A SAFE CAMPUS IS A COMMUNITY WIDE RESPONSIBILITY!
| Emergency Telephones | |
| Residence Halls Rules and Regulations | |
| Working Late | |
| Crime Prevention Programs | |
| Important Telephone Numbers | |
| Campus Crime Statistics | |
| Resident Staff | Sex Offender Registry |
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Welcome to Framingham State College. The purpose of this publication is to provide policies and information about personal safety. Our policies are designed to foster the safety and security of our community members.
The Framingham State College Police Department personnel are professionally trained police officers and dispatchers who are always ready to provide support to members of the community and to respond to their concerns. The safety and security of our community is our highest priority. We take great pride in being a part of the educational process here at Framingham State College. We are here to serve you.
We ask for assistance from all students, faculty, and staff at Framingham State College to help in promoting a healthy and safe environment for all. Law enforcement can be challenging on a college campus, but with the strong dedication of our police officers, as well as support from the community, we believe we can provide a comfortable environment for students, faculty, staff members, and visitors.
Please be certain to immediately report any suspicious activity or safety issues you observe. You play an enormous part in maintaining the safety, welfare, and integrity of our community. We wish you great success in this upcoming academic year.
Bradford J. Medeiros Chief of the Framingham State College Police Department
CAMPUS SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The safety and security policies developed at Framingham State College are designed to enhance the safety and security of each member of our community.
Students, faculty, and staff members, along with visitors to Framingham State College, should feel free to conduct their daily business without fear of physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
The Framingham State College Police Department is located on the ground level in the rear of the College Center. Telephone (508) 626-4911
The Framingham State College Police Department has primary responsibility for security on the campus. The Department works closely with the entire College community to ensure that programs and services are systematically coordinated to promote and enhance a safe environment. The Department officers patrol the campus and answer calls on a 24-hour basis throughout the calendar year. A minimum of two officers and a dispatcher are usually assigned to each shift. The Campus Police Officers are sworn Special State Police and Deputy Sheriffs with official authority to conduct investigations and to arrest individuals if warranted. The Department’s staff also includes Institutional Security Officers who patrol the buildings and grounds. In addition, the Department’s staff, using cameras, monitor the entrances to all the residence halls, which are also equipped with card access systems and staffed by desk attendants continuously throughout the academic year. As of the date of this publication the Framingham State College Police Department includes twelve professionally trained, sworn, uniformed Campus Police Officers; one Institutional Security Officer; and four civilian dispatchers. Officers’ training includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: rape investigation, CPR, crime scene, photography, fingerprinting, composite identification, LEAPS/NCIC Computer, court prosecution, domestic violence, records management, statistics, safety, crisis intervention, and crime prevention. FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE POLICE DEPARTMENT: AUTHORITY The Framingham State College Police Department derives its power from Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 22c, Section 63, which gives the officers authority to arrest, both on and off campus, anyone involved in any criminal activity or violation of state or town laws. The Framingham State College Police Department works closely with the offices of the Massachusetts Attorney General, the State Police, and the Framingham Police. THE IMPORTANCE OF REPORTING CRIME OR EMERGENCIES We invite your involvement, as a community of adults, in creating an orderly campus. If you have a suggestion for enhancing safety, please bring it to the attention of the Framingham State College Police Department. The accurate and prompt reporting of campus crime is essential to the safety and security of the entire College community. You may report criminal activity or other emergencies by calling the Framingham State College Police Department at (508) 626-4911. Uniformed officers patrol the campus on foot, on bicycles, and in marked cruisers. Special emergency phones have been placed on all academic buildings and outside each residence hall. In addition, they are located in the following parking lots: Maynard, Maple, Maple Field, and Union Avenue. These telephones ring directly into the Framingham State College Police Department. When using these emergency phones, please remain calm and give clear details of the situation you are reporting. To operate an emergency telephone, simply press the button in the center. The Framingham State College Police Department will respond immediately. Even if you cannot speak, they will know your location and a cruiser will arrive on the scene very quickly. Audio contact with Public Safety and Police Services will remain activated throughout the emergency. POLICE ESCORT SERVICE AND SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE The Framingham State College Police Department requests that students ask for escorts only when absolutely necessary and when no other options are available. Escorts are provided for safety reasons only. Escorts will be given from 2:00 a.m. until dawn. Students should plan their schedules accordingly as there are no escorts given during