Rhode Island College Annual Security Report 2007
In accordance with the Clery Act and its accompanying regulations, 34 C.F.R. ยง 668.46, Rhode Island College prepares and disseminates this security report annually on or before October 1.
- Procedures for Reporting Criminal Actions or other Emergencies
- Confidential Assistance
- Alerting the Campus to Crimes and Other Emergencies
- Access to Campus Buildings
- Crime Prevention Program
- Police Log
- Monitoring of Off-Campus Behavior
- Alcoholic Beverages and the Use, Sale and Possession of Illegal Drugs
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Assistance Programs
- Crime Statistics
- Weapons Policy
- Sex Offenses
- Procedures Following a Sex Offense
- Registered Sex Offender Information
- For Additional Information
Procedures for Reporting Criminal Actions or other Emergencies
The Department of Security & Safety seeks to ensure that the rights of every member of the campus community are respected and that there exists a safe and secure atmosphere, conducive to the pursuit of educational objectives. Personnel of the department are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 24 hour security operations numbers are:
401-456-8201
401-456-8522
The Department is Directed by Cy Cote assisted by Deputy Director Fred Ghio. They are responsible for planning, directing and implementing guidelines pursuant to established College security policies to ensure that there is adequate security on campus. All Campus Police officers have full arrest powers and are required to be graduates of the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. New officers must have served with a municipal or state police agency prior to coming to the College. All criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus should be reported immediately to the Rhode Island College Department of Security & Safety by telephone, in person to the Security & Safety Office, or to any Rhode Island College officer on patrol. In addition to regular campus telephones, the College has a number of "Emergency Blue Light" telephones located at the following areas:
- South Side of the Murray Center
- North Side (rear) of Gaige Hall
- Front entrance to Fogarty Life Sciences Building
- West Side of the Art center
- North Side (rear) of Whipple Hall
- College Road and "B" Lot
- Between the Student Union and Donovan Dining Center Mall Entrance
- Recreation Center, East Campus
- Cole Road at Building #9
Campus Police will respond to all calls for assistance either by vehicle or foot, will evaluate the situation and assist in its resolution. Crime information is exchanged between the College's Department of Security & Safety, North Providence and Providence police departments and the Rhode Island State Police. The Department of Security & Safety otherwise cooperates fully with the federal and state agencies and local Police Departments. Although under certain circumstances it may be possible for persons to report criminal activity in confidence, the College is legally not able to guarantee that confidentiality. Persons may report criminal activity anonymously but the College will normally not include such reported incidents in its crime statistics unless it can otherwise validate the information.
Confidential Assistance
The Counseling Center, located in Craig Lee Hall, 130, 456-8094, tlavin@ric.edu, provides a mechanism whereby members of the campus community may confidentially report criminal activities and where they may discuss their options as victims or witnesses.
Alerting the Campus to Crimes and Other Emergencies
Crime alerts and other notices of current emergencies are published through posting in campus buildings, through emails and through text messaging to those persons who have registered their cellular telephone numbers for this service through the RIConnect computer system.
Whenever the College administration determines that the College faces a significant emergency situation that threatens the health and safety of the College community, it will alert the community through one or more of the methods described above except where the administration determines that issuing the alert will compromise the College's efforts to contain the emergency.
At least annually, the College shall test the efficacy of its emergency response and evacuation procedures and will publicize these protocols.
Access to Campus Buildings
The Department of Security is responsible for unlocking most administrative and academic buildings each morning and securing these buildings in the evening, normally after 11:00 p.m., or when not in use. Buildings are also opened and closed for scheduled events that take place after normal working hours. If faculty or staff must gain entrance to a building outside normal working hours, the Department of Security will assist. If faculty or staff enters their assigned area after hours without security assistance they should notify the Department. Faculty who have given students permission to work in academic buildings after hours must so notify the Department of Security in writing. Students are encouraged to work in groups and not alone when in buildings after hours.
