Campus Safety Information and Crime Reporting Procedures

REFERENCE NUMBER:  1037
EFFECTIVE DATE: 01/09/2020

I. Introduction

At Hutchinson Community College, campus safety and security is a shared responsibility. All campus community members and visitors should be situationally aware of their surroundings. Being alert to one’s surroundings and using reason and caution daily activities, while on campus property, provides a degree of personal protection from crime.

HutchCC Campus Security personnel work with students and employees to make the campus as safe a place as possible for the entire campus community.

Campus Security Personnel are available 24 hours a day during the school year by calling (620) 665-3379 or 3379 from a HutchCC telephone.

Questions about campus safety and security should be addressed to the Campus Security Office, located in the Office Technologies Building on Main Campus, at (620) 665-3379 or by email at safety@hutchcc.edu. Office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. The Campus Security Office is closed during recognized Holidays.

II. Enforcement Activity of Campus Security Personnel

The security philosophy of HutchCC is to provide assistance, observation, and support. Campus Security personnel do not carry firearms and are not sworn law enforcement officials, and, as such, do not possess the authority to make arrests.

The Campus Security Office, which provides security-related patrols and services at all Main Campus buildings and properties, maintains a highly professional working relationship with state and local law enforcement agencies with jurisdictional authority at all HutchCC locations. Campus Security personnel work closely with members of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies without the use of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). These working relationships are maintained through periodic communications among agency administrators and frequent contacts between line officers and investigators cooperating on specific cases.

Campus Security does not provide regular patrols or services at HutchCC-Fort Riley, HutchCC-McPherson, HuchCC-Newton, HutchCC-South, or any other HutchCC owned, operated, or controlled property not affiliated with Main Campus.

III. Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies

Main Campus – Any emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity observed on or near Main Campus should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911 and then to Campus Security (620) 665-3379.

HutchCC-Fort Riley – Any emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity observed on or near the HutchCC-Fort Riley location should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911 or by contacting the 97th Military Police Battalion (785) 239-2117.

HutchCC-McPherson – Any emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity observed on or near the HutchCC-McPherson location should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911.

HutchCC-Newton – Any emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity observed on or near the HutchCC-Newton location should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911.

HutchCC-South – Any emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity observed on or near the HutchCC-South location should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911.

Any off-campus emergency, criminal action, or suspected criminal activity that is observed should be immediately reported to local law enforcement by dialing 911.

The College does not regularly monitor or record, through local law enforcement agencies, criminal activity of students engaged at off-campus locations, nor does the College officially recognize any student organizations with off-campus housing facilities.

IV. Voluntary Confidential Crime Reporting

Persons desiring to voluntarily and confidentially report a crime to the College—including Campus Security—may do so through the HutchCC online reporting portal, called TIPS. The TIPS reporting portal is intended for non-emergency reporting situations. It may be accessed via the TIPS button or icon, located in the footer of the College public homepage, on the “Campus Safety & Compliance” webpage, or through a related URL disseminated to students and employees each semester via the Announcements tab of DragonZone. Additionally, the TIPS platform may be accessed directly here.

Individuals may also choose to file a confidential tip or report of a crime directly to law enforcement through both the Kansas Bureau of Investigation’s tip line, 1-800-KS-Crime (57-27463), and the related KBI reporting website.

V. Prompt and Accurate Reporting of All Crimes

HutchCC supports a violence-free campus. Prevention, deterrence, and response to violence are of the utmost importance. Campus Security personnel encourage the prompt reporting of all crimes and suspicious activities. Such reporting of crimes is promoted through various printed and online safety-related materials provided to students and employees and through targeted trainings.

If a crime victim does not wish to report to law enforcement authorities, however, a report may be made to Campus Security (620) 665-3379 or a Campus Security Authority (CSA). A CSA is any official with a significant responsibility for student and campus activity, a campus security officer, or individuals who are responsible for campus security or have been designated to receive crime reports.

Crime victims also maintain the right to decline to report an incident to law enforcement if or when such an offer to do so is made by Campus Security personnel or a CSA. Each person identified by the College as a CSA should submit reportable offenses to Campus Security as they occur throughout the year.

CSAs play an integral role in the reporting process aimed at supporting victims and protecting the overall campus community. CSAs are not responsible for determining if a crime took place, convincing the victim to contact law enforcement, investigating the alleged crime, or finding and/or arresting the perpetrator.

In addition to Campus Security personnel, CSAs include the following College officials:

The list of CSAs is subject to modification and is not intended to be all inclusive, due to changes in responsibilities within the College and varying job titles across campuses.

Although exempt from the reporting requirements, HutchCC professional licensed mental health counselors—whose primary responsibility is to provide care to students—are encouraged, but are not required, to discuss options with their clients for reporting crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the College’s annual disclosure of crime statistics.

