"YOUR
RIGHT TO KNOW"
SAFETY
AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITYÕS FLORENCE SEMESTER PROGRAM
In compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery
Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 (formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act
of 1990)
May 1, 2007
Safety in Florence and Palazzo Capponi, the
residential and operating premises of the JMU Masters in European Union
Policy Studies and the Semester in Florence program
is a natural source of concern for parents, students and university employees
alike. Education - the business of James Madison University - can take place
only in environments where students and employees feel safe and secure. JMU
recognizes this and employs a number of security measures to protect the
members of its community.
Although the area has a low violent crime rate,
crime prevention remains a
priority. JMU does its part to
ensure the safety of its students and employees. The local Florentine police
force, a closely screened and well-trained residence life staff, and the
students and employees themselves all share in the responsibility of making Florence
and, more specifically our residential premises, Palazzo Capponi, a safe place
to study, work and live.
Palazzo Capponi is situated just off Piazza Santo
Spirito in the so called Oltrano
district of the city of Florence. The exact address is ( also see map):
Palazzo Capponi
Via dei Michelozzi 2
50125 Firenze
Italy
In Italy there are different types of police all
serving the general public in different ways. Firstly, there are the Carabinieri, the military police, who intervene at all levels in order
to maintain public order. They
respond, very quickly, to all calls made to 112 and their cars or vans (which
are navy blue with a red stripe along the side) can be seen either stationed in
the major squares, piazzas, or
patrolling the streets at intervals both day and night. Naturally, it is better to call them at
the time of the emergency, otherwise, if a student simply needs to make a
police report for insurance purposes, following a theft or loss of personal
possessions, or if a student wants to report a criminal act which has already
taken place then they should go to the central station in Borgo Ognissanti 48,
stating at the entrance that they wish to make a denuncia. Here
students will find English translators who can assist them with their police
statements. Whereas if they go to
a different station they are likely to encounter difficulties with the language
since they will not find an interpreter. Secondly, equally accessible, are the State Police, Polizia
di Stato, who respond to all calls made to
113. Like the Carabinieri they can be seen patrolling the city (in light blue and
white cars) both day and night.
Thirdly, there are the Vigili Urbani or Polizia Municipale, the traffic police, whose responsibility is limited to monitoring
parking and driving and who frequently issue very hefty fines for driving and
parking offences. And fourthly,
there is la finanza, the fiscal police, who are called upon to intervene in all
fiscal matters.
Florence by day is an extremely safe place by any standards. However, petty offences, such as theft,
frequently occur. Florence by
night is less so, due to an increasing tendency to abuse alcohol or consume
drugs, particularly cocaine, both on the part of students attending study
abroad programs and locals, which in turn has led to an increase in the number
of rapes, especially involving foreign students. However, if students stay in groups and moderate their own
behavior problems rarely occur. As always, one should always be vigilant and
take precautions to minimize becoming a victim of a criminal act (for more on
that see the addendum ÒHow
Participants Can Have A Safe Florence SemesterÓ at the end of this
report).
Emergency Telephone Number
At the initial on-site orientation to Palazzo Capponi, each student is provided
with a mobile phone. The numbers for which are then distributed to the Resident
Manager and JMU staff. Students are also provided with pocket-sized laminated cards
which include emergency numbers for JMU staff, an English Speaking Doctor, the
American Consulate, Police, Ambulance and Fire Services. If students should ever find themselves
in an emergency without sufficient credit in their cell phone to make a call
they can digit 4888, before the telephone number of the person they wish to
call, and this will enable them to make a collect call.
Students also are
advised to alert the Palazzo Capponi Resident Manager or the Administrative
Coordinator of any suspicious persons or activities in and around Palazzo
Capponi.
|
Carabinieri
(Military Police) |
112
|
|
Polizia di Stato (State
Police) |
113 |
|
Ambulance |
118 |
|
Fire
Service |
115 |
|
Resident
Manager, Chiara Martinelli |
328 4254937 |
|
Administrative
Coordinator, Claire Stypulkowski |
392
8731231 |
|
Assistant
Director Florence Programs, Caterina Paolucci |
338
3228078 |
|
Director,
Florence Programs, Alessandro Gentili |
329
6940872 |
|
American
Consulate |
055
266951 |
|
JMU
Director of Residence Life |
540-568-6590 |
|
Faculty
in residence from the USA |
011-44-208-883-3189 |
|
Office
of International Programs at JMU |
540-568-6419 |
Security
in University Housing
Overseeing the security of Palazzo Capponi is a full-time, live-in Resident Manager, Chiara Martinelli. She can be contacted by telephone, 328 4254937, or by e-mail at:
martincx@jmu.edu. The generic program e-mail address is: florenceprograms@jmu.edu.
