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St. Cloud State University

Public Safety Department
October 1, 2008

A Report to the St. Cloud State University Community

Download the 2008 Crime Report (PDF: 9 pages) (download Adobe Acrobat Reader)

I. Introduction

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) encourages all members (students, employees, and visitors) of our University community to be fully aware of safety and security issues, campus-related departments and services and to take action to prevent and report illegal and other unsafe activities should they occur. Personal awareness, practicing personal safety, and reporting incidents of concern are the foundation of a safe community.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (a/k/a The Clery Act) of 1998 -- previously known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 --and the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, St. Cloud State University monitors criminal activity for the campus, off-campus sites owned or maintained by SCSU and/or recognized University organizations; and related curtilage. SCSU also documents a three-year statistical history of these incidents. St. Cloud State University provides the information and statistics herein to University students and employees and to others upon request. You may view SCSU’s statistics by going to the Department of Education’s Security Statistics search site at http://www.ope.ed.gov/security, as well by checking Public Safety’s web site at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/publicsafety/securityreport.

SCSU has a variety of policies and procedures relating to campus security and it expressly reserves the right to modify them or adopt additional policies or procedures at any time without notice. Such changes will appear in successive issues of this report.

II. Crime Reporting Policies

A. General Information

The Public Safety Department for St. Cloud State University is on-duty 24-hours a day throughout the year. All requests for immediate assistance relating to issues of safety and security should be made by calling (320) 308-3333, by email at pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu or by visiting our facility at 526 4th Avenue South, St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301-4498. Campus Security Officers respond to all requests for service and assistance. These officers are full-time security guards and/or student employees of the University and are not police. In the event of any life-threatening emergency, persons are strongly encouraged to immediately and directly contact appropriate police, fire or medical assistance by calling:

911 (on campus), or (320) 251-1200 ( St. Cloud Police Dept.)

1. Public Safety officers are authorized, when appropriate, to make a citizen’s arrest. Typically such arrests are made only in the presence or support of a law enforcement officer.
2. Public Safety works closely with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to respond to and track criminal activity on campus.
3. All persons on campus are encouraged to immediately report any criminal activity to the St. Cloud Police Department or the University’s Public Safety Department. Individuals who contact Public Safety will be strongly encouraged to also report incidents that are criminal in nature to the St. Cloud Police Department. Public Safety normally requires a written report from the complainant/victim to begin an investigation and support the ability to address concerns through the University’s Judicial System. SCSU will make exceptions to this immediate need to file a written report when necessary, including cases presenting clear and immediate danger to an individual or the University community.
4. Crime Report: SCSU will issue an annual report of crimes occurring on campus and related curtilage that are made known to Public Safety directly, or through other University departments or personnel and related law enforcement agencies. This report is made available by the Public Safety Department, requests for additional information regarding this report and its statistics may be made to the Public Safety Department, 526 4 th Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498, or phone (320) 308-3333. The statistics in this report follow the uniform crime reporting procedures of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These statistics should be considered in relation to the occurrences of crime in society generally, University demographics and statistics from other institutions of similar description.

Crime Definitions
The definitions listed are taken from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Handbook and National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) and used to classify the criminal offenses previously listed:

• Murder — The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
• Forcible Sex Offense — Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent; to include forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object and forcible fondling.
• Non-forcible Sex Offense — Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse or other sexual act; to include incest and statutory rape.
• Robbery — The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
• Aggravated Assault — An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
• Burglary — The unlawful entry into a structure to commit a felony or theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the above.
• Motor Vehicle Theft — The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by person not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned; including joyriding.)
• Larceny/Theft — The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Examples are thefts of bicycles or automobile accessories, shoplifting, pocket-picking or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud. Attempted larcenies are included. Embezzlement, confidence games, forgery, worthless checks, etc., are excluded.
• Arson — Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
• Alcohol Violations — The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
• Drug Abuse Violations — Violation of Federal, State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroine, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, benezedine).
• Weapons Law Violations — The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the above.