Campus Police Officers will assist resident students who have locked themselves out of their rooms between the hours of 11:30pm to 7:30am. Students must have proper identification. Central desk personnel will assist students with these problems during normal hours. All entrances to the residence halls are locked or monitored by residence hall staff. These entrances are equipped with card-access locks. When not in their rooms, students should secure their windows and doors. This simple practice will help protect themselves and their property. Each residence hall is staffed with a Director and several student Resident Assistants, who are responsibility for the enforcement of interior security and safety regulations.
Crime Prevention Program
The Department of Security & Safety has established an active crime prevention program to educate students and employees on the steps to take to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the campus and its environs. The Department of Security & Safety posts crime prevention tips and campus crime statistics on the Department's webpage. The Department also has crime prevention and safety materials available at its office in the lower level of the Browne Residence Hall. Campus Police will also make presentations to student groups and other campus organizations on crime and other safety issues. The Department provides Campus Advisories student press and radio on specific security incidents.
Police Log
The Department of Security & Safety maintains a daily log, written in a form that can be easily understood, in which are recorded all crimes reported to the Department. The log includes the nature, date, time, and general location of each crime and the disposition of the complaint, if known.
Except where disclosure of such information is prohibited by law or such disclosure would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim, all entries in the log are open to public inspection within two business days of an initial report being made to the Department. When new information about a log entry becomes available to the Department, that information shall be recorded in the log within two business days after its receipt.
If there is clear and convincing evidence that the release of some specific log-information would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or result in the destruction of evidence, that information may be withheld until the feared damage from the release of such information is no longer likely to occur.
Monitoring of Off-Campus Behavior
The Department of Security & Safety monitors off-campus criminal activity that may affect the College community in order to provide timely warnings and advisories. This information is disseminated via campus media and posted bulletins.
The Department of Security & Safety doesn't routinely record statistics on crimes that occur off College property except as required by the Clery Act. The department will assist any member of the College community in determining an appropriate point of contact for North Providence of Providence police.
Alcoholic Beverages and the Use, Sale and Possession of Illegal Drugs
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol is prohibited on College property and/or while on official duty and/or as part of any College activity. Moreover, the possession, consumption and/or provision of alcohol on the Rhode Island College campus are generally prohibited. This policy applies to all campus facilities, including residence halls, and to all activities and events presented on campus by a college sponsored or non-college sponsored host. Exceptions are made on a special request basis through the Office of Student Activities and/or the Office of Scheduling. Exceptions may be granted when alcohol is an incidental addition to the meal (i.e. a champagne toast at a reception), and/or when an event is planned and intended for faculty, staff, administration and guests. At all such events non-alcoholic beverages shall be available.
The dispensing of alcohol may not be mentioned and the use of alcohol may not otherwise be promoted in any publicity or promotion of events. Individuals and organizations that obtain College permission to serve alcohol are required to obtain all necessary licenses.
The Legal age for drinking alcohol in Rhode Island is 21 and state laws deal harshly with underage drinking. It is also against the law in Rhode Island to sell or give away alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
Sanctions (consistent with local, state, and federal law) will be imposed on students and employees for violations of this policy. Sanctions may include disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion, termination of employment and referral for prosecution. Employees of the College must also notify the College Human Resources Director of any drug conviction relating to the workplace not later than five (5) days after such conviction.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Assistance Programs
The College organizes educational programs and events that address the issues and health risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The College also provides referrals and information on alcohol and drug assistance programs for faculty, students, and staff. Resources currently available for those in need of assistance for alcohol and drug problems include the following:
On Campus Services
Alcohol education programs and information are offered throughout the year in many campus settings such as:
- Orientation
- Athletic department
- Residential Life
- Dining Center
- Bulletin boards and/or displays
- Academic courses
- Health Services
- Health Promotion
- Counseling Center
- Human Resources
Alcohol education/awareness/self-assessment is frequently sponsored by the Office of Health Promotion in conjunction with other campus offices. Alcohol Screening Day is held annually. On-line screening is offered through the Counseling Center (BASICS program). Alcohol 101 interactive computer program is offered through College 101 course.
