Safety Awareness

The NASSAU COMMUNITY COLLEGE Public Safety Department is here to ensure that everyone’s experience on campus is a safe and secure one.  In order to help you enjoy your educational experience here on campus, we have prepared this booklet.  Please take the time to read it thoroughly and keep it so that you can refer to it as necessary.

WE CARE ABOUT YOU

Your campus Public Safety Department is dedicated to facilitating the educational process and assuring the safety and well being of the college community.

A staff of officers provides 24 hour motorized and foot patrols in and around campus buildings, and prompt response to requests for assistance ranging from reports of possible criminal activity to vehicle accidents, emergencies and possible safety hazards.  Scooter patrols have been added in order to place our officers in closer contact with the public they serve. The staff are trained and licensed by New York State in accordance with the Security Guard Act of 1992.   Sworn Peace Officers have been added to our ranks to enhance safety and security on campus. While some of the officers are not police or peace officers, they do have the authority as granted by the Nassau County Legislature to issue parking summonses and appearance tickets under Nassau County Ordinances 372, 482, Ordinance 238-1984 and Local Law 6.

The provisions of the New York State Education Law also govern behavior on college grounds.  For the safety of the college community, Public Safety Officers have the right under this law to request any person on the grounds of the campus to produce identification.  The cooperation of the college populace in this regard adds to everyone’s safety.

A firm working relationship and mutual cooperation between the Nassau County Police and Public Safety ensures that all campus law enforcement needs are satisfied.

 

YOU CAN HELP

Although we have constructed barriers to deter “through” traffic, our open campus is easily accessible to all who wish to enter by vehicle or foot.  Because of this open accessibility, all students, faculty and staff are encouraged to exercise a sense of personal responsibility for their own safety and well being and the safety and well being of others.

Obey all speed limits, traffic signs, parking regulations and the directives of Public Safety Officers in performance of their duties.  If you observe a suspicious person or activity, contact Public Safety immediately for quick response and appropriate action.

Each member of the college community should consider himself or herself as an active “College Watch” participant.  Incidents observed by Public Safety patrols are reported by radio and responded to immediately.  Students and staff members observing any type of incident should immediately hail a patrol unit if in sight, or call Public Safety for assistance.  To facilitate the reporting of emergencies or incidents on campus, the college has installed over 100 special emergency telephones inside and outside the buildings and in the parking fields.  They provide a direct line to Public Safety and will be answered by an officer as soon as you lift the phone from its cradle.  If using a regular campus telephone, dial extension 2-7111 in case of emergency.  This Public Safety number is prominently displayed on all patrol vehicles, in the college directory and on posters throughout the campus to serve as a constant reminder and reinforcement.  Whenever you see it displayed make a mental note so you’ll remember it in an emergency.  Many improvements in lighting on the campus have been made, and escorts are available from the Public Safety Office if the necessity arises.  Students and staff members are advised to use the “buddy system” when going to or leaving classes.

The Physical Plant maintains the campus buildings and facilities with a concern for safety and security.  The Public Safety Department and Physical Plant personnel regularly inspect the campus to ensure that safety hazards are remedied in a timely fashion, and to ensure locks, windows, and fire safety equipment operate properly.

PREVENT YOURSELF FROM BECOMING A VICTIM

Safety and personal wellbeing is a shared responsibility.  There are some important things you can do to protect yourself and those around you.

• BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS- be sure to know who and what is around you.  The best way you can protect yourself is to be and appear to be aware of everything around you.  People who appear to be self-assured and have an assertive “body language” are less likely to be victimized.
• PROTECT YOUR BELONGINGS- put your name on your books and other personal property.  Thieves are less likely to take well-marked items, and if they are lost or stolen, the likelihood of recovery is greatly increased if you have your name on your property.
• LOCK YOUR VEHICLE- and make sure nothing of value is left in sight from outside the vehicle.
• DON’T LEAVE ITEMS UNATTENDED- not even for a minute.  A minute is all it takes for someone to walk away with your books, or purse or any other item.
• TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS- when you feel uneasy around certain people or situations there is usually a good reason for it.  Trust your 6th sense and report your apprehensions immediately.
• REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY- problems are easier to solve if they are caught right away.

HOW YOUR REPORTS ARE RESPONDED TO BY PUBLIC SAFETY

All reports and complaints are treated seriously.  If Public Safety is notified of a safety hazard, an officer will respond to the location, assess the situation and take immediate action to prevent injury and /or property damage.

