The University Police Department is a service-oriented law enforcement agency responsible for providing a full range of law enforcement and security services to the campus of Western Carolina University. We are also responsible for administering the campus parking and traffic programs. Our goals are:
University police officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Patrol is conducted in marked and unmarked police vehicles, on bicycles, and on foot. The vast majority of our patrol efforts are accomplished in marked patrol vehicles and in uniform under the assumption that the presence of highly visible police officers will deter criminal activity and traffic violations and help the members of our community feel safe. Officers on patrol are watching for driving patterns that may endanger innocent members of the community, vehicles and people that appear to be out of place or acting suspiciously, physical security problems, and violations in progress.
Officers are authorized to stop individuals on campus and request identification. University policy contained in the Student Code of Conduct requires that students carry their identification with them at all times and identify themselves when requested.http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook/.
Our student security workers (Catamount Rangers) patrol the campus in plain clothes and unmarked vehicles to supplement the high-visibility patrol of our uniformed officers. They carry police radios and observe areas where problems are being experienced. They also conduct security checks of buildings on campus.
Officers can be summoned by dialing 911 on any campus telephone in any emergency: police, fire, or medical. In a non-emergency or from off campus, dial 227-7301 to contact the University Police. Western Carolina operates a 24-hour telecommunications center that handles calls from the public and dispatches officers when necessary. You may also use one of the blue light phones placed at various locations on campus (See Blue Light Phones below).
The University Police Department is located in the Outreach Center Annex which is behind the Outreach Center. The office is open for walk-in contact 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
REPORTING CRIME AND SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
You can help keep the Western Carolina University campus a safe place for yourself and others by promptly reporting crimes or suspicious circumstances. If you witness a crime it is your responsibility to report the crime to the University Police.
State Employees
All employees of the State of North Carolina are required by law to report incidents of theft, misuse, or abuse of state property within 72 hours to University Police.
It is the policy of the University Police to investigate every report. If technical expertise or additional investigative help is needed, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) may be called to assist.
If crimes happen off campus, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department is likely to be the primary investigative agency with WCU investigators providing support if requested. From an off-campus phone you my reach the Sheriffs office in an emergency by dialing 911. From on-campus phones and for off-campus non-emergencies you may reach the Sheriff's office by calling 586-1911.
Persons who are victimized while on the premises of the Cherokee Center should report the incident to the Cherokee Police Department (497-4131) and to the Director of the Cherokee Center (497-7920).
WCU students and faculty who are victimized while on the UNCA campus should report those incidents to the UNCA Public Safety Office by going to that office in Vance Hall or by calling 257-6710.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL:
UNIVERSITY POLICE--227-7301
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF--586-1911
SYLVA POLICE DEPARTMENT--586-2916
BLUE LIGHT/EMERGENCY TELEPHONES
There are emergency telephones/radios located around the campus for your use and protection. In addition, telephones that have a button that automatically dials 911 are located outside each residence hall.
There is also a blue light telephone located in front of the Jordan/Phillips Field House that serves as an emergency phone and as a means for disabled persons to conduct business with the Traffic Office.
There are blue light boxes located around campus that allow the user to speak directly with police personnel by radio. These boxes are located in the following areas:
| 1. | Walker A lot | 2 |
| 2. | Jogging Trail | 1 |
| 3. | The Village | 3 |
| 4. | Print Shop | 1 |
| 5. | Bookstore | 1 |
| 6. | Library | 1 |
| 7. | Baptist Church lot | 1 |
| 8. | Joyner Plaza | 1 |
| 9. | Brown Cafeteria | 1 |
| 10. | Killian Plaza | 1 |
| 11. | Field House lot | 1 |
| 12. | Baseball Field lot | 2 |
| 13. | Lower Helder lot | 1 |
| 14. | Residence Halls (except Central Drive) |
10 |
| Current Total | 27 |
(One or two new boxes will be installed in the new south baseball field lot upon completion of the construction project.)
When one of these radio boxes is activated, a signal and recorded message is transmitted identifying the location of the box. Officers are instructed to immediately proceed toward that location as telecommunicators respond by radio to the person who activated the device. Telecommunicators instruct the caller to push the button to talk and release it to listen.
These communications devices may be used by anyone who needs any kind of police assistance, emergency or non-emergency. They have been installed for your safety and convenience. But, remember that it is a violation of state law to cause an unauthorized transmission to be broadcast over police frequencies. It is also a violation of state law to file a false policy report. Causing false transmissions from these emergency devices will be prosecuted.