Off Campus Services
| LifeWatch Employee Assistance Program | 1-800-333-6228 |
| Alcoholic Anonymous A complete listing of every AA meeting held all over Rhode Island. |
401-438-8860 |
| Alanon Support groups for friends and relatives of alcoholics. |
401-781-0044 |
| Rhode Island Council on Alcoholism | 401-725-0410 |
| Narcotics Anonymous | 877-461-1110 |
| Cocaine Hotline(s) | 1-800-662-HELP 1-800-COCAINE |
| Butler Hospital | 401-455-6214 |
| Roger Williams Hospital | 401-456-2363 |
Crime Statistics
The statistics in Table 1 are compiled and published annually in this Campus Security Report. The figures represent the total number of those incidents reported to the Department of Security or other campus security authorities, as that term is defined in the Cleary Act regulations, either On Campus or in Dorm/Residence (from Table 2) but excludes Non-Campus Public Property as those incidents are reported directly to local law enforcement agencies.
Rhode Island College - Crime Statistics
Table 1
| |
|||
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
| CRIMINAL HOMICIDE | |||
| A. Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| B. Negligent Manslaughter | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| SEX OFFENSES | |||
| A. Forcible Sex Offenses | 0 |
1 |
0 |
| B. Non-Forcible Sex Offenses | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| ROBBERY | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| AGGRAVATED ASSAULT | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| BURGLARY | 2 |
2 |
4 |
| MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT | 14 |
11 |
4 |
| ARSON | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| Arrests for | |||
| A. LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| B. DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| C. ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSION | 0 |
0 |
0 |
| Persons not included under "Arrests" above who were referred for campus disciplinary action for: | |||
| A. LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS | 75 |
47 |
63 |
| B. DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS | 9 |
6 |
9 |
| C. ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSIONS | 1 |
1 |
2 |
Below is the breakdown of Reported Crimes by location. Note that the locations are mutually exclusive (an incident reported under "Dorm/Residence" is not reported under "On Campus" even though all residence halls are on campus), and the total of all three categories represents the figures above. The Cleary Act category of "Non-Campus Building/Property" has been omitted because the College does not have any facilities that fall under this category.
Table 21
Crime Category |
On Campus2 |
Non-Campus Public Property3 |
Dorm/ Residence4 |
2005 2006 2007 |
2005 2006 2007 |
2005 2006 2007 |
|
CRIMINAL HOMICIDE A. Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter B. Negligent Manslaughter |
|
|
|
SEX OFFENSES A. Forcible Sex Offenses B. Non-Forcible Sex Offenses |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 |
2 1 0 0 0 0 |
| ROBBERY | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 |
| AGGRAVATED ASSAULT | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 |
| BURGLARY | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 2 2 4 |
| MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT | 13 11 4 | 0 0 0 | 1 0 0 |
| ARSON | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 | 0 0 0 |
Arrests for A. LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS B. DRUG VIOLATIONS C. ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSIONS |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Persons not included under "Arrests" above who were referred for campus disciplinary action for: A. LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS B. DRUG LAW VIOLATIONS C. ILLEGAL WEAPONS POSSESSIONS |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
75 47 63 9 6 9 1 1 2 |
| Total of those crimes involving bodily injury, not listed above, that have been reported to local police agencies or to a campus security authority, that manifest evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim's actual or perceived race. | 0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
The statistics are compiled and disclosed annually in this Campus Security Report. The annual crime statistics are also available at the Security & Safety Department's office, located at Browne Hall.
References
1 The Cleary Act category of "Non-Campus Building/Property" has been omitted because the College does not have any facilities that fall under this category.2 On campus in a location other than a dormitory or other student residence.
3 On public property not under the control of the College but located immediately adjacent to the campus.
4 In a dormitory/residence hall or parking lot assigned to resident students.
Weapons Policy
Weapons, except those worn by law enforcement officers while on duty or used as part of an organized College-sanctioned event, are prohibited on campus or on any College-sponsored activity. A weapon is defined under the law as a firearm or a blackjack, slingshot, BB gun, pellet gun, metal knuckles, slap glove, bludgeon, stun-gun, any of the so called "Kung-Fu" weapons, dagger, dirk, stiletto, sword-in-cane, bowie knife, or other similar weapon designed to cut and stab another, or any razor, or knife of any description having a blade of more than three (3) inches in length measuring from the end of the handle where the blade is attached to the end of the blade, or other weapon of like kind or description.