An individual who desires to confidentially report a crime without such information being shared to local law enforcement, Campus Security, or a CSA may speak voluntarily with one of the HutchCC menthal health counselors. Counselors, who have legally protected confidentiality, are available for counseling and assistance during regular business hours in the Student Success Center (620) 665-3377 on Main Campus, as well as during regular business hours at the HutchCC-McPherson location (620) 245-0202 and the HutchCC-Newton location (316) 283-7000. Such services are also available on an “as arranged” basis at HutchCC-Fort Riley, through coordination with the Student Success Center’s Coordinator of Guidance & Counseling. Although counseling services are not available at HutchCC-South, students may access such services through Main Campus.

Information shared with HutchCC mental health counselors will remain confidential and will not be shared without expressed, written permission of the individual seeking services.

VI. Disclosure of Disposition to a Crime Victim

When a student or employee reports to the College that they have been a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking in the College’s programs and activities, whether the offense occurred on or off campus, the College will provide the student or employee a written explanation of their rights and options for resolving the allegations via the HutchCC “Guide on Sexual Misconduct: Campus Policies & Procedures, Victim Services, and Resources.” The document, which is separate and distinct from the College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, details reporting and response information and both links to and summarizes the institution’s related disciplinary procedures. In addition to regular, campus-wide distribution, this document is also provided on an individual basis to any person who reports an incident of sexual misconduct to HutchCC. It is also made publicly available through the HutchCC Campus Safety and Compliance webpage. Similar content is further provided to both students and employees in the resources tabs contained within their respective online prevention education training programs.

Under the HutchCC Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures (Policy 1089), the Coordinator of Equity & Compliance will notify the reporting party and the Responding party simultaneously in writing of the investigation and formal resolution outcome regarding incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, gender-based violence, or the crimes of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, or domestic violence.

Additionally, the College will, as per the Disciplinary Proceedings Student Code of Conduct (Policy 1047), disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such a crime or offense. In circumstances in which the victim is deceased, the College will notify the individual’s emergency contact and/or next of kin of the outcome.

VII. Current Policies for Securing and Restricting Access

General Access

Most non-residential campus facilities located on Main Campus are open to the public during regular, publicly posted hours of operation. Typically, such hours are from 7:00am to 10:00pm. If the hours of a facility differ from normal operating hours, a sign posted at the main entrance of the facility indicates the hours of access. Facilities staff members regularly lock exterior building doors after evening classes and activities have concluded. On weekdays, facilities staff unlock Main Campus exterior building doors and typically assist specific academic departments by unlocking designated classrooms. Similarly, for scheduled weekend events and activities on Main Campus, facilities staff unlock the specific exterior building doors and relevant classrooms and then lock them once such events and activities have concluded.

HutchCC-Fort Riley offices and classrooms are not generally open to the public, as the facility is located within the Fort Riley military installation and is thus secured and patrolled by military police personnel separate and independent from the College.

The HutchCC-McPherson and HutchCC-Newton locations are open to the public during regular, publicly posted hours of operation. Typically, such hours are 8:00am to 9:00pm Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm on Friday, and from 8:30am to 1:00pm on selected Saturdays. Designated staff members at these locations are responsible for both locking and unlocking exterior building doors in preparation for and upon conclusion of normal hours.

The HutchCC-South facilities are not generally open to the public and are instead intended for use only by the students and employees of the specific programs operating from that location or upon special arrangement. Designated staff members from those specific programs are responsible for both locking and unlocking exterior doors of their respective building(s).

The HutchCC Community Services and Use of College Facilities Policy (Policy 1186) outlines the College’s commitment to life-long learning and the HutchCC Board of Trustees’ belief that the resources and facilities of the College should be made available to all citizens of the community. The Board recognizes, however, that its first priority must be the educational program for college students and, as such, that the institution has first priority in use. Under this policy, and the related Use of College Facilities and Property (Policy 1137), the College President develops the administrative procedures that enhance, encourage, and coordinate community use of facilities with regular use.

The HutchCC Facilities Use Procedure details the processes by which the College facilities and classrooms may be reserved and utilized by outside entities. The same document also describes the general administrative regulations, standards, emergency procedures, fee structure, and reservation request forms for such use. Those persons or groups utilizing College facilities may be required to contact Campus Security for security needs.

Further guidance regarding the specific rental and use of the Hutchinson Sports Arena is provided by the HutchCC Hutchinson Sports Arena Rental Procedure.

The HutchCC Requesting Keys Policy (Policy 1631) explains how College keys are issued and the necessary procedures to be followed if a key is lost or stolen. Official records regarding key creation, assignment, and management is maintained by the Facilities Office through a designated, internal website.

