A Guide To Safety At Washington State University Vancouver

In 1998, the Federal Government passed the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. This law requires that universities and colleges receiving federal funding to disclose reported instances of criminal activities on campuses. In addition to the disclosure of campus crime statistics, the act requires timely warnings of criminal activity to the campus community, as well as the disclosure of various campus policies. For more information on this legislation, please visit the Jeanne Clery Web Site at http://www.securityoncampus.org/schools/cleryact/. The act is intended to provide students and their families, as higher education consumers, with accurate, complete, and timely information about safety on campus so that they can make informed decisions.

Reporting the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The Department of Public Safety prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be located on our web site at http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/adm/fo/psafety/jeanneclery.html. You will also be able to connect to our site via the WSU Vancouver Home Page at http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/. This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding the WSU Vancouver campus and Student Affairs.

Campus crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those reported to the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety, designated campus  officials (including but not limited to the Chancellor, directors, department heads, advisors to students/student organizations), and local law enforcement agencies. Counselors provided by WSU Vancouver to students inform their clients of the procedures to report crime to the University Police on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of their client.

Each year, a message notification (through myWSU) is made to all enrolled students and provides the web site to access this report. Faculty and staff receive similar notification through e-mail. Copies of the report may also be obtained at the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety located in the Facilities and Operations Building or by calling (360) 546-9001. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from Human Resources, located in the VADM (Administration) building or by calling (360) 546-9587.

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Timely Warnings

In the event that a possible criminal or cautious situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgement of the Commander of the WSU Vancouver Police Department, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued through the college e-mail system or students' myWSU page to students, faculty, staff and, if available, the campus student newspaper: The VanCougar.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime or emergency, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Department of Public Safety may also post a notice on the campus-wide electronic bulletin on the University home page at www.vancouver.wsu.edu and on the University Police web site at: www.vancouver.wsu.edu/adm/fo/psafety/alerts.htm, providing the university community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice will be placed on bulletin boards around campus. The electronic bulletin board is immediately accessible via computer by all faculty, staff, and students.

Anyone with information that might warrant a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Department of  Public Safety by phone (360) 546-9001 or in person at the Public Safety office, in the Physical Plant Building, on the northeast side of campus.

Authority and Jurisdiction of Public Safety Department

The Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety has the responsibility to enforce applicable city, county, state and federal criminal laws on the Vancouver branch campus. The Department's officers also work closely with other local law enforcement agencies.  They receive the same training as other law enforcement agencies and are invested with the same powers and authority as other police officers in the state of Washington, including the authority to make arrests. Persons arrested by officers have their cases adjudicated in local courts.  The Department's Police Officers investigate all reports of criminal activity that occur within the jurisdiction of the Vancouver campus property. 

Department Police Officers are sworn peace officers of the state of Washington. Their authority is derived from state statute (RCW 28B.10.550-Authority) and (RCW 28B.10.555-Powers). Officers meet state-mandated requirements for selection and training, including completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy conducted by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

The Department of Public Safety employs 3 full-time commissioned police officers, consisting of a Lieutenant and two officers. A staff of non-commissioned Community Service Officers (CSO's) assists the commissioned officers in their duties. CSO’s are part-time security personnel without arrest powers.

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Access to Campus Facilities

Public access to Washington State University Vancouver facilities varies. Buildings are open to the public when academic classes are in session. After hours, buildings are secured by Public Safety and only persons assigned exterior door keys are allowed to enter or remain. Contact Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety at (360) 546-9001 for weekly access times. For directions to and a map of the campus, please visit our campus location page.

WSU Vancouver has no off-campus facilities and no resident facilities; therefore, no resident facilties are monitored. WSU Vancouver Facilities personnel conduct periodic checks of the grounds to ensure campus facilities are safely maintained. This includes campus lighting and walkway access.