The
e-mail addresses for the other key administrators and support personnel are:
Alessandro
Gentili, Director, JMU Programs in Florence: gentilax@jmu.edu
Caterina Paolucci, Academic Coordinator,
EUPS Program, and Assistant Director, JMU Programs in Florence:
paoluccx@jmu.edu
Claire Stypulkowski, Administrative
Coordinator, JMU Programs in Florence: stypulcx@jmu.edu
Palazzo
Capponi can house a maximum of 36 guests. The sixteen (16) studentsÕ rooms, including one (1) triple and eight (8) doubles, can accommodate a maximum of 25 students. In addition to
the student rooms (located on the first, mezzanine, and second floors) Palazzo
Capponi mantains one (1) apartment and two (2) rooms on the second and third
floor reserved for visiting scholars, faculty and other guests of the
University. Students
are not permitted to entertain overnight guests. Guests are required to vacate
the building by 12:00 a.m.
Our policies prevent Palazzo Capponi from offering
rooms to the general public, thereby minimizing risks to security. During
on-campus and on-site orientations, students are cautioned to abide by the Palazzo
Capponi policies.
ÒNon-Campus AreaÓ Classroom Facilities Remote
from Palazzo Capponi
All MEUPS (Masters in European Union Policy Studies) classes will take place
in Palazzo Capponi. Whereas the two-week
Italian language course will be held at the school of the British
Institute of Florence, Piazza degli Strozzi 2, a ten minute walk from Palazzo
Capponi, just across the river Arno.
Alcohol and Drug Policies
Alcohol
James
Madison University prohibits the illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of
alcohol by students. It is the responsibility of every student to know
the risks associated with alcohol use and abuse. This responsibility
obligates students to know relevant University policies and federal, state, and
local laws and to conduct themselves in accordance with these policies and
laws. JMU students traveling abroad may be studying in countries where
the legal age for alcohol consumption is different than in the United
State. Thus, while overseas, it is the responsibility of the student to
know the relevant country and local laws concerning the possession, use, and
abuse of alcohol. If students who are of legal age choose to consume
alcohol while abroad, they are expected to drink and behave responsibly.
The illegal or excessive consumption of alcohol or misconduct due to alcohol
consumption will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action,
including dismissal from the program and follow-up through the JMU judicial
system.
Many physical and psychological health risks are
associated with the abuse of alcohol and other substances, including the
following:
- difficulty
with attention and learning
- physical
and psychological dependence
- damage
to the brain, liver and heart
- unwanted
sexual activity
- contraction of sexually
transmitted diseases
- accidents
due to impaired judgment and coordination
Staff members at the JMU Health Center and the JMU
Counseling and Student Development Center can provide additional information
about these concerns. More complete information on JMU's substance abuse policy
can be found in the section on "University Policies.Ó
Drugs
Illegal
drug use in any form is not tolerated. JMU students traveling abroad may
be studying in countries where drugs that may be legally possessed and used in
the United States are prohibited by law. Thus, while overseas, it is the
responsibility of the student to know the relevant country and local laws
concerning the possession and use of drugs. Most foreign criminal systems
are considerably less accommodating than those within the United States;
student possession or use of illegal drugs may be punishable by fine,
imprisonment, and/or deportation. Study abroad participants found using
or possessing illegal drugs in any form are subject to immediate dismissal from
the program and/or follow-up through the JMU judicial system.
Prevention Efforts
Students are informed, at their first orientation
session, of JMU's "Right to Know" policy. They are reminded of their
responsibilities in maintaining a safe secure building and premises. Students
are informed about any previous crimes on Palazzo Capponi premises since under
JMU management.
Palazzo
Capponi has an electronic, computer programmed, key access system, which
controls both access to studentsÕ residential quarters and classroom spaces on
the ground floor. Students are
responsible for the safekeeping of their own electronic keys.
Emergencies
Involving Students
Palazzo Capponi is located near Piazza Santo
Spirito (a 25 minute walk or 10 minute cab ride) from the casualty department
(emergency room) of the Santa Maria Nuova Hospital in the cityÕs center, or a
25 minute cab ride to Careggi, which is the main Tuscan University Hospital,
which offers greater expertise in most medical fields and is situated in the
outskirts of the city. If a student requires assistance, they will
be accompanied to the hospital by the Resident Manager or Administrative
Coordinator. In addition, students will have access to Specialists working for
the Misericordia in Vicolo degli
Adimari 1, near to the Cathedral Il Duomo
or an English speaking General Practitioner, Dr Stephen Kerr, in Via Porta
Rossa 1. Assistance will be given
to get appointments for any other specialist treatment which is required.
JMU Florence students can maintain contact with
the home campus of JMU while away through phone, fax and e-mail, and have at
their disposal the normal services on campus, including the JMU counseling
center and the Sexual Assault Education Coordinator. Additionally, the Resident
Manager or Administrative Coordinator on site can arrange access to similar
counseling services in Florence.
