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Annual Campus Security Report
The University of South Carolina Aiken is committed to providing the safest environment for work and study. Part of that commitment involves providing information about campus security to current as well as prospective students and employees. This report, prepared in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, outlines the University's security polices and discloses campus crime statistics. This federal law was originally passed in 1990 as part of the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act. It was amended in 1992 and 1998 by the Higher Education Amendment. It requires all institutions of higher education that receive federal financial assistance to produce an annual security report which is distributed to all current students and employees and a summary of which is available to all prospective students and employees.
USCA DEPARTMENT OF UNIVERSITY POLICE
The Department of University Police consists entirely of USCA commissioned police officers. The USCA officers have full arrest powers and serve with statewide authority. The USCA University Police Department enforces state, county, and campus laws, rules and regulations for the protection and security of persons at and property of the University of South Carolina Aiken, 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
In addition to coverage by USCA University Police, portions of the campus are also under the jurisdiction of the Aiken City Department of Public Safety and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Department. Working relationships have been established with both departments to include two-way radio communications. Also, working relationships have been established with the SC Law Enforcement Division and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
OFF CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
Local law enforcement agencies are requested to provide the USCA Department of University Police with reports of any criminal activity of USCA student organizations at locations other than the campus. Since no recognized campus organizations currently own or occupy housing off the campus, this request is, necessarily, limited in its scope. Any such reported activity will be included in a special category on any publication of Campus University Police crime statistics.
REPORTING A CRIME OR EMERGENCY
Advising proper authorities of a crime may be facilitated in several different ways. The easiest way, of course, is to simply call University Police by calling 648-4011 or 6111 and have an officer come to gather the information. One may also visit the USCA University Police Office, which is located across from the Student Activities Center and adjacent to the USCA Tennis Courts.
There are 14 emergency telephones around the campus. These are intended to provide members of our community with a convenient and quick method of contacting the USCA University Police if they need assistance.
Preventing crime is a shared responsibility between University Police and the entire campus community. If you witness a hazardous condition, crime or suspicious activity, do not assume someone else has, or will, report it. Contact University Police immediately. If the crime occurs on campus, call USCA University Police by calling 648-4011 (or dial 6111 from a campus phone) or use an emergency phone. If you reside off campus, call the local authorities.
Any time a crime is reported to someone other than University Police, the information should be passed on to one of the appropriate campus officials who in turn will report it to the proper authorities. The campus officials are as follows:
Dr. Deb Kladivko, Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services
Deri Wills , Director of Housing and Judicial Affairs (Campus Judicial Officer)
Cindy Gelinas, Director of the USCA Counseling Center
There are currently no formal programs that allow for anonymous reporting. However, concerned individuals may provide confidential information to University Police or a University official without being included in a police report or other formal document.
REPORTING TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY
In the event that a notice or warning is necessary to the University community, several ways have been identified to distribute information including: campus postings, mass e-mails, Pacer Times and the Post Time Notes. If necessary, notification may also be made in meetings with on-campus residents, members of an affected classroom, administrative department or building.
CRIME PREVENTION
Crime prevention education at USC Aiken is approached in several different methods. Information is provided to new students at orientation sessions, held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters. Campus University Police also, upon request from an interested group or individual, will arrange presentations on campus safety and crime prevention.
Pamphlets and brochures are distributed in high traffic/activity areas of the campus, such as the Student Activities Center and the Housing and Residence Life office. The literature gives persons information on ways they can help and/or deter crime on campus as well as their homes. Some of the topics addressed are book theft, auto theft and personal safety.
The University has published an Emergency Action Plan that is distributed to each member of the faculty and staff. It includes extensive information about safety and emergency response.
Magnets are also provided in each on-campus apartment with emergency information, including how to contact Campus University Police from on and off campus. The specified numbers connect the caller with the University Police radiophones.
CAMPUS ACCESS
Campus buildings are open and accessible to students, faculty, staff and authorized visitors during normal business and/or instructional time periods. Evening, weekend and holiday access will be limited as specified below.
- During business hours, doors to buildings and classrooms will be unlocked by Campus University Police and/or housekeeping staff, and offices will be opened as appropriate by the occupant.
- After normal business hours (as defined on a building-by-building basis according to usage and special requirements), buildings will be secured by Campus University Police to prohibit unauthorized access.