Washington State University Vancouver takes the safety of students, staff, and community members on the campus seriously. All students, staff, and community members are encouraged to report any safety issues concerning Washington State University Vancouver's campus buildings or grounds. To do so, e-mail Plant Services at plant@vancouver.wsu.edu or call (360) 546-9000.

Building hours are posted at the main entrance of each building (current posted hours are listed below).
Public Safety reserves the right to modify building hours with regard to security concerns and campus needs.
Building hours differ during summer sessions.
Buildings remain locked during campus holidays and closures.

VLIB and VMMC:
Mon-Thur: 7:30 AM - 11 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 7 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM

VLIB Fitness Center:
Mon-Thur: 8 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 7 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM

VELS, VFSC, VCLS, VADM, VEHD
Mon-Thur: 7:30 AM - 10 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6 PM
No Weekend Hours

VSSC
Mon-Thur: 7:30 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM - 5 PM
No Weekend Hours

Facilities
Mon-Fri: 7 AM - 5 PM
No Business Hours on Weekend

Public Safety
Business Office/Parking Sales Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed 11:45 - 12:15)
No Business Hours on Weekend

Unlawful Entry and Trespassing

Illegal or attempted illegal entry of University-owned, controlled property, or University-approved housing is prohibited. Violation of the University's rules for the use of its facilities in WAC 504-32 and WAC 504-34 is also prohibited. (WAC 504-25-065)

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The WSU Vancouver campus has been designated “Drug free” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted. The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety.  Violators are subject to University disciplinary action (WAC 504-25-050), criminal prosecution, fine, and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish, or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession and/or consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years is illegal.

It is also a violation of the WSU Vancouver Alcohol Policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior University approval (WAC 504-25-050). Organizations or groups violating alcohol/substance policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the University.

WAC 504-25-050

Washington State University imposes sanctions on students who violate its standards of conduct, including WAC 504-25-050 concerning alcohol:

Intoxicating beverages may not be used in lounges, recreation rooms, conference rooms, and public areas of residence halls and University-owned buildings. In addition, Washington State University will not approve permits for campus events involving alcohol for undergraduate students, regardless of their age.

PREVENTION PROGRAMS
The University has developed a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse including dissemination of informational materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary actions.

Alcohol and Drug Education/Counseling Service Referrals: Student Services, Student Resource Center. WSU Employees-contact Human Resources.

College Disciplinary Actions: Student Services, Student Affairs

Outside the University-Community Resources

Additional resources are available by contacting Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety at (360) 546-9001 or via e-mail at wsuvcops@vancouver.wsu.edu or by contacting the Associate Director or Director of Student Services at (360) 546-9571.

LOCAL, STATE & FEDERAL LEGAL SANCTIONS
Legal Sanctions-Laws Governing Alcohol
The state of Washington sets 21 as the minimum age to purchase, possess, and consume any alcoholic beverage. Specific ordinances regarding violations of alcohol laws, including driving while intoxicated, are available from the office of Public Safety. Some crimes involving alcohol include the following:

1. Person(s) under age 21 found possessing alcohol may be arrested or referred to the Prosecutor's Office for a “Minor in Possession” charge (gross misdemeanor).
2. Person(s) furnishing liquor to minors may be arrested or referred to the Prosecutor's Office for a “Furnishing Liquor to Minors” charge (gross misdemeanor).
3. Person(s) under 21 who purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol may be arrested or referred to the Prosecutor's Office for a “Minor Purchasing or Attempting to Purchase Liquor” charge (misdemeanor).

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At this time WSU Vancouver has no off-campus housing nor does it have fraternity or sorority organizations. WSU Vancouver police officers maintain a close working relationship with local law enforcement. University police officers will help local law enforcement with WSU Vancouver student issues when requested but University officers do not actively monitor off campus, non-University sponsored activities or individuals conduct.

1. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs - Student Services / 360-546-9559   (Student Services Center)
2. Assistant Director for Student Development - Student Resource Center / 360-546-9155   (Lower Level Student Service Center)

Confidential Reporting Procedures

If you are the victim of a crime on campus and do not want to pursue action within the University System or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, an officer with the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity to the public. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.