If a staff member of the Semester in Florence or Masters
in European Union Policy Studies Program suspects
that a student is missing because they have not attended class or have not been
seen at their place of residence, whether it be in the Palazzo or at their home-stay,
then all possible efforts will be made to locate the student and to determine
his or her state of mind and general well being. If after 24 hours there is still no news from the student
the appropriate police authorities will be notified. If the student is an in-house resident, the police will be
given authorization from the Florence Semester officials to make a welfare
entry into that studentÕs room. Concurrently university officials will endeavor
to determine the studentÕs whereabouts through contact with friends and
associates.
If located, verification of the studentÕs general state
of health will be made as well as their intention of returning to the program. If
requested, or deemed appropriate, a referral will be made to a professional
counselor(s) and/or medical practitioners.
If not located, the family will be notified 24 hours
after the reported disappearance of the student, also to establish if they know
of his or her whereabouts. The Florence Semester staff will, of course, do
everything within their power to cooperate, aid, and assist the police
authorities with their investigations.
All pertinent law enforcement agencies, be they
Italian or otherwise, will be notified and requested to render assistance,
through direct telephone contact or visit, electronic data (teletype) message,
and/or radio transmission with a comprehensive BOL message based on the totality
of up-to-date information.
Upon closure of the investigation, all parties
previously contacted will be advised of the status of the case.
General
Security Procedures
Students will be made aware from their very first
day in Florence that no one is to be admitted into Palazzo Capponi without
prior approval from the Resident Manager or program staff. Officially, the Resident Manager will
be on duty during the normal working hours (9 a.m. - 5 p.m., weekdays).
However, because the manager lives on the premises, students are likely to find
her just about any time, day or night. Alternatively, they can call the Administrative
Coordinator or any other member of staff for verification. However, if in doubt, students will be
asked not to admit the person or persons in question. The Director, Assistant Director and Administrative
Coordinator have office facilities in Palazzo Capponi. And the Assistant Director and
Administrative Coordinator live in Florence, the latter also nearby, and can therefore
be summoned by students in an emergency.
The health and well-being
of all students is one of their primary concerns. Students and visiting faculty will participate in informative
orientation sessions before departing for Florence. Then, during the first few days in Florence, students will
also be informed of personal safety and security issues, Italian legal matters,
emergency procedures and the rules and regulations of Palazzo Capponi and their
home-stay families. Much of this information is included in handbooks prepared
for the students and distributed beforehand. On-site orientation materials will be given to students upon
arrival in Florence, providing additional useful information.
Students will be kept informed of any home campus,
Department of State or U.S. Office of Public Safety notices considered
pertinent while abroad, or which notify them of any adverse events on the main
(US) campus. In such instances, a copy of the notice will be posted at our Florence
facility. The electronic bulletin board is immediately accessible via
computer by all off and on-campus faculty, staff and students.
The requirement for crime log maintenance applies
only to schools and/or branch campuses that feature a campus police or security
department. Palazzo Capponi has neither. Even so, Palazzo Capponi
students (MEUPS and SIF) will be kept aware of
reported incidents on site and in the immediate vicinity by the Resident Manager
and JMU staff.
Timely
Warnings
Depending on the particular circumstances of a
crime, especially in situations which could pose an immediate threat to students
or visiting faculty, the staff at Palazzo Capponi will ensure that all parties
are notified, either by posting on site bulletins in prominent locations in the
building, if the situation is less urgent, or by notifying everyone directly,
via cell phones or in person. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should
report the circumstances to the Palazzo Capponi staff, by calling any one of
the cell phone numbers provided.
Sex Offender Registry and
Access to Related Information
Italy does not maintain a sex offender registry.
Information about an individual's past criminal history is not made available
to the public at large.
However, the JMU Office of Residence Life Housing
Contract provides for the cancellation of housing contracts for known sex
offenders, or any other convicted person, who is disruptive to the educational
environment of the residence.
Prevention, intervention and education programs
specifically addressing rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses are
regularly sponsored by a variety of organizations at JMU. The JMU Health
Center, Sexual Assault Education Coordinator, Counseling and Student
Development Center and Women's Resource Center present programs throughout the
year in classes, residence halls and student organizations. Programs on sexual
assault occur at least once each semester in all residence halls and the topic
is addressed at freshman orientation. Students are encouraged to attend
on-campus sessions prior to going to Florence.
If a sexual offense should occur while in Florence,
the victim should take the following actions:
á
Get to a safe place
á
If the aggressor is still
nearby, call the police
á
Notify the Resident Manager
or Administrative Coordinator who will come immediately and assist in getting
medical assistance and pharmaceutical protection (to lessen the likelihood of
contracting sexually transmitted diseases) from the main hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital the police
will automatically be notified and female counselors and translators provided
á
However difficult, do not
take a shower, bath or douche after the aggression before going to the hospital.
á
However difficult, again, do
not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took place before
going to the hospital.
á
Keep the clothes worn during
the offense. If clothes are changed, place clothes in a paper bag (evidence
deteriorates in plastic) and take them with you to the hospital.