If a report of a medical emergency is received, Public Safety will respond directly, and after assessing the situation ensure the appropriate medical personnel respond to the situation. Members of the Public Safety Department receive first aid training and several members of the Department are certified by NYS as EMTs and can render assistance prior to the arrival of an ambulance.

In the case of vehicle accidents, Public Safety will respond, safeguard the accident site, gather the information necessary for the appropriate report, and will insure that whatever other assistance, police, fire department or ambulance also responds to the scene.

In the case of reports of any criminal activity, the Public Safety Department will assist victims and witnesses in making reports with the Nassau County Police.   Public Safety in many cases will perform the initial investigation and then assist the police in whatever way they deem is appropriate. In some cases, incidents involving student violations of the Code of Conduct are referred to the Dean of Students for discipline.  In all cases involving violence, bodily harm or other incidents of a serious nature, Public Safety will report the incident to the Nassau County Police.  Public Safety will also assist and facilitate the report of such events to the police by the people directly involved if the victims and or witnesses wish to contact the police directly.

In the event that a serious crime occurs on campus that may impact the safety of the college community, Public Safety will issue a crime alert via e-mail and signs will be posted at the entrances to all buildings.  This is to ensure that members of the college community are aware that a situation occurred and to enable them to take appropriate actions to protect themselves.

The college Public Safety Department is here to assist you.  It is a responsibility that is taken very seriously by all members of the Department.

WE’LL KEEP YOU INFORMED

The Director of Public Safety regularly publishes information concerning good safety habits and procedures, displays seasonably appropriate safety and public service posters throughout the campus and provides information describing Public Safety Services in the Student Orientation Survival Manual.  In addition, the Director regularly provides information to the Vignette (the college newspaper) regarding safety policies and procedures, individual responsibilities, and items of current concern on campus.

Students and staff members are urged to utilize these Public Safety publications as educational opportunities to improve their overall awareness and ability to respond to matters of personal and public safety both on campus and off campus.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

In the event that there is a situation on campus that presents a significant emergency or a situation that presents an immediate threat to the health or safety of persons on campus, a message will be sent via SUNY Emergency Alert. The SUNY Emergency Alert enables fast and efficient dissemination of critical information to members of the NCC community during major emergencies.  It allows the College to simultaneously send alerts through text messaging, voice mail, and e-mail to numerous devices.

All members of the college community are strongly urged to register to receive alerts either by following the links on the College web page or by going directly to: (WWW.SUNY.EDU/SUNYALERT)

In the event that the report of a significant emergency or dangerous situation is received, Public Safety will respond to assess and evaluate the situation.  If it is determined that there is a situation which poses a risk to the campus population, the appropriate outside agencies will be notified and the Director of Public Safety, or his designee will without delay initiate the notification system through SUNY Alert. The notification will include the nature and location of the emergency, and provide appropriate directives to safeguard the health and safety of members of the campus community.  The College is in the process of enhancing its existing public address (PA) system (located on top of the Administrative Tower) to allow College officials to provide verbal emergency notifications and instructions over a campus-wide loudspeaker system. During an emergency, you may receive important instructions via this system.  When you hear these messages, please listen carefully and follow the instructions. The Office of College Relations will disseminate information regarding the emergency to the larger community if necessary.

There are signs posted throughout campus that describe the appropriate procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

The above systems are tested periodically.  If the system is being tested, the message you receive will indicate that fact and that no action on your part is necessary. Drills are also held to test the College’s ability to respond appropriately to major emergencies. Throughout the year, drills are conducted for staff members in various departments. Response is evaluated on an ongoing basis.

STUDENT POLICY FOR A DRUG FREE CAMPUS

Nassau Community College is committed to a proactive preventive approach in assuring the campus is free of alcohol and substance abuse.  The College operates in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments.  To maintain an atmosphere conducive to fulfilling this mission, the policy for a Drug-Free Campus states:

The College expressly prohibits the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, distribution or dispensation of controlled substances, which includes alcohol, in all Nassau Community College facilities or while attending or conducting College business off campus.

No alcohol is permitted on campus without the expressed permission of the President or his designee.  Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on campus by anyone under the age of 21.

Compliance with the provisions of the College’s drug and alcohol policies is a condition of attendance at the College.  Violations of any rule of the Student Code of Conduct shall result in appropriate disciplinary action.
The full text of the Student Code of Conduct is available in the College Catalog and on the College web site. (WWW.SUNYNASSAU.EDU)

 

WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

The possession or use of firearms of any nature, dangerous weapons, fireworks or explosives on campus is strictly prohibited.

