University Police | Clery Report | West Virginia University

THE CLERY ACT and CRIME REPORTING

Clery Report

The University Police have the same law enforcement authority as deputy sheriffs on University property. Our Department is well-respected by all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and has developed very effective and cooperative working relations with these agencies. The department has entered into written Memoranda of Understanding with all local agencies. The University Police are charged with the responsibility for investigation, follow-up, apprehension, and resolution of any incident reported to us. For the department to achieve its mission, it is critical that all members of the community report crimes promptly and accurately.

The University Police, through news releases, brochures and publications, presentations, and one-on-one encounters encourage the accurate and prompt reporting of not only crimes on campus, but any suspicious activity or security breach that may be witnessed by the public.

The University Police believe in and practice Community-Based Policing. We feel very strongly the need for community involvement and support. We provide information concerning security to new employees during their orientation, to new students through Orientation Presentations and the “Mountie,” which is published and distributed by Student Affairs. We also have information in the Employee and Student Handbooks, telephone directories, and other publications.

We have a wide variety of Crime Prevention Programs from orientation training for new employees and students, Operation ID., Operation Lock-Out in Residence Halls to “You Could Have Been Ripped Off” programs. We supply daily releases of all reported activities to the University’s student newspaper and the local newspaper, and we supply a variety of Crime Prevention materials to all facilities, with emphasis on the Library systems, the Visitor Center, the Student Union, and the Residence Halls.

All of these programs are ongoing and are incorporated into our patrol activities with insecure Premises Reporting, Crime Prevention briefings with incident reporting, and individual instruction by patrol officers to the public.

For a more detailed listing of crime prevention and education programming, see our website at http://police.wvu.edu/safety_on_campus. or call 304-293-COPS (304-293-2677) and ask for the Training Unit.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security

The mission of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for everyone at West Virginia University. This publication is designed to provide you with information regarding the security programs offered at this institution, and your responsibility to promote safety.

West Virginia University has taken prudent steps to promote a safe and secure environment that is compatible with the University community’s academic and co-curricular pursuits. We solicit your support in making our University community safe and secure by accepting responsibility for your actions and committing to participate in programs to assist others.

No institution can guarantee the total safety and security of all its members. Only through community support and involvement can we be successful in achieving our goal. We ask you to help us by not taking unnecessary risks, by locking your door and securing the facilities when you leave, and reporting any suspicious activity or crime immediately. Together, we can help make West Virginia University a more safe and secure environment for the community.

Crime Reporting and Response

At West Virginia University we are members of the 911 Emergency Services Network. You may contact our University Police by dialing 9-911 from any University (293) exchange. Also, for your safety, we have 37 emergency phones located across our campus in high traffic areas. The locations of these phones are identified on the Parking Rules and Regulations Maps, which are available from the Parking Office located at 3040 University Avenue or on their website at at http://transportation.wvu.edu/maps.

We strongly encourage you to report all crimes or suspicious activities that you may witness while on campus. Our Department will make every reasonable effort to promptly and professionally resolve any problem reported to us.

The University Police Department is charged with collecting statistics and preparing the Jeanne Clery Act Report. The department collects the data from various sources including the Office of Student Life, Housing and Residence Life, and the Morgantown Police Department.

The University Police Department will provide timely notices of crimes by providing daily news releases to the local media and when deemed a significant threat will make special notices in the effected facilities and by personal communications. The Office of Student Life is to provide information on incidents that occur off campus involving recognized student groups by the Morgantown Police Department and respond as deemed appropriate.

We do not currently accept anonymous confidential voluntary reporting by victims or witnesses, nor do we encourage the confidential voluntary reporting by professional counselors or pastors.

WVU ALERT is one layer that sends mass communications to those subscribed. It is free, and sign-up can be made from the University homepage or from the link in red letters, in the top right corner above.