- In the event that after-hours or holiday access is required by students, faculty or staff, Campus University Police may be notified through the use of emergency telephones as noted elsewhere in this report or through personal contact with a patrolling officer. After hours, weekend or holiday access will require positive identification of a USCA ID card on the part of the requesting party. No outside visitors or guests will be allowed after normal business hours. Specific rooms and/or buildings may have additional restrictions for such access as determined by the appropriate manager, department head or vice/associate/assistant chancellor.
- Student housing is under the management control of USCA. Occupancy of the Pacer Down apartments is only open to students and USCA approved residents. Residents are strongly encouraged to keep their apartment door locked, especially when they are out or sleeping. As there are no common corridors and apartments open directly to the outdoors, locked doors and awareness of the environment is the #1 deterrent to crime.
- Any student, faculty or staff member should immediately report inoperative or malfunctioning locking mechanisms on doors or other security devices to the Maintenance Department during business hours or to Campus University Police after hours and on holidays (using the emergency telephones, the campus telephone or in person). Campus University Police will make the determination as to the best course of action to be taken until a full repair can be made. In every instance, the maintenance of safety for persons and property will be the primary objective for the responding organization.
- All areas considered "restricted" will require the student to show their ID. The appropriate faculty or staff member in charge of that area will submit after-hours requests to University Police. No access will be granted to a "restricted area" without this permission. This procedure does not affect entrance to the general computer rooms.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
The University of South Carolina Aiken is concerned about the abuse of alcohol and the use of drugs on all campuses. Behavior and conduct by students whose judgment is impaired due to substance abuse and which interferes with the decorum and atmosphere of the University will not be tolerated. As members of the University community, students are expected to comply with and abide by all of the laws and University policies.
The University’s drug and alcohol policies are made available to all interested parties. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to read the entire drug policy and alcohol policy (pages 39-52) in the USCA Student Handbook. Copies may also be obtained from office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services or the Director of Housing and Judicial Affairs .
University policy is subject to change to comply with new local, state, or federal laws or changes in University operating procedures pertaining to drugs and/or the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The USCA Department of University Police works closely with the Campus Judicial Officer and other relevant offices to educate the student population concerning the responsible use of alcohol. Although every situation is different, officers typically refer student violators of alcohol and drug laws to the Campus Judicial Officer. Violations of the state’s underage drinking laws are usually handled by Campus Judicial Officer. Violations of drug laws, however, are usually disposed of through the local criminal justice system, in addition to referral to the Campus Judicial Officer.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG RESOURCES
There are a number of University and community resources available to provide information on the physical effects and social issues related to alcohol and other drug use, including, but not limited to: programs presented by Resident Assistants, the Peer Educators and USCA University Police.
As a result of a grant received from DAODAS, USCA has implemented a social norms program for the campus. A full description of these programs and others can be found (pages 42 - 52) in the USCA Student Handbook.
SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY
As a matter of policy, the faculty, staff and students that comprise the University of South Carolina Aiken will not tolerate sexual assault. The Sexual Assault policy may be viewed in its entirety (pages 53 - 58) in the USCA Student Handbook. Copies are also available in the Gregg-Graniteville Library.
The University of South Carolina Aiken is an educational institution bound by common standards of conduct and a commitment to its educational mission. Sexual assault is considered particularly abhorrent because it interferes with our educational mission:
- by endangering the physical and emotional safety
- by damaging trust
- by offending the dignity and violating autonomy
- by disrupting the academic progress of victims during their recovery
The purpose of this policy statement is to describe the University efforts to provide:
- resources aimed at reducing the risk of sexual assault, including educational programs for men and women
- a statement of expectations for behavior with regard to sexual conduct
- procedural interventions to offer support and information following a sexual assault, and
- campus judicial procedures that provide for the needs of victims and protect the rights of alleged assailants.
This policy is subject to change to comply with changes in relevant laws or University operating procedures or regulations.
VICTIM’S BILL OF RIGHTS
Victims of sexual assault who report their experience to University officials can anticipate that:
- All sexual assaults will be treated seriously.
- Victims will be treated with dignity and respect and in a non-judgmental manner.
- Campus organizations and services that can assist victims will be identified.
- When a crime is reported to University officials, those officials will offer assistance in notifying proper authorities.