Sex Offenses
Rhode Island College regularly offers programs and services to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and nonforcible sex offenses including, but not limited to:
| Counseling Center |
Relationship group for women
Periodic educational workshops Counseling and referrals as necessary |
| Health Promotion | Distribution of pamphlets and literature |
| Residential Life & Housing | Annual training of Resident Assistant staff
On-going residence hall programming |
| Human Resources | New employee orientation |
| New Student Orientation | Great Sexpectations awareness program |
| Safety & Security | Periodic training of officers |
| Student Activities | One-in-Four male student advocacy group |
| Unity Center | Annual production of Vagina Monologues |
| Women's Center | Clothesline project
Take Back the Night rally Awareness articles in student newspaper |
Procedures Following a Sex Offense
Victims of a sexual offense should immediately seek medical assistance for treatment of any injuries and for other tests that can provide important medical evidence. The campus Health Services center, 456-8055, is located in the Browne Residence Hall and the hours are:
Fall & Spring Semester Monday - Thursday 7:30am - 9:00pm
Friday 7:30am - 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Summer Sessions Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm
Outside of those hours, the closest appropriate medical facility is Women & Infants Hospital. The Department of Security & Safety will assist in obtaining transportation in appropriate cases.
Victims of a sexual offense should not bathe, shower, or change clothes before receiving medical attention. It is important that the victim preserve what may be important criminal evidence even if the victim does not, at that point, plan to press criminal charges.
Victims of a sexual offense should discuss their options with a counselor from the Counseling Center in Room 130 Craig-Lee Hall (456-8094). Other on campus resources include the Office of Student Life (456-8061), Campus Ministry (456-8168), Women's Center (456-8474), Residential Life and Housing (456-8240), Affirmative Action (456-8218), and Security and Safety (456-8201 or 456-8522). Counseling resources off campus include:
| Providence Police Department | 401-272-1111 |
| North Providence Police | 401-231-4533 |
| RI State Police | 401-444-1111 |
| Women & Infants Hospital | 401-274-1100 |
| Roger Williams Hospital | 401-456-2000 |
| Rhode Island Hospital | 401-444-5411 |
| Sexual Assault and Trauma | 401-421-4100 (24 hour hotline) |
| Resource Center of RI | 1-800-494-8100 (helpline) |
Victims of a sexual offense occurring off campus may obtain assistance from the Department of Security & Safety or the Counseling Center, in reporting the crime to the appropriate police department.
Upon request, the College will make reasonably available and appropriate alterations to a student's academic or living situation where the student alleges that she or he is the victim of a sexual offense. These adjustments may include dormitory or class transfers.
Whether or not a sexual offense is reported to law enforcement authorities, members of the College community may make an internal complaint if the alleged attacker is a member of the College community. This may be done through the Affirmative Action Office.
The College's disciplinary procedures provide that the accused and accuser have the same opportunities to be present during the hearing, that both will be informed of the outcome of such hearings; and any person found guilty of committing a sexual offense will be subject to College disciplinary sanctions up to, and including, immediate suspension or dismissal.
Registered Sex Offender Information
In accordance with federal regulations, members of the College community are advised that information regarding registered sex offenders, as defined by section 170101(j) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 14071(j)) may be obtained by contacting the Rhode Island Parole Board and Sex Offender Community Notification Unit, 1 Center Place, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. Phone: 401-222-5180, Fax: 401-222-5186;
www.paroleboard.ri.gov/.
For Additional Information
Office of Student Life
Dr. Scott Kane, Dean of Students
127 Craig Lee Hall
Telephone: 401-456-8061
Department of Human Resources
Mr. Robert Tetreault, Director
303 Roberts Hall
Telephone: 401-456-8216
Student Health Services
Ms. Lynn Wachtel, Director
Browne Residence Hall
Telephone: 401-456-8055
Page last updated: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