Security, Access, and Facilities Maintenance

We strive to make our facilities available to students, faculty, and staff so they may pursue their educational goals and missions. This availability requires a balance with security needs. It is not our desire to lock down all our facilities, giving a military appearance to University facilities. For this reason, many of our units are accessible during all hours with appropriate clearance.

The WVU campus is among the safest in the country. Our Department of Public Safety monitors all parts of campus. Though rarely needed, 37 emergency phones located throughout campus summon emergency help quickly.

The residence halls are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by highly trained professional and student staff who serve as resource persons for each resident. The Night Staff supervises security and safety in the residence halls from midnight to 8:00 a.m. The outside entrances are locked and the buildings are patrolled from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. No person may enter the residence halls after midnight without presenting a valid resident identification card.

The University Police Department, Facilities Management and others are committed to maintaining a safe environment by evaluating lighting, shrubs and bushes and facility design. We encourage you to report any hazards or concerns to our office by dialing 3-COPS (3-2677) on campus phones, or 304-293-COPS on non-campus phones.

Policy on Off-Campus Criminal Activity

The University does have many officially recognized student organizations that have housing facilities “off-campus”. The houses are not within the boundaries of the campus police’s jurisdiction. We do provide training and prevention programs on request and assist the Morgantown Police on request.

Policy on Alcoholic Beverages/Illegal Drugs

West Virginia University is primarily concerned with the health, safety, and well being of all students with the respect to the intelligent use and non-use of alcohol. The University expects those who use alcohol to do so responsibly and within the bounds of the laws of the State of West Virginia and the City of Morgantown.

General State Laws

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, by anyone under the age of twenty-one is a violation of the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission statue. It is also a violation of this same statute for anyone to buy for, or give to, anyone under the age of twenty-one any alcoholic beverages, including beer or for anyone under the age of twenty-one to misrepresent his or her age, or who for such purpose presents or offers any written evidence of age which is false, fraudulent or not actually his or her own.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy

West Virginia University has established awareness programs for students, faculty, and staff through the Student Assistance Program (SAP) and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Drug and alcohol education programs are established by SAP and FSAP for the purpose of educating employees and students regarding the nature and consequences of alcohol and drug abuse. These two programs provide appropriate information, education, consultation and referral, as well as addressing the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace.

The University Police enforce State and Federal laws as they may apply to violations occurring on West Virginia University property. Enforcement is measured against the best interest of society and the individual, and where treatment may serve the larger need, then treatment is preferred.

Hate Crime Reporting

The University Police collect and report statistics for murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, manslaughter, arson, theft, simple assault, intimidation, and destruction of property when the victim is intentionally selected because of actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim.

Sexual Assault Prevention Programming and Information

Sexual assault is taken very seriously by our institution. We believe very strongly in educational programs to prevent such assault and training to properly handle assault should it occur.

Sexual assault can happen to anyone, no matter how prepared or cautious they may be. Victims should not blame themselves or hesitate to report the incident. Whatever the circumstances, victims often fear being blamed, humiliated, or not believed. These feelings of fear, guilt, and helplessness can lead to depression, illness, and trouble with academics and relationships.

Remember, no one deserves or asks to be sexually assaulted. You are encouraged to report any incident to one of the resources listed below, obtain a medical examination, and take advantage of available support systems.

WVU Sexual Assault Optional Resources

Medical:

—Ruby Memorial Hospital 304-598-4171 (Within 72 hours of assault, Rape Evidence Collection)
—University Health Service 304-293-2311 (Examine for trauma, STDs, pregnancy)

Report:

On-Campus:
—The University Police Department 304-293-3136
—WVU Sexual Assault Education/Prevention Program 304-293-1377

Off-Campus:
—City – Morgantown Police Department 304-284-7522
—County/State – Sheriff’s Office 304-291-7260
—West Virginia State Police 304-285-3200
—Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center 304-292-5100

Support Services:

On-Campus:
—University Health Service 304-293-2311, Ext. 1 (medical, psychiatric resources)
—Dean of Student Life 304-293-5611
—WVU Attorney for Students 304-293-4897 (legal information)
—University Advising Center 304-293-5800 (academic advising)
—University (WVU) Sexual Assault/Education Specialist 304-293-1377
—WVU Student Assistance Program 304-293-6972
—WVU Carruth Counseling and Psychological Services Center 304-293-4431
—Residence Life (resource for changes in living arrangements) 304-293-5079

Off-Campus
—Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center 304-292-5100; (hotline 24 hr. advocacy)
—Monongalia Health Department 304-598-5100 (free, confidential testing for sexually transmitted diseases, incl. HIV)

Possible sanctions for sexual assault or other sex offenses by the institution following an on-campus disciplinary hearing are as follows:

—Housing and Residence Life may issue letters of warning for deferred removal, or they may immediately remove the student from campus housing and refer them to Student Life for further action.

—Student Life may take actions ranging from issuing a letter of probationary warning to expulsion of the student(s).

—The University Police may refer the incident to Student Life or Residence Life after conferring with the Prosecuting Attorney or may obtain arrest warrants and seek prosecution under state statutes.

In cases of alleged sexual assault or other sex offenses handled through on-campus disciplinary hearings, the following statements shall be appropriate:

—The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during their proceedings; and

—The accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding alleging a sexual assault.

Students may obtain assistance in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault by contacting the Dean of Student Life or the Director of Housing and Residence Life. Requested changes should be accommodated when reasonably available.

If you are raped or sexually assaulted, you should take the following steps:
1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Don’t bathe or douche.
3. Save your clothing.
4. Report the incident to the police even if you decide not to prosecute.
5. Take advantage of available support systems.

The institution offers a wide range of educational programs concerning sexual assaults. The programs are too numerous to mention in this publication. For more details, please call those agencies listed above for specific details or scheduling.

Again, sexual assaults are very serious incidents and as a member of our community, we need your active involvement in preventing or reducing the opportunities for sexual assaults. Report any suspicious activities to the University Police, and be alert while on campus.

Registered Sex Offender information

The State of West Virginia requires sex offenders to register with the State Police.
The State makes this information available to law enforcement agencies.
This information is available to the public at the following website:
http://www.wvstatepolice.com/sexoff

Emergency Planning and Response

West Virginia University has developed an emergency response plan that complies with the National Incident Management System and provides facility-specific planning assistance. We encourage all community members to become familiar with their building plans and campus plan. Brochures and the University Emergency Response Plan may be viewed at http:/police.wvu.edu/emergency_management
The University employs a layered approach to emergency notification. WVU ALERT is one layer that sends mass communications to those subscribed. It is free, and sign-up can be made from the University homepage or from the link in red letters, in the top right corner above. This system is supported by messaging boards, emails, phone trees, mass media, and other localized systems.

The University Police will send an email notice at the beginning of each semester to the campus community to remind them of the emergency plans and their need to be engaged in the process and prepared.

The University will perform full-scale exercises, table-top exercises, and/or in-basket exercises to evaluate the plan and training needs.

Emergency Contact Registration and Missing Person Protocol

The University will request of all new students each year that they provide, on a voluntary basis, emergency contact information. This information will also be used in the following manner in the event that a student is reported missing while at the institution.

If a West Virginia University student living in University-operated housing is suspected to be missing from campus, immediately report it to a residence hall staff member (i.e. residence hall coordinator, resident faculty leader, resident assistant) or the University Police Department (UPD).

If the student resides off-campus, contact the University Police for assistance at 304-293-COPS (2677).

All reports of missing students made to the residence hall staff and/or the UPD will be investigated. If the investigation determines that the student has been missing over 24 hours then within the next 24 hours the University will:

Notify the individual identified as your emergency contact person;
If under 18 years of age, the University will notify a parent or guardian; and;
If you are over 18 years of age and have not provided an emergency contact, the University will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.