13 Sworn, armed police officers
1 Security guard
10 part-time auxiliary officers and supplemental security guards used for special events
10-15 Student Workers
2 full-time office personnel
2 full-time telecommunicators
10 part-time office workers, student workers, and telecommunicators
The sworn police officers are certified as law enforcement officers by the N. C. Attorney General and are empowered to make arrests under N. C. General Statute 166-40.5. Their training exceeds the requirements set by the N.C. Criminal Justice Standards Commission. Training is a continuous process for all employees of the University Police Department and the Traffic Office.
We do not have the staffing levels necessary to assist students, faculty, and staff who may need to have their cars unlocked at off-campus locations. We will provide this service at the businesses along Centennial Drive, but we must limit these activities to campus property in all other cases.
CUSTOMER SERVICE (THE SERVICE-ORIENTED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY)
We recognize that as university police officers, we serve a different clientele than most police agencies. The average educational level of our clientele is above the high school level. For the most part, they are middle to upper middle class. Our clientele demands a higher quality of law enforcement than is expected of some other police agencies.
We understand that one of our most important responsibilities as university police officers is education and that every one of our police officers must be an educator. We must help our clientele learn how to live in our larger society where crime and disruption frequently affect our lives.
We must keep our community informed on criminal acts and threats to their safety and security. We must attempt in our programming and our contacts to teach students, faculty, and staff how they can protect themselves from the affects of crime. We must also help them to recognize, identify, and utilize support systems that are available to them when they need assistance, when they are in crisis, or when they are victimized. We must encourage them to accept their responsibility for security on campus.
We understand that our students are "testing the waters" of their freedom and self-reliance. They will make mistakes. We understand and accept our responsibility as social educators. We want to help them understand the responsibilities and limitations that go along with their newly found freedom: limitations and responsibilities drawn not only by the law and University policy, but also by accepted rules of civility and courtesy and standards of respect for other people and the property of others. We promote the concept that laws are "minimum" standards of behavior. We want our students to learn to live under higher standards of self-control and social conduct.
In our field, the customer service maxim of "the customer is always right" cannot apply. We know that not only are our customers not always right, sometimes they are criminally and tragically wrong. But, we can utilize our powers of enforcement as an educational tool. We can be helpful. We can be polite. We can explain laws and rules. We can teach. In instances where a law is violated, we can police with compassion for both the victim and the offender.
We can counsel in a crisis. We can mediate conflicts. We can provide advice and guidance. We can listen openly to comments and constructive criticism from our clientele. We can and we do try to mold efforts to the needs and the demands of the community that we serve.
We recognize that members of our community will from time to time violate rules, policies, and laws. Even under our service oriented philosophy, we also understand that the concept that college students and employees who violate the law should be treated differently than members of the general public who violate rules or laws sets up some difficult moral and ethical questions. Should a college student violates a law on campus be treated differently than a non-student between the ages of 18 and 25 who violates a law off campus?
The decision to prosecute criminally must rest with the officer addressing a violation in consultation with the victim of the offense, when a victim exists. Officers are trained thoroughly in applying laws and rules in an impartial manner. The officer makes a decision based on what is fair to the offender, what is fair to the victim, and what is fair to the University, and what is fair within the larger society. The officer also bases the decision on the seriousness of the offense, prior offenses committed by the person in question, the amount of harm done to the victim or the victim’s property, the potential for property loss or injury for the violator, the victim, or innocent bystanders, the number of innocent people affected, the amount of disruption and disorder caused by the offense, the attitude of the offender, and the potential for additional harm or injury to the offender, the victim, or the victim’s property in the future.
Finally, officers factor in their own role as an educator. What level of action is necessary to provide an "educational experience" necessary to prevent future violations?
In most cases, our individual officers make these decisions. In some cases, they consult their supervisors. In other cases, a decision is made jointly among the officer, the supervisor, the Director of University Police, the District Attorney, Student Affairs representatives, and other key players.
Every officer has these alternatives when making an enforcement decision when a violation of University policy or criminal law occurs:
University Police officers’ powers of search and seizure are regulated by the same statutory procedural rules that govern all other law enforcement officers. Officers have received extensive training in these regulations and are adept at applying them to a variety of situations. The rules can be found in Chapter 15A-201 through 15A-299 of the N. C. General Statutes.
Searches and seizures routinely require a search warrant except under some exigent circumstances. These circumstances includes searches conducted with the consent of the owner of the property to be searched, searches conducted incident to a lawful arrest, and emergency searches conducted without a warrant when there is a possibility that evidence will be destroyed, suspect(s) may escape, or lives are threatened.
In addition, there are situations identified as "non-searches" where officers may react lawfully. Contraband items left in plain view may be confiscated immediately and the owner or controller of the property charged with a crime where appropriate. Contraband items that are abandoned may be seized. Contraband items include drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol in the possession of underage persons, weapons, and stolen property (such as street signs).