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Crime Prevention Awareness and Personal Safety Education

Every year, the Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety gives personal safety education at the new student orientation in the fall and spring semesters. The Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety has specific programs that its officers participate in on campus and in the community. Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety offers several safety programs and services to the Washington State University Vancouver and outlying community. Among these are the Campus Safety Escort Program and the Whistle Safety Program. Below is a partial list of the safety services and programs offered.

Safety Services and Programs

• Campus Safety Escort Program
  Safety escorts are provided by Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety employees and can be requested by calling (360) 546-9001 or paging an officer at (360) 690-1527. Escorts are available all day until 11:30 p.m.
• Whistle Safety Program
  Any community member can request a free flat whistle with an elastic key ring and arm band. The whistles are especially beneficial for persons who occasionally walk to their cars alone. If a whistle is heard, the person who hears it should call 911 and notify them of their location and where they heard the whistle. Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety will immediately respond.
• Crime Prevention Handbooks
  The Public Safety Department offers a wide range of materials concerning public safety issues. Among them is the "Do It Yourself, Crime Prevention Handbook." This handbook includes safety checklists for the home, personal safety, child safety, and personal property. Booklets can be picked up in the Public Safety office located in the Physical Plant building.
• Property Engraving
  The Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety offers free property engraving. If a community member wishes to have their valuables (such as car stereo face plates) engraved, call the Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety office at (360) 546-9001 for an appointment. 
• Crime Prevention Awareness and Safety Presentations
  Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety sponsors and participates in panel discussions and safety lectures to interested academic classes, student organizations, and community members. Topics can include: personal safety, theft prevention, and child safety. Other topics can also be specifically requested. Please contact the Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety at (360) 546-9001 or via e-mail at wsuvcops@vancouver.wsu.edu to request a topic and schedule a class.
• Self defense and sexual assault prevention classes - Two to three times a year, the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety sponsors self defense classes free of charge to the campus community. This class covers self defense and sexual assault prevention basics.

Community members, students, faculty, staff and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Department of Public Safety in a timely manner.

• To report a crime or an emergency at the WSU Vancouver campus call 9-1-1.
• To report a non-emergency security or public safety related matter, call Public Safety at (360) 546-9001.

In response to an emergency call or criminal incident, police officers from the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety or Clark County Sheriffs Office will be dispatched, investigate crimes, and complete police reports, if necessary.

Reports involving a student's criminal or Student Code of Conduct issues on campus will be forwarded to Student Services for potential action.

Crimes should be reported to the Department of Public Safety to ensure inclusion in the annual crime statistics and to aid in providing timely warning notices to the community, when appropriate.

Policy Statement Addressing Counselor Confidentiality

As a result of the negotiated rulemaking process which followed the signing into law, the 1998 amendments to 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), clarification was given to those considered to be campus security authorities. Campus “Pastoral Counselors” and Campus “Professional Counselors”, when acting as such, are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.

Counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

The rulemaking committee defines counselors as:

• Pastoral Counselor - An employee of an institution associated with a religious order or denomination, recognized by that religious order or denomination as someone who provides confidential counseling and who is functioning within the scope of that recognition as a pastoral counselor.
• Professional Counselor - An employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

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Security Awareness Programs

During orientation in August, students are informed of services offered by the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety. In addition, students are told about crime on-campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. Similar information is provided to new employees by Human Resources.

Crime prevention and Sexual Assault Prevention Programs (Self Defense courses, etc.) are offered on a continual basis. Periodically, and upon request, the University Police, in cooperation with other university organizations and departments, present crime prevention awareness sessions on sexual assault (rape, and acquaintance rape), rohypnol abuse, theft, and vandalism, as well as educational sessions on personal safety.

A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others. In addition to seminars, information is disseminated to students and employees through crime prevention awareness pamphlets, security alert posters, displays and articles in the student newspaper.

