"YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW"

 

SAFETY AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

 

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)


October 1, 2007

 

Safety on the university campus is a natural source of concern for parents, students and university employees. Education - the business of James Madison University - can take place only in an environment in which each student and employee feels safe and secure. JMU recognizes this and employs a number of security measures to protect the members of its community.

 

Although the area, with its small-town feel and neighborly attitude, is perceived to have a relatively low crime rate, crime prevention remains a high priority among residents. JMU does its part to ensure the safety of its students and employees. A professionally trained and supervised police force, a closely screened and well-trained residence life staff, and the students and employees themselves all share in the responsibility of making the JMU campus a safe place to study, work and live.

 

Police Protection

 

JMU provides full-service police protection to the campus community through its Office of Public Safety.  The jurisdiction of the university police includes, but is not limited to, a core campus of 655 acres and 102 major buildings.

 

Out of a group of 32 sworn and commissioned police officers, all with comprehensive arrest powers, there are 25 fulltime and seven (7) part time officers.  24 are in uniform and supervise or patrol the campus and residence hall areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as provide coverage for special events.  Six (6) normally plain clothed officers are the Chief of Police, investigators, technical support, primary crime prevention or administrative personnel. Their authority, responsibility and training are the same as required of any police officer in Virginia. Within their jurisdiction which includes all university-owned, -leased or -controlled property, the adjacent streets and sidewalks and expanded off-campus jurisdiction within designated neighboring areas of the city of Harrisonburg (through mutual aid and concurrent jurisdiction agreements), university police have the authority to enforce all regulations and laws, both of the university and of Virginia. They work closely with the Harrisonburg Police Department, the Rockingham County Sheriff's office and the local contingent of the Virginia State Police on incidents that occur off campus.  The 25 sworn fulltime officers primarily perform or are assigned additional tasks such as:

 

Eight officers do crime prevention programs

Two are certified and primarily assigned bike patrol officers

Two are certified evidence technicians

There is one Investigation Lieutenant (commander) plus one Sergeant Investigator.

There are four Patrol Sergeants

There is one Patrol Lieutenant

There is one Support Services Lieutenant

There is one Support Services Sergeant

One Chief of Police

Five are certified Firearms Instructors

Two are certified First Aid Instructors

One is a certified Òhigh techÓ crime analyst and investigator

One is a Breathalyzer Instructor

One is a Defensive Tactics instructor

Two are certified OC (chemical weapon) instructors

 

The seven part time officers primarily are assigned to work special and athletic events but are subject to patrol assignments when necessary.

 

When a James Madison University student is involved in an off-campus offense, JMU police officers may assist in the investigation in cooperation with local, county, state or federal law enforcement.  The Harrisonburg police may work and communicate with campus officers on any serious incidents occurring on-campus or in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding campus.  Many JMU students live in apartment complexes and neighborhoods surrounding the university.  While the Harrisonburg police exercise primary jurisdiction in all areas off campus within the city, JMU officers have the authority to respond to student and non student related incidents that occur in close proximity to campus in the aforementioned designated expanded off-campus jurisdiction.  This option is exercised judiciously and usually with the full knowledge and concurrence, or at the request of the Harrisonburg Police.  JMU officers have direct radio communication with city police, fire and rescue services to facilitate rapid response in any emergency situation.

 

By mutual agreement with state and federal agencies, the University Police Department maintains a VCIN/NCIC data and information communication terminal (Virginia Crime Information Network/National Crime Information Center).

 

University police officers are graduates of any of several state-affiliated regional criminal justice training academies, having completed the 480-hour police basic performance-based training program, and are required to complete 40 hours of in-service training biennially. All are certified by the state Department of Criminal Justice Services as police officers and are trained in all phases of law enforcement, including the use of firearms. Officers carry standard issue or approved firearms at all times and must maintain firearms proficiency through semiannual classroom training, qualification and certification at a local firing range.

 

The university police department utilizes state-of-the-art Automatic External Defibulators (AEDs) in the field.  All sworn personnel within the department have been trained on the proper use of AEDs and basic life support techniques (Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation - CPR).  An AED unit is taken out into the field each shift by one of assigned officers on patrol.  This officer is the primary officer directed to all calls in which medical emergency response with the AED may be indicated.
 
Emergency Notiification
 
The University Police enjoy autonomous authority on activation and messaging on the multiple mass-communication emergency alert and notification systems.  Go to:  http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/EmergencyProceduresPoster.pdf  for more detailed information on the official JMU mass communication systems plus related the poster and advice on response to a hostile intruder, fire and weather emergencies. 