á
Do not destroy the physical
evidence that may be found in the vicinity of the crime. If the crime occurred
in the victim's room, the victim should not clean or straighten until the
police have had an opportunity to collect evidence.
á
The Resident Manager or
Academic Coordinator will accompany the student to a later appointment with the
police to make a statement.
á
Try to tell the Resident
Manager or Academic Coordinator as many details of the assault as can be remembered
to help with the translation of your statement.
á
Write down all details remembered as soon as possible.
á
If helpful, contact a friend
or family member.
á
Seek counseling, JMU staff will help to arrange these
appointments with English speakers.
Following an incident, victims are always encouraged
to make a report to local police. If they choose to do so they will be summoned
to appear in court should the aggressor be arrested. The earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to
collect valuable evidence. If making a report through a professional or
pastoral counselor, victims have the option of keeping their report of sexual
assault in complete confidence, protecting their right to anonymity.
University judicial action, criminal prosecution
and civil suits are all options available to victims of sexual assault. To begin university judicial action,
should the aggressor be a fellow JMU student, the
counselor or victim should contact the university judicial officer to initiate
a complaint. Technically speaking,
the police could so proceed as well, though it is highly doubtful that the
Italian police would do so. During campus judicial proceedings, both the victim
and the accused may be present and may have a counselor, solicitor (attorney)
and/or adviser present to provide support and advice. Both the victim and the
accused will be informed of the results of the proceeding. Sanctions for sexual
assault may range up to and include suspension or expulsion from JMU.
Date rape drugs can be placed in any drink, not
just alcohol. Effects may range from a feeling of well being and short term
memory loss to an apparent aphrodisiac and intoxication effect. Serious adverse
effects can occur such as seizures, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, dizziness,
hallucinations, coma, even death. Some common side effects of these drugs
include a drunken appearance, drowsiness, light-headedness, staggering,
confusion, muscle relaxation and amnesia that lasts up to 24 hours.
If in Florence someone suspects that they, or
someone else, has been drugged and/or assaulted, first they should go to a safe
place, or stay with the person who they suspect of having been drugged, then
they should notify the Resident Manager or Administrative Coordinator
who will accompany the person to the casualty
department (emergency room) of the nearest hospital for immediate treatment and
tests.
Resources
For Support and Assistance
|
Ambulance
Service |
118 |
|
Careggi
Hospital (the leading Tuscan university hospital) |
055
794111 (switchboard) |
|
Dr Alessandro Corsi, Emergency Room, S.
Maria Nuova Hospital |
055
27581 (switchboard) |
|
Dr
Mary Ann Santoro Bellini, Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist |
055
680721 |
|
Artemisia
WomenÕs Shelter - assistance with physical and sexual abuse |
055
602311 |
|
Dr. Maria
Rosaria Di Tommaso (Gynaecologist) |
055 476749 |
|
Center
for Alcohol & Drug Abuse, San Luca at Careggi |
055
7946873 |
|
Alcoholics
Anonymous (St James Church) |
055
710091 |
|
Dr
Di Bernardo – Eating Disorders |
055
221691 |
Silent Witness: If you have any information you feel would be helpful in an
investigation but wish to remain anonymous, you have the option to report it
through Silent Witness at: http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/SilentWitness.shtml
Officials with Significant Responsibility for
Student and Campus Activities otherwise known as:
"Campus
Security Authorities"
As
specified in the Clery Act those
considered to be "Campus Security Authorities" are deans
(or other senior student administrative personnel), coaches, Residence Managers;
overseers and advisors to student clubs, organizations, and Greek houses; and
other campus officials having "significant responsibility for student and
campus activities," not just police and/or security officers. All must
report annual campus crime statistics (professional and pastoral counselors
excluded; passages in quotations are taken directly from the applicable Federal
Register)(1).
In
Florence, although the timely reporting of criminal activity to the police is encouraged, in some instances students at
Palazzo Capponi may choose to file a report with the Resident Manager who is
the primary Campus Security Authority for
Palazzo Capponi. By law, James Madison University officials who learn about
sexual assaults, as well as other crimes, will inform the victims that they can
take their complaints to the police. JMU officials will help the victims if
asked to do so. If making a crime report directly to the police the program
participant is encouraged to make a report to a Resident Manager as well.
Crime
statistics are monthly and annually gathered from JMU Campus Security
Authorities, including those in Florence - once the programs are up and running,
via fax, online and campus mail reporting utilizing a report/survey form supplied by
the Clery Act Compliance
Coordinator. Any reportable crime made to a Campus Security
Authority can be immediately transmitted to
the JMU Police via fax machine, e-mail or conventional campus mail.
Other
people holding positions in JMU program considered to be campus security
authorities under the law are the Florence Semester Programs Director
and The Faculty Member(s) in Residence (FMIRÕs).