Residence Hall Access

As further detailed in the Residence Life Handbook, access to HutchCC residence halls is restricted. Residence halls are equipped with an electronic door system that automatically locks and unlocks the doors at specific times. To gain authorized access into the residence halls, individuals must swipe their security card (HutchCC Student Identification Card) in the designated card reader. Student identification cards only provide access into the residence hall in which a student resides.

The College residence halls are open to authorized visitors of the opposite gender during the designated times listed below:

Guests of the same gender may visit the residence halls at any time; however, guests are asked to limit their stay to no more than two (2) consecutive nights. Guests who are not immediate family members must be at least 18 years of age in order to be admitted to the residence halls. High school students who are not immediate family members are not permitted to enter the residence halls unless accompanied by a HutchCC staff member.

Parking and Athletic Facilities Access

College controlled parking facilities on or adjacent to Main Campus are restricted to vehicles with valid parking permits and are patrolled on a regular basis by Campus Security personnel.

College controlled athletic facilities and events are restricted to paying customers, students with current student identification cards, and employees with an All Sports Ticket. Access during athletic events is controlled and security is provided as needed and required.

Any unauthorized person(s) found using HutchCC property and/or equipment or behaving in a manner that is not conducive to the maintenance of a proper educational environment will be asked to leave the campus at once. If there is a repeat offense or if such a person(s) refuses the request, local law enforcement officers may be called to campus to issue a trespassing citation.

VIII. Current Policies for Publicizing Security Efforts

The Coordinator of Campus Safety offers information on campus safety and campus crime prevention. A standing subcommittee — the HutchCC Safety and Security Subcommittee — makes recommendations for improving campus safety and preventing campus crime. This committee (consisting of both students and employees) seeks college-wide involvement in its activities. The Coordinator of Campus Safety is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the HutchCC security efforts. This person reports to and receives directions from the Director of Facilities, who in turn receives recommendations from the HutchCC Safety and Security Subcommittee.

Programs to Inform Employees and Students About Campus Security

The HutchCC Facilities Office, Campus Security Office, Office of Equity & Compliance, Office of Human Resources, and other offices conduct training and orientation sessions for students and employees on an ad hoc basis, along with periodic awareness events, and public service announcements. Students are provided safety information on an annual basis as part of the HutchCC Student Handbook. Residence Life staff members provide personal safety and residence hall safety information to residents, when necessary, as part of regular floor meetings.

The HutchCC Student Success Center, the Student Services Office, and the Office of Equity & Compliance provide numerous harm-reduction presentations and educational materials throughout the year for the college community. Presentation topics include alcohol and drug abuse, hazing, sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking.

A common theme found in HutchCC safety awareness content is that all college community members are responsible for their own security and the security of others.

In addition to periodic safety and awareness trainings, safety information is shared regularly to the HutchCC community through brochures, the public website, intranet, and emails, and public service announcements. The HutchCC “Campus Safety and Compliance” webpage provides access to the College’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, policies, procedures, contact information, and general safety tips.

 

IX. Protecting Yourself From Campus Crime

The following information presents ideas and instructions that can aid in preventing possible criminal activity and assault:

Important Contact Information

General Campus Safety Tips

Residence Hall Safety Tips

Office Safety Tips

Motor Vehicle Safety Tips

X. Campus Crime Statistics and Annual Security Report

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the College publishes its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR) on or before October 1 for the preceding calendar year. The Office of Equity & Compliance, the Campus Security Office, and the Facilities Office jointly prepare the report. Crime statistics documented within the ASR are reported to and may be examined at the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security website.

The Coordinator of Equity & Compliance and the Coordinator of Campus Safety, working in collaboration with relevant campus officials and law enforcement agencies, author the ASR based upon:

Crime statistics for the ASR are collected from Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) and the HutchCC Daily Crime log, and are solicited jointly by the Coordinators of Equity & Compliance and Campus Safety from all law enforcement agencies in Harvey County, McPherson County, and Reno County, as well as Fort Riley Military Police, that have or share law enforcement jurisdiction for College locations and other College property.

The Vice President of Student Services and the Director of Residence Life provide the authors with disciplinary statistics for the report concerning alcohol, drug, and weapon violations of the Disciplinary Proceedings Policy (Policy 1047) and the Coordinator of Equity & Compliance provides statistics regarding reported incidents of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking incidents alleged to have occurred within the Clery Act Geography of the College.

Each year, an email notification is sent to all students and employees providing the weblink to the ASR; the report is also made available in both printable and downloadable form via the HutchCC public website. Additionally, members of the public, including the media, may obtain paper copies, by request, through the Office of Equity & Compliance or the Campus Security Office.