 

 

Forensic (Investigation) Unit

 

The mission of the Forensic Unit is to support the actions of the Criminal Investigation and Patrol Divisions of university's Police Department in its effort to provide a safe and secure environment for the entire James Madison University community.

 

Historical Overview - James Madison University has and will continue to field a professional and competent Police Department in an effort to provide the best vehicle for personal development and growth. This directly benefits the university community through the level of services provided. To that end the Office of Police and Public Safety organized and continues to maintain the DepartmentÕs Forensic Unit. The Forensic Unit consists of high technology (cyber) and evidence gathering response teams. It is staffed by graduates of the Virginia Forensic Science Academy and the National White Collar Crime Center.

 

The members of the Forensic Unit are primarily engaged in the forensic identification, investigation and recovery of physical evidence and are equipped to respond to any incident or accident. This section is also actively engaged in the continuing education of graduating members of the Central Shenandoah Criminal Justice Academy as well as responding to outside agency resource requests for varying crime scene or other needs.

 

The members of the unit maintain a high level of excellence and technical skill applying effective and scientific practices. The sworn officers of the Forensic Unit are dedicated to cooperation throughout the local, state, federal and international law enforcement communities. Members of the unit have in the past and are available now for the team teaching of students on the practical application of forensics in investigations in the University's academic programs. They were also actively involved several years ago in a  special summer session "Governor's School" program for exceptionally talented secondary school students.

 

Fingerprint evidence maintains its scientific validity and continues to be the primary mainstay in identification. Fingerprints are recovered from scenes were it is necessary to collect evidence. The university police are able to close cases due to the ability to link suspects and victims to crimes.

 

Forensic Unit Capabilities

á                Recovery of fingerprints, tool marks, forensic biology specimens and trace    

           evidence

á                Image recovery and enhancement

á                Accident reconstruction

á                Forensic illustration

á                Information (cyber) security and recovery

á                Demonstrative evidence and analogies

á                Presumptive drug exams

á                Catastrophic incident response

 

Campus Police Cadet Program

 

Through the Campus Police Cadet Program, carefully screened students are employed to act as additional eyes and ears for the university police. Cadets are on duty from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursdays and 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, patrolling their assigned areas and providing escort services to students walking across campus and to and from parking lots. Following cadet duty hours, university police officers escort students as needed. Cadets are also responsible for patrolling and securing academic and administrative buildings on campus each evening.

Normally there are a minimum of 35 cadets assigned to walking patrol and escorts during the fall and spring semesters.  For summers 12 cadets are the routine, primarily doing building lockup and security but who are also available to provide escorts.

 

 Emergency Telephone Number

 

The on-campus emergency number, 568-6911, directly connects any campus phone with the university police department and should be used when fire, police or medical response is required. This number is also published in the university telephone directory, the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County telephone directory and is printed on a sticker and attached to all residence hall student phones. From the university police department, a network of speed-dialed lines provide direct access to Harrisonburg/Rockingham Emergency Services for local and state law enforcement, fire and rescue services. For information, escort services and other non-emergencies, students and employees should dial 568-6913. The on-campus number for parking concerns is 568-3300.

 

In addition to a telephone in each student's room, there are 97 interior courtesy telephones housed in light blue colored boxes, 90 Area of Rescue Assistance (ARA) phones in stairwells and 120 outdoor emergency ÒBlue LightÓ phones located across campus and at the main entrance of each of the 34 residence halls. These telephones, housed in highly visible yellow call boxes, feature one-button speed dialing for instant communication with university police.

 

Campus Emergencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568-6911
Information and non-emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . 568-6913
Parking Concerns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568-3300
 

Security in University Housing

 

Nearly 5,800 undergraduate students reside in 33 residence halls on the JMU campus.  Six of those located on the west-shore of Newman Lake are units divided into 17 sub unit ÒhousesÓ, each with individual entrances.   All were former on-campus fraternities or are currently occupied by sororities. All sororities are housed on-campus.  Eight sorority houses are located in three of the residence hall units with four in one sub unit exclusively, three in another exclusively with the one remaining in a sub unit shared with non sorority housing in the other subunits.  The nine remaining non sorority sub units are referred to as the ÒtreeÓ houses due to their being designated by various common tree names.  There are no longer any fraternities located on campus.   Freshmen are required to live on campus, with the exception of day student commuters. Upper-class students select residence hall assignments dependent upon availability.