 

JEANNE CLERY / CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS ACT

Federal Law requires that all colleges and universities receiving federal funding report on specific types of crimes and incidents occurring on their campuses, or other locations under the control of the institution.  Below are the definitions of reportable crimes as defined by and exerpted from the National Incident-Based Reporting System Edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook.  (For further information on the Clery Act and for links to the U.S. Department of Education’s Crime statistics go to www.securityoncampus.org and follow the links)

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, or personal property of another, etc.

Homicide/Murder
Criminal Homicide-Manslaughter by Negligence
The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Criminal Homicide-Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter
The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another.

Robbery
The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of another 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 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 which 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 theft.  For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Motor Vehicle Theft
The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joyriding.)

Weapon Law Violations
The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Drug Abuse Violations
Violations 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, heroine, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadones); and dangerous nonnarcotic drugs (barbituates, Benzedrine).

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.  (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)

Sex Offenses-Forcible
Any sexual act directed against 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.

    A. 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/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).

    B. 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/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacitation.

    C. 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 that person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

    D. 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/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental capacity. 

Sex Offenses-Nonforcible
Unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.

    A. Incest-  Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
    B. Statutory Rape-  Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT

If you are the victim of a sexual assault or rape, go to a safe place and call for help.  Call Public Safety, a family member or a friend.  It is imperative that you seek medical treatment immediately, not just for injuries incurred during the assault, but also to facilitate treatment against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Do not change your clothing, wash or even comb your hair.  Vital evidence can be lost.  Leave the scene of the incident exactly as it is.  Don’t clean the area or throw anything away.

As soon as possible, you should try to write down every detail of the incident.  Again, this will facilitate the investigation of the incident.

Below are the offices and telephone numbers of on-campus resources, which can provide information and support in the event of any such assault.

Public Safety: Emergency Number: 516.572.7111

Student Personnel Services: 516.572.7506/7137

Health Services: 516.572.7767/7124

Counseling: 516.572.7129

Women’s Center: 516.572.7696

COMMUNITY RESOURCES:

Response- A 24-hour crisis information hotline: 516.679.1111
Nassau Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Rape
Rape: 516.222.2293
Domestic Violence: 572-0700

The New York State Sex Offender Registry may be accessed from any computer with an internet link at http:/criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/

WHERE TO REPORT CRIMES

Any criminal activity should be reported to the following offices:


Public Safety- 516.572.7100
Dean of Students Office- 516.572.7135

For the purpose of gathering crime statistics for this publication, incidents reported to the Dean of Students and the Office of Affirmative Action are passed onto Public Safety for inclusion.  Incidents reported to counselors are forwarded to Public Safety for statistical purposes only, and are not investigated.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

During the course of the academic year, many programs are run to teach the college community how to recognize crime, prevent crime victimization, and how to generally enhance personal safety and well being.  There are several very active campus committees charged with these educational programs such as the Campus Safety Advisory Committee, and the Sexual Harassment Education Committee.  Both of these groups as well as the Women’s Center are active in providing the college populous with valuable information pertaining to safety issues. 

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU

CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE
Located on the east side of Lot West 5

TELEPHONES- EMERGENCY- DIAL 2-7111

TELEPHONES- OTHER CALLS
2-7100 OR 2-7102

FROM OFF CAMPUS OR PUBLIC TELEPHONES
572-7100

AUTO ASSISTANCE
Public Safety maintains phone numbers of local garages and towing services

HANDICAPPED RESERVED PARKING WITH PERMIT
Temporary 30-day permits for campus use only are available from the Public Safety Office

Nassau County Permits may be obtained from:
Nassau County Office of the Physically Challenged
60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard
Uniondale, NY 11553
Phone: 516 227-7399

ID CARDS- Tower Lower Level & The Public Safety Office

A PAID BURSAR’S RECEIPT AND VALID IDENTIFICATION MUST BE PESENTED.

Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 12 noon

LOST AND FOUND- CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE

Turn in all articles to increase the possibility of return to owners

Save the cost of a County Summons by avoiding parking in areas designated as:

• Reserved
• Special Permit
• Handicapped
• Official

MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS

GENERAL
The use of roads and parking fields on the Nassau Community College Campus is governed by New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law, Nassau County Ordinances 372 and 482, and the rules and regulations of Nassau Community College.

College grounds are patrolled by both Nassau County Police and Campus Public Safety Officers.  All persons using campus streets are required to obey speed limits, traffic signs, traffic control devices, parking regulations and the directions of Public Safety Officers in performance of their duties.

Violators of campus motor vehicle regulations are subject to summonses returnable to the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency located at 16 Cooper Street West, in Hempstead, New York.  Illegally parked vehicles are subject to removal and impoundment at the owner’s expense.  Moving violation convictions are entered onto the vehicle operator’s license.