When time is of the essence, information is released to the university community through security alerts posted prominently throughout campus and through computer memos sent over the university’s electronic mail system.

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The University educates the student community about sexual assaults and date rape through freshman orientation each fall. WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety offers sexual assault education and information programs to University students, staff, or faculty upon request. Literature on date rape, risk reduction, and University response is available through the Student Resource Center.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault at this institution, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. You should then obtain necessary medical treatment. The University Police Department strongly advocates that a victim of sexual assault report the incident in a timely manner. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. An assault should be reported directly to a university officer. Filing a report with a University officer will not obligate the victim to prosecute, nor will it subject the victim to scrutiny or judgment opinions from officers. Filing a police report will:

1. Ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim.
2. Provide  the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, use the toilet, or change cloting prior to a medical/legal exam).
3. Assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system and the University Conduct Board, or only the latter. A University representative from the police department and the office of Student Services will guide the victim through the available options and support the victim in his or her decision. Various counseling options are available through the Student Resource Center. Counseling and support services (24 hour) outside the University system can be obtained through YWCA at 1-800-695-0501 or (360) 696-0167.

University disciplinary proceedings, as well as special proceedings for cases involving sexual misconduct, are detailed in the Student Handbook. The Student Handbook provides information concerning Code of Conduct Violations. A student found guilty of violating the University sexual misconduct policy (or policies) could be criminally prosecuted in the state courts and may be suspended or expelled from the University for the first offense. Student victims have the option to change their academic situations after an alleged sexual assault, if such changes are reasonably available.

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In accordance to the “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000, which amends 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 WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety is providing a link to the Clark County (WA) Sex Offender Registry. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to registered in a state to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student. In Washington state sex offenders who are enrolled in a public or private institution of higher education must also notify the local county sheriff immediately (RCW 9A.44.145).

Pursuant to the Community Protection Act of 1990, the Clark County Sheriff's Office is the lead agency for compiling and maintaining information on sex offenders residing in this county.  Registry information provided under this section shall be used for the purposes of the administration of justice, screening of current or prospective employees and volunteers, or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular.
Using this public information to threaten, intimidate or harass sex/kidnap offenders will not be tolerated by the law enforcement agencies of Clark County.. This abuse could potentially terminate our ability to release this important information to the public.

The Clark County (WA) Sheriffs Office is responsible for maintaining this registry. Follow the link below to access the Clark County (WA) Sheriff's website: http://www.co.clark.wa.us/sheriff/community/offenders.html

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Crime Statistics

The Washington State University Vancouver Department of Public Safety, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act prepares and distributes statistics annually on all the reported occurrences of the offenses below. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (The Clery Act), 20 U.S.C. 1092(f), requires the annual publication of crime statistics for the previous three calendar years.

The crime statistics include reports of, arrests for, and disciplinary actions arising from selected crimes. Effective with the 1999 calendar year, the Clery Act requires an expanded reporting that includes crimes and arrests occurring in certain off-campus locations. This page is part of Washington State University (WSU) Vancouver 's annual report, which we encourage you to read in full. Other sections of the report include institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning crime prevention and the reporting of crimes, together with important information concerning WSU Vancouver's policies regarding alcohol and drug use, and Washington State University 's sexual assault prevention programs.

Collection of Statistics: The Office of Student Services and the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety coordinate the preparation of the annual report, including the gathering of crime statistics. The annual crime statistics are compiled from data provided by: the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, and Campus Security Authorities (University officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities) such as the Office of Student Services. WSU Vancouver has no off-campus facilities and no resident facilities; therefore, no statistics are recorded. If you have questions regarding the statistics published here, please contact the WSU Vancouver Department of Public Safety.

Crime Definitions: The crime definitions used to collate the statistics in this report conform to the requirements of the implementing regulations of the Clery Act (ref. 34 CFR 668.46(c)(7)).