 

Off-campus housing includes apartments, private homes, individual rooms or apartments within private homes, and 12 off-campus fraternity houses.  The university does not provide supervision for unaffiliated off-campus housing.  It does provide supervision for the leased Denton Apartments located in the center of Harrisonburg between Court Square and North Liberty Street as well as the university owned Rockingham Hall, the former Howard JohnsonÕs Motel, situated diagonally across Interstate 81 from the Port Republic Road entrance to campus.

 

University housing provides coeducational housing for such lifestyle options as first year, upper class, substance-free, and international. Each residence hall has set visitation hours which may be further reduced by a vote of the residents. Guests must be escorted by a hall resident at all times. Overnight guests in the residence halls must be of the same sex.

 

Access to on-campus housing by university employees is on an "as needed" basis and incorporates strict card key control procedures during hours of restricted access. All university repair and maintenance personnel must be in uniform or wear a JMU photo ID to allow for easy identification by residents.

 

Each residence hall is staffed with a hall director and a number of resident advisers (one per 30 to 45 students). These individuals, living in the halls and on call 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. daily, are members of the university's residence life staff and receive extensive training in the enforcement of residence hall security policies.

 

All residence hall doors accessing resident living areas remain locked 24 hours daily, seven days a week. Unrestricted access to certain administrative, dining service, public assembly, and meeting rooms in Chandler, Huffman, and Frederikson Halls is permitted generally 7:30a.m. to 5:00p.m., weekdays.  Interior doors separating public access from residential room areas remain locked at all times in these halls. Currently perimeter security to all university-owned residence halls is maintained by automated card access.  The leased Denton Apartments feature mechanical key access.  Some rooms at Rockingham Hall feature direct exterior access while others are accessed from a central interior corridor.

 

A resident director or adviser is on duty each evening in the office at the main entrance of each hall from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight Sunday through Thursday and from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following morning Friday and Saturday. This individual is in immediate telephone contact with university police, if necessary. Following this desk assignment detail, the person on duty remains on call, with the office phone transferred to his or her apartment or room.

 

All residence halls and on-campus sororities are closed during Thanksgiving, Spring Break and semester breaks.  During low occupancy periods, such as the summer terms, students remaining on campus are moved into one concentrated area of the residence life complex to enhance security effectiveness.  Be assured though that the University Police remain in service during all breaks.  Over extended breaks, the doors of all vacated halls are secured from access by even the assigned residents by means of a temporary programming change in the card access software.

 

Inspections are conducted periodically by representatives from residence life, facilities management, locksmiths shop, police and safety engineering to survey the security integrity of university housing. In addition, a committee of students meets monthly to discuss security concerns and to provide feedback to the residence life staff. Repairs are made promptly, locks quickly replaced when keys are lost or stolen, and reports of potential safety hazards, such as broken windows, receive immediate response.

 

Greek Life

 

Student Affairs maintains contact with recognized fraternity and sorority organizations through the efforts of the Coordinator for Fraternity and Sorority (Greek) Life.  University police, though they may have jurisdiction in areas where some of the twelve off-campus fraternities are located (a thirteenth fraternity has non chapter ÒcolonyÓ status and no chapter house on or off campus), do not routinely provide law enforcement services to off-campus residences of recognized fraternities.  Criminal activity at recognized off-campus fraternity residences is monitored and recorded by the Harrisonburg Police Department.  Student Affairs, though its offices of Judicial Affairs and Greek Life, and the JMU Police members enjoy a close working relationship with the Harrisonburg  Police Department, especially when violations of federal, state or local laws surface.  This cooperative team approach addresses situations as they arise as well as future concerns.

 

Alcohol and Drug Policies

 

JMU is committed to work against the illicit use of drugs and alcohol among students and employees. University police officers enforce all Virginia laws and university policies concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sale and storage of alcoholic beverages and drugs, including the following:

á                Individuals must be 21 years of age to buy, possess or drink alcoholic beverages.

á                Alcoholic beverages may not be sold or furnished to any person who at the time of sale or exchange is visibly under the influence of alcohol.

á                Falsely representing one's age for the purpose of purchasing or possessing alcohol is against state law.

á                Drunkenness and possession of open containers of alcohol in public areas are prohibited by law.

á                The unlawful or unauthorized manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol and other drugs in the work place is prohibited.

á                Impairment in the work place from the use of alcohol or other drugs (except the use of drugs for legitimate medical purposes) is prohibited.

