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Home > Student Resources > Campus Resources > Campus Security/Parking > Campus Security and Crime Statistics GASTON COLLEGE 2010 ANNUAL DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS
This report is compiled in compliance with the Jeanne Clery disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics
From the Chief of Police I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this year’s annual security report. Each year the Campus Police Department compiles this report in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report can also be found on-line at the Gaston College Website by following the Campus Police links. We encourage our current and prospective students and employees to review this report each year to keep abreast of the latest crime statistics as well as updated safety and security information. In reviewing this report you will find that the campuses of Gaston College offer an extremely safe learning environment. Campus Safety is a responsibility not only of the Campus Police Department but also of all members of our campus community who report suspicious activity and use common sense in their daily activities on campus. We hope you find this report informative and helpful and that your time here at Gaston College is both safe and enjoyable. The Clery Act The U. S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education’s Handbook for Campus Crime Reporting states that “Choosing a postsecondary institution is a major decision for students and their families. Along with academic, financial and geographic considerations, the issue of campus safety is a vital concern. In 1990, Congress enacted the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act (Title II of Public Law 101-542), which amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). This act required all postsecondary institutions participating in Title IV student financial aid programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The act was amended in 1992, 1998 and 2000. The 1998 amendments renamed the law the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act in memory of a student slain in her dorm room in 1986.” The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to:
Preparation and distribution of the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics The College Police Department prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our main campus and alternate sites. The report contains crime statistics for all “Clery” reportable crimes as well as student disciplinary actions for certain additional crimes. This report is published annually and is available both online and in printed form. Printed copies are available at the Campus Police Headquarters located on the Dallas Campus in room 125 of the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building. Students and employees will receive notice with an internet link to the report by email when the report is available. Posters will be published on campus bulletin boards with the internet link to the report. About Campus Police The goal of the Gaston College's Campus Police and Security Department is to provide faculty, staff, students, and visitors with the safest educational environment possible. The Gaston College Campus Police and Security Department is comprised of both sworn Campus Police Officers and non-sworn Campus Security Officers. The Campus Police and Security Department is responsible for crime reports, initial and follow-up investigations, traffic accident reports, and other public safety services. Sworn Police Officers: Are armed and are identified by their light blue or white shirts and distinctive “Campus Police” shoulder patch and badge. Police Officers have full police authority on College property and on roadways adjacent to campus under the provisions of Chapter 115D-21.1 of the General Statutes of the State of North Carolina. Police commissions are granted under that statute by the Attorney General of North Carolina. Campus Police Officers posses all the powers of municipal and county police officers to make arrests for both felonies and misdemeanors and charge for infractions within the agency’s jurisdiction. Non-sworn Security Officers: Are unarmed and are identified by their dark blue uniform shirts and distinctive "Campus Security" shoulder patch and badge. Security Officers perform many of the tasks as sworn police officers with the exception of effecting arrest. An arrest (if necessary) will be referred to a sworn officer. Security Officers normally do not wear civilian or plain clothes while conducting security business on the campus. In order to further their law enforcement purpose, the Gaston College Campus Police and Security Department maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies in the area. On occasion mutual aid may be requested from those agencies. Law Enforcement Support Agencies:
Reporting Crimes, Emergencies and other Incidents to Campus Police All crimes occurring on campus should be reported to the Gaston College Campus Police Department for investigation and inclusion in the annual campus crime and security survey. Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Gaston College Campus Police Department in a timely and accurate manner. Proper reporting and investigation of all crimes not only enhances safety and security of the campuses but offers a more accurate representation of the level of crime present at Gaston College. For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police. Crimes may be reported to Campus police by the following methods. Dallas Campus By Telephone: The telephone number for the Campus Police and Security Department is 704-922-6480. This number rings in the main Campus Police office which is normally staffed between the hours of 7:00 am through 11:00 pm Monday through Thursday and Fridays 7:00 am until 5:00 pm except for days the college is closed. In the event that no one in the main office answers the telephone, the call is automatically transferred to the Campus Police / Security radio system and can be answered by either police or security officers on campus via their portable radios. In the event the call is transferred to the radio system, please be patient as the call may require multiple rings before completing the transfer and being answered by an officer. Medical emergencies and life threatening situations should be reported directly to the Gaston County Communications Center by calling 911. After completing the call to 911, please call Campus Police to inform them of the medical emergency. In Person: The main Campus Police Office is located in