(1) From page 59063, Federal Register/Vol. 64, No. 210/Monday. November 1, 1999/(Final) Rules
and Regulations: "For example, a dean of students who oversees student
housing, a student center, or student extra-curricular activities, has
significant responsibility for student and campus activities. Similarly, a
director of athletics, team coach, and faculty advisor to a student group also
have significant responsibility for student and campus activities. A single
teaching faculty member is unlikely to have significant responsibility for
student and campus activity, except when serving as an advisor to a student
group. A physician in a campus health center or a counselor in a counseling
center whose only responsibility is to provide care to students are unlikely to
have significant responsibility for student and campus activities."
Policy and Procedures for Developing Information
for this Report
The
offices of JMUÕs Florence Semester, Judicial
Affairs and Public Safety serve as "clearing houses" in the
statistical gathering of crime data from those with "significant
responsibilities for students and campus activities" and reports such statistics
involving pertinent criminal incidents and arrests or referrals gathered from
various "campus security authorities" to the Public Safety office on
a monthly and/or annual basis. The offices of Public Safety and Judicial
Affairs routinely compare and reconcile the gathered information to minimize
multiple postings for the same reported criminal incidents or arrests.
Notice of
Availability of Annual Campus Crime (Your Right to Know) Report
Each year e-mail and conventional mail notification is made
to all enrolled students and employees that provide the web site to access this
report. Availability of the print version is also imparted to the
community through the same means (ÒsummaryÓ statement on a 5Ó X 7Ó mailer card).
Prospective student and employees are informed of the report and how it may be
secured. The report is also made available to the general public upon
request.
Crime
Statistics
Crime statistics for
Florence are not currently available since the Florence program did not attain ÒBranch
CampusÓ status until August 2007.
However, they will be collated, from September 2007 onwards, once the
programs are up and running in Palazzo Capponi, by the Resident Manager, with the
addition of city crime statistics where these are made available by the Authorities.
However a useful website to consult for public safety information is that of
the Italian State Police: http://www.poliziadistato.it/pds/index.html
REPORTABLE
INCIDENTS AND ARRESTS CALENDAR YEAR 2007 (There are no numbers to report as the
Florence program did not attain ÒBranch CampusÓ status until August of 2007)
|
OFFENSE (Mandatory
Reporting) |
YEAR |
ON CAMPUS |
**RESIDENTIAL
FACILITIES (Subset of On
Campus ) |
NON-CAMPUS |
PUBLIC AREAS |
OPTIONAL TOTAL |
|
MURDER / NON-NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
NEGLIGENT MANSLAUGHTER |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
SEX OFFENSES, FORCIBLE 1 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
SEX OFFENSES, NON-FORCIBLE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
ROBBERY |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
BURGLARY 2 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
ARSON |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
LIQUOR LAW ARRESTS 3 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS REFERRED FOR DISCIPLINARY
ACTION 3 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
DRUG LAW ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS REFERRED FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSION ARREST |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSION VIOLATIONS REFERRED FOR
DISCIPLINARY ACTION |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
|
** CRIMES REPORTED IN
THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES COLUMN ARE ALSO INCLUDED WITHIN THE ON CAMPUS CATEGORY. |
||||||
|
OFFENSE (Optional Reporting) |
YEAR |
ON CAMPUS 4 |
**RESIDENTIAL
FACILITIES (Subset of On
Campus ) |
NON-CAMPUS 5
|
PUBLIC AREAS 6 |
OPTIONAL TOTAL |
|
DRUNK IN PUBLIC ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
SIMPLE ASSAULT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
LARCENY |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING INVESTIGATIONS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING ARRESTS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
GAMBLING REFERRALS |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FALSE FIRE ALARMS, DELIBERATE ACT |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FIRE ALARMS, MECHANICAL OR ACCIDENTAL 7 |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
FIRES |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
INJURIES DUE TO
FIRE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
DEATHS DUE TO FIRE |
2006 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2005 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2004 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
** CRIMES REPORTED IN
THE RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES COLUMN ARE ALSO INCLUDED WITHIN THE ON CAMPUS CATEGORY. |
||||||
1 Forcible sexual offenses include offense
of rape
2 Most burglaries are non-forcible unlawful
entries involving petty thefts
3 Classification Liquor Law Violations does not include arrests for Driving Under the
Influence and Drunk In Public
4 On Campus includes the figure from Residence Halls within the aggregate
5 Non Campus includes off campus affiliates such as privately owned
off-campus fraternity houses and campus ministry centers in addition to
university owned or controlled off-campus facilities not considered to be
Branch Campuses
6 Public Areas are mainly the city streets and sidewalks (both sides
of the street) bordering campus
7 False Alarm, Mechanical, Accidental refers to mechanical malfunctions, cooking
odors/burned food, cigarette/cigar/pipe smoke and accidental activations
8 Fires – On Campus refers to mulch fires, vehicle fires, trashcan fires,
other non residential structural fires
Hate Crimes
Involving Crimes or Incidents of violence
against persons characterized by bias against Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual
Orientation, Ethnicity, National Origin and/or Disability
Geographical Areas: On Campus,
Residential Facilities, Non-Campus and Public Property . Again there are no numbers to report
for calendar years 2004, 2005 and 2006 as the Florence program did not attain
ÒBranch CampusÓ status until August of 2007)
The Individual's
Responsibility
Although JMU works hard to ensure the safety of
all individuals within its community, students and employees themselves must
take responsibility for their own personal safety and that of their personal
belongings. Simple, common sense precautions are the most effective means of
maintaining personal security.