á                Alcoholic beverages may not be possessed, distributed or consumed at events open to the general university community and held on university property, except when specific written approval has been obtained for the event in advance. Sponsors are responsible for assuring that all persons in attendance at an event comply with state alcohol law and university alcohol policy.

á                No student shall possess or distribute an illegal drug, as defined by Virginia's Drug Control Act. Such possession or distribution is prohibited in any building or on any property owned or operated by the university. Possession is defined to include any area or property for which the student is responsible.

 

Convictions for violations of these laws could result in fines, loss of driver's license and imprisonment. University sanctions could include penalties ranging from fines to suspension from the university.

 

Many physical and psychological health risks are associated with the abuse of alcohol and other substances, including the following:

á                difficulty with attention and learning

á                physical and psychological dependence

á                damage to the brain, liver and heart

á                unwanted sexual activity

á                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."

 

University Policy #1110 Addressing Substance Abuse - complies with relevant laws related to the abuse of controlled substances and help provide for a healthy and safe university community for employees, students, local community and campus visitors. In addition, it is the intent of the University to offer support and possible solutions to employees who are struggling with alcohol or drug-related problems.  This policy addresses standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by  employees in addition to students on the institution's property or as part of any of the institution's activities; a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol; a description of the health-risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol; a description of any drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available to employees or students; and a clear statement that the institution will impose sanctions on employees in addition to students (consistent with local, state, and federal law), and a description of those sanctions, up to and including expulsion or termination of employment and referral for prosecution, for violations of the Commonwealth of VirginiaÕs standards of conduct.

 

This policy is applicable to all employees of the university, whether classified or non-classified, full- time or part-time salaried or hourly, and includes all instructional and administrative & professional faculty. 

 

For further information including but not limited to prohibitions, rehabilitation and sanctions one can go to http://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/1110.shtml within the universityÕs Manual of Policies and Procedures.  University employees with drug or alcohol problems are encouraged to seek counseling assistance. Sanctions will be commensurate with the severity and/or frequency of the offense and may include termination of employment.

Gambling Policies

 

From the Student Handbook's Judicial Policies Section J14-101 Gambling: "No student shall illegally wager or assist in the illegal wagering of money or any other thing of value on any game or contest.Ó

 

From the Counseling and Student Development Center: "Depending on the assessment of a licensed professional, interventions may include sending the student to a clinician with specialty in gambling addictions or to a twelve-step program." Peer mentoring is always available where and when appropriate. "The Counseling and Student Development Center is available for students with gambling or other addictive or problematic habits to help these students assess their concerns, identify relevant goals and interventions and to assist with finding appropriate treatment and/or support resources."

 

An overview of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules applied and enforced by the James Madison University Athletics Compliance Office are as follows. NCAA rules prohibit sports gambling of any kind. In addition to student-athletes this rule applies to:

Coaches
Support Staff
Equipment Managers
Student Managers
Athletic Administrators
Athletic Trainers
Student Trainers
Secretaries

What does this mean? None of the aforementioned people may place any bet of any sort on ANY COLLEGE OR PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENT. They may not give information to anyone who does place bets on college or professional sports.

á                No wagers on ANY professional or college sports event, even those that do not involve James Madison University

á                No participation in any activity that involves predictions of athletics contests (radio, television, newspaper, etc.)

á                No sports "pools", even those run by friends

á                No internet gambling on sports events

á                No sports wagering using "800" numbers

á                No exchange of information about your team with ANYONE who gambles. This means no information about injuries, new plays, team morale, discipline problems or anything else.

 

The consequences for violation of these rules are that the Student-Athlete will be declared ineligible to compete in college sports. The JMU Student- Athletes are informed that if they place bets of any kind on any college or professional sport or if they give information to anyone who uses that information to make a bet, they are at risk of being:

á                Removed from their team

á                Expelled from college

á                Turned down for future jobs

á                Sent to jail

 

Furthermore, they are forewarned that sports wagering can destroy any future plans, dreams, or hopes for themselves. Pretty strong words, but ones based on reality. For this reason, college athletes, college athletic administrators, college athletic staff members and conference staff officials may not gamble on college or professional sporting events.

 

Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Programs

 

Through a cooperative effort between public safety and the police crime prevention coordinator, residence life, the campus health center and the affiliated Associate Director for Sexual Assault Prevention, the counseling center and the School of Health and Human Services, programs on personal safety and security, rape prevention and response, date rape, substance abuse, self-defense and resistance to burglary, larceny and vandalism are conducted regularly throughout the school year.

