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The Department of Public Safety & Security prepares this report to comply with Chapter 33 (Pa College and University Security Information Act) 24 P.S 2502.1 - 2502.5 and the Federal Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-542) as amended through the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with municipal law enforcement agencies surrounding our campus.
These acts require the publication and distribution of the information contained in this document. It requires the disclosure of crime statistics for the most recent years, as well as disclosure of the institutions current security policies. Furthermore, daily crime logs containing a chronological report of all valid complaints and reports of crime are maintained by the Department of Public Safety & Security. These crime logs are available for review by the public during regular business hours upon request.
Additionally student affairs staff and other designated college personnel report criminal offenses. Each entity provides updated information in their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act. Campus crime, arrest and referral statements include those reported to the Department of Public Safety and Security, designated campus officials and local law enforcement agencies.
This year, an e-mail notification will be made to all enrolled students, faculty and staff notifying them of the web site where they can access this report. Copies of this report may also be obtained from the Department of Public Safety and Security upon request.
While the primary responsibility for the safety and security of the campus lies with the Department of Public Safety and Security, each member of the campus community must accept responsibility for his or her own personal safety. The cooperation, involvement and perceived support of the campus community in an overall campus safety program are crucial to its success. The welfare of all who live, work or visit Delaware Valley College is of paramount importance to the Department of Public Safety and Security.
Delaware Valley College is located partly in New Britain Borough and Doylestown Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The 571-acre campus is located approximately 30 miles North-West of Philadelphia. The campus of Delaware Valley College is an open one and, as such, access to the grounds is generally not limited. There always exists the possibility of a criminal act occurring, despite the best efforts of the Department of Public Safety and Security staff.
Department of Public Safety and Security Authority & Jurisdiction
The Department of Public Safety and Security consists of a Director, Assistant Director, and 15 unsworn public safety and security officers. Each Officer is trained in basic security procedures, first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The Department of Public Safety and Security records all reported crimes that occur on campus. Investigations are conducted by Delaware Valley College officers. All major crimes that may occur, i.e. motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, rape, etc., are reported to the municipal police with the permission of the victim. Doylestown Township and New Britain Borough Police have shared jurisdiction for the campus. Minor offenses, such as vandalism or criminal mischief may not be reported immediately to the police. This referral decision is made on a case by case basis. The Department of Public Safety and Security has an excellent working relationship with both municipal police departments. There is currently no written agreement or memorandum of understanding between the College and the municipal police departments regarding the investigation of alleged criminal offenses.
The Department of Public Safety and Security Officers neither carry weapons nor have powers of arrest but work with the municipal police when an arrest is warranted. Delaware Valley College Officers enjoy an excellent working relationship with all law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Public Safety and Security has a responsibility to ensure the safe travel of pedestrians and motor vehicles while on campus. Officers have the authority to enforce parking and moving violations occurring on campus. The Department reserves the right to tow, impound or immobilize any vehicle parked in violation of College rules and to impose appropriate administrative fines and penalties.
The entire Delaware Valley College community is encouraged to report anything suspicious or of a criminal nature occurring on the Delaware Valley College campus. Reports may be in person at the Department of Public Safety and Security office; by telephone on the campus telephone system extension 89 or dialing 215-489-2315 (direct line); or by e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or to the Director of Public Safety and Security at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) .This does not preclude, in extremely urgent situations, direct contact with the New Britain Borough Police Department at 215-345-1080; the Doylestown Township Police Department at 215-348-4201, or by dialing 911.
Resident students are offered instruction on crime prevention topics such as theft, personal safety, sexual assault and fire safety annually through orientation.
The Department of Public Safety and Security Officers patrol student resident areas 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Enforcement of policy and procedures is the responsibility of both the Department of Public Safety and Security Officers and the Residence Life staff. The Department of Public Safety and Security and Residence Life personnel enjoy a close working relationship. This cooperative venture addresses situations as they arise, as well as future concerns. The College takes a proactive approach in this regard. All students have the option of contacting the municipal police at any time to report a violation of the law.
Timely Warnings
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Department of Public Safety and Security and the College, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide ‘timely warning' will be issued. The warning will be issued through the college e-mail and portal systems to students, faculty and staff. Depending on the particular circumstances of the incident, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Department of Public Safety and Security may provide the College community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted in each residence hall and/or the front door of campus buildings which may be affected by the particular threat. The College may also provide warnings via the e2Campus mass notification system which alerts college community members by e-mail and/or text messages on their cellular phones.
