The purpose of this policy
is to establish Duquesne University’s
compliance with The College and University Security
Information Act (PA Act 73) and the Crime Awareness
and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Pub L. 101-542
as amended by The Higher Education Technical
Amendments Act of 1991). A copy of this policy
is available to all students, employees, and
applicants to the University on the Public Safety
Department Web site.
A. CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Department of Public Safety
is charged with the responsibility of security
and law enforcement on campus. The Department
employs sworn police officers along with non-sworn
security assistants and support staff. All police
officers must successfully complete training
at an approved police academy. The training
curriculum is as mandated by the Pennsylvania
Municipal Police Officers Education and Training
commission, and includes such topics as criminal
law and procedures, patrol and investigation
practices and techniques, firearms, human values
and problems, first aid, and physical training.
In addition, in service training programs are
presented to update and enhance the professional
skills of the officers.
University police officers
are vested with all the powers, authority, and
responsibilities of any police office of the
Commonwealth on properties owned or operated
by the University, including immediate adjacent
public streets and property. The Department
of Public Safety cooperates fully with local
and state law enforcement agencies in cases
which involve both on campus and off-campus
jurisdictions, or when the resources of another
agency can be used to facilitate the resolution
of an investigation.
Criminal incidents are reported
to state and local police agencies by the Department
of Public Safety at such times and in such forms
as required by law, in addition to the cooperative
efforts discussed above. Students involved in
incidents off campus will be assisted in any
way possible by the appropriate campus agency.
An ongoing dialogue is maintained between the
Department and local law enforcement agencies
to disseminate information of pertinence to
current investigations.
The use of weapons by University
police personnel is governed by state law and
by departmental regulation. The use or possession
of firearms or other weapons by students, employees
or visitors while on campus is not permitted.
B. REPORTING CRIMINAL
ACTIONS OR OTHER EMERGENCIES
Members of the University
community are urged to notify the Department
of Public Safety immediately of any criminal
activity or other emergency that occurs on campus.
Security personnel will respond quickly and
initiate whatever action is necessary to resolve
the emergency, including the activation of off-campus
police, fire or medical agencies when appropriate.
A special emergency telephone number, 4747,
has been designated and advertised throughout
the campus community, in addition to the City’s
911 emergency number.
C. POLICY STATEMENT
ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE
Duquesne University will not
tolerate sexual assault or abuse, such as rape
(including acquaintance rape) or other forms
of nonconsensual sexual activity. These acts
degrade the victims, our campus community, and
society in general. While the University cannot
control all the factors in society that lead
to sexual assault and abuse, the University
strives to create an environment that is free
of acts of violence.
Violations of this policy
will result in disciplinary action, which may
include separation from the University.
Sexual assault and abuse is
nonconsensual physical contact of a sexual nature.
Sexual assault and abuse can occur between acquaintances
or parties unknown to each other. Incidents
of sexual assault of abuse should be reported
immediately to the University Department of
Public Safety or to any campus police officer
or security officer.
D. PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE
CAMPUS SAFETY Continual efforts are
made to inform the University community of matters
that affect personal safety and wellbeing. The
Duquesne University Department of Public Safety
offers a variety of ongoing programs designed
to educate and sensitize members of the community
to crime prevention and safety issues, particularly
the recognition and appraisal of a crime risk
and the most effective protective measures.
These are offered for residence hall groups,
new student orientations, student interest groups,
and employee training programs.
E. REPORTING AND DISSEMINATION
OF INFORMATION
A summary of reported crimes
is published on the Department of Public Safety
Web site to ensure that the community is kept
informed of the types of situations occurring.
Moreover, special notices are published in a
timely manner to publicize violent crimes or
perceived patterns of crime in a particular
area, to heighten awareness and aid in the prevention
of recurrences. Further, Duquesne University
will annually publish to the University community
data relating to the number and per capita rate
of certain types of crimes reported to have
occurred at the institution and the security
measures that are in place to reduce the risk
of criminal victimization for members of the
community.
F. INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
Each employee and student is ultimately responsible
for the maintenance of a crime free environment
through voluntary adherence to this policy.
Questions concerning the interpretation or implementation
of this policy should be directed to the appropriate
Divisional Vice President or University General
Counsel.