 

Each fall, in cooperation with Public SafetyÕs Crime Prevention Coordinator and the Safety Engineer, residence life conducts a safety and security campaign, distributing safety literature to each resident student and requiring all residents to attend hall meetings on personal safety. Resident advisers in each hall are required to offer a number of programs throughout the year to students in their areas on varying topics of personal safety. At least one lock check per semester is conducted late at night in each residence hall to ensure that student room doors are properly secured. Operation ID, a program which provides engraving and registration services for valuable personal property, is conducted once each semester in residence halls and is available on an ongoing basis through the Office of Public Safety.

 

In addition to programming throughout the year, the university annually sponsors Alcohol Awareness Week and Drug Awareness Week, two weeks devoted specifically to alcohol and substance abuse prevention.

 

Through these comprehensive awareness programs, members of the university community learn more about the university's efforts to enhance their safety and become aware of their personal stake in their own security and that of others. For a list of the crime prevention and personal safety programs presented by various offices of James Madison University in Academic year 2006-2007, go to the end of this report.

 

Emergencies Involving Students

 

For emergencies involving students, the campus police call on the services of the student affairs staff, including the JMU Counseling Center and the Sexual Assault Prevention Office as well as the local Victim/Witness Assistance Program when and where appropriate. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program, established through a cooperative effort between the commonwealth attorney's office, the campus police, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County law enforcement agencies, state police, and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Community Services Board, is designed to lessen the impact of criminal acts on the victims and witnesses of crimes and to ensure that such individuals receive fair treatment while participating in the criminal justice system. The campus police can arrange assistance by the victim/witness coordinator and can also provide a handbook outlining what being a victim or witness can mean and the agencies available to assist in criminal justice procedures.

 

Missing Student

 

If a member of the University Community has reason to believe that a student is missing, whether or not the student resides on campus, all possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well-being through the collaboration of the University Police and the Office of Student Affairs. If the student is an on-campus resident, the University Police will secure authorization from Student Affairs officials to make a welfare entry into the student's room. If an off-campus student resident, the University Police will informally enlist the aid of the neighboring police agency having jurisdiction. Concurrently university officials will endeavor to determine the student's whereabouts through contact with friends, associates, and/or employers of the student. Whether or not the student has been attending classes, labs, recitals, and scheduled organizational or academic meetings; or appearing for scheduled work shifts will be established.

 

If located, verification of the student's state of health and intention of returning to the campus is made. When and where appropriate a referral will be made to the Office of Counseling and Student Development and/or the University Health Center.

 

If not located, notification of the family within 24 hours of receiving the initial report is made to determine if they know of the whereabouts of the student. If the student is an off-campus resident, appropriate family members or associates are encouraged to make an official missing person report to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction. The University Police will cooperate, aid, and assist the primary investigative agency in all ways prescribed by law. The University Police Department is an active participant partnering in the Rockingham County/Harrisonburg City/James Madison University Mutual Aid Compact. If the student is an on-campus resident, the University Police will open an official investigation and retain status as the primary investigative unit.

 

All pertinent law enforcement agencies, be they neighboring municipal, county, or state; those located along suspected travel corridors; or place of original domicile, will be notified and requested to render assistance, through direct telephone contact or visit, Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN) message, and/or radio transmission with a comprehensive BOL message based on the totality of up-to date information.

 

Suzanne's Law requiring local police to notify the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) when someone between 18 and 21 is reported missing was signed into law by President George W. Bush in the Spring of 2003 as part of the national "Amber Alert" Bill http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:s.00151:. The federal law is named after Suzanne Lyall, a State University of New York at Albany student who has been missing since 1998.

 

Previously police were only required to report missing persons under the age of 18. This new law is intended to encourage police to begin investigating immediately when college-age people disappear, instead of waiting a day, which has been a common practice (the JMU Police have always initiated such investigations promptly).

 

Upon closure of the missing person investigation, all parties previously contacted will be advised of the status of the case.

 

General Security Procedures

 

The JMU campus is well lighted and further improvements in campus lighting are continually being made, including the placement of high-intensity metal halide or sodium vapor lights on buildings, in parking lots, in areas with heavy landscaping and along sidewalks and pathways frequently traveled by students.