Further information about campus safety can be obtained
from the director of Public Safety at (540)568-6913 in the U.S., as well as the
Public Safety web site: www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/index.shtml
James Madison University does not discriminate on
the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran
status, political affiliation, sexual orientation or disability (in compliance
with the Americans With Disabilities Act) with respect to employment or admissions,
or in connection with its programs or activities. Inquiries or requests
for reasonable accommodations may be directed to the activity coordinator, the
appropriate university office, or the Office of Equal Opportunity, JMU,
Harrisonburg, VA 22807, (540)568-6991 or 568-7902 TDD.
Palazzo Capponi is located at the point of the red arrow below.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY (UNIVERSITY POLICE) CRIME
PREVENTION
AND
PERSONAL SAFETY CLASSES PROVIDED IN ACADEMIC YEAR
2007-8
AT PALAZZO CAPPONI,
|
PROGRAM |
AUDIENCE |
DATES |
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION |
|
Full Palazzo Capponi Orientation |
34 Semester in Florence (SIF) students ??Master's in European Union Policy Studies (MEUPS)
students |
September 2007 |
Topics
include: fire safety, personal safety, rules of Palazzo Capponi, alcohol and
drug policies, and Palazzo Capponi security. |
How
Participants Can Have a Safe
Florence
Semester
Special Security Issues During Times of International Crisis
Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a set of special security
measures and general precautions have been put in place for students attending
the programs. These measures are discussed in detail at the orientation
meetings on campus, then reviewed as conditions warrant throughout the semester
abroad.
The following protocol is to be followed in the case of an
emergency:
- all students should try
to make their way back to Palazzo Capponi or their home-stay families and
then call the ProgramsÕ Director, Alessandro Gentili, or any other member
of JMU staff.
- If returning to home-stays
or Palazzo Capponi proves too dangerous students should look for a safe
place and then try and make contact with Alessandro Gentili or any other
JMU staff member.
- JMU staff will contact
the home campus.
- all students should call
or email parents to let them know they are safe.
- Seek assistance from police
and emergency services if lost or stranded
Normal Everyday Security
Although life in Florence may
appear to be very romantic, the same general safety considerations should be
applied as when living in a larger city.
So, as far as personal belongings are concerned, students should only
take out the bare essentials, i.e. just the money they intend to spend that day
or evening, their keys, no documents which link the keys to their address, a
photocopy of their passport and cell phone.
Petty crime such as theft
frequently occurs and the following tips should help students to limit their
loses:
When walking down the street,
always keep bags on the inside, next to the buildings, making it more difficult
to have them snatched off shoulders by passing scooters.
Make sure that all zips are
fastened properly in crowded places such as buses.
If anyone approaches with a
question, students should always be sure that personal belongings are safely in
their grasp before answering, since this could be an attempt to divert their
attention while an unobserved accomplice carries off their belongings.
Be especially vigilant when
approached by gypsies.
Always carry your cell phones
with you so you are only a call away from receiving assistance. JMU staff can be contacted at any time
should you find yourself in difficulty.
And never be afraid to approach the Italian police, who are at hand to
help you; regardless of whether or not youÕve been drinking.
Never give out semester abroad
addresses to people they do not know well. Students will be advised on the
security procedures related to keys, guests, and fire regulations.
Students should try to be
confident and act as though they belong in Florence.
Having lived there for a period of time, they should not be mistaken for
tourists. If lost, they should ask questions and not stand on street corners
with maps in their hands and a confused looks on their faces. Dressing and acting
like a native is the watchword. Projecting confidence, being comfortable,
keeping oneÕs shoulders back, and dressing up to the occasion or the area will
go a long way to helping the student fit right in.
Other useful tips are:
- Students should know the
phrases that will help them to get around. They should ask directions of
merchants, waiters, policemen, bus drivers and so on. If someone offers
advice, students should thank them but never accept an offer to be led to
their destination.
- It's safer to travel in
groups. It is especially important for students to stick together after
dark. However, in Florence it is okay to
travel alone during the day, if one knows the area. One should know where
one is going, or at least look as though they do, by familiarizing
themselves with the route beforehand.
- Students should not be
obvious with money, cameras, expensive IPODs, etc. or use ATMs in lonely
and poorly lighted areas after dark. Places where people frequently have
their possessions stolen are in launderettes, crowded buses or places,
bars and internet cafes. One should be vigilant, pick pocketing and
purse-lifting have been honed to a fine art and are commonplace since time
immemorial. So, one should keep track of purses and wallets. One should
never leave them on a cafŽ table or bench, and hang on to them securely
while on public transport. A pouch worn beneath a blouse or shirt is
recommended. It should be used for extra money, traveler's checks,
passports, and Visa card. When traveling, one should wear this at night.
