ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT

THE JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS ACT

This federal law was originally passed in 1990 as part of the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act.  It was amended in 1992, 1998 and 2000 by the Higher Education Amendment.  It requires all institutions of higher education which receive federal financial assistance to produce an annual security report which is distributed to all current students and employees and a summary of which is available to all prospective students and employees.  

ARREST AUTHORITY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER AGENCIES

The police officers employed by the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety are appointed and commissioned as State Constables by the Governor of South Carolina as provided by Title 23, Chapter 1, Article 60, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976, as amended.  As such, they are empowered to enforce the laws of South Carolina, including the powers of arrest, anywhere in the state.  As a matter of policy, that authority is not typically utilized except for incidents occurring on the campus.  However, because the officers have statewide authority, they occasionally investigate crime on university campuses other than in Columbia and make arrests for off-campus crimes that they witness.

The Division of Law Enforcement and Safety has worked closely with many other law enforcement agencies over the years.  Because of the university’s geographical location, any crime that could occur in any city may occur on campus.  The Division has worked with federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies to investigate matters of mutual interest.  The Division participates in intelligence sharing associations with all area law enforcement agencies.  The Division has enjoyed a successful professional association with local and state prosecutors, the court system, coroners’ offices, insurance and other private investigators, and other regulatory agencies.

WAYS TO REPORT A CRIME

Advising proper authorities of a crime may be facilitated in several different ways. The easiest way, of course, is to simply call us (emergency 9-1-1 or non-emergency 777-4215) and have an officer come to gather the information. One may visit the University Police Department at 1501 Senate Street, Columbia, SC, on the corner of Bull and Senate Streets, one block behind the Pendleton Street Garage.

There are emergency call boxes placed conspicuously around the campus. These are intended to provide members of our community with a convenient and quick method of contacting the USC Police in the event of an emergency. They may also be used in the event of a need for an escort by the police department late at night to any point on campus.

By pressing the "emergency" button on this box, you are immediately placed in contact with the police and the blue light begins to flash. Use this box to report any type of emergency whether fire, medical, or crime-in-progress or if you simply need police assistance. Please remember, it is for "Emergency Use Only”.  Regardless of the method used to contact us, always remember to let us know: Who; What; When; Where; and How.

If you think someone is following you and you don’t want to stop at the call box, press the button and keep moving to the next box and press it also. This will allow officers to determine your direction of travel so they may intercept you and provide assistance.

POLICY FOR PROMPT REPORTING OF CRIMES

Preventing crime is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the population it serves.  At the University of South Carolina, crime prevention is equally divided between the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, the faculty, staff, students and visitors.  Every individual needs to realize that apathy promotes criminal activity and personal involvement prevents it.  Do not become apathetic should you witness something suspicious.  Do not assume someone else has, or will, report it.  If you suspect a crime is being committed or has been committed, whether you are the victim or a witness, contact the police department immediately.  Call the University Police Department at (803) 777-4215 or, if it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or utilize one of the many call boxes located throughout campus.  If you reside off campus, call the local authorities.


When you call the police, be prepared to provide the following information:

·         Your name and telephone number;   Type of incident or suspicious activity; 

·         The location of the incident about which you are reporting; 

·         The description of the suspect and his/her location or direction of escape;

·         The description of any vehicles involved in the incident; and

·         any need for medical assistance.

COMMUNITY TIMELY WARNING OR ADVISORIES

In the event that a notice or warning is necessary to the university community, several methods have been identified to distribute information:

1. If a problem appears to be confined to a building or group of buildings, notification will appear in the form of door hangers or posters. In extreme cases, working with housing, notification may be made in the form of residential meetings or meetings with the members of the affected classroom or administrative buildings.       

Working with the Computer Services Division of the University, mass e-mails and/or voice mails may be sent to those affected by a local advisory.

Additionally, warnings or advisories affecting any part or all of the university community will be posted on the Law Enforcement and Safety web site.