 

Lighting and shrubbery tours are conducted at least once an academic year by representatives from all segments of the campus community, including student government representatives, staff from Student Affairs, Facilities Management and Public Safety. Safety and security concerns are identified and recommendations for improvements made.  In addition, the university safety engineer makes regular safety and health inspections, serves as a liaison with public health and safety officials, schedules regular safety lectures and follows up on recommendations with Locksmiths Shop and Facilities Management personnel.

 

JMU students, faculty and staff have access to academic, recreational and administrative facilities on campus. The general public may attend cultural and recreational events on campus, with access limited to the facilities in which these events are scheduled.

 

The university's trespass policy, enforced by university police and posted in all university housing, is as follows:

 

Only those persons having legitimate business with James Madison University, members of the university community and their invited guests, are permitted in this building. The university reserves the right to exclude all persons not conforming to acceptable behavior from these premises. Those who disregard this warning are to be considered in violation of criminal trespass (under cited Virginia code provisions) and are liable for prosecution.

 

University police officers may serve verbal or written trespass notices on nonmembers of the university community present on campus and may make immediate arrests of persons in secure areas for which they have no legitimate business. If a person served with a prior trespass notice reappears on campus, or if a person is found in a posted facility with no legitimate purpose in that building, he or she is subject to immediate arrest.

 

Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted in the residence halls or other university facilities, except when carried by bonafide law enforcement officers within their jurisdictions or as otherwise provided under Virginia and federal law. Intentional use, possession or sale of firearms or other dangerous weapons by students is strictly forbidden and is a violation of university policy as stated in the student handbook. Provisions for storage of firearms and other weapons such as hunting bows and arrows can be made with university police for short-term purposes, such as hunting off campus in approved areas. Strict sign-in and sign-out procedures are followed.

 

Police Crime Log Information

 

Crime Log information appears on the University Police website http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/index.shtml and can be accessed by scrolling down to links for Daily Police Crime Log report summaries monthly from October 1998 to present. For those not having access to the Daily Police Crime Log through the internet, the University Police will make the hard copy Crime and Arrest Logs for the most recent 60 day period open to public inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, excepting holidays and closure of school. The University Police maintain a computer station kiosk 24/7 in the dispatcher reception lobby of the police station with access limited to http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/index.shtml plus all links including the Crime Log at http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/DailyCrimeLog.shtml.  Any portion of the log beyond 60 days, if not immediately available, will be made accessible within two business days of a request for public inspection.  The only exceptions in the posting of crimes reported and/or investigated are:

á                If the disclosure is prohibited by law, or

á                If the disclosure would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim.

 

Posting of crimes reported and/or investigated may be temporarily withheld in some cases if the release of information would:

á                Jeopardize an ongoing investigation,

á                Jeopardize the safety of an individual,

á                Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or

á                Result in the destruction of evidence.

 

The information temporarily withheld from the log for any of the aforementioned justifications will be posted once the possibility of adverse or harmful effects are no longer likely to occur.

 

The university community is also kept aware of selected reported incidents on campus and in the nearby community through the semiweekly student newspaper, The Breeze in the publication's semi-weekly "Police Log" section. The police reporter from The Breeze contacts representatives from the university police, the Harrisonburg Police Department and the local court system prior to the printing of each issue to review all case activities since the previous issue.  As the University Police Department has no editorial control over what eventually appears in The Breeze "Police Log" the complete Crime Log as supplied to The Breeze reporters usually is incomplete due to the editorsÕ selective omissions.

 

Timely Warnings

 

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Chief of University Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide Òtimely warningÓ will be issued. The warning will be issued by means of various rapid response state-of-the-art mass-communication technologies to students, faculty and staff:

¤       ÒBlastÓ bulk e-mailings originating from the Public Safety Office to all student and employee e-mail accounts in text message,*

¤       companion posters sent to various residence life listservs and other address book listings as attachments,

¤       AM 1600 low power radio system receivable on all personal and car radios on the commercial AM band,

¤       wireless text messaging to those who opt for the free service (contract effective August 1, 2007) and

¤       blast siren alert horns with follow-up instructional and awareness voice messaging for exterior areas of the 500 acre core campus (contract effective August 17, 2007).

 

Of course other broad coverage rapid alert technologies will be explored once they become available and proven.  Go to:  http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/EmergencyProceduresPoster.pdf  for more detailed information on the official JMU mass communication systems.

 

 

The semiweekly student newspaper, The Breeze is not a reliable source for ÒTimely WarningsÓ due to editorial prerogative and the fact that it is published on Mondays and Thursdays only.   