the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Fridays 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. except for days the college is closed. Lincoln Campus For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police and Security. By Telephone: The telephone number for the Lincoln Campus Security Department is 704-748-1049. The office is normally staffed periodically between the hours of 6:30 am through closing, Monday through Friday except for days the college is closed. In the event that no one in the main office answers the telephone, Security Offices may be reached by mobile telephone at 980-522-7850, 980-522-7851, or 980-522-7852 or by calling the Dallas Campus dispatcher at 704-922-6480 who can relay the information to the Lincoln Campus. Emergencies should be reported directly to the Lincoln County Communications Center by calling 911. After calling 911, please call Campus Security on the Lincoln campus to inform them of the emergency. In Person: The Campus Security office is located in Room 119. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 6:30 am through campus closing Monday through Friday except for days the college is closed. If the Security Office is unoccupied, crimes may be reported by telephone. Kimbrell Campus For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police. By Telephone: Crimes and incidents may be reported by calling the Dallas Campus dispatcher at 704-922-6480 who can relay the information to the Kimbrell Campus or by seeing the receptionist at the main entrance of Harney Hall, on the Kimbrell Campus. The receptionist will then contact the Police or Security Officer by either telephone or radio. After hours when the receptionist is off duty, the security officer may be reached by telephone by calling 704-922-6480. Medical emergencies and life threatening situations should be reported directly to the Gaston County Communications Center by calling 911. After completing the call to 911, please call Campus Police to inform them of the medical emergency. In Person The Campus Police office is located in room 107 of the classroom building. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 5:30 pm through campus closing on Monday through Friday except for days the College is closed. If the Police Office is unoccupied, crimes may be reported by telephone at 704-825-3737 or 980-522-7546. Confidential Crime Reporting The Gaston College Campus Police Department encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the police. Because police reports are public records under state law, the Gaston College Campus Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Access to college buildings, labs, and classrooms During business hours, College buildings will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non business hours access to all College facilities is by key or access code, if issued, or by admittance via the Campus Police. In the case of periods of extended closing, the College will admit only those with prior approval to all facilities. Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to these procedures. On days designated as Faculty / Student holidays classrooms, study rooms and computer labs will not be open to students. Gaston College does not maintain residence halls for students either on or off campus. Notification of Public Danger (Timely Warning) If a situation develops that is judged to pose an ongoing threat to the campus community, Campus Police will issue a campus wide “timely warning” describing the nature of the threat and actions to be taken. The statement will be released in one or more ways, including broadcast by the campus radio station, posting of notices and flyers on bulletin boards, e-mail notifications to students, faculty and staff. Emergency response and evacuation procedures: The College is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students, employees, and community members who may be on campus. As part of these efforts, the College has implemented an emergency response and evacuation procedure which ensures that dangerous or other emergency situations are handled in an efficient and effective manner by emergency responders. The system also ensures that timely emergency notifications are made to those who may be affected by the emergency. If an emergency or other dangerous situation occurs on campus it should be reported immediately to the Gaston College Campus Police Department at 704-922-6480 or directly to the 911 center. In life threatening emergencies 911 should be called first followed by a call to the Campus Police Department. Upon receipt by the Campus Police of an emergency or other dangerous situation on campus the Campus Police dispatcher will immediately send an officer to confirm the report and determine what additional response is necessary. If the reported incident is of a serious medical nature the dispatcher will determine if 911 has already been called and if not shall make the call to 911 themselves. (In medical emergencies it is advantageous for someone on the scene with the victim to make the call to 911 since they have firsthand knowledge of the condition of the victim and can answer questions more accurately). Once the first officer arrives on the scene he will verify the validity of the call by radio. Based on information gathered from the responding officer, the highest ranking Campus Police officer on duty will determine if the emergency notification system will be activated. The order of hierarchy for making this determination shall be Chief of Police, Captain of Police, Senior Patrol Officer. Immediate notification may be withheld if in the professional judgment of the senior officer the notification would compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency. If the emergency notification system is implemented the senior officer making that decision (or his designee) will compose the content of the notification and in conjunction with the supervisor determine who will be notified. If the emergency notification system is implemented, the Chief of Police and the Captain shall be notified immediately if they are not currently on duty or aware of the situation. Depending upon the nature and severity of the situation notifications may be made to all campuses or only to specific campuses or buildings, or areas of campus or for more serious threats may be made campus wide and include GC Alert messaging to students and employees. Once the decision to implement the emergency notification system is made, the on duty police dispatcher bears the responsibility to deliver the notifications and initiate GC Alert messaging. If a determination is made that the larger