listed.
Procedures to Follow if an Offense Occurs
The following departments are responsible for responding to victims
of sexual assault and for providing the necessary assistance in
keeping with department protocol: the Counseling Center, Department
of Campus Police, Student Health Services, and Office of Housing
and Residence Life. Students may request a copy of each department's
Sexual Assault Response Plan. In addition to offering a range of
services for victims of sexual assault, staff members of each department
are on hand to inform students about other community assistance
programs which complement university services. Anyone who has been
the victim of a sexual assault should immediately contact one of
the departments listed. Once a personal request for assistance has
been made by a victim of a sexual assault, the primary concern of
the person responding should be that of support. The following procedures
should be used when offering initial assistance to the victim of
a sexual assault:
- Calmly
maintain a supportive and listening posture at all times.
- Determine
the location of the victim and, if possible, the whereabouts of
the perpetrator.
- Determine
whether the victim is now safe or is injured and if medical assistance
is needed.
- Determine
what type of help the victim would like to have. For example,
does the victim want law enforcement assistance, counseling assistance,
or wish to visit the hospital. Offer these options to the victim
in an attempt to build trust and support.
- Politely
suggest that the victim consider visiting the hospital for a check-up
before bathing, washing, or cleaning any body parts, or before
changing clothes or disposing of any other evidence that may be
valuable in apprehending the suspect.
- As
soon as the victim indicates a willingness to accept assistance,
attempt to contact and request the assistance of a response person
(police, counselor, friend, or family member).
- Offer
unconditional support to the victim by staying on the telephone
or by accompanying the victim to the hospital.
Option to Notify Law Enforcement Authorities
Any victim of a sexual assault has the right to file a complaint
with the law enforcement authorities. If the sexual assault occurred
on campus, then the victim should immediately notify the Department
of Campus Police. If the sexual assault occurred off campus, then
the incident should be reported to the appropriate law enforcement
agency.
The Campus Police will provide complete assistance
to victims wishing to file a complaint in another jurisdiction.
The victim should be encouraged to preserve all evidence, not wash
or otherwise cleanse any body parts, remain in the clothes worn
during the assault or retain all clothing worn during the assault,
and not disturb anything in the location where the assault occurred.
If possible, the victim should remain in the general area until
the police arrive.
Sexual Offense Disciplinary Procedures
The UNC Asheville student disciplinary system responds to all violation
of the Student Code of Conduct at the referral of the Vice Chancellor
for Student Affairs; therefore, disciplinary system will respond
to all violation of sexual offenses, forcible or non-forcible, that
are campus inclusive. Any UNC Asheville student, staff, or faculty
member may file a report against a student of the university community
based on violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Complaints should
include specific details of the incident, time, date, location,
people and addresses involved, and witnesses' names and addresses.
This report should be given to the Director of Campus Police and
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.
If is decided that the university should handle the case, the incident
will be referred to the Student Court or the University Supreme
Court, and will be handled via the established student disciplinary
procedures outlined in the Student Code of Conduct of the Student
Government Association and approved by the Chancellor. Both the
alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator will: 1) be informed
of the hearing date and time; 2) be entitled the same opportunity
to have others present during campus disciplinary proceedings; 3)
be entitled to hear the information given from the opposite party;
and 4) be informed of the entire outcome of the hearing, including
the finding and any sanctions imposed.
Possible Sanction
The Division of Student Affairs is structured on the premise of
student development; therefore, it is important that the result
of any disciplinary sanctions applied is positive and growth-oriented.
In an effort to help students take responsibility for their actions
with regard to sex offenses, any of the following sanctions may
be applied: judicial or administrative reprimand, general or specific
probation, suspension, expulsion, work/ educational assignment,
area relocation, and exclusion from on-campus residency. These sanctions
are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, which is printed in
its entirety in the UNC Asheville Student Handbook and distributed
to students in the fall of each year.
Services for Victims
Services for victims of a sexual assault are offered both on and
off campus. The Counseling Center provides counseling to students
who are victims of any sexual offense, and also provides referrals
to community resources. The Counseling Center also assists students
in notifying proper authorities if the student chooses. Student
Health Services provides medical information and referrals to community
agencies. Student Health Services also assists students in notifying
proper authorities if the student so chooses. The Office of Student
Affairs, in conjunction with Academic Affairs, will make every reasonable
effort to assist the victim of a sexual assault by providing options
for changing living or academic conditions.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Campus Police - (828) 251-6710
Health Services - (828) 251-6520
Counseling Center - (828) 251-6517
Fire and Emergency - 9-911
TDD Users - 9-911
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