TAP No. 36: College & University Security Information Act

TAP No. 36: College & University Security Information Act

 

Scope

This policy applies to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish Duquesne University’s compliance with The College and University Security Information Act (PA Act 73) as amended on Oct. 13, 1994, and the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Pub L. 101-542 as amended by The Higher Education Technical Amendments Act of 1991). A copy of this policy is available to all students, employees, and applicants to the University on the Public Safety Department Web site.

The purpose of this policy is to establish Duquesne University’s compliance with The College and University Security Information Act (PA Act 73) and the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Pub L. 101-542 as amended by The Higher Education Technical Amendments Act of 1991). A copy of this policy is available to all students, employees, and applicants to the University on the Public Safety Department Web site.

Policy

I. Campus Law Enforcement

The Department of Public Safety is charged with the responsibility of security and law enforcement on campus. The Department employs sworn police officers along with non-sworn security assistants and support staff. All police officers must successfully complete training at an approved police academy. The training curriculum is as mandated by the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training commission, and includes such topics as criminal law and procedures, patrol and investigation practices and techniques, firearms, human values and problems, first aid, and physical training. In addition, in service training programs are presented to update and enhance the professional skills of the officers.

University police officers are vested with all the powers, authority, and responsibilities of any police office of the Commonwealth on properties owned or operated by the University, including immediate adjacent public streets and property. The Department of Public Safety cooperates fully with local and state law enforcement agencies in cases which involve both on campus and off-campus jurisdictions, or when the resources of another agency can be used to facilitate the resolution of an investigation.

Criminal incidents are reported to state and local police agencies by the Department of Public Safety at such times and in such forms as required by law, in addition to the cooperative efforts discussed above. Students involved in incidents off campus will be assisted in any way possible by the appropriate campus agency. An ongoing dialogue is maintained between the Department and local law enforcement agencies to disseminate information of pertinence to current investigations.

The use of weapons by University police personnel is governed by state law and by departmental regulation. The use or possession of firearms or other weapons by students, employees or visitors while on campus is not permitted.

II. Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies

Members of the University community are urged to notify the Department of Public Safety immediately of any criminal activity or other emergency that occurs on campus. Security personnel will respond quickly and initiate whatever action is necessary to resolve the emergency, including the activation of off-campus police, fire or medical agencies when appropriate. A special emergency telephone number, 4747, has been designated and advertised throughout the campus community, in addition to the City’s 911 emergency number.

III. Policy Statement on Sexual Assault and Abuse

Duquesne University will not tolerate sexual assault or abuse, such as rape (including acquaintance rape) or other forms of nonconsensual sexual activity. These acts degrade the victims, our campus community, and society in general. While the University cannot control all the factors in society that lead to sexual assault and abuse, the University strives to create an environment that is free of acts of violence.

Violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include separation from the University.

Sexual assault and abuse is nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature. Sexual assault and abuse can occur between acquaintances or parties unknown to each other. See TAP No. 31, University Policy on Sex Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct.

IV. Programs to Promote Campus Safety

Continual efforts are made to inform the University community of matters that affect personal safety and well being. The Duquesne University Department of Public Safety offers a variety of ongoing programs designed to educate and sensitize members of the community to crime prevention and safety issues, particularly the recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the most effective protective measures. These are offered for residence hall groups, new student orientations, student interest groups, and employee training programs.

V. Reporting and Dissemination of Information

A daily summary of reported crimes is published by the Department of Public Safety to ensure that the community is kept informed of the types of situations occurring. Moreover, special notices are published in a timely manner to publicize violent crimes or perceived patterns of crime in a particular area, to heighten awareness and aid in the prevention of recurrences. Further, Duquesne University will annually publish to the University community data relating to the number and per capita rate of certain types of crimes reported to have occurred at the institution and the security measures that are in place to reduce the risk of criminal victimization for members of the community.

VI. Individual Responsibility

Each employee and student is ultimately responsible for the maintenance of a crime free environment through voluntary adherence to this policy. Questions concerning the interpretation or implementation of this policy should be directed to the appropriate Divisional Vice President or University General Counsel.

VII. Related Information

Duquesne University Annual Security Report

College and University Security Information Act - Amend Act of Oct. 13, 1994, P.L. 591, No. 87

Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Pub L. 101-542 as amended by The Higher Education Technical Amendments Act of 1991)

VIII. Violations

Violations of this policy will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to formal disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

IX. History

Updated February 2023

X. Ownership

Public Safety