campus community should be notified the Gaston College Marketing Department shall be notified and a formal press release shall be made to all local news outlets. The Campus shall test the emergency notification system at least annually to ensure that GC Alert notices are being sent properly. The College shall conduct at least one emergency response and evacuation drill annually. Documentation of each drill shall be maintained to include whether the drill was announced or unannounced. GC Alert subscription service The College maintains an emergency notification service which is available to all students, employees, and other campus community members who wish to subscribe. This service is advertised on the college website and throughout campus by posters displayed on bulletin boards and other conspicuous places. Subscription is free to all who wish to participate. Subscription is through on-line registration by accessing the Gaston College home page at www.gaston.edu and clicking the “GC Alert” link. Security and environmental controls During routine patrol of the Campus, officers note any security concerns such as inadequate lighting, cracked or dangerous walkways or roadways, overgrown shrubbery, or inoperable locks or doors. These deficiencies are reported to the appropriate maintenance personnel for correction. College faculty, employees and students are encouraged to report any conditions which they feel present a security or health and safety risk to the College Maintenance Department at 704-922-6509 or to any Campus Police Officer. Security Awareness Programs Safety and security information is provided to all students and employees in the Gaston College Student Handbook and is also available on the Campus Police web-site which is accessible through www.gaston.edu. This information is available through the web-site continuously. The College does not offer formal classes for either students or employees on crime prevention topics. Crime Prevention Tips On and Off Campus On Campus
Using ATM Machines
Driving a Car
On an Elevator
On Public Transportation
General Crime Prevention Tips If someone tries to grab your purse, let it go. Many injuries from robberies occur when people resist and refuse to comply with the robber’s demands. If you are attacked, whether you resist and how you resist will depend on your personal resources and your personal values. Give some thought right now to what you would do in various situations that could arise. The more you have thought ahead, the more likely you will be to act in the way you've planned. In considering your reactions to different situations, keep these three basic rules in mind:
Monitoring of student off campus activity While Gaston College does not operate any officially recognized off-campus housing or off-campus student organization facilities, the Campus Police may assist local police with the investigation upon request When a Gaston College student is involved in an off-campus criminal offense. Possession and use of alcoholic beverages on campus and underage drinking. Appendix D of the Gaston College Student Handbook Drug and Alcohol Policy The abuse and use of drugs and alcohol are subjects of immediate concerns in our society. These problems are extremely complex and ones for which there are no easy solutions. From a safety perspective, the users of drugs or alcohol may impair the well being of all students and the public at large; drug and alcohol uses may also result in damage to college property. Therefore, it is the policy of this college that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or alcohol is prohibited while in the workplace, on college premises, or as part of any college-sponsored activities. Any student violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion and referral for prosecution.
The Counseling Center in the Student Services Division offers educational pamphlets which deal with the topic of alcohol and drug abuse, treatment, and counseling. Counselors serve as “points of contact” for any student seeking counseling or treatment for drug or alcohol abuse. Through their profession contacts counselors refer students to the most appropriate source for counseling and treatment available in the Gaston County area.
Gaston College does not differentiate between drug users, drug pushers, or sellers. Any student who possesses, uses, sells, gives, or in any way transfers a controlled substance to another person, or manufactures a controlled substance while in the workplace, on college premises, or as part of any college-sponsored activity, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion and referral for prosecution.
The term “controlled substance” means any drug listed in 21 CFR Part 1308 and other federal regulations, as well as those listed in Article V, Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Generally, these drugs have a high potential for abuse. Such drugs include, but are not limited to heroin, marijuana, cocaine, PCP, and “crack.” They also include “legal drugs” which are not prescribed by a licensed physician.
If any student is convicted of violating any criminal drug statute while on college premises or as part of any college-sponsored activity, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. Alternatively, the college may require the student to successfully finish a drug abuse program sponsored by an approved private or governmental institution as a precondition for continued enrollment at the college.
Each student is required to inform the college, in writing, within five (5) days after he or she is convicted for violation of any federal, state, or local criminal drug statute where such violation occurred while on college premises, or as part of any College-sponsored activity. A conviction means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolocontendere) or the imposition of a sentence by a judge or jury in any federal or state court.
Students employed under the College Work Study-Program are considered to be employees of the college if the work is performed for the college in which the student is enrolled. For work performed for a federal, state, local public agency, a private nonprofit or a private for profit agency, students are considered to be employees of the college unless the agreement between the college and the organization specifies that the organization is considered to be the employer.
Any student who unlawfully possesses, uses, sells, or transfers alcoholic beverages to another person while in the workplace, on college premises, or as part of any college-sponsored activity, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion and referral for prosecution.