Prospective students are provided access to this ASR or its related weblink by the Office of Admissions through its official homepage and online student application. Prospective employees are provided access to this ASR or its related weblink by the Office of Human Resources through its official homepage and online employee application.

For purposes of compiling the ASR and reporting campus crime statistics, as required under the Clery Act, HutchCC reports all reported incidents for the following:

Criminal Offenses

Hate Crime Offenses

A Hate Crime is a criminal offense that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias against the victim. Any of the aforementioned criminal offenses reported to local law enforcement, Campus Security, or a CSA is counted as a hate crime.

Although there are many possible categories of bias, only the following eight categories are reported under the Clery Act: race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, and disability.

In addition to the Hate Crime offenses, four additional categories of offenses are reported as Clery Act offenses if (and only if) they are Hate Crimes:

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Offenses

Arrests and Disciplinary Referrals

In accordance with the Clery Act, the College must also report arrests and referrals for disciplinary action for liquor law violations, drug law violations, and weapons law violations. However, referrals based solely on College policy, where there is no alleged violation of the law, are not counted. A referral for disciplinary action is defined as the referral of any person to any official who initiates a disciplinary action of which a record is established and which may result in the imposition of a sanction.

The following College policies specifically address prohibitions regarding liquor, drugs, and weapons:

Crime Statistics Geography

The HutchCC Office of Equity & Compliance, in conjunction with the Campus Security Office, compiles annual crime statistics for any of the above-referenced Clery Act incidents which occur or were reported to have occurred at:

 

XI. Campus Housing Fire Statistics and Annual Fire Safety Report

Overview

The Campus Fire Safety Right-to-Know Act requires academic institutions to produce an annual fire safety report. This law specifically requires colleges and universities that maintain on-campus housing facilities to compile an annual fire safety report that gives students, parents, and the public current information about fires in on-campus housing. Colleges are also required to maintain a fire log that captures specific information about fires that occur in on-campus housing. The log is required to include the date, time, and cause of each fire as well the number of injuries requiring treatment, the number of deaths, and the value of property damage associated with each fire.

The HutchCC Offices of Equity & Compliance, Facilities, Residence Life, and Campus Security jointly prepare this report to comply with that law. As such, all currently enrolled students, employees, and all prospective students and prospective employees of the College are entitled to request and receive a copy of its Annual Campus Fire Safety Report, which is disseminated in conjunction with its Annual Security Report. The HutchCC Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (ASR) is published each year on or before October 1 by the Coordinator of Equity & Compliance.

The Coordinator of Equity & Compliance and the Coordinator of Campus Safety, working in collaboration with relevant campus officials, author the ASR based upon:

Notification

The ASR is published each year on or before October 1. Each year, an email notification is sent to all students and employees providing the weblink to the ASR; the report is also made available in both printable and downloadable form via the HutchCC public website. Additionally, members of the public, including the media, may obtain paper copies, by request, through the Office of Equity & Compliance or the Campus Security Office.

Prospective students are provided access to this ASR or its related weblink by the Office of Admissions through its official homepage and online student application. Prospective employees are provided access to this ASR or its related weblink by the Office of Human Resources through its official homepage and online employee application.

Fire Log

The HutchCC Campus Security Office, in cooperation with the Facilities Office, the Residence Life Office, and the Office of Equity & Compliance, maintains a fire log for Main Campus. Main Campus is the only HutchCC location which maintains on-campus student housing and includes information about fires at the College. The log includes the following information:

Fire log entries include all fires reported to Campus Security for the required geographic locations.

An entry, an addition to an entry, or a change in the disposition of a reported fire, must be recorded within two business days of the reporting of the information to the HutchCC Campus Security Office. Also, log entries older than 60 days can be obtained by request within two (2) business days of request.

The fire log for the most recent 60-day period is open to public inspection, free of charge and upon request, during normal business hours. Anyone may have access to the log, whether or not they are associated with the College, including media. Any portion of the log that is older than 60 days will be made available within two business days of a request for public inspection.

Anyone with information warranting inclusion in the fire log or annual fire safety report should report such information to any of the following College officials:

College Owned & Controlled Student Housing

The College owns and operates two residence Halls, Elland Hall & Suites and Kent Hall, at its Main Campus location. Each residence hall maintains a comprehensive fire alarm system which is monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Additionally, the College also owns and operates two single-story apartment-style residences, Dragons’ Landing #1 and Dragons’ Landing #2, at its Main Campus location. Each apartment-style residence maintains a fire alarm system which is monitored 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

HutchCC-Fort Riley, HutchCC-McPherson, HutchCC-Newton, and HutchCC-South do not have on-campus housing.

XII. Referenced & Related HutchCC Policies and Procedures