An individual may not interfere with a lawful search. To do so could result in criminal charges whether or not illegal items are found as a result of the search. The law does give a person the right to resist an unlawful search, but many a person who believed that they knew the law and resisted have found that they were mistaken about what they thought an officer could do and wound up with convictions for additional offenses.
The place to contest a search that is suspected to be unlawful is in court or through the supervisory channels of the University, not by active resistance to a law enforcement officer.
COMMUNITY POLICING/VICTIM-ORIENTED POLICING
Community Policing
Community policing is a philosophical approach to the provision of law enforcement services that addresses crime, disruption, disorder, and other problems within the community through a team approach. The team approach encourages the participation of students, staff members, faculty members, administrators, other service agencies and other law enforcement agencies, and our own police staff in addressing the security and safety needs of the community. Community policing recognizes that our 13 officers cannot secure the campus alone. We need the assistance of all members of our community and the assistance of other support and service agencies that are available to us.
Victim-Oriented Policing
Western Carolina University gives its community policing efforts additional focus through our victim-oriented policing model. Victim-oriented policing is a style of community-based policing which focuses on providing professional police services to victims and potential victims of criminal activity. The primary focus is to help victims and potential victims: to activate supports systems; to activate University disciplinary procedures; to initiate criminal investigation, legal protective controls, and criminal charges when necessary; and to help the victim or potential victim understand and feel as comfortable as possible with the processes as they proceed.
Victim-oriented policing recognizes that every member of the community has a right to conduct their lives and their academic pursuits in an atmosphere that is relatively free of the fear of crime. When a person is victimized or placed in a position where they are fearful, the University must respond. Our police officers are in a unique position to provide a helpful and appropriate response to these people in need.
It presents the police officer to the public in a professional manner through purposeful public contact designed to prevent criminal activity and to solve crimes when they occur. It goes beyond the "officer friendly" approach of some community policing programs and places the police officers in a position where they can use and demonstrate their expertise in criminal law, investigation, and crime prevention for the benefit of the members of the community they serve.
Officers are encouraged to talk to members of the community about any problem and to try to help community members find a way to solve that problem. But, victim-oriented policing recognizes that a police officer cannot be all things to all people. It allows the officers to work in their professional comfort zones applying their knowledge of the University policy and support systems, the law, the criminal justice system, and support services outside the University to help students, staff, and faculty address problems that they encounter.
In normal circumstances, police officers do not patrol the living area of residence halls. Victim-oriented policing gives an officer an articulable reason to enter the living area of a residence hall that can be easily explained to members of the public. Those reasons are (1) response to calls for service; (2) investigation of incidents which have occurred including the search for evidence and witnesses; and (3) distribution of information about crimes and violations which have occurred which may help members of the community learn how to protect themselves.
In situations where major crimes have occurred in a residence hall or any other building or area on campus, where a series of events have occurred which disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of a living area (such as repeated fire alarms, vandalisms, or thefts), or where reports are received of frequent underage drinking or drug use, officers will be instructed by the Director of University Police or by their supervisor to initiate directed patrol in that specific area. This may include the living areas of the residence halls. The focus of the patrol will be to prevent repeated offenses, restore order, identify and apprehend violators, collect evidence and identify witnesses, and distribute crime prevention information.
While officers generally do not conduct routine patrol activities within the living areas of the residence halls, they will gladly accompany Housing staff members on rounds in the residence halls upon request when their workload allows.
The Catamount Ranger program establishes an organization of students who supplement the University Police efforts. Rangers provide security services and traffic control at concerts, athletic events, and other special activities on campus. They supplement the preventive patrol of our police officers by checking the exterior security of buildings at night and reporting security violations they find.
Rangers do not have the power of arrest, but serve as additional eyes and ears for our regular officers. In some cases, they are used to maintain surveillance on areas like the overflow parking lots when we experience a series of thefts or vandalisms in a specific area.
They are equipped with radios and flashlights. They do not carry weapons.
Any student who is interested in participating in the program may contact our crime prevention office at 227-7301. Our crime prevention officer maintains and supervises a staff of approximately ten students per semester in the Ranger program. These are paid positions.
In 1990, the reporting of crime statistics became mandatory for all colleges and universities that receive federal funds. But, Western Carolina has been collecting and publishing its crime statistics since 1974.
Crime statistics are available in the format required by the Jeanne Clery Act at http://www.wcu.edu/5061.asp. More complete crime statistics and statistics on other law enforcement activity are included on the University Police Homepage at http://police.wcu.edu/
Official crime statistics from Western Carolina, Jackson County, and all other reporting jurisdictions in Jackson County are available in the publication Crime in North Carolina from the N. C. Department of Justice every year. This publication is available at Hunter Library, local libraries, and may be available on-line from the N. C. Attorney General’s Office.