Emergency Response Policy
The Delaware Valley College Emergency Response Plan establishes policies, procedures and the organizational structure for response to emergencies. The plan contains clear strategies and the roles played by various departments (Public Safety and Security, Facilities, Health Center, Residential Life, etc.) during the initial response and throughout an emergency. Nothing in the plan shall be construed in a manner that limits the use of good judgment and common sense in matters not foreseen or covered by the elements of the plan. The plan and organization shall be subordinate to Municipal, County, State and Federal plans during a disaster declaration by those authorities.
The Emergency Response Plan is a campus-level plan that guides emergency response personnel and resources during a major emergency. The Incident Commander during the initial stages of an emergency will be the senior member of the Public Safety and Security staff who is on duty. His or her responsibilities will include:
Emergency notifications to the college and community will be issued without delay by the Director of Public Safety and Security or his/her designee unless doing so will compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to or otherwise mitigate the emergency.
Emergency Evacuation Guidelines
In non-fire emergencies, a decision to evacuate will be based on the information available at the time, i.e. the specific threat type, its context (time of day, location, likelihood, etc.) and the recommendations of the Campus Emergency Response Team. When an order is given to evacuate a building for any reason occupants shall be instructed to follow incident specific life safety survival skills, not to use elevators and to evacuate by way of the nearest safe stairway or egress point. Occupants will be instructed to exit the building and proceed to a pre-designated Emergency Assembly Area (EAA). Public Safety and Security Officers, Area Coordinators, Resident Assistants and college Staff all have responsibilities during an evacuation including assisting those with disabilities.
Student Crime Reporting Policy
The College encourages students to report criminal activity immediately to the Department of Public Safety & Security and/or a municipal law enforcement agency. If a student desires, College officials will facilitate the reporting of crimes to law enforcement authorities and provide available support services to the student victim.
A student who is a victim of rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse is strongly encouraged to report this crime immediately to the police; Student Affairs, Residence Life, or Counseling Center personnel; or to the Department of Campus Safety & Security. All reports will remain confidential and no further action is taken without the emotional and safety needs of the victim attended to promptly, completely and confidentially. Delaware Valley College has a working relationship with Network of Victim's Assistance (NOVA), and referrals are easily expedited. A college official will arrange escorted transportation for the victim. The trauma center at Doylestown Hospital is thoroughly equipped to handle sexual assault cases in a caring and professional manner.
In accordance with the provisions of the Higher Education Opportunity Act (Sec, 493 (a)), a notification of the final results for any crime of violence will be made upon written request of the victim (or next of kin if the student is deceased).
Confidential Reporting Procedures
If you are a victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the College, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. A report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity can be filed via a third party by calling 1-800-620-7406.
Access Policy
Generally during business hours, the College will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors and visitors. During non-business hours access to all College facilities is by key, if issued; access card; or by admittance via the Department of Public Safety & Security.
Every student, faculty and staff member may be issued an ID card issued by the College and it is suggested that this ID be worn while on campus.
Residence halls are secured 24 hours a day. The College maintains a guest policy. The complete details of the Guest Policy can be found in the Student Handbook.
Alcoholic Beverage Policy
In compliance with current Pennsylvania Law, the College does not condone the consumption of alcohol by students or their guests who are under the age of twenty-one. The College is not responsible for enforcing the laws of Pennsylvania but will cooperate fully and openly with municipal, state and federal authorities in the enforcement of these laws and regulations.
College policies governing the use of alcoholic beverages can be found in the Student Handbook.
Drug Policy (Controlled Substances)
Delaware Valley College will not tolerate any form of Drug Abuse or Illegal Drug Distribution. Students involved and found to be conducting themselves improperly or illegally are deemed not to be pursuing their college education seriously and, after due process hearing and lacking motivation to correct their conduct, will be separated from the College. Depending on the circumstances, expulsion may occur on the first offense. A Statement of Policy (Drug) can be found in the Student Handbook. When a student is sanctioned for a drug related offense, the College reserves the right to notify a parent or legal guardian about the student's disciplinary status, consistent with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Weapons Policy
The possession or use of any weapon in any College building, or on College property by unauthorized persons is strictly prohibited. This policy is an effort to reduce the probability of violence and injury to all who constitute the Delaware Valley College community. This prohibition conforms to the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, Chapter 61 and Section 301 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code which defines a deadly weapon as any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or instrumentality which, in the manner in which it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or serious bodily injury.
Sexual Assault Policy
The Delaware Valley College Sexual Assault Policy has been developed to ensure consistent procedures in coordinating college and community resources in investigating sexual assaults. A sexual assault is a fundamental violation of an individual. It may threaten a person's safety, well-being, educational experience and/or career. Our policy is intended to meet the medical, legal, safety and psychological needs of the victim and to maintain confidentially. This policy is applicable to both on and off campus students and college employees.