If a student is convicted of violating any alcoholic beverage control statute while in the workplace on college premises or as part of any college activity, he or she will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. Alternatively, the college may require the employee or student to successfully finish an alcoholic rehabilitation program sponsored by an approved private or governmental institution as a precondition for continued employment or enrollment at the college. The term alcoholic beverage includes beer, wine, whiskey, and any other beverage listed in Chapter 18B of the General Statutes of North Carolina. Each student is required to inform the college in writing within five (5) days after he or she is convicted of any alcoholic beverage control statute where such violation occurred while in the workplace, on college premises, or as a part of any college sponsored activity. Gaston College Alcohol Policy 3-32 The possession and use of alcoholic beverages on the Gaston College campus is permitted under such conditions as the Board and/or the President may determine. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages must be consistent with local, state, and federal laws and other college rules and regulations as promulgated by the President or his/her designee. Any guidelines set forth by the President must specify the time, place, and method of making alcohol available. Use of alcoholic beverages is limited to specific events and special occasions as delineated above. Students are not permitted to use alcoholic beverages on college property or at college functions. Gaston College Drug Free Workplace Policy 3-23 The Board of Trustees of Gaston College directs that the College comply with the requirements of the Drug-Free Work Place Act, a federal law which became effective March 18, 1989. This policy shall be effective for any drug violation which occurs on the Gaston College campus or at any off-campus site officially designated as a unit of Gaston College. The Board directs that every current and new employee shall receive a copy of this policy, and that all full-time and permanent part-time employees shall sign a form acknowledging receipt and knowledge of this policy and shall agree to comply with the terms thereof. Employees are prohibited from unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance on the College's premises. Violation of this policy may subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Employees are further required to notify the College of any criminal drug conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five days after such conviction. The College will then communicate this conviction to appropriate federal agencies. Employees shall waive any and all claims which may arise from conveying this information to the federal agencies. The Board also mandates the establishment of a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about: 1. The dangers of drug abuse in the work place. 2. The College's policy of maintaining a drug-free work place. 3. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and 4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the work place. Disciplinary action against employees convicted of drug violation in the work place may take the form of: 1. Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination; or 2. Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency. Alcohol and Drug Enforcement Initiatives: The possession, sale or the furnishing of alcohol on the College campus is governed by the Gaston College Alcohol Policy and North Carolina state law. Laws regarding the possession, sale, consumption or furnishing of alcohol is controlled by the North Carolina Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on-campus is the primary responsibility of the Campus Police Department. Only under certain circumstances is the possession or consumption of alcohol permitted on campus. Such laws are strictly enforced by the Campus Police Department. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of the Gaston College Alcohol Policy 3-32 for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior College approval.
The Gaston College Campus has been designated “Drug Free” and the possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Violators of drug and alcohol laws are subject to College disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment. Sexual Assault The Gaston College 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 campus police officer. Filing a police report with a Campus Police Officer will not obligate the victim to prosecute. If the crime occurred in an off campus location it should be reported to the police department which has primary jurisdiction in that area. Campus police will assist the victim in reporting off campus crimes to other local police departments if requested to do so. Filing a police report with a Campus Police Officer will not obligate the victim to prosecute,
Registered Sex Offenders Effective October 2002, the Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community where it can obtain information about registered sex offenders provided by the State of North Carolina. This information is located at http://ncfindoffender.com Crime Incident Logs The Campus Police & Security Department maintains a chronological log of all crimes reported to the Department. This log is available for viewing in the main office of the Gaston College Campus Police & Security Department in the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building at the Dallas Campus and in Room 119 at the Lincoln Campus and in room 107 of the classroom building on the Kimbrell Campus. Crime statistics Gaston College is strictly a commuter college and does not provide residential facilities. The Chief of Campus Police is responsible for compiling crime statistics for all Gaston College campuses. The chief’s office is located in room 125 of the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building (PTI) on the main campus of Gaston College, 201 Highway 321 South, Dallas NC. The Chief’s office can be reached at the 704-922-6300. The Campus Police Department maintains a close relationship with local law enforcement agencies. This relationship ensures that the report of any crime which occurred on campus or on public property adjacent to any campus that is made directly to another agency will be included in the campus crime statistics. How crime statistics are compiled: The Campus Police Department collects the crime statistics which appear in the charts through a number of methods. Police Officers make written reports of all crimes and incidents which are reported to them and enters them into the crime log. Crime statistics are also collected from other local law enforcement agencies and are included in this report.. Current crime statistics can be found at http://www.gaston.edu/studentresources/docs/2009clerysheet.pdf Definitions of reportable crimes Criminal homicide Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human by another Negligent manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence Forcible sex offenses Forcible rape: The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will, where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his or her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his or her youth). Forcible sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly against the person’s will, where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his or her youth or because of his or her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. Sexual assault with an object: The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will, where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his or her youth or because of his or her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. Forcible fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or, not forcibly or against the person’s will, where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his or her youth or because of his or her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity. Non-forcible sex offenses Incest: Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. Statutory rape: Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. Aggravated assault : An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by a means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife, or other weapon is used that could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.) Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes, this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or a felony, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, housebreaking, safecracking, and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned acts. Motor vehicle theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Motor vehicle theft is classified as any case where an automobile is taken by a person not having lawful access, even if the vehicle is later abandoned, including joy riding.) Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
Other offenses Liquor law violations The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned activities. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
Drug abuse violations The violation of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).
Weapon law violations The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: the manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; the carrying of deadly weapons, concealed or openly; the furnishing of deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned acts.
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