ANNUAL SAFETY REPORT (CLERY ACT)
Western Carolina University publishes its annual crime statistics and security policies in its Annual Safety Report. The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for the publication of the report. University Police collect statistics for inclusion in the report and maintain files on timely warnings that are issued to the community.
This report is available at http://www.wcu.edu/5061.asp and includes the following topics:
Locks and Lighting
Law Enforcement and Investigation
Crime Prevention Programming
Notification of Public Danger (Timely Warning)
Sexual Assault Policy
Drugs on Campus
Alcohol on Campus
Crime Statistics in required categories for the past three calendar years
NOTIFICATION OF PUBLIC DANGER (TIMELY WARNING)
If a situation develops that is judged to pose a threat to the campus community, normally the Office of Public Information will issue a statement describing the nature of the threat. In some cases that may involve a limited portion of the university community, the department of university housing, the university police, or another appropriate office may issue the warning. The statement will be released in one or more ways, including broadcast by the campus radio station, publication in the student newspaper, and distribution in residence halls, academic and administrative departments, and/or e-mail notification when appropriate. If the situation warrants, the University Police will make and document personal notification. The University Police will maintain a log of all situations warranting a timely warning and will maintain copies of the official notices.
SPEED LIMITAND MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS (CAMPUS WIDE)The campus wide speed limit 20 miles per hour and is enforced by University police officers. University Police vehicles are equipped with radar instruments.
All NC motor vehicle laws apply on the campus of Western Carolina University and are enforced by our officers. All motor vehicles must have registration plates and insurance. All drivers on campus must have valid operator’s licenses in their home state and valid driving privileges in North Carolina.
Officers may enforce motor vehicle laws by any of these options: verbal warning; campus citation which carries no insurance points and does not go on the driver’s official record; and by state citation which is handled through the Jackson County court system just like any other state citation issued by any other law enforcement officer and does carry insurance points in most cases.
Campus citations for moving violations carry a fee of $25. Campus citations for moving violations may be appealed to the SGA Traffic Court (students) or to the Traffic and Security Committee (faculty and staff)
State citations carry fines that are controlled by NC Motor Vehicle laws along with court costs. State citations may also require an appearance in court at the Jackson County Justice Center in Sylva. State citations usually carry insurance points and are recorded on the recipient’s official NC driving record. There is no on campus appeal for state citations. Once a state citation is issued, guilt or innocence becomes a question for the district court and the presiding judge.
The decision to issue a verbal warning, a campus citation, or a state citation is generally left to the discretion of the individual officer. Officers are provided guidance in making such decisions in their training. Generally, officers are asked to choose an option which serves to educate the driver on the severity of the violation, but many factors may affect the final decision including the seriousness of the offense, the danger imposed on others in the area, prior stops and warnings, prior offenses, and cooperative attitude of the driver indicating an understanding of the offense committed.
The University policy on violence in the workplace is listed under Policy #63 and requires that all incidents of violence as defined in that policy be reported to the University Police http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy63.html. The University Police investigate all incidents of threats, violence, and potential violence that are reported.
We encourage everyone who knows of incidents of violence or potential violence to notify us immediately so that we can respond and possibly take precautionary or preventive action whether the situation involves employees, students, or non-students.
The University policy on violence in the workplace also addresses domestic violence and weapons on campus.
The University Police have the ability to provide assistance to those students and employees who are subjected to domestic violence or threats of domestic violence, particularly where those situations may affect employee or student performance.
If a student or employee has secured a domestic violence protective order on a family member or significant other, that student or employee should bring a copy of that order to the University Police office where it will be kept on file for reference in the case that problems arise with the person who is the subject of the order. Photographs of the person are also helpful along with physical description and vehicle description.
All University police officers are trained in applying state domestic violence laws where they are applicable. In addition, University police officers can provide guidance to victims and help to initiate legal protection for those individuals who are subjected to or threatened with any type of violence. In some cases, University police officers will assist victims by accompanying them through court processes designed to provide legal protection.
Where students are involved with potential domestic violence situations with other students whom they live with or have dated, officers can help to initiate legal processes or help the students secure counseling and support from other campus agencies and offices. Where students are involved with non-students, even if those non-students are not in the Cullowhee area, officers can assist.
Where employees are involved, domestic violence not only affects the victim’s ability to perform their job, but may affect the performance of employees stationed around the victim because of fear of potential acts of violence in their work area or additional stress related to the situation. University police can help with these situations through the individual actions of officers handling the case or through the combined efforts of the Workplace Violence Management Team.
