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Crime Prevention
Although no community is immune from crime, there is much we can do by working together to minimize its impact. Crime is opportunistic. Serenity pervades the McDaniel College campus. Comparatively, crime rates are low here at the College. These factors can create the sense that the campus is crime free; unfortunately, this is not true. Common sense, alertness, and cooperation are the building blocks of a safe campus. If each of us takes a moment to follow a few simple precautions, we can improve safety and thus the quality of life here at McDaniel.
DoCS will accept confidential reporting of crime but requires any report to be with an understanding College discipline and/or court action may be impossible.
Around and about campus
1. In all cases, be alert to your surroundings. Do not intervene in crimes in progress. Call DoCS at ext. 2202 to report ALL crime and suspicious activity. The old adage "better safe than sorry" is sound advice.
2. Do not walk alone, stay on well lit pathways and away from deserted areas such as the track, the golf course, and Harveystone Park.
3. If you are being followed, change direction, and go to a populated location. Know the locations of these "safe houses" in the campus area.
4. If no help is immediately available, pull a fire alarm box.5. Do not go to parties with unfamiliar groups alone. Do not leave your friend at a party.
In residence halls or offices
1. Lock your door when you are leaving NO MATTER HOW SHORT THE PERIOD OF TIME!
2. Do not leave notes saying you are out, and how long you will be gone.
3. Do not keep excessive money or valuables in your office or room.
4. Request identification of any unfamiliar person attempting to gain access to your room. If you are still unsure call DoCS at ext. 2202.
5. DO NOT PROP DOORS TO HALLS. This jeopardizes the safety of all and is a serious offense.
Alcohol and Other Drug Policies
Student Policies
Student conduct in this area is governed by the "Proscriptions on Conduct" which prohibit:
"Violations of College alcohol policy, including unauthorized possession of kegs, 'party balls', or other multi-liter containers in residential area, underage possession of alcohol, or possession of alcohol in public areas. (Specifically, the "Alcohol Beverage Policy and Procedures" reiterates the Maryland State Law concerning age of majority, false identification, and prohibited purchase. "…Failure to comply with State, county, or municipal alcohol beverage laws may result in disciplinary action through college judicial programs and or legal action through the appropriate civil authority…")
"...Possession, use, sale, or distribution of controlled substances (drugs) on college property or sale or distribution to members of the college community."
Employee Policies
The McDaniel College Drug Free Workplace Policy governs employee conduct. This policy states:
"McDaniel College intends to maintain a drug free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance...is prohibited on College property, and is cause for employee discipline, up to and including dismissal from employment..." The policy further states: "...Any person employed by the College found to be unlawfully under the influence of a controlled substance while on College property is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination."
PLEASE NOTE : McDaniel College has adopted a "zero tolerance" drug policy for employees and students. In all drug cases, McDaniel College immediately involves the Westminster City Police who assume control of the matter. Where students are found guilty on campus minimum sanctions will be imposed by the College as described in our "Drug Free Schools" statement issued by the Dean of Students. This statement is contained in the Student Handbook published and distributed by the Division of Student Affairs contains a description of drug and alcohol-abuse programs as required by the Higher Education Act (§ 120 a through 120d).
Sexual Assault Policies
The College supports the right of the victim/survivor of a sexual assault to decide how best to utilize the various College, Westminster community, and private resources. Should a victim/survivor desire to contact off-campus resources DoCS will assist in any way requested with these contacts. The College, the Student Affairs Division, and the Department of Campus Safety will do everything possible to provide the level of support desired by the survivor/victim.
A comprehensive sexual assault policy statement is distributed annually and is summarized in the Student Handbook. If a student is victimized she or he may contact: DoCS (where certain officers are specially trained for this type of investigation), the Westminster City Police Department, the Carroll County State's Attorney, Smith House, Residence Life Staff, Sexual Assault Information Team Members, Rape Crisis Intervention Service, or other resources.
If a victim/survivor elects to contact a criminal justice agency the preservation of evidence is crucial to a successful prosecution. To assist with these difficult issues, students considering criminal process are urged to contact DoCS and request to speak to an officer immediately. Students who are victim/survivors are entitled to alternate housing and class assignments if possible. Should a victim/survivor elect to take advantage of the College judicial process, a DoCS report will serve to initiate this system. The Office of Residence Life, the Dean of Students office, or DoCS can answer specific questions on the process. The process includes equal opportunity to present cases and notification of the outcome for both parties. The colleges minimum sanctions for physical abuse (sexual assault) is suspension for the current semester and one additional semester.