 (www.les.sc.edu/crimealerts)

2. When the need arises for notification of the entire community, there are several resources available for that purpose:

WRHA Television- The USC maintained and staffed television station available on cable channel “8” on the university network will provide “spots” or “running banners” during programming to make timely notification of issues affecting the community.

WUSC Radio- Similarly, the university’s radio station, WUSC, 90.5 FM, will make Public Service Announcements as necessary.

HOW THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO CRIME

It is the policy of the University Police Department to respond to all reports of crime immediately and with resources appropriate for the type of crime reported.  Reports of crimes in progress, 9-1-1 calls, call-box and panic alarm calls and other calls involving imminent threat to human life or extreme property damage normally will result in multiple units being dispatched to the location of the incident.

Because of the nature of the crime, victims of sexual assault are afforded extra sensitivity and consideration.  All officers receive specialized training in the investigation of sex offenses.  This training includes South Carolina statutory law, university philosophy and policy, support resources, victim sensitivity training and methods of successful investigation.  The University Police Department employs an investigator with specialized training in the areas of sexual assault and relationship violence. 

After receiving a report of sexual assault, the University Police Department will:

·         Dispatch the proper number of officers to the victim’s location;

·         Notify the Sexual Assault Investigator; and

·        Notify the on-call advocate for the university’s Office for Sexual Health and Violence    Prevention (SH&VP) and the Victim/Witness Coordinator.

The Victim/Witness Coordinator will assist the SH&VP with the following:

·         Restraining orders and/or orders of protection;

·         Relocating the victim;

·         Special parking arrangements;

·         Transportation and escort provisions;

·         Special arrangements for parents and/or witnesses in crisis situations; and

·         Any other appropriate safety arrangements.

All employees of the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety will:

·         Treat victims of sexual assault with courtesy, sensitivity and understanding;

·         Act thoughtfully, without prejudging or blaming the victim;

·         Inform a victim of services available both on and off campus;

·         Answer victims’ questions and assist in explaining the criminal justice system;

·         Keep victims informed on the progress of the case; and

·       Withhold a victim’s identifying information from the public and the press, in accordance with South Carolina law.
 

COLLECTION OF CRIME STATISTICS AND OFFICIALS TO WHOM REPORTS SHOULD BE MADE

The collection of crime statistics for the University of South Carolina, Columbia, is the responsibility of the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, Administrative Services section.  This office reviews all incident reports for accuracy and compliance with reporting guidelines established by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI.  Incidents of crime are daily entered into a computerized database and forwarded to SLED on a monthly basis.  This uniform crime reporting allows the public to compare incidents of reported crime between law enforcement agencies.

The Administrative Services section provides a daily log of all crime reports for public inspection.  This log is available for review in the lobby of the University Police Department and includes:

·         The nature, date, time and general location of each crime; and

·         The disposition of the complaint, if known.

The Administrative Services section also gathers crime statistics from other university officials to whom a victim may choose to report a criminal incident.  These officials are:

·         The Vice President of Student and Alumni Services;

·         The Director of Housing and Residential Services;

·         The Director of Judicial Affairs; and

·         The Director of Athletics. 

These offices are surveyed yearly by the Division of Law Enforcement and Safety and the results are included in the publication of the Annual Security Report.

ACCESS AND SECURITY OF CAMPUS FACILITIES  

1. Residence Halls:

Residence hall entrances are staffed with contracted security agents or Housing personnel. These employees are charged with the responsibility of checking the identification of those entering the residences as well as the enforcement of curfews and housing rules and policies. They also have direct contact with the USC Police Department by two-way radio or telephone.

2. Classrooms:

Classroom buildings and individual rooms are under the protection of the USC Police Department. These buildings are within designated patrol sectors and are patrolled twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week.

