Security Information 2003

Overview

Pacific Union College is concerned about the safety and welfare of all campus members and guests, and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment. Because no campus is isolated from crime, Pacific Union College has developed a series of policies and procedures that are designed to ensure that every possible precautionary measure is taken to protect the campus community. To prevent such incidents, a competent residence life staff, the Public Safety Department, the Physical Plant Department, the faculty, staff, and students are responsible for a number of measures to ensure that they and their possessions are adequately protected.

The Department of Public Safety is the security department for the college. It reports to the Vice‑President for Student Services and is open 24‑hours a day for emergencies, providing around the clock protection and services to the campus populace. The department aids in enforcement of federal, state, and local statutes, as well as Pacific Union College regulations. The primary objective of the department is to provide a safe and healthy environment that enhances the campus learning experience, thus complementing the college's educational mission.

The Department of Public Safety is responsible for emergency response at Pacific Union College. It is also responsible for providing support services tailored to meet the needs of the campus community. Some of the services are:

To report a crime, all individuals are encouraged to call the Department of Public Safety at 965‑6551, or x7111 for emergencies. Dispatchers are available 24-hours a day to respond to emergency calls. Public Safety officers will respond to calls for service, and/or a report of the incident will be made. On‑campus telephones are located in the lobbies and corridors of most campus buildings. Using these easily accessible telephones, the Department of Public Safety can be contacted by dialing either of the above numbers.

In addition to reporting a crime to the Department of Public Safety, crimes should be reported to local law enforcement officials for report and follow‑up. The Department of Public Safety directly works with the local law enforcement authorities as the liaison for the campus. When criminal offenses are reported to the department, the Napa Sheriff's office is notified for their involvement and investigative authority. The Department maintains a close working relationship with all appropriate law enforcement agencies and elements of the criminal justice system. Crime statistics are exchanged with the Napa County Sheriff's Department.

Crime Prevention

Almost every violation committed on campus is preventable. As part of the college's educational mission, the Department of Public Safety attempts to teach members of the campus community how to reduce their chances of being the victim of crimes of property or person. The college's crime prevention program is based upon the dual concepts of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities, whenever possible, and encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. The following is a listing of the college's crime prevention programs and projects:

Crime Reporting

Numerous efforts are made to advise members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime‑related problems. These efforts include the following:

Crime Statistics
  1999 2000 2001
Murder & Non-negligent manslaughter 0 0 0
Forcible sex offenses 0 1 0
Non-forcible sex offenses 0 0 0
Robbery 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 1 0
Burglary 22 14 16
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 1 2
Arson 1 1 0
Negligent Manslaughter 0 0 0

Arrest Statistics
  1999 2000 2001
Liquor Law Violations 0 0 0
Drug Abuse Violations 0 0 0
Weapons Violations 0 0 0

For a statement of policy regarding possession, use, and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs, please reference the Student Guide.

Security and Access to Campus Facilities

The Physical Plant Department maintains the college's buildings with a concern for safety and security. The department inspects campus facilities regularly, promptly makes repairs affecting safety and security, and responds immediately to reports of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks. They also maintain the college's fire alarm system, including the replacement batteries in residential smoke detectors twice yearly.

The campus is well lighted, and further lighting improvements are being made with regards to lighting, including high intensity sodium vapor lights on buildings, in parking lot areas, in areas with heavy landscaping and trees, and along pathways frequently traveled by students.

The Department of Public Safety assists Physical Plant personnel by reporting potential safety and security hazards. Students as well as faculty and staff are also encouraged to call Physical Plant (x7150) to report any safety or security hazard.

Except for residence halls, most college facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. During the times that the college is officially closed, college buildings are generally locked and only faculty, staff, and students with proper ID are admitted.

Resident Hall Security

Services and programs intended to enhance the quality of life and to assure the security and safety of the resident student body are a major priority for the residence life administrators. Each men's dorm includes a desk receptionist from 10 am to midnight. Women's dorms include a 24-hour desk receptionist. All facilities are served by live‑in deans and resident assistants. At least one professional staff member is on duty at all times, 24‑hours a day, 7 days a week.

Security and safety policies and procedures, especially regarding locking individual rooms, building entrances, and related precautions, are discussed with residents in crime prevention meetings conducted by the residence life staff and Public Safety.

Sexual Assault

Public Safety provides educational programs to promote awareness of sexual offenses to both men and women. Should a sexual assault occur, students should follow the procedures below:

If a person is attacked: There is no single best way to react. Scream, kick, bite and try to get away, especially if you are in an area where there are other people close by. If you are in a remote area or your life is in danger, cooperate with the attacker. Survival is your goal.

After a person is attacked: Immediately tell someone of the attack. Point out your attacker if possible. Don't shower or change clothes. Don't disturb anything at the scene of the attack. Report on campus attacks to Public Safety. The incident will be reported to the Napa Sheriff's office. A report of the incident will be made. Public Safety will provide assistance in notifying counseling services if requested. Counseling services are also available to you through Napa County Sexual Assault Services.

Pacific Union College will also assist (if requested) in services relating to changes in the victim's academic and living situations, procedures for campus disciplinary actions, and sanctions that may be imposed by campus disciplinary proceedings. Please see the Office of Student Services for more information.

Student's Responsibility

The cooperation and involvement of students themselves in a campus safety program is absolutely necessary. Students need to assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. For example, although the campus is well lighted, any student, male or female, may feel more comfortable using the college escort service when returning to the residence halls late at night. Room doors should be locked at night and when the room is unoccupied. Valuable items such as stereos, cameras, and televisions should be marked with engraving instruments. Bicycles should be registered with Public Safety and should be secured with a sturdy lock. Students with cars must park them in their assigned areas and keep their vehicles locked at all times. Valuables should be locked in the trunk or out of sight. Students should report any suspicious looking individuals whom they feel do not belong on campus, along with any unusual incidents to Public Safety.