5. The Public Safety Director serves as the primary liaison with all law enforcement agencies for safety and security issues occurring on campus. When such incidents occur, the Director or his representative will determine the proper means of communicating these concerns to the campus community. The following media are used to inform the campus about safety and security issues, to report to the campus community crimes considered to be an immediate threat to students and employees, and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for following stated security procedures and practices: campus-wide e-mail and voice-mail, The University Chronicle (student newspaper), U News (Office of University Communications), University television and radio stations, campus forums, hall or floor meetings conducted by Residential Life and Student Life and Development staff and consultants, crime prevention literature, Student Government assistance, posted announcements (Safety/Security Alerts) and mailings.

B. Reporting Procedures

1. All criminal activity occurring on campus should be reported immediately to Public Safety and/or the St. Cloud Police Department. Public Safety will assist the complainant in completing reports. Public Safety will strongly encourage and support complainants and victims to report all crimes to the St. Cloud Police Department. In appropriate cases, reports will also be shared with the University’s Judicial Process. Public Safety will assist the St. Cloud Police Department and the University’s Judicial Process with investigations when requested. Public Safety also accepts reports of criminal activity occurring to or caused by persons involved in University sanctioned functions and groups off-campus locations. Such incidents are included in the University’s annual report and may be addressed on and/or off-campus. Public Safety cannot hold reports of crime in confidence.
2. If you are a victim of a crime or witness a crime:
   Call the St. Cloud Police Department (911) and/or Public Safety (308-3333) for any emergency including medical emergencies, fires, suspicious people or activities, crime reports, traffic accidents, or other illegal activities:
1. Write down as much information as you can remember after a crime. If you cannot identify the perpetrator by name, try to recall as many details as possible about the offender(s):
1. Gender;
2. Approximate age;
3. Height;
4. Weight/build;
5. Description of face (eye color, hair color/style, jaw, nose, facial hair, glasses, etc.);
6. Dress/clothing;
7. Distinguishing marks (scars, tattoos, etc.);
8. Voice.
2. Attempt to obtain a description and license number of any vehicle involved. Note the direction taken by offenders or vehicles and report those to Public Safety and/or the St. Cloud Police Department; Preserve the crime scene; do not touch any items involved in the incident. Close off the area of the incident and do not allow anyone in the crime area until Public Safety and/or the St. Cloud Police Department Officers arrive.
3. When necessary to protect the victim’s identity, in sexual assaults, Public Safety will accept third-party reports. Whenever possible, Public Safety prefers to receive reports from thevictim, as the detail is often more accurate in such situations. Maintain all physical evidence; do not risk losing critical evidence. All employees who become aware of an allegation of violation of University policy, student code of conduct, civil or criminal law should report the allegation to their supervisor and Public Safety. The following people with significant responsibility for student and campus activities (not including counselors) must report potential criminal activity of which they are aware to Public Safety: Activities Organization Coordinator, Admissions Director, Affirmative Action Officer, Alumni Director, Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer, Assistant Director for Union Facilities, Assistant Coaches, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Development (Judicial Affairs), Associate Registrar, Career and Placement Services Director, Coaches, Co-Director of SCSU Preschool, Deans, Department Chairs, Disability Services Coordinator, Financial Aid Director, FYE Program Director, Health Promotions Coordinator, Health Center Director, Housing Director, Housing Associate Director, International Student Advisor, Intramural Director, Multicultural Student Services Coordinator, Newman Center Director, Nurses, Personnel Director, Personnel Officer, President, Public Safety Officers (even when "off-duty"), Registrar, Residence Hall Director, Resident Assistant, Student Affairs Director, Student Development Director, Student Teaching Abroad Director, Student Union Director, Student Union Executive Director, University Bookstore Supervisor, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President of Administrative Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, Volunteer Services Coordinator, as well as any assistants and associates.

C. SCSU Response to Reports

1. All allegations will be investigated. These investigations may be made in conjunction with the St. Cloud Police Department or other law enforcement agencies.
2. The Director of Public Safety will classify reports in conjunction with the appropriate police agency according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Definitions.
3. When alleged perpetrators are identified as students, the case will be forwarded to the Associate Vice President of Student Life and Development (Judicial Affairs) for investigation and appropriate action. Criminal investigation, arrest and prosecution can occur independently, before, during or after the campus judicial process.
4. SCSU will issue a timely warning to members of the campus community in cases of reported murder, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and any hate crimes (manifesting evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity), or murder, forcible rape or aggravated assault, in cases where the Director of Public Safety (or the Director’s designee) determines there is a continuing threat to the University community. In such cases, warnings may be provided through campus bulletins (via e-mail), campus radio stations, campus newspapers, residence hall bulletins, and other significant means.