3. Libraries and other Public Buildings:

Many areas of the University of South Carolina are open to the public. Extra attention is given to these areas in the routine patrol plan as well as the policy of the individual buildings. Thomas Cooper Library utilizes a system of Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) cameras as well as personnel assigned to check packages and bags as users exit the building. The library utilizes a visitor's checkpoint requiring authentication of visitors’ appointments and the issuance of a visitor's badge that must be worn at all times visitors are on the premises. Magnetic locks that are opened only by issued ID cards control interior doors. All areas frequented by students on campus are staffed with University personnel who are instructed on the best method of contacting the police department. These instructional presentations are conducted as needed or generally on an annual basis.  

4. Athletic Stadiums, Coliseums, and Arenas:

CCTV and/or alarm devices constantly monitor most of the areas in which athletic contests are held. Before, during and after these contests, USC Police and/or contract security personnel are placed on the premises to insure a safe environment. Suspicious activity observed by contract security personnel is reported to the USC Police Department by two-way radio or telephone. Security measures are customized for the activity to be held.

5. Garages:

Some garages have installed CCTV cameras. All the garages have Emergency Call Boxes placed in conspicuous locations. People using the garages are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the police department.

6.  General Campus:

In addition to the routine patrol plan of the USC Police Department, random weekends are chosen in which High Visibility Patrols are implemented. These patrols are designed to exhibit a concentrated police presence in areas of the campus frequented by the students at night. Special events on campus are also subject to these patrols. Off-duty USC Police Department personnel and/or contract security, at the request of organizations sponsoring events, provide security at activities on campus.

PROGRAMS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND PERSONAL SAFETY

It should be noted that violent crime on campus is rare. The most prevalent crime our community experiences is theft. Generally, valuable items left unattended in vehicles or in residence halls are the prime targets. Care should be taken to lock residence hall rooms and remove valuables from vehicles. It is also noteworthy to remember that several areas around our campus are open to the public. The most prominent of these is the Thomas Cooper Library and it is not uncommon to see non-students in these areas. Care should be taken in these areas to keep personal property under close watch. Textbooks and laptop computers are very desirable because they are easily sold.

If it becomes necessary to notify our community about criminal activity, there are several methods used to disseminate information. The office of Crime Prevention and Community Relations regularly addresses the community in the form of Safety Presentations designed to educate our constituents about methods of personal safety. These presentations cover several topics:

• Residential Safety; methods of securing your living space both on campus and off campus.
• Garage Safety; precautions useful in preventing theft and vandalism of your vehicle as well as insuring your personal safety in and around garages.
• Campus Safety; General and specific methods of personal protection. Detailing areas that are safe for our community and identifying tools available to enhance personal safety.
• Workplace Violence Prevention: Learning the warning signs of potential workplace violence and preventive measures.
• Project ID: Free engraving for personal and university property. We also maintain a database of articles engraved.
• Sexual Assault Prevention: A general lecture on personality traits of those who perpetrate sexual aggression. Identification of resources available to our community for dealing with such aggression. RAD-A nationally syndicated program of self-defense for women only. Available at a very modest cost and taught by nationally certified instructors.
• Project S.T.O.P Stop Theft Of Property:  This program includes Bicycle Registration, Protect-A-Book book stamping, and Electronics Engraving.

To get more information about these programs or to schedule a program, contact the Office of Crime Prevention and Community Relations at 803-777-0855.

OFFICE OF SEXUAL HEALTH AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION

The Office of Sexual Health and Violence Prevention is located in the lower level of the Thomson Student Health Center. The Office offers a wide range of services for USC students on issues surrounding sexuality, sexual assault and relationship violence. One primary role of the office is to provide support services for survivors of sexual assault and students at risk in relationship violence situations, so that they may be safe, begin their healing process and ultimately pursue their academic goals. These services include developing a safety plan and referring survivors to medical, counseling, academic, and housing resources.  Additionally, the staff provides support and assistance through any student discipline or criminal process the survivor may choose to pursue. The Office of Sexual Health & Violence Prevention, in collaboration with the Counseling & Human Development Center, also provides sexual assault and relationship violence support groups during the fall and spring semesters.