As required by the amendments to the Jacob Wetterling Act, the College directs anyone seeking information on registered sex offenders to the website maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services at http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sor/.
Awareness Policies
In keeping with the College's First Principles and the educational mission of the institution, DoCS views education as one of its most important responsibilities. This education is structured in a lecture format, fairs and expositions, campus posters, informal programs, and bulletins concerning a certain crime on campus.
Students are instructed in emergency and security procedures at New Student Orientation. Resident students also get this information reinforced at floor meetings with the Residence Life Staff. Safety tips are provided in the Student Handbook. Sexual assaults are explored as a part of the Orientation program, in the play "Choices," and during the year through programming by various Student Affairs departments and the Rape Crisis Intervention Service.
Commuter students have an opportunity to attend crime prevention events sponsored by DoCS and the College Activities Office. Additionally, resident students are provided with programming co-sponsored by Resident Life and Campus Safety. The frequency of these programs varies based on the requests from students and Resident Asssistants. Employees of the College are instructed in emergency and security procedures at their orientation with the Human Resources Department. Additional emergency procedures are noted in the Employee Handbook and the College telephone directory.
The Department of Campus Safety also provides programming on topics of general or special interest to any group on campus upon request.
In the event of a particular crime or hazardous situation, the community is notified by one or more of the following: the campus mail system, postings, the student newspaper, the College bulletin (The Arch), and other sources such as an electronic bulletin board (cooperatively with Information Services). These messages will also provide strategies and tips for preventing a similar incident from occurring on campus.
For more information on staying safe, please stop by DoCS in the lower level of Winslow to get additional prevention information or attend one of the many crime prevention programs offered throughout the year. These programs cover a variety of topics including: basic strategies of crime prevention, Operation Identification, fire safety, and sexual offenses to name a few.
As a matter of course, the College encourages all students and employees to report crime. Specifically, the Student Handbook refers to contact with the DoCS. Without the help of the College community, a safe learning environment is unattainable. Each member of the campus community has the responsibility to report crime promptly.
DoCS & Other Agencies
The College recognizes that laws and rules are necessary for society to function and supports the enforcement of law by governmental agencies and rules by officials of the College. All persons on the campus are subject to these laws and rules at all times. While the College is private property, and Constitutional protections apply, law enforcement officers may enter the campus to conduct business as needed. Additionally, the officers are invited to patrol the campus to assist DoCS in deterring crime. All law enforcement agencies are expected to check in with DoCS when on campus.
DoCS enjoys an especially good relationship with the Westminster City Police Department (WCPD). The response time of the Police Department to campus averages less than two minutes for emergency calls. Three members of DoCS are special police officers with law enforcement and arrest authority on campus. Seven Campus Safety Officers have no arrest authority beyond that of an ordinary citizen. These Safety Officers may make an arrest in the event a felony is committed in his or her presence. However, as a matter of course, serious crimes are the responsibility of the WCPD. Safety Officers are expected to render all possible assistance provided such assistance can be given without significantly endangering the officer or others not involved in the crime.
As noted in the Introduction and the Emergency Policies, WCPD is notified of all serious crime on campus, and is immediately notified of major crimes via the telephone. The College relies on the telephone to contact the county emergency dispatch center for fire and emergency medical needs. All victims are offered an opportunity to report crimes to WCPD.
Annually, the Chief of Police in Westminster is provided with a summary of all crime occurring on campus. Monthly, DoCS is provided with statistics detailing WCPD responses to campus to ensure both agencies are aware of crimes on campus. (The statistics for the previous three years can be viewed at any time on this site.) Frequent meetings between the Chief of Police (or his designee) and the Director of Campus Safety allow for exchanges of routine information on a timely basis. Additionally, special needs are communicated between agencies as they occur. Instances where State Police resources are needed are determined jointly between the Chief of Police and the Director of Campus Safety. Crimes committed at off campus facilities under the control of McDaniel College will be disclosed in these statistics if they come to the attention of DoCS.
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