IV. Personal Safety and Access to Campus Facilities

A. Personal Safety

1. Public Safety Officers are available to assist you in protecting yourself by providing regular foot and vehicle (mountain bike, automobile) patrol and various safety and security communication; however, only you can protect yourself by being aware of your surroundings and take appropriate steps in preventing crime. Remember to:
   • Use Public Safety’s “escort service” and “blue light” phones.
   • Walk in a group, stay in well-lighted areas and wear light-colored clothing when walking at night.
2. Emergency (Blue Light) Phones:

   "Blue Light" (emergency) and elevator call box telephones are located throughout the campus. The “Blue Light” phones are made visible by a blue light globe on the top of these stations. When properly activated, these phones directly dial the on-duty Public Safety dispatcher. To operate these phones you must follow this "one-step" process:
   
   Push the red button on the face of the box and present your communication to the dispatcher. (Public Safety will know your location and immediately dispatch an Officer to assist.)

3. Escort Service
   An on-campus (walking) escort service is provided by Public Safety for members of the University community. Escorts may be requested by phoning 308-3333 and will be provided as other safety and security duties permit.

4. Protection of student residence hall room or apartment:
• Lock your door - even if you are only going out for a short time or only going a short distance. It only takes a matter of seconds to enter your open room and steal your valuables.
• Always lock your door when you are asleep. You are also encouraged to lock your door when you are awake.
• Do not prop open locked exterior building doors. These doors are locked for your protection and protection of others.
• Never open exterior doors of the building for strangers or non-residents. Always escort your guests to and from the main entrance doors.
• Do not loan your keys to anyone - even a classmate or a friend. They may not be careful with them and may misplace them, giving the wrong person access.
• Do not leave your keys lying around in public places or in your jacket pocket when you are not wearing it.
• Do no put your name or address on key rings as they may be used to steal your property if found by the wrong person.
  
5. Protect your property:
• Personal property (purses, backpacks, calculators, etc.) should never be left unattended. Take such items with you if you are leaving the office, classroom or residence hall room.
• Lock your door whenever you leave your room or office. Always lock your door when sleeping. Always lock your car doors.
• Never open the exterior doors of the building to strangers or non-residents. Always escort your guests to and from the main entrance doors.
• Protect all valuables in your room or office. Do not leave valuables in plain view.
• Take valuables home with you during vacations.
• Students are encouraged to open a savings or checking account rather than allow large sums of money to accumulate in their room. If you open a checking account, remember the number of the last check written. The theft of a single check can go undetected until a bank statement discloses a forgery.
• Park your bike where you can keep an eye on it if possible. Always lock your bike to the bike racks provided. There are several good anti-theft devices available. Case hardened heavy (U-Bolt) locks and chains afford the best protection for security of these items.
6. Protect your automobile:
• Always lock your car doors and never leave your keys in the vehicle.
• Try to park your car in a well-lit area.
• Avoid leaving personal property where it is visible inside your vehicle.
7. Protect YOURSELF
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Refrain from taking shortcuts; walk where there is plenty of light and traffic.
• Walk along well-lighted routes at night.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If you suspect you are being followed, run in a different direction, go to the other side of the street and yell for help, or head quickly for a lighted area or a group of people.
• Have your keys ready when returning to your residence hall or apartment and keep your personal or valuable items concealed and close to your body. If you must travel alone at night, use Public Safety’s Escort Service (308-3333) to escort you to your on-campus destination.
8. Help us protect you:
   Watch for suspicious persons in and around University buildings and in parking lots. Do not pursue them. Call Public Safety immediately. Call Public Safety if you should enter your room and find a stranger, regardless of the “cover story” supplied.
1. Suspicious Activity:
• If you see any suspicious activity or people on or near campus, call Public Safety immediately (308-3333). Do not assume that what you observe is an innocent activity or that it has already been reported.
• Do not assume the person is a visitor or University staff member that you have not seen before.
2. Suspicious people may be:
• Loitering about at unusual hours and locations; running, especially if something of value is being carried.
• Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms. Person(s) could be in distress and need medical or psychiatric assistance.
• Carrying property that might be suspicious, depending on the circumstances, going from room to room trying door handles. Door-to-door soliciting is not permitted in SCSU residence halls. Violations of this rule should be reported to your hall director immediately. Report all thefts and property loss immediately to Public Safety and/or the St. Cloud Police Department.
3. Be safety and security conscious at all times.