The policy also provides for measures and structures that will deal with the prevention of sexual assault through educational programming, as well as a continuing institutional dialogue, to assess services for victims. This is accomplished through workshops, residence hall programming and resource materials provided through the counseling and student health offices. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety and Security offers a Rape Aggression Defense program to students, employees and friends of students and employees, free of charge. The Rape Aggression Defense course is a 12-hour course designed to empower women with options for their self-defense.
Any student or employee who believes that she/he has been a victim of sexual assault should contact the Department of Public Safety and Security; a municipal Police Department; Student Affairs, Residence Life, or Counseling personnel; or the Network of Victim's Assistance (NOVA) 1-800-675-6900 immediately. A same sex college official will always be available upon request. At all times, confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible.
Evidence of assault includes witness statements, clothing, medical examination, photographs and medical tests. Evidence can ensure that the judicial process of bringing an assailant to justice is achieved. It is the student's option to choose to notify law enforcement authorities. To ensure a victims own physical or emotional well being, the College will adjust the victim's academic and living situation, after an alleged sex offense if requested by the victim, and when these accommodations are reasonably available. Accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a conduct hearing and both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus conduct proceeding brought alleging a sexual assault.
External Disciplinary Action: The victim is not required to press civil charges; in the event the victim desires to press civil charges or take legal action, however, the local police department will notify the Director of Public Safety and Security and the Vice President of Student Affairs as to what extent the college may investigate the sexual assault.
Internal Disciplinary Action: All cases involving accusations of sexual assault must accord both the accuser and accused the following rights: (1) the victim's academic situation will be changed upon request; e.g. if the victim has a class with the accused, the accused's class schedule will be adjusted to another time period, or if the victim lives in the same resident hall, the accused will be moved to another resident hall; (2) the accuser and accused have the same right to have others present during disciplinary hearings; (3) the accuser and accused shall be notified of the outcome of campus disciplinary proceedings. Sanctions range from dismissal of charges to disciplinary expulsion.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Delaware Valley College is dedicated to the establishment and maintenance of an experience in which the dignity and value of all individuals within the college community are respected. It is the responsibility of each person on campus to respect the dignity and worth of others and to demonstrate a basic collegiality that precludes expressions of bigotry and discrimination. Delaware Valley College prohibits and will not tolerate sexual harassment in any context. Those inflicting such behaviors on others are subject to the full range of College disciplinary actions, but also to any civil or criminal charges, which may accompany such acts.
No community member will be subject to retaliation for making a complaint. Anyone engaging in retaliation is subject to the full range of disciplinary actions up to and including separation.
Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, passed as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, required any person who was obligated to register in a state's sex offender registry to notify the institution of higher education at which the sex offender worked or was a student of his or her status as a sex offender; and to notify the same institution if there was any change in his or her enrollment or employment status; that the information collected as a result of this Act be reported promptly to local law enforcement and entered promptly into the appropriate state record systems; and amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions obligated to disclose campus security policy and campus crime statistics to also provide notice of how information concerning registered sex offenders could be obtained.
It should be noted that the Family Educational rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) permits an educational institution to disclose information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania maintains a system for making certain Registry Information on violent sex offenders publicly available. Pennsylvania's Megan Law, 42 PaC.S 9799.1, requires the State Police to create and maintain a registry of persons who have either been convicted of or entered a plea of guilty to, or adjudicated delinquent of certain sex offenses listed in Megan's Law.
The Pennsylvania State Police is required to make certain information on registered sex offenders available to the public through an internet website. The Pennsylvania State Police has established this website according to the requirements of 42 Pa. C.S. 9798.1. Pertinent web address for securing related information is: http://www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us/
Community notification is the process by which the community law enforcement officer notifies the community of the presence of the violent predator. The Chief Law enforcement officer notifies the community using a community notification flyer. Megan's Law requires notification of the President of each college, university and community college located within 1,000 feet of a sexually violent predator or out-of-state offender residence.
Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act Campus Crime Statistics for Delaware Valley College:
The Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, as amended, requires the release of statistics for specified criminal incidents, arrests and disciplinary referrals on campus to all students and employees, and it requires that those statistics be available to prospective students and employees upon request. The Higher Education Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended the Campus Security Act to require statistics for an expanded area beyond the campus. The new law requires these statistics to be shown in specific geographic categories. (Note that incidents shown in the On-Campus Residential category are also included in the statistics shown in the Campus category.) The following statistics are provided in compliance with the specific time periods, crime classifications, .geographic categories and arrest data mandated by federal law. *Note: The statistics in these categories are for 2006, 2007 and 2008.