The Director of University Police chairs the Workplace Violence Management Team. Its members include the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Safety Officer. These professionals are able to provide a full-range of professional advice and assistance to employees affected by domestic violence and to supervisors who are trying to address the impact of domestic violence on their operations.
For more information on the Workplace Violence Management Team and the University Policy on Violence in the Workplace, please refer to University Policy #63 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy63.html.
The presence of unauthorized weapons on campus presents a danger to members of the community. University Police strictly enforce laws and University policies relating to weapons.
Under NC General Statute 14-269.2 it is a crime to possess a weapon on the campus of an educational institution. It is a Class I felony for any person to possess a gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm on campus whether in the residence halls, in academic buildings, in motor vehicles, or on open grounds (whether openly carried or concealed).
Generally, it is a Class G felony for anyone to possess any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive device on campus.
It is a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, paint ball gun, martial arts weapons (including but not limited to swords, throwing stars, butterfly knives, nunchuka sticks), bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors or razor blades (except solely for the personal shaving), firework, or any sharp-pointed or edged instrument except for instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tool used solely for food preparation, instruction, or maintenance on educational property.
Many of our students carry pocketknives in belt pouches or in their pockets. While state law says that this activity is forbidden as it is in high schools, we recognize that these knives do not carry the potential threat that some other weapons may carry. Where these knives are concerned, we tend to apply the standards set by the concealed weapons statute (NC GS 14-269). Courts have ruled that the concealed weapon statute does not apply to "small" pocket knives designed for carrying in a purse or pocket, which has its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by its handle and may not be opened by throwing, explosive, or spring action. "Small" has not been precisely defined by our appellate courts (Robert Farb, NC Crimes, 5th Edition, page 407). Generally, the knife blade and the handle should not exceed 7 inches.
But, remember, any article used as a weapon can be considered a weapon.
The possession of weapons on campus is also controlled by the University Policy on Violence in the Workplace (http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy63.html), the Student Code of Conduct (http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook), and Housing rules (http://housing.wcu.edu/Policies_Regs.asp).
Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the laws on weapons on campus.
The possession of a permit to purchase a firearm or permit to carry a concealed weapon permit does not exempt the weapon from the law.
According to the policy on Violence in the Workplace, a staff member, faculty member, or student who wishes to use a weapon for educational purposes, must make a request to do so in writing to the Director of University Police. A student wishing to use a weapon for educational purposes should seek the consent of the faculty member teaching the specific class where the weapon will be used. The faculty member should then send a written request to the Director of University Police specifically stating the weapon will be used for educational purposes. The Director of University Police will evaluate the request, discuss it with the faculty member and student if necessary, acknowledge receipt of the request and keep it on file.
Students, faculty, and staff who possess or distribute illegal drugs risk criminal prosecution and University disciplinary action including suspension, expulsion, and loss of employment.
University Police actively enforce all laws related to illegal drug possession or use or the possession of use of drug paraphernalia (See Search and Seizure and Enforcement Philosophy above). If you have questions about policies on illegal drugs and/or enforcement, call the University Police at 7301.
University Police actively participate in drug education programs for faculty, staff, and students in cooperation with the Office of Health Services, the Housing Office, and the Division of Student Affairs. If you are interested in programming availability, please call 7301.
Statistics on drug arrests and enforcement are available from the University Police homepage and the Annual Safety Report http://www.wcu.edu/5061.asp.
The University’s policy on Illegal Drugs is listed at http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy38.html and copies are available in the Office of Human Resources and from the Division of Student Affairs.
Housing policy on illegal drugs is listed at http://housing.wcu.edu/Policies_Regs.asp.
Anyone who has information on individuals who are distributing illegal drugs in the area is encouraged to notify the University Police by calling 7301 or by filing a report of this information on the "Silent Witness" report form on the University Police homepage. The source of this information is held in strict confidence.
The possession of alcohol on campus is regulated by North Carolina law and University policy. Alcohol may be possessed and consumed by persons who are 21 or over in their residence hall rooms. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in common areas of the residence halls including hallways, lobbies, elevators, laundry rooms, study rooms, etc. even if the possessor is 21 or over under Housing policy http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp.
The University Police actively enforce state alcohol laws and University policies on alcohol possession and consumption.
Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in academic buildings or other buildings on campus unless exception is made under University Policy #81.
Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in parking lots or open areas of campus unless exception is made under University Policy #81. In these exceptions, University policy may allow for the possession and consumption of beer and unfortified wine by persons of legal age, but it is a violation of state law to consume spirituous liquor or fortified wine in those areas.
State law forbids the transportation of open containers of any type of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.
Please refer to University Policy #81 for additional details http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy81.html
The University policy on sexual harassment and other forms of discriminatory personal conduct is listed in Policy #53 and Policy #70 of the University Policy manual. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy53.html and http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy70.html.