Another major role of the office is to raise campus awareness about sexual assault and relationship violence. The staff regularly provides workshops and training sessions for University faculty and staff, residential student staff, academic classes, and student organizations.  Additionally, the Office of Sexual Health & Violence Prevention selects undergraduate and graduate students to serve as peer educators. These student educators, known as SHARE (Sexual Health Awareness and Rape Education), provide many workshops to students, particularly through the University 101 classes.

In addition to education programs, the Office of Sexual Health & Violence Prevention is involved in sponsoring various programs on campus such as the Clothesline Project, Hopelights white ribbon campaign, World AIDS Day events, and Sexual Responsibility Week events. The Clothesline Project is annual event that occurs during the spring semester providing the opportunity for survivors of various forms of violence, including relationship violence, sexual assault, and child sexual assault, to paint t-shirts "breaking the silence" of their assault. These t-shirts are later displayed celebrating the courage and strength of these women.

Information and resources for sexual assault victims, to include confidential counseling and anonymous reporting can be found at http://www.sa.sc.edu/shs/shvp/assault.shtml.  The Office for Sexual Health and Violence Prevention has submitted the following statistics, which include incidents reported to their office and may not include crimes reported to or investigated by law enforcement.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

The University of South Carolina is concerned about the abuse of alcohol and the use of drugs on all campuses. The University is in compliance with the Drug Free School Act of 1989 and has established the Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs under the guidance of the Vice President for Student and Alumni Services.

The University’s drug and alcohol policy is made available to all interested parties. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to read the entire drug and alcohol located in the office of the Vice President for Student and Alumni Services and on-line at http://www.sa.sc.edu/adp/.  An alcohol and drug education and counseling program is also provided. Additional information is available by calling 777-7716.

The Division of Law Enforcement and Safety is very concerned about students’ improper use of alcohol and the illegal use of drugs.  Our employees work very closely with the Office of Judicial Programs (OJP) and the university’s Alcohol and Drug Programs (see below) to educate the student population concerning the responsible use of alcohol.  Although every situation is different, officers typically refer student violators of the alcohol and drug laws to the OJP for counseling and student discipline.  Violations of the state’s underage drinking laws are usually handled by OJP with a referral from the police department.  Violations of drug laws, however, are usually disposed of through the local criminal justice system.  The vast majority of first time offenders are usually allowed to enter a diversionary program, Pre-Trial Intervention, coordinated by the local solicitor’s office. 

ALCOHOL & DRUG PROGRAMS                      Programs and Services   PROGRAM GOALS:

The purpose of USC's Alcohol & Drug Program is to provide prevention and education services for students. The education program promotes highly visible and creative prevention programs in which the focus is interaction and fun rather than alcohol and other drug use. The program also provides an environment that empowers students who desire a drug- and alcohol-free learning and social environment.

The overall goal of the alcohol & other drug education program is to actively promote low-risk, healthy choices about the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Alcohol & Drug Information Center, located in Russell House room 227, offers information on alcohol and other drugs including the following: videotapes, flyers, brochures, journals and newspapers, articles, data from national, state and campus alcohol and other drug surveys. The Information Center has a listing of alcohol and drug support groups and resources in the Columbia area and is open Monday - Friday, during regular office hours.

The purpose of USC’s Alcohol & Drug Programs is to actively promote low-risk, healthy choices about the use of alcohol, other drugs, and associated behaviors by providing preventive and educational services as well as substance-free events for USC students.

Educational Programs
 
Educational Programs are offered to teach basic knowledge about the effects of alcohol and drugs, discuss associated high-risk behaviors, and provide prevention, intervention, treatment, and harm reduction.  Some of these programs include:  Alcohol & Drug Policy Workshops, University 101 Presentations, and presentations to Residence Halls and Student Organizations.  Student training to facilitate the workshops and presentations are offered in Psychology 489 classes and as a part of GAMMA membership.  The presentations are facilitated by peer educators trained by Alcohol & Drug Programs.