B. Campus Facilities Security

1. Building access and maintenance:
• The SCSU campus is for the use of the students, faculty, staff, guests and those on official business with SCSU.
• Access to campus buildings is limited outside of normal business and class hours.
• Students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to report needed repairs to the Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Office (308-3166).
  
2. Policies and procedures for safe access to academic buildings:
• Keys are issued to authorized faculty, staff and students only.
• Exterior building doors should not be propped open when the doors are locked.
• Building evacuation is mandatory for all fire alarms.
• Individual academic buildings are normally open from 7 AM until after evening classes or scheduled weekend classes and special events. Employees and students in buildings after normal working hours should have a University I.D. in their possession and present the I.D. when requested.
• Faculty or staff who appear to be the last persons in a building should ask unauthorized people to leave the premises. If this is not acceptable to those addresses or if the employee does not feel comfortable making this contact, that employee may call Public Safety (308-3333) for assistance. The building should be secured when the last employee leaves. In buildings that have outside windows, employees should close and lock them before leaving the building.
• On campus phones and pay phones are located in most buildings for emergency calls. Problems related to people in buildings after hours should be reported to Public Safety (308-3333) immediately.
  
3. Policies and procedures for safe access to residence halls:
• After the first day of Fall Semester, residence hall exterior doors are normally locked after 10 PM until 6 AM.
• Residents are encouraged not to prop doors open and not to open these doors to anyone other than their guests.
• Residents locked out of their rooms should contact their hall’s front desks. After desk hours, contact a night supervisor for the residence hall.
• All non-residents of the halls must be checked in with a picture I.D. by a resident of the hall being entered between 10 PM and 6 AM. Guests should be escorted by their hosts at all times while in the residence halls.
• No person(s) other than hall residents will be allowed in residence hall lounges or lobbies after 10 PM without an escort/host present.

IV. Education Programs:

1. SCSU Health Service provides programs, information, education and referrals (including on campus support groups) for drug and alcohol abuse.
2. Programs regarding safety issues are furnished by the Public Safety Department upon request. Programs include: Reporting Crime, Theft Prevention, Sexual Assault Prevention, and Burglary Prevention.
3. A mandatory educational sexual violence and harassment prevention workshop is required for all transfer students and full-time, first-year students.
4. Representatives of Public Safety are willing to assist with designing and presenting presentations on a variety of person and property safety and crime prevention. In addition, Public Safety officials may assist with supportive documentation for course projects or assignments. Please contact the Department's administration to assist in these matters.

V. Sexual Assault Policy

Acts of sexual violence, assault or abuse, such as rape, acquaintance rape, and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity will not be tolerated. The University is committed to a campus environment that is free from the emotional and physical threat of sexual assault. To prevent sexual violence and harassment, educational efforts are undertaken to inform employees and students of their responsibilities regarding such behavior, how to identify and eliminate potential sexual violence and harassment and what steps can be taken if instances of sexual violence and harassment are experienced.

1. The University will take appropriate action to safeguard the survivor and, at the same time, protect the rights of the accused. The University will provide assistance of campus personnel in shielding the victim, at his/her request, from unwanted contact with the alleged perpetrator, including housing and class transfers when feasible.
2. Support services are available through the Women’s Center (308-4958 or 308-3995), Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (251-4357) that provides a 24-hour crisis line, and SCSU’s Public Safety (308-3333).
3. Contact SCSU’s Public Safety, St. Cloud Police Department or the Women’s Center as soon as possible after the offense. Victims of sexual assault should seek medical attention immediately even if you do not wish to report it to the police. Remember that it is extremely important to preserve any and all evidence relating to the sexual assault.
4. Students, faculty and staff are asked to contact the Women’s Center’s Sexual Assault Services Coordinator immediately with any information they receive regarding an assault. The Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center, St.