The University Police accept reports of sexual harassment and discrimination and will be happy to assist, particularly with incidents that are reported after normal business hours. The University Police are sometimes called upon by the primary investigating offices to assist with investigations of these reports. The University Police will assist the reporting victim in contacting the appropriate office or person to pursue their complaint.
Generally, under University policy, SPA employees should contact their supervisor or the Director of Equal Opportunity programs to discuss the situation and file a written complaint within 30 calendar days of the alleged harassment.
EPA employees and students should contact the Office of Student Affairs or other appropriate Vice Chancellor’s office and/or the Director of Equal Opportunity Programs.
IMPROPER RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES
According to University Policy #58 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy58.html, reports of improper relationships between employees and students should be reported to the employee’s supervisor. University Police do not normally investigate such reports, but will assist a supervisor in addressing the matter when requested to do so.
But, if such relationships have resulted in other violations of University policy such as harassment or discriminatory behavior, the policies on those situations apply. If violence, threats, harassing phone calls, e-mails, or letters are involved, these violations of criminal law should be reported to the University Police.
See comments on Sexual Harassment above and University Police #53 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy53.html and University Policy #70 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy70.html
It is the goal of the University Police to protect the members of our community from discrimination and bias-related crimes and to preserve the Constitutional rights afforded to all citizens. The University Police will investigate and prosecute cases where crimes are committed based on race, gender, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation whenever prosecution for these "hate crimes" is possible with the approval of the local District Attorney.
The University Police Department is charged with the enforcement of the University policies on dogs and other animals on campus.
All dogs on campus must be leashed.
Dogs are not allowed in the residence halls (http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp) or any other building on campus.
Dogs are not allowed on the jogging trail or the track.
When dogs are found in areas where they are not authorized or when they are found running loose on campus, University Police officers must transport them to the Jackson County Animal Shelter to be held for the owner. The Animal Shelter is located near the Jackson County Airport off Little Savannah Road.
You may report lost or stolen dogs or other animals to the University Police by calling 227-7301.
Generally, responsibility for fire protection and fire code enforcement on campus falls on the Safety Office in Facilities Management, a part of the Division of Administration and Finance. The Safety Office in cooperation with the Housing Office plans and executes fire drills in the residence halls. Changes in policies and procedures related to fire protection must be cleared through the Safety Office.
The University Police Department plays an integral role in fire protection on campus. Fire alarm reports are generally relayed from an alarm monitoring company to our telecommunicators who dispatch police officers to the scene. Officers check the facility for signs of smoke or fire, extinguish small fires if present, assist with evacuation when necessary, assist traffic control for responding fire fighters from the Cullowhee Volunteer Fire Department and other assisting agencies, and investigate all fire alarms and actual fires.
N. C. General Statute 14-286 makes it unlawful to give a false fire alarm, damage or tamper with fire alarm systems or fire extinguishers, misuse fire extinguishing equipment, or aid or abet anyone committing any of the above offenses. Officers are instructed to prosecute anyone who intentionally causes a false fire alarm or tampers with fire protection systems and equipment. Fines for such activity can range up to $500 depending on the severity of the offense.
University policy requires anyone who discovers a fire, smoke, excess heat, or evidence of a fire to report the situation to the University Police by calling 911.
University policy requires that when a fire alarm sounds in a building, all occupants must leave the building and remain outside until advised by a police officer or fire department officials that it is safe to re-enter.
http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy12.html
http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp
University Policy #48 regulates building hours on campus http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy48.html. Facilities Management housekeeping staff are responsible for locking and unlocking buildings based on those hours. University custodians lock academic and administrative buildings around 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and open the buildings at 7 a.m. the following day. The buildings are locked from 5 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Monday.
Exceptions: In Belk Building and Coulter Building, special arrangements have been made for monitoring by staff members, faculty members, or graduate students. Opening and closing times also vary on some multi-use buildings such as Hunter Library, the Old Student Union, Hinds University Center, and Reid and Breese gymnasiums. The Director of University Police and Traffic Services, the Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance and the vice chancellor in charge of that particular building must approve all exceptions.
University Police Officers periodically check exterior doors to campus buildings, but do not routinely patrol inside buildings. Since University Police staffing does not allow for reliable patrol within the academic buildings on campus, we do not recommend that students, faculty, or staff remain in these buildings after hours.
Students are not allowed in buildings after-hours without the presence of a faculty or staff member who will be responsible for the security of the building. Students found in closed buildings after hours will be identified, asked to leave the building, and referred to Student Judicial Affairs if disciplinary action is appropriate. Criminal charges may be filed depending on the student’s method of entry into the building and their purpose for being there.