- When traveling remember:
- Not go into a train
compartment alone.
- If in a train
compartment with friends one should always stay awake on guard. Sometimes
sleeping gas is used to induce heavy sleep so as to remove all personal
belongings from victims.
- If you must sleep in
public only do so with money, passport, etc. in inside pockets.
- Use locks on
suitcases, purses whenever possible.
- Protect valuables in
hostel/hotel safes.
- Arrange to meet others in safe
places like restaurants, shops and other public places (during peak
hours).
- One should never appear drunk
in public. Pickpockets and pick-up artists will take an intoxicated person
as easy prey. Most natives regard drunkenness as an invitation for trouble
and are therefore very unsympathetic with someone who has made them self
vulnerable and dull-witted. Students should stay sharp.
- One should always avoid the
neighborhoods near train stations or frequented by prostitutes.
Preparation for and Response to Crisis Related to Short-Term International
Programs
With the responsibility of leading a JMU study abroad program, Program
Directors are aware that emergencies may occur involving one or more of the
students in the group. Students can and do become ill, suffer accidents,
victims of muggings and assaults, find themselves caught up in potentially
violent political situations, or fail to return on time to programs at the end
of long weekends. While it is, of course, impossible to plan for all
contingencies involving our students abroad, Program Directors are trained to
follow sound recommended practices when emergencies do arise. They work
individually and together with other staff to provide the safety and well-being
of students.
JMU has developed a series of specific procedures designed to safeguard the
welfare of program participants. The Office of International Programs (OIP)
takes responsibility for coordinating the University's management of
emergencies affecting participants in JMU study abroad programs. The students
are informed about these procedures during their on-site orientations.
What is an emergency?
An emergency is any circumstance that poses a
genuine risk to, or that has already disturbed, the safety and well-being of
program participants. Emergencies will include, though not be confined to, the
following types of events and incidents:
- Physical assault
- Disappearance or kidnapping
of a student
- Robbery
- Sexual assault or rape
- Serious physical or emotional
illness
- Significant accident and/or
injury
- Hospitalization for any reason
- Terrorist threat or attack
- Local political crisis that
could affect the students' safety or well-being
- Arrest or questioning by the
police or other security forces
- Any legal action (lawsuit,
deposition, trial, etc.) involving a student
What is done to prepare for emergencies?
Students are advised to inform Program
Directors about any medical emergency. Program Directors, in turn, are required
to contact the OIP as soon as possible in order to inform the OIP Executive
Director or Administrative Coordinator about the emergency. Students are informed that this
information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality, and that it
will be shared on a "need to know" basis only. If the crisis is grave
enough to jeopardize the studentÕs safety or well-being, the emergency contact
they have provided at the time of registration will be informed. The Executive
Director is Dr. Lee G. Sternberger, JMU Office of International Programs,
Office: 540-568-6419 & 540-568-7002. The Administrative Coordinator is Ms.
Jackie Ciccone, Office 540-568-7004.
During the on-site orientation by the Program
Directors, students will be informed of the exact location of the U.S. Consulate
and be encouraged to register with the Consulate. In order to register, they
will need all of the information provided on the front page of their passports.
The students will also be encouraged to stop in at the Consulate before and
during their travels away from their site in order to get updated information
about each country they plan to visit. The students will be advised to avoid
travel to or through any location where tensions exist and travel may be
dangerous. Experience has shown that students may benefit from a security
briefing offered at U.S. Consulates abroad; such briefings will assist in
reinforcing the message to the students that travel to dangerous areas should
be avoided.
How Program Directors respond to emergencies
- In an emergency, the first
responsibility for a Program Director is to safeguard the safety and
well-being of program participants. Whatever is necessary will be done to
assure this, whether this means obtaining prompt and appropriate medical
attention, Consulate intervention or police protection.
- When all that can be
reasonably done to assure the student's welfare, the Program Director will
immediately contact the OIP and brief the Executive Director,
Administrative Coordinator or his/her representative, in a detailed way,
about the situation. Every effort will be made to reach the Executive
Director or Administrative Coordinator by telephone, rather than e-mail or
fax for the opportunity to fully discuss the situation.
- The Program Director will
notify the local U.S. Consulate about the crisis, and follow whatever
procedures they may require; if there is a continuing risk to the welfare
of the students (during a terrorist threat, for example), the Program
Director will ask the appropriate Consulate Officer to provide advisory
information on a regular basis about the evolution of the crisis and about
how the students should respond. In any other sort of emergency, the
Program Director will notify the local police about the situation - if the
Program Director and the Consulate believe this is appropriate - the
Program Director will then follow the procedures the police may require of
them or the student.