- When victims report and choose to pursue action against alleged assailants, assaults will be investigated and adjudicated by appropriate criminal and/or University officials.
- University personnel will not discourage victims from reporting, nor encourage them to under-report the incident as a lesser crime.
- Victims may invite an advisor they choose to accompany them through University disciplinary proceedings.
- A victim will be notified of the outcome of related University discipline proceedings. The victim and charged student must respect the privacy rights of all involved.
- University personnel will cooperate in obtaining, securing and maintaining evidence (including a medical examination) necessary in legal proceedings.
- Victims will be made aware of any state or federal laws regarding mandatory testing of sexual assault suspects for communicable disease and whether these professionals can notify a victim of the results of these tests.
- Victims will be informed of mental health services available.
- Victims will be afforded the opportunity to request immediate on-campus housing relocation, transfer of classes, or other steps to prevent unnecessary or unwanted contact or proximity to an alleged assailant when reasonably available.
- All students have the right to an environment free from sexual or physical intimidation, or any continuing disruptive behavior, by persons sharing rooms or their guests, that would prevent a reasonable person from attaining their educational goals. Disruptive behavior of this nature should be reported to appropriate University staff, so it can be addressed.
- The sexual history of the victim is not considered relevant to the truth of the allegation; therefore, information regarding sexual history external to the relationship between the victim and the alleged assailant will not be considered in discipline hearings.
IF AN ASSAULT OCCURS ON CAMPUS
Contact USCA University Police at 648-4011 (6111 from a campus phone extension); or Rape Crisis Center at 641-4162 (after hours and weekends at 648-9900). The sooner a sexual assault is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. To facilitate evidence collection, the victim:
- Should not bathe or douche.
- Should not urinate.
- Should not drink any liquids.
- If oral contact has occurred, the victim should not smoke, eat or brush teeth.
- If clothes are changed, soiled clothes should be placed in a paper bag (plastic destroys crucial evidence).
USCA University Police may transport the victim to Aiken Regional Medical Center for medical attention and a rape protocol exam. If the victim does want not to contact the police, a friend or relative may transport the student to the hospital. When the victim arrives at the emergency room, the hospital may call the Rape Crisis Center to arrange for a victim advocate to accompany the victim throughout the exam and any law enforcement procedures. The hospital staff may also contact USCA University Police and/or the police where the incident occurred.
IF AN ASSAULT TAKES PLACE OFF-CAMPUS
Contact area police via 911 system (Aiken County) or if no 911 system is available, call your local police, or in Aiken call the Rape Crisis Center at 641-4162 (after hours and weekends at 648-9900). The sooner a sexual assault is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. To facilitate evidence collection, the victim:
- Should not bathe or douche.
- Should not urinate.
- Should not drink any liquids.
- If oral contact has occurred, the victim should not smoke, eat or brush teeth.
- If clothes are changed, soiled clothes should be placed in a paper bag (plastic destroys crucial evidence).
The police department with jurisdiction in the area will most often direct the victim to an area hospital for medical attention and a rape protocol exam. If the victim does not want to contact police, a friend or relative may transport the student to the hospital. When the victim arrives at the emergency room, the hospital staff may call a Rape Crisis Center in that area and/or may contact the local police where the incident occurred. The hospital staff may also contact USCA University Police.
If a victim chooses not to go to the hospital, the victim is strongly urged to seek appropriate medical attention.
REPORTING
All victims of sexual assault/battery are encouraged to report the incident to law enforcement agencies. Should the victim choose not to immediately involve law enforcement officials, the victim is strongly urged to go through the rape protocol exam for medical attention and for the purpose of preserving important physical evidence of the assault. This evidence may be used if the victim chooses to pursue legal prosecution at a later date. The rape protocol exam should be completed as soon as possible. Physical evidence can be obtained up to 72 hours after the assault, recognizing that as time passes, the quality of the evidence diminishes.
A student victim may also choose to file a report with USCA’s Campus Judicial Officer, the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services or the Director of the Counseling Center. An explanation of this procedure can be obtained in the student handbook. The disciplinary procedures are also described in a separate section below and published in the student handbook.