Special situations must be reviewed and approved by the building coordinator, the dean of the colleges involved, the Director of University Police, and in some cases the Vice Chancellor of Administration and Finance and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
It is extremely important that faculty and staff members who enter a building after hours assure that the door they enter is relocked and secured properly when they enter and when they leave. They should report lock problems and suspicious circumstances immediately by calling 7301.
Exterior doors at the residence halls should be locked 24 hours-a-day. Resident students receive keys to their buildings and may enter at will. Please remember: Security is breached if doors to residence halls are propped open. Residence hall staff locks and unlocks exterior doors of the residence halls. University Police perform security checks on those exterior doors as a part of the normal patrol activities. See Housing policies for further information http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp.
ACCESS TO BUIILDING AND ROOMS (LOCK-OUTS AND AFTER HOURS)
After-Hours Access
In most cases, Facilities Management is responsible for providing access to buildings after hours. When events are planned that will be held in buildings after normal hours of operation, the sponsor of the event should first contact the building coordinator for assistance. If necessary, arrangements should be made with Facilities Management to have the building opened and relocked.
Normally, the University Police will only provide after hours access to buildings in emergency situations. In those situations, University Police will never open a building unless a responsible party is present. A responsible party representing the sponsor should remain on site until the building is secured at the end of the event.
The University Police do not have keys to residence hall rooms and cannot assist students who are locked out of their rooms. Contact Housing staff for lock-out assistance in the residence halls.
The University Police can, in some cases, provide lock-out assistance for faculty and staff offices. Call 7301 to request such assistance.
Facilities Management provides key and lock service for the University. The issuance of keys including master keys, rekeying of locks, and the use of padlocks is regulated under University Policy #13. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy13.html
Call Facilities Management if you have questions about the University’s policy on key and lock service. Report locks that will not work to Facilities Management or to the University Police.
Policies on keys and locks in the residence halls are controlled under Housing policy. http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp
The use of state-owned vehicles, which display permanent "state-owned" license plates, is regulated by University Policy #30 and administered by Facilities Management. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy30.html. Call Facilities Management at 7224 if you have questions.
Anyone who operates a state-owned vehicle must possess a valid driver’s license and must have a copy of that license on file with Facilities Management.
Generally, state-owned vehicles may park in either white or yellow parking spaces and may use service-vehicle spaces. Whenever possible, state-owned vehicles should be parked legally within a space although some exceptions exist for service and emergency response vehicles.
USE OF UNIVERSITY FACILITIES (CONFERENCE GROUPS AND OTHERS)
The Office of Continuing Education and Summer School is responsible for coordinating the use of University Facilities by Off-Campus Groups. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy47.html.
University Police many times become aware of planned activities in University facilities when the sponsor calls for parking instructions. We will provide such assistance, but sponsors should remember that there are University policies that require that they notify Continuing Education and Summer School about certain events planned for campus facilities and file an "On-Campus Activity" request with that office. It is also necessary in some cases to complete a "Facilities Use Agreement" as specified in University Policy #82 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy82.html.
The On-Campus Activity request form is copied and forwarded to University Police, Public Information, Food Services, Auxiliary Services, Facilities Management, and other offices that may need to adjust their operations to adequately respond to the needs of the participants in the planned function helping the sponsor to assure a well-coordinated event that will reflect well on the University.
Use of University Housing for conferences is also regulated under University Policy #7 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy7.html
The University Policy on use of University facilities is listed under Policy #82 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy82.html. This policy contains information on regulations pertaining to the following issues:
Coordination and Scheduling of Facility Use by affiliated and unaffiliated groups
Use of Outdoor Facilities
Installation of permanent or semi-permanent structures
Attendance limits
Public Address systems/Amplifying Systems
Cleanliness of the Area Used
Fires
Commercial Promotions, Sales, and Fundraising Events
Distribution of Pamphlets, Written Material, Publications, and Advertisements
Hand Distribution
Use of Surfaces, Bulletin Boards, and Spaces for display of flyers, banners, etc. (materials may not be placed on vehicles)
Outdoor Assemblies
University Endorsements
Insurance Requirements
Political Events
Fees and Costs: Deposits
In order to assure proper security coverage and traffic control coverage for events scheduled on campus, sponsors are encouraged to contact the University Police at 227-7301 to discuss these issues. In some cases, sponsors will be asked to support the cost of additional police patrol or traffic control personnel necessary to handle the event.
The Director of University Police who serves as the coordinator for streets and parking lots must approve the use of parking facilities on campus for any special event.
The following facilities have there own facilities use policies and are exempt from some of the regulations of University Policy #82.