- During an ongoing crisis,
the Program Director will keep the OIP informed on a regular basis,
through telephone, fax, or E-mail messages, about the evolution of the
crisis until it has passed.
- In the event of a crisis, it
is important that all concerned not overreact or panic. The Program
Director will help the students to get through a difficult time. The OIP
staff members have experience dealing with crises in the past and are
ready to assist the Program Directors during and after any type of event
or incident.
- After the OIP is informed
about an emergency, and after OIP personnel consult with the Program
Director and other appropriate individuals on site, the OIP may, depending
on the acuteness of the crisis, fax a description of the course of action
that the Program Director and the students will need to follow. All
program participants will be required to sign a statement acknowledging
that they have received, read and understood this response plan; after all
of the participants have signed, the Program Directors will fax the OIP
the signed acknowledgments.
- During a political crisis or
some other emergency during which foreigners in general or U.S. citizens
in general may be at risk, the Program Directors will request that the
students keep a low profile. The students will be told to avoid
demonstrations, confrontations or situations where they could be in
danger; to avoid behavior that could call attention to themselves; to
avoid locales where foreigners or Americans are known to congregate; and
to take down signs, avoid using luggage tags and wearing clothes that
would label them as Americans.
- It is highly unlikely that
participants would need to be evacuated from a site abroad; of the
hundreds of U.S. institutions operating programs abroad when the Gulf War
and Iraq Wars broke out, only a handful concluded that events indicated
that they should bring their students home. However, JMU would of course
bring faculty members and students home if a situation were to deteriorate
to the point where the degree of risk to participants was deemed
unacceptable. If this unlikely event were to happen, the Executive
Director, in consultation with the Program Director(s), the U.S. Embassy
and State Department, plus appropriate individuals on the home campus,
will develop an evacuation plan in as much detail as possible. This plan
will be transmitted to the Program Director(s) in confidence, and the
Office of International Programs will continue to work closely with the
Program Directors(s) throughout the process.
- In the event of a
significant crisis, individual students have the option of returning to
the U.S. Every reasonable effort will be made to allow them to continue
their academic program on campus, and to be housed appropriately as well.
Refund policies are outlined in the faculty handbook for the Program
Directors; withdrawals and grades will conform to JMU policies as well.
Observing the procedures outlined here will help our students have the
unique educational experience abroad.
Insurance and Medical Treatment Related to
Short-Term International Programs
Insurance Coverage
Students and faculty participating in the Florence programs must get comprehensive
medical insurance to cover them for hospital stays and treatment while living
in Florence, and traveling throughout other European countries on their own. It
is the student's responsibility to know about his/her coverage and to accept
any financial risk/losses that may occur. Proof of coverage is also required to
obtain a visa permitting them to enter the country and participate in the
program. The OIP maintains a list of companies that provide term insurance for
students and travelers. If students require medical treatment in Florence, for
example at Careggi hospital, or
any other medical/dental practice, they will be expected to pay in cash, up
front first, and then seek to have the sum reimbursed by their insurance
company when returning to the U.S.
This also applies to hospital stays too which can be very expensive.
In addition to the insurance cover purchased in the U.S.,
once in Italy, within the first 8 days, students will also be expected to
purchase an insurance policy with INA Assitalia, in order to obtain their
Ôpermesso di soggiornoÕ, merely to simplify an otherwise highly complex
procedure. This will not duplicate their U.S. health cover because it is
exclusively designed to cover stays in Italian State hospitals, resulting
from emergency situations only, i.e., where you are admitted to hospital in
an ambulance . And only in these exceptional
circumstances (with the Assitalia insurance and valid Ôpermesso di soggiornoÕ)
will students not be expected to pay the hospital facility up front. The staff
at Palazzo Capponi will purchase this on studentsÕ behalf, provided they have
given them the money within the deadline requested.
Medical Expenses
Therefore, students should have access to enough money, through a credit card
for example, to be able to pay for any medical services they might need. In the
event of a medical emergency, for financial and liability reasons, JMU will not
be responsible for these costs.
JMU Staff will, however, help students to get medical care and accompany
them to doctors, clinics or hospitals, etc. It is the responsibility of the
Program Director to make inquiries regarding available medical and professional
services near the program site, to provide information for participants and to
help participants obtain the services they may need during the program.
Important Policy Related to Short-Term International Programs - Alcohol
and Drug Policy
Students participating in JMU's international programs are bound by all
tenets of the JMU Honor and Judicial Systems. They are subject to all
regulations in place on the JMU campus that pertain to every student enrolled
in university-sponsored educational programs. Laws regarding alcohol and drug
use are substantially different in other countries. If any student is observed
in an intoxicated state and if that student's actions are deemed abusive by the
Program Director or other program representatives in authority, the student is
subject to disciplinary actions which may include suspension from the program
and return to the U.S. As with all honor or judicial cases, the student has the
right of appeal. The Executive Director for International Programs will serve
as the appellate officer in all such cases.
The web address for the Office of International Programs is http://www.jmu.edu/international/