Alternative Programming 

Social events are planned throughout the year to provide USC students an alternative to venues that promote high-risk behaviors.  These events provide an atmosphere that encourages low-risk decisions about alcohol and other drug use, while facilitating fellowship among the USC student body.

• GAMMA is a student organization advised by Alcohol and Drug Programs.

• GAMMA promotes awareness regarding issues of the use and non-use of alcohol, other drugs, and associated high-risk behaviors amongst USC students

• GAMMA facilitates student examination of their own attitudes concerning alcohol and drug use and the associated consequences of their choices.

• Student volunteers are trained to become peer leaders

• Participating in on-going educational training through Psycholog 489.

• Taking a leadership role in facilitating alcohol and drug educational workshops to 163 sections of University 101, other classes, residence halls, and other various student organizations.

• Assist in the planning and implementing activities sponsored by Alcohol & Drug Programs for the USC campus community.

• GAMMA meets weekly in the Russell House (check the web for dates & times).

• You can email GAMMA at GAMMA@gwm.sc.edu

• You can call GAMMA at (803) 777-7716

Use of Bicycles, Skateboards, In-Line Skates, and Similar Conveyances On University Property

(Student and Alumni Services Policy STAF 6.31)

As a matter of policy, the courteous, safe and lawful use of bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or in-line skates, and similar conveyances is permitted on University property in approved areas and at appropriate times on University property provided that use is primarily as a means of travel or transportation, rather than for demonstration, competition or sport.

Operators of, or passengers on, such conveyances shall refrain from use when conditions are such that the risk of accident, injury or damage exists, such as when pedestrians or bystanders are in the area, automobile traffic is heavy or congested, or when weather, construction activity or other circumstances present more treacherous conditions.

Unrestricted areas for their use include the paved campus traffic ways of such size and grade to permit their safe and courteous operation.

This restriction of time, place and manner of use is a result of the institution’s concern for the safety of property and persons in the area, and the safety of individuals participating in the use of or operation of such conveyances.

Students and others wishing to use bicycles, roller skates or in-line skates, and similar vehicles on campus or in Columbia should acquaint themselves with the various applicable state laws and local ordinances.

Students found responsible for use of such conveyances other than as approved above may be subject to prosecution under state statutes and/or city ordinances, and/or subject to disciplinary action for an alleged violation of the University’s general conduct regulations which prohibit disorderly conduct, disruptive activity, unauthorized use or presence in University facilities, and the failure to comply with official requests, and/or published policies and procedures.

Bicycles must be registered in accordance with State law and University regulations. This may be done through the Parking and Vehicle Registration Office in the Pendleton Street Garage (777-5160). There is no charge for registering bicycles.  This service is provided because it is the best way to ensure operators are aware of these policies and to assist law enforcement officials in their efforts to identify the owner or operator in the event a stolen bicycle is recovered or a violation, accident or injury should occur.

Two weeks after May graduation, all abandoned and/or unregistered bicycles will be impounded by the University Police Department. The University is not responsible for damage to any such bicycles or locks.

STUDENT SERVICES AND EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Campus Emergency Phone 9-1-1

Dial this number from any campus phone for fire, medical, or police assistance.  If you feel threatened or see something suspicious--don’t delay!

APO Escort 777-3825 (777-DUCK)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 8:00 P.M. to midnight.  Escorts anywhere on campus!

Sexual Trauma Services of Midlands 252-8393
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Help Line 771-4357
24 hour crisis intervention

Women Students’ Services 777-5780
Referrals to services and information
Educational programs
Resource library and directory

Sexual Health & Violence Prevention 777-7619

Victim/Witness Coordinator 777-7786

University Police Department 777-4215

USC Counseling & Human Development Center 777-5223

Thomson Student Health Center 777-3174

Student and Alumni Services 777-4172

THE CAROLINIAN CREED:

The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence. Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.

As a Carolinian...
¨ I will practice personal and academic integrity;
¨ I will respect the dignity of all persons;
¨ I will respect the rights and property of others;
¨ I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions;
¨ I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.

Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.