Whether or not legal or disciplinary action is desired, an anonymous report may be filed, at any time, with the Director of the Student Counseling Center. This report provides USCA staff with information about the crime that may be valuable in their efforts to prevent future crimes and educate other students about the high-risk areas. The Director of the Counseling Center can be reached by calling 641-3609.
DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR VICTIM AND/OR WITNESS
Witnesses to or victims of the above described sexual misconduct may wish to contact the Director of Housing and Judicial Affairs/Campus Judicial Officer if the accused is a USCA student. In this event, the Campus Judicial Officer will meet with the witness or victim to discuss the report and determine whether there is reason to believe a conduct code offense has occurred. At the same time, discipline procedures will be reviewed and the possible roles the witness or victim may play in the gathering of this information and/or the resolution of the complaint will be explored. A full description of these procedures can be found in the USCA Student Handbook.
FOLLOW UP AND RECOVERY SERVICES FOR VICTIM
Research has shown that follow-up counseling is of significant benefit to a victim of sexual assault and/or related trauma. This counseling may be initiated at any time after an assault (from hours to years).
On or off campus counseling and other services are available to a student victim whether or not the crime was reported or prosecuted.
The Rape Crisis Center (division of the Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons "CAAP") is an off-campus resource that provides short-term counseling, as well as crisis intervention. Services are provided for all victims, no matter when the assault occurred. Their 24-hour hotline number is 645-5500. A representative from the Cumbee Center works in the USCA Counseling Center several days each week and can be contacted at 641-3609.
The Student Counseling Center is an on-campus resource that provides free counseling to students. The phone number is 641-3609.
The Campus Judicial Officer can assist a victim with filing a discipline complaint, notifying instructors of absences or other needs, and/or helping a student withdraw.
DISCIPLINE POLICES AND PROCEDURES FOR ACCUSED PARTY
To begin discipline procedures, individuals thought to have relevant information or testimony, including the accused party, will be contacted and interviewed by appropriate University officials. If sufficient information is available to conclude there is reason to believe, or "reasonable grounds" to do so, the University will issue charges from the general student conduct regulations and will follow the judicial procedures for non-academic offenses as set forth in the USCA Student Handbook. A full description of these procedures, including follow up services for the accused party, can be found in the USCA Student Handbook. It is important to note that both the accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during disciplinary proceedings and that both shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense (the institution’s final determination and any sanction against the accused.
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING TO CAMPUS COMMUNITY
Federal law requires that timely notice of assaults be made to the campus community if it is felt that a threat to any other person(s) exists. In these cases, the Director of University Police, in consultation with the Vice Chancellor for Student Life and Services, will notify the campus community through whatever means are appropriate for the particular case.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The following offices within the University of South Carolina Aiken and the Aiken community provide a variety of educational offerings related to sexual assault, personal safety, appropriate use of alcohol, healthy relationships, etc.
For more information, the following offices should be contacted:
- USCA Counseling Center, Business and Education Building, Room 126, 641-3609
- USCA Peer Educators, Student Activities Center, 641-3412
- USCA Department of University Police, 648-4011 (from off campus) or 6111 (from on-campus)
- Cumbee Center to Assist Abused Persons, Rape Crisis Center, 641-4162.
- Aiken Regional Medical Center, The Resource Center, 655 Medical Park Dr., Aiken, 641 –5926
- Aiken-Barnwell Community Mental Health Ctr., l04 Florence St., Aiken, 641-7700.
In addition, the Director of University Police is a certified R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) instructor. RAD is a nationally syndicated program of self-defense for women only.
CAMPUS SEX CRIMES PREVENTION ACT
On October 27, 2002, the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (CSCPA) went into effect. The CSCPA is a federal law that was passed in Congress in October 2000 and signed by President Bill Clinton. Under this law, registered sex offenders must notify the state if they become employed, enroll as a student or volunteer at an institution of higher education.
Click here for the campus sex crimes prevention report for USCA.
CRIME STATISTICS
Providing crime statistics is part of crime awareness and prevention. Statistical data on reported criminal offenses and arrests on campus is provided in accordance with the Campus Security Act of 1990, as amended in October of 1998, and implementing federal regulations. The data covers a 12-month period (January 1 through December 31) for each year listed.
Click here for campus crime statistics report.
For more information on crime statistics, please contact Chief Findley at 803-641-3290 or by email at MikeF@usca.edu.