If you have any questions concerning these regulations, contact Public Safety at extension 2-7100.

PARKING
Parking is permitted only in designated parking stalls.  There is no parking or standing on any campus street.  College drivers are also advised not to park on any area posted as military streets or property under penalty of a County summons.  The standard fine for unauthorized parking is $80.00.  There is a $10.00 surcharge applicable to all summonses in addition to the original fine, as well as a $15.00 administrative fee.

RESERVED PARKING- HANDICAPPED
Areas designated for Handicapped are for Handicapped only, and a County or State Handicapped permit must be properly displayed and visible in the vehicle.  Applications for Handicapped parking permits may be obtained from the Office of the Physically Challenged, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY.  The fine for unauthorized parking in an area designated for Handicapped parking is at least $265.00 Handicapped permits are not valid in stalls designated for Special Permits.

RESERVED PARKING-FACULTY AND STAFF
Specially marked areas reserved for members of the College Faculty and Staff are designated.  This reserved status is in effect in all designated areas designated as Faculty and Staff by permit 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Faculty and Staff parking permits are available at the Campus Public Safety Office.  All Faculty and Staff members are responsible for the proper displaying of these permits. They are to be placed on the windshield of the vehicle, behind the rearview mirror, low enough so as not to be obscured by heavy tints.  ONLY ONE PERMIT WILL BE ISSUED.  Report the loss of any permit to Public Safety immediately.


CAMPUS SPEED LIMIT
The speed limit for the campus in its entirety is 25 miles per hour.  For your own safety and the safety of others, please adhere to this limit.

OFFICIAL PARKING
Areas designated as Official are for use of Federal, State and County vehicles only.

SPECIAL PERMIT PARKING
Special permit spaces are not for the general use of Faculty and Staff members.  A Special Parking Permit must be secured at the Public Safety Office to utilize these areas.  These areas are designated for companies and people performing services for the college.

SECURITY PERMITS
These permits are the only permits authorizing parking on Education Drive.  Other Special Permits and faculty and staff permits are not valid in that area and violators will be summonsed.

OTHER SPECIAL PERMITS
There are permits for use on Education Drive, Quarter’s Service Road, and East Road.  Only vehicles with the appropriate parking permit are to be in these areas.  All violators will be summonsed.

TEMPORARY PARKING PERMITS
Temporary parking permits must be secured from the Public Safety Office when using a vehicle other than that equipped with a regular parking permit, prior to the vehicle being parked in a restricted area.


STUDENT PARKING- VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
All vehicles parked on the grounds of Nassau Community College must have a properly displayed vehicle identification decal.  This decal is to be placed on the rear most driver’s side window of the vehicle.  This decal may be used to park in lots on campus that do not require Faculty/Staff permits, handicap permits, special permits, etc.  Vehicles parked on campus without a valid vehicle identification decal are subject to fine and/or tow away. 

STATISTICS

The crimes included in this publication are based upon reports filed with Public Safety, the Dean of Students Office, and the Affirmative Action Office.  Incidents reported to the Nassau County Police Department are also accounted for in the statistics provided.

The Campus Safety Act requires colleges to report hate crimes in this publication.  For reporting purposes, a hate crime occurs when an individual is intentionally victimized because of his or her actual or perceived race, gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability and the victim sustains bodily injury.

STATISTICS MANDATED BY THE CLERY ACT

Offense	2008	2009	2010
Murder	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter	0	0	0
Forcible Sex Offenses	0	1	2
Non-Forcible Sex Offenses	0	0	0
Robbery	5	1	2
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0
Burglary	6	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	6	18	5
Arson	0	0	1
Criminal Mischief	66	74	48
Simple Assault	2	3	2
DWI	0	0	0
Larceny	139	147	158
ARRESTS
Controlled Substances	0	0	3
Liquor Law Volations	0	1	1
Weapons Possession	0	0	0
JUDICIAL AFFAIRS
CASES
Controlled Substances	2	114	72
Liquor Law Violations	0	3	2
Weapons Possession	0	0	0
BIAS INCIDENTS
Murder	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter	0	0	0
Forcible Sex Offenses	0	0	0
Non-Forcible Sex Offenses	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1
Burglary	0	0	0
Arson	0	0	0
Criminal Mischief	0	0	1
Simple Assault	0	0	0
Larceny	0	0	0
Race	0	0	1
Religion	0	0	0
Ethnicity	0	0	0
Gender	0	0	0
Sexual Orientation	0	0	0
Disability	0	0	0
Other	0	0	0