the shuttle bus breaks or during daylight hours. We encourage students to walk in groups from parking lots, or between residence halls, when not using the shuttle bus service, which operates both days and evenings during regular school sessions, to provide transportation to and from upper campus to the student parking lots. The shuttle bus stop is located outside of Crocker Hall. The bus route usually takes about 20 minutes for the entire circuit. State Law (M.G.L. Ch.269 sec. 10) prohibits any individual, other than the Police Officers from the Framingham State College Police Department, from bringing to campus or possessing any weapon or firearm while on campus property without the consent of the Chief of the Framingham State College Police Department. The Framingham State College Police Department enforces all state laws and College regulations regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages. College policy restricts when, where, and how alcohol may be served, and the source of funds used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Please refer to the Framingham State College Ram Handbook, or call the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Support for current Alcoholic Beverage Policy guidelines. There are many alcohol education and abuse prevention programs provided throughout the year by the Office of Social Issues and Wellness. COLLEGE ILLEGAL DRUG POLICY The Framingham State College Police Department enforces all state and federal laws concerning illegal drugs. When illegal drug use is suspected and the College and/or the Framingham State College Police Department are notified of illegal drug use or sale, or when the Framingham State College Police Department apprehends illegal users or sellers, appropriate steps are taken to determine the facts of the situation. Persons apprehended by the Framingham State College Police Department for possession of, use of, or distribution of illegal drugs will be prosecuted. ALERT POSTERS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY In the event of a major incident of violent crime on the campus or in the neighboring community, “Alert Posters’’ will be posted by the Framingham State College Police Department at the entrances to all campus buildings. THESE POSTINGS SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. Resident students are encouraged to notify the Framingham State College Police Department, Resident Assistants (RAs), or Residence Directors (RDs), of any safety or security problem or concern that a student may have. A student, RA, RD, police officer, and any other member of the College community may also refer any violation of the Student Conduct Code directly to the Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Support Services, located in the College Center, Room 508. The College has installed and maintains exterior lighting around each building, along all walkways, and in parking lots. In addition, a concerted effort is made to keep the shrubbery and other plants trimmed to eliminate potential hiding places. Custodians, ground crews, and maintenance personnel are on duty 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and are especially alert and responsive to health, safety, and maintenance problems. Resident students are urged to report potential hazards or maintenance problems to the Framingham State College Police Department, or to a Residence Life staff member, so that the problem may be corrected or repaired as soon as possible. Key requests are handled through the Framingham State College Facilities Department. Please visit their Web site to download the "Key Request" form. Except for residence halls, most College facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. Visitors are required to check in with the Framingham State College Police Department for parking permits and parking instructions. During the times that the College is officially closed, College buildings are generally locked and only faculty and staff are admitted (with proper FSC Faculty/Staff ID). Use of some areas, such as computer labs, art labs, and research labs, are restricted during off-hours except under pre-arranged and approved circumstances. Some College-sponsored programs are open to the general public while others are restricted to students with a current Framingham State College Identification Card. INVESTIGATION OF PREVIOUS CRIMINAL RECORDS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES Prospective students are not asked about previous criminal records during the admissions process. Prospective employees are asked if they have ever been convicted of a crime other than a misdemeanor or similar offense. The College does not hire a candidate for a position if a prior offense indicates that the hiring would create a significant threat to the College community or to the public. RDs and RAs are assigned to each of the residence halls. All RDs and RAs receive comprehensive training before each college year begins. This academic training includes how to handle various emergencies ranging in scope from psychological problems to health concerns, fire evacuations, vandalism, disorderly conduct, etc. The Director of Residence Life, who supervises the RDs and the RAs, is available to assist students during the day. The RAs and RDs are on duty every night and weekend to help students with any kind of problem. RAs provide extra support by touring the residence hall floors on a regular basis while on duty during designated hours. Each residence hall student room has its own lock and key. All rooms have lockable windows and screens. Anyone found to be tampering with screens on any building may face serious disciplinary proceedings and/or criminal charges. All student room doors are posted with a warning against leaving the doors unlocked at any time. All students are further warned against propping doors in an open position or disabling any security system on the campus. Tampering with, or disabling, any security device or system is not only unsafe for the