 

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Office of Public Safety may also post a notice on the campus-wide electronic bulletin board at the University Police web site: http://www.jmu.edu/pubsafety/IncidentListings.shtml, providing the university community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted in each residence hall, at the front door of each on-campus fraternity and sorority house, and in the Center for Off-Campus Living. The electronic bulletin board is immediately accessible via computer by all faculty, staff and students. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the University Police office, by phone (568-6911) or in person at the dispatch center within Public Safety, Anthony-Seeger Hall, the southwest corner of West Grace and South Main Streets.   Timely Warnings of situations that may pose a threat to others are generated from reports made to Campus Security Authorities as identified by JMU, the University Police and/or the local police agencies having concurrent jurisdiction  (See the section on Campus Security Authorities).

 

*There is absolutely NO THIRD PARTY DELAY in the sending of the message to all e-mail accounts since no prior authorization outside of the Office of Public Safety is required.  Once the message is sent by one of the designated Public Safety information technicians, the only delay may be with the servers; up to 45 minutes with employees, up to 90 minutes with students; due primarily to the number of accounts. 

 

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information as amended effective July 1, 2006*

 

Incarceration may remove a sex offender from the streets but it does nothing to prevent the offender from committing another crime when released.

 

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA), enacted on October 28, 2000, went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State, concerning registered sex offenders, may be obtained. It also mandates that sex offenders, already required to register in a state, to provide notice, as required under State law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services or is a student.  States are under an obligation to advise registrants of these requirements and establish procedures to do so.  States are also obligated to notify institutions if a registered sex 
offender is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services or is a student (not all do though – thankfully Virginia does and has been doing so since 2004). 
 
The CSCPA amended the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the  Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.  The CSCPA covers not only individuals actually employed BY an institution, but also those who are employed AT an institution such as third party contractors (food service, custodial, etc.) through outsourcing. 

 

In the Commonwealth of Virginia convicted sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. The Registry was established pursuant to ¤ 19.2-390.1 of the Commonwealth's Crimes Code. Every person convicted on or after July 1, 1997, including juveniles tried and convicted in the circuit courts pursuant to ¤ 16.1-269.1, whether sentenced as adults or juveniles, of an offense for which registration is required shall be required as a part of the sentence imposed upon conviction to register and reregister with the Commonwealth's Department of State Police as provided by the law.

 

In addition all persons convicted of violations under the laws of the United States, any other state, foreign country or political subdivision thereof (effective 7/1/06) substantially similar to an offense for which registration is required shall provide to the local agency all necessary information for inclusion in the State Police Registry within three (3) days (effective 7/1/06) of establishing a residence within the Commonwealth.  Any person required to register shall also be required to reregister within three (3) days (effective 7/1/06)   following any change of residence, whether within or without the Commonwealth.  Prior to July 1, 2006 registration and re-registration was within ten (10) days.  Three (3) days is not much time, especially when you realize that it is only 72 hours!

 

 

Nonresident offenders entering the Commonwealth for employment, to carry on a vocation, volunteer services or as a student attending school who are required to register in their state of residence or who would be required to register under this section if a resident of the Commonwealth shall, within three (3) days (effective 7/1/06)  of accepting employment or enrolling in school in the Commonwealth, be required to register and reregister pursuant to the law. For purposes of this section "student" means a person who is enrolled on a full-time or part- time basis, in any public or private educational institution, including any secondary school, trade or professional institution, or institution of higher education.

 

Effective July 1, 2006 Public and private two- and four-year institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia are required to electronically transmit information about applicants accepted for enrollment at each institution to the State Police for comparison with the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender Registry.

 

Information concerning offenders registered with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry may be disclosed to any person requesting information on a specific individual in accordance with the law. Information regarding a specific person requested pursuant to the law shall be disseminated upon receipt of an official request form that may be submitted directly to the Commonwealth's Department of State Police or to the State Police through a local law-enforcement agency. The Department of State Police shall make Registry information available, upon request, to criminal justice agencies including local law-enforcement agencies through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Registry information provided under this section shall be used for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, for the screening of current or prospective employees or volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Use of the information for purposes not authorized by this section is prohibited and a willful violation of this section with the intent to harass or intimidate another shall be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

 

The Commonwealth's State Police maintains a system for making certain Registry information on possessors of child pornography, sex offenders (effective 7/1/06), violent sex offenders and persons convicted of murdering a minor child (effective 7/1/06)  publicly available by means of the Internet. The information made available includes the offender's name; all aliases that he/she has used or under which he may have been known; the date and locality of the conviction and a brief description of the offense; his/her date of birth, current address and photograph; and such other information as the State Police may from time to time determine is necessary to preserve public safety. The system is secure and is not capable of being altered except by or through the State Police. The system is updated each business day with newly received registrations and re-registrations.

