Campus Crime Act

JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CRIME STATISTICS ACT

Public Law 101-542 as amended by Public Law 102-26 of 1991, Public Law 102-235 of 1992 and Public Law 103-208 of 1993 requires educational institutions to prepare and publish information on crimes committed, crime prevention and security measures. This information must be distributed to all current students, employees, and to any applicant for enrollment or employment upon request, beginning September 1, 1992 and each year thereafter. This information is readily available in the Student Affairs Office. The Student Affairs Office is charged with operating the program and will answer questions you might have.

A. Campus policies on reporting criminal actions or other on-campus emergencies: Criminal actions or emergencies within university housing should be reported directly to the Residence Director or staff. Campus Security will also be called if appropriate. The Student Affairs Office will be notified by the Residence Director of all actions as needed. Non-residence hall campus criminal actions or emergencies should be reported to Security or the Student Affairs Office. If the event demands, call the local police (9-911). The Student Affairs Office will follow up with required action. Remember that the safety of all people on campus is most important. It is better to over react than not act at all.

B. Security and access to campus facilities: McMurry University Campus Security provides campus security. The major responsibility of Campus Security is to keep the residence halls and campus crime free and safe for our students. Security is always watching for any problems with campus facilities and will call required maintenance if needed. Access to campus facilities after hours is limited to those with proper identification or authorization. University housing staff controls entrance into the halls after hours and watches for any safety threats to residents. University housing will alert Security of any significant problems.

C. Statement of policies concerning campus security:

1. Campus Security act as agents of the University in enforcing the policies of the University. They do not have the authority to arrest individuals. Campus Security maintains a good working relationship with the Abilene Police Department and calls them for assistance as needed.

2. All security members, students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report safety and policy violations promptly to appropriate agencies. The Student Affairs Office is responsible for coordinating all security matters and will monitor the program.

D. Programs to inform students and employees about campus security procedures:

Both the faculty-staff handbooks as well as the Council Fire and Residence Hall publications inform students and employees about the importance of security and everyone’s responsibility in watching after their own security and the security of others. A constant effort is made to keep everyone informed.

E. Program descriptions:

1. During fall orientation, all new freshmen are briefed on security, safety and the prevention of crimes.

2. During each opening residence hall meeting, this information is reinforced.

3. During the school year, programs are presented to students and employees on how to protect themselves from crime on campus.

F. Crime statistics for McMurry University:

Statistics for 2017 - 2019

G. Monitoring off-campus student organizations: Local police department will normally contact the dean of student affairs on group criminal activity. The dean’s office monitors off-campus group activity as much as possible and will contact local law enforcement agencies as required. There are no recognized off-campus housing facilities. The Council Fire addresses expected behavior of recognized groups that hold off-campus events. In addition, each recognized group is required to have a faculty/staff sponsor.

H. Statistics on number of arrests on campus for the following crimes: There were no formal arrests made on the campus.

I. Statement of policy on possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs: see section on Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

J. Policy on programs to prevent sex offenses and procedures to follow if an offense occurs: The University attempts to promote awareness in preventing rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses by providing programs and literature for the campus community. Orientation programs for new students cover campus security and discuss ways to avoid situations where sex crimes might occur. Residence hall meetings stress personal safety and the importance of watching out for each other. Seminars are held for students and staff during the year.

Students should report any sex offense immediately to their Residence Director, Resident Assistant, and University nurse or Campus Chaplain. Any evidence for the proof of a criminal offense should be protected and reported to Campus Security. The student has the option to notify proper law enforcement authorities to report sex crimes. Campus Security or other University staff is always ready to help in the notification process if requested by the student.

The Counseling and Career Services, Health Services, and Campus Chaplain are available for on-campus counseling and will refer, as requested or needed, to off-campus counseling. Victims of sex offenses can be assured that all contact with University staff will be kept in strict confidence.

Registration of Sex Offenders

The “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” is a federal law enacted on October 28, 2000 that provides for the tracking of convicted, registered sex offenders enrolled as students at institutions of higher education, or working or volunteering on campus.

This act amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to clarify that nothing in that Act may be construed to prohibit an educational institution from disclosing information provided to the institution concerning registered sex offenders and requires the Secretary of Education to take appropriate steps to notify educational institutions that disclosure of this information is permitted.

Information about registered sex offenders may be found on The Texas Public Sex Offender Website.

Every effort will be made to try and ease the trauma for the victims of sex offenses. Changes in academic schedules and campus living arrangements will be made if requested by the victim if these options are reasonably available. Judicial action as outlined in Council Fire will be taken against those found in violation of sex offenses. The complainant and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during conduct procedures. Both the complainant and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any conduct action taken by the University (in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct). Judicial action taken regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other forcible or non-forcible sex offenses can lead to actions up to and including expulsion from the University.

More Information on Campus Crime Act and Security on Campus