entire College community, but could also lead to serious criminal charges. RESIDENCE HALL SECURITY AND VISITORS Each residence hall desk is located in the lobby and is staffed by attendants who monitor people entering and leaving the building. Security cameras have been placed in each residence hall lobby for added security. Desks are staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. In the rare event that a desk is not covered, the Framingham State College Police Department will secure the entrance and assume responsibility for monitoring the residents and guests entering the building when the Card Access System is not activated. All visitors, and guests of resident students, are required to sign in and leave a valid photo identification at the desk. Guests will be allowed in the building only when the sponsoring resident is present to accompany them to his or her room. Once a guest has been signed in, it is the responsibility of the resident to escort that guest, at all times, while in the building. Students will be held directly responsible for the actions of their guests. Residents and guests enter all residence halls through designated main entrance doors. Cameras and desk workers monitor all entrance doors. In addition, all other doors are alarmed and designated for emergency use only. Any individual found responsible for using or tampering with any emergency sounding device or door will be charged with judicial misconduct and/or criminal complaints. Framingham State College does not own, nor does it sponsor or recommend, any off-campus housing. Students seeking off-campus housing are cautioned to check thoroughly with local police, and the landlord of any rental property, about the incidence of crime in the area. It is also important to check for adequate safety devices in the building or apartment prior to signing any lease agreement. HOUSING DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND BETWEEN TERMS The residence halls are closed during the winter and spring breaks, and students are not allowed access without prior approval of the Office of Residence Life. Special circumstances may exist for international students or others which would necessitate special consideration through the Office of Residence Life. Residents may sign up with the Office of Residence Life for housing during break periods. RESIDENCE HALL RULES AND REGULATIONS The residence halls are governed by rules and regulations for the benefit of the entire College community. It is very important that ALL students and guests abide by the rules set forth in the Guide to Residence Living and the Ram Handbook while living on, or visiting, campus. These rules have been developed for the safety and security of all. OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON CAMPUS In addition to the information contained in this pamphlet, the Ram Handbook and the Guide to Residence Living are both excellent resources with more detailed information about what is expected from students, faculty, staff and guests of the College. Consider these publications as guides for a productive experience at Framingham State College. New and returning students have opportunities to discuss issues of safety and security during Orientation programs with advisors, and at residence hall meetings. A variety of programs are held throughout the year for students, faculty, and staff dealing with a range of issues including alcohol and drug abuse, sexual assault, acquaintance rape, emergency procedures, and many other safety and security-related topics. The student newspaper, The Gatepost, carries weekly updates on Framingham State College Police Department activity and incidents on campus. PROCEDURES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIMS If you are assaulted, be sure to get the help you need medically, emotionally, and legally. The medical procedure following an assault is essential. Specifically, you should receive a pelvic exam, emergency medical treatment for internal or external injuries, tests to collect evidence for the courts if you choose to prosecute, information on any medication or treatment recommended, tests for STDs, and for pregnancy within six weeks of the attack. It is extremely important not to wash, douche, shower, rinse your mouth, eat, drink, smoke, or change your clothes before going to the hospital. Emotional trauma is probably the most common and natural after-effect of rape. There are many ways to respond to trauma resulting from rape. Some people find that talking with a friend helps. Others find that joining support groups or getting professional counseling are more effective methods. Framingham State College offers counseling to students and staff. The office is located in Room 517 of the D. Justin McCarthy College Center. The Framingham State College Police Department also offers Rape Aggressive Defense (R.A.D.) courses free of charge to all female Framingham State College faculty, staff, and students. Reporting or not reporting a crime is a personal choice. All crimes are worth reporting whether or not you take a legal course of action. You can contact the Framingham State College Police Department or the Town of Framingham Police Department. There are several officers who are trained in sexual assault investigations. All cases of crime are kept confidential. CAMPUS PROCEDURE FOR RESPONDING TO SEXUAL ASSAULT Susanne H. Conley, the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, is obligated by law to report the number of on-campus sexual assaults annually. This process affords the opportunity to assess and develop preventive strategies and explore additional educational needs. Reporting these incidents, anonymously or otherwise, to on-campus resources is strongly encouraged. Some of the on-campus resources include the Framingham State College Police Department, the Director of Health Services, the Director of the Counseling Center, and the Dean of Academic and Student Affairs. If a student wishes to handle the situation through the College’s judicial system, a closed hearing will be conducted. The student or Dean of Academic and Student Affairs can request a hearing with one judicial officer, or a panel of three professional faculty or staff members. Because of the sensitive nature of this type of case, priority will be given. Interim modified living arrangements will be made possible in cases where the victim and the accused live in the same residence hall. For students in need of a Victim’s Advocate one will be made available through the Framingham State College Police Department. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of the results of the proceeding. Sanctions that may be imposed following a final determination of a disciplinary proceeding regarding rape, or other forcible or non-forcible offenses, may range from findings of not responsible to expulsion from the College. PROTECTING PERSONAL AND COLLEGE PROPERTY Lock your door every time you leave your room or office. Engrave expensive equipment and valuables. The Framingham State College Police Department has an engraving program. Don’t store your purse or wallet in an unlocked desk drawer. Don’t leave your belongings (books, gym bags, backpacks, calculator, coats, etc.) unattended in the library, cafeteria, hallways, locker rooms, or classrooms. Notify the Framingham State College Police Department that you are in your office and indicate when you expect to leave. Keep your office door locked. Lock all doors behind you when entering and exiting at night. These preventive measures are advised for your protection. Your location on campus is important for officers to know in case of a sudden illness or in case of fire. The Framingham State College Police Department must know when you are in campus buildings after hours for these reasons. CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS OFFERED ON CAMPUS The Framingham State College Police Department Crime Prevention Unit offers programs to the Framingham State College community on the following topics: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Workplace Violence Protection, Alcohol/Drug Awareness, General Safety, Rape Aggression Defense, Road Rage, Identity Theft, Police Encounters, and many more areas. The goal of the Department is to host these programs in the residence halls throughout the academic year. We hope to run at least two programs a month. The Crime Prevention Unit will be distributing posters with locations, dates, and times of each program sometime during the first part of September. The domestic violence program will include facts about the law, signs and symptoms of an abusive relationship, ways to protect yourself from domestic violence, and facts about restraining or protection orders. It also will introduce the Framingham State College Police Domestic Violence Unit staff and show how they can assist you in a domestic violence incident. The sexual assault program will include the definition of sexual assault and how you can tell if you have been sexually assaulted. It will also contain the facts about the law, and will give helpful tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of sexual assault. You will meet the Sexual Assault Unit staff, and learn how it can assist you in a sexual assault incident. In addition, the Framingham State College Police Department offers R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense). This is a women’s self-defense class that gives women the tools to protect themselves against assault, including strategies to avoid becoming a victim. Each program topic has a number of resources, both on and off campus, readily available to the community. You will be given these resources in the handouts. All programs will consist of lectures, a series of handouts, and informative videotapes.
NOTIFICATION OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WILL BE MADE PUBLIC IN A TIMELY MANNER THROUGH
Definitions of reported crimes FRAMINGHAM STATE COLLEGE POLICE SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY Sex Offender Registry information as required under the “Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration” Act. Under the “Campus Sex Crimes Registration Act” which took effect on October 28, 2002, the Framingham State College Police Department is a repository for information concerning registered sex offenders who study, work, and/or carry on a vocation at Framingham State College. Under the current procedures of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board the only methods of obtaining sex offender information as it applies to Framingham State College requires that an individual seeking such information either apply for it in person at the “Town of Framingham Police Department” or the individual applies directly to the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board. The Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board which was established pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 6, Sections 178C – 178F, classifies each registered offender into one of three categories.
Sex offender information is available to the public by Massachusetts Law only if the person has a duty to register, and has been classified by the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board as a level 2 or level 3 offender. Any member of the public who is 18 years of age or older may request sex offender information. Sex offender information will be provided to any person who is seeking the information for his or her own information, or for the protection of a child who is under 18, or for the protection of another person for whom the requesting person has the responsibility, care, or custody. In an effort to provide Framingham State College with the most up-to-date Sex Offender Registry Information, we are providing the Web site and location of the Massachusetts Sex Offender Registry Board and the Town of Framingham Police below.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Framingham Police Department
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