 

The new pertinent web site address for securing related information in the Commonwealth of Virginia is now:  http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.htm.

 

For the neighboring West Virginia site go to: http://www.wvstatepolice.com/sexoff 

 

The National Sex Offender Registry Web site maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice is found at http://www.nsopr.gov/.

 

Also PublicData.com <http://www.PublicData.com/> is providing one-click search of sex offender databases in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, N. Carolina, S. Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming for free.  Once in PublicData.com click on link "Click here for FREE SexOffender searches" <http://www.criminalcheck.com/>.  If you do not get into PublicData.com click on the ÒRefreshÓ icon in the tool bar.

 

The JMU Office of Residence Life Housing Contract provides for the cancellation of the housing contract of a sex offender, or any other convicted person, who is disruptive to the educational environment of the residence hall.

 

Federal laws governing the privacy of education records (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA for short) do not prevent campus security agencies or other administrators from disclosing information concerning registered sex offenders enrolled at, employed by JMU or by outside contractors with operations on the JMU campus.  FERPA has been so amended to make that clarification. 

 
*First offense child pornography possession and burglary with the intent to commit certain felony sex offenses are now Registry offenses if committed after July 1, 2006.  Criminal homicide in conjunction with child abuse is now a registrable offense.  The sex offender website includes persons convicted of all registrable sex offenses not just persons convicted of violent sex offenses.  The legislation modified the registration of a person convicted of murdering a child; registration is now required if the victim is under 15 years of age and if the minor victim is 15 or older and the murder is related to a registrable offense.  Persons convicted in a foreign country are now be required to register.  Offenders now have three days to register or reregister after an address change rather than the former 10 and have to reregister for any employment change.  Sex offenders moving into the Commonwealth now have three days to register instead of 10, as do nonresident visitors, workers and college students who are subject to registration requirementsÉ
 
ÉPersons who have to register for murder of a minor are now required to reregister every 90 days, the same as a violent sex offender.  In addition, when a sex offender is convicted of failing to register, he/she is now required to reregister more frequently (violent sex offenders monthly instead of every 90 days and sex offenders 180 days instead of the former 12 months). The duration of registration for sex offenders who have been convicted of failing to register is now extended as they are no longer be permitted to get off of the registry in 10 years from the date of registration, but instead the requirement is now 10 years from the date of their last conviction for failing to register.  In addition, murder of a minor now requires lifetime registration.
 
Sex offenders convicted of failing to register are no longer permitted to petition for relief for three years from the date of registration, but now must wait to petition five years from the date of their last conviction for failure to register.
 
The legislation also made a second or subsequent conviction for failing to register as a sex offender a Class 6 felony and now requires GPS monitoring making a second or subsequent conviction of failing to register as a violent sex offender or murderer a Class 5 felony and requiring mandatory GPS monitoring... 
 
ÉAn offender will be required to submit to having a DNA sample taken (if not already taken) and to being photographed by a law-enforcement agency every two years.
 
Failure to register is was added to the offenses for which conviction bars loitering within 100 feet of a school.  Persons convicted of such offenses after July 1, 2006, are also be prohibited from loitering within 100 feet of a child day program. Persons convicted of certain sex offenses are now prohibited from working or volunteering on the grounds of a school or day care center and are now prohibited from residing within 500 feet of a school or day care centerÉ
 
Public and private two- and four-year institutions of higher education are required to electronically transmit information about applicants accepted for enrollment at each institution to the State Police for comparison with the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center Convicted Sexual Offender RegistryÉ
 
...The Department of Criminal Justice Services is required to advise and initiate training standards for criminal justice agencies and state, local and regional employees who work with the Registry.

 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

 

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 Prevention Office,

Counseling and Student Development Center, Women's Resource Center, and C.A.R.E. (Campus Assault Response Emergency hot line - a student organization) 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.

If a sexual offense should occur, the victim should take the following actions:

á                Go to a safe place.

á                Call the campus police if the incident occurred on campus; call the local police if it occurred off campus. The police will then contact the Counseling and Student Development Center.

á                Contact a friend or family member.

á                Do not shower, bathe, or douche.

á                Do not urinate, if possible.

á                Do not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took place.

á                Keep the clothes worn during the offense. If clothes are changed, place cl