RAMSEY CENTER
Use of facilities at the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center must be coordinated through the Ramsey Center office. Please call 227-7677 if you have questions or access the Ramsey Center homepage at http://ramsey.wcu.edu/Ramsey2.htm.
UNIVERSITY CENTER
Use of the facilities at the A. K. Hinds University Center must be coordinated through the University Center offices. Please call 227-7206 if you have questions or access the University Center homepage at http://www.wcu.edu/UnivCenter/.
PICNIC AREA
Use of the picnic area must be coordinated through the University Center offices. Please call 227-7206 if you have questions access the University Center homepage at http://www.wcu.edu/UnivCenter/. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the picnic area, dogs are not allowed in the picnic area, and the picnic area closes at dark.
SAFE AND HEALTHFUL WORKING CONDITIONS
While the University Police play an integral role in safety on campus and report safety and health-related issues frequently, the Safety Office in Facilities Management administers the University policy on safe and healthful working conditions. This responsibility includes monitoring of fire code compliance, EPA compliance, OSHA compliance, and state and local health regulations. Copies of the University Safety and Health Manual are available from that office. Call 7224 if you have questions.
The University policy on safe and healthful working conditions is listed in University Policy #44: http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy44.html.
The University Police do not normally enforce policies on smoking in campus facilities except where problems have become critical or there is no one else available to respond. We ask that such problems in the residence halls be reported to Housing staff. Problems other buildings on campus should be reported to supervisors and/or the building coordinator. The Safety Office in Facilities Management may address continuing problems.
The University Policy on smoking in campus facilities is listed in University Policy #45: http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy45.html.
The Housing Policy on smoking is listed in the Housing manual http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp.
Facilities Management is responsible for providing and maintaining the campus's exterior lighting and observes standard foot-candle specifications. Facilities Management personnel and University Police identify areas where trees and shrubs interfere with lighting and Facilities Management personnel trim foliage that interferes with lighting. In planting and maintaining shrubbery around the buildings and near thoroughfares, our grounds crews try to preserve lines-of-sight for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Please report inoperable lights or hazardous conditions to the University Police Department or to the Physical Plant.
USE OF COMPUTERS AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS
The use of computers and data communications systems at Western Carolina is regulated by University Policy #52 http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy52.html and by state and federal law. Since many violations of this policy are also crimes, the University Police play an active role in the investigation of such crimes, the identification and apprehension of offenders, and the prosecution of offenders where violations of the law are noted.
While violations of the University policy should be reported to the Computer Center and, where employees are involved, to supervisors, it is important to notify the University Police of unauthorized access to computerized information files, vandalism to systems, theft of computer equipment and services, computer-related fraud, harassment and threats by e-mail or instant message, the distribution of abusive or obscene material by computer, and accessing, storing, and/or distributing child pornography.
We warn all students and employees of the dangers of providing personal information to anyone over computer systems.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS (SECURITY REQUIREMENTS)
According to University Policy #67, all personal computers in use on campus must be secured with a device to prevent theft. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy67.html. In most cases, this device is a cable-type security system that tends to prevent opportunistic theft.
Any computer purchased by a University office or agency which is to be used on the main campus must have an accompanying purchase order for a security device included unless such a device is in stock in that office. The Purchasing Office has a list of devices that have been approved by the Director of University Police and can provide guidance in the selection of the appropriate device.
University Police conduct periodic security surveys of offices and work areas in buildings on campus to assure that these devices are attached and notify the building coordinator if violations of the University Policy are noted. But, we highly recommend that employees and supervisors check computers in their area regularly to assure that these devices are attached.
Residence hall rooms are also set up to accommodate these cable-type security devices. We recommend that resident students purchase such devices and assure that they are properly installed.
REMOVAL OF UNIVERSITY ASSETS FROM CAMPUS
The removal of University property from campus is generally not allowed and may be prosecuted under state criminal laws. For a complete review of the rules and exceptions to the policy, please refer to University Policy #75. http://www.wcu.edu/chancellor/index/universitypolicy/policy75.htm.
In addition, state employees are required by law to report the theft, misuse, or misappropriation of state property to law enforcement authorities. Failure to report such activity may also be a crime. Call the University Police if you have questions.
The rights and responsibilities of students are listed in the Student Handbook and the University Police play an integral role in providing protection for those rights and enforcing those responsibilities http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook/
The policy on dishonesty by students is listed in the Student Handbook http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook. Students should know that providing false information to a police officer, filing a false police report, or other forms of dishonesty involving information provided to the police is prosecutable administratively under the Student Code of Conduct and, in some cases, criminally under N. C. state law.
The complete Code of Conduct for students is listed in the Student Handbook http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook/
Housing policies are listed in the Housing manual at http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp and includes rules and regulations on the following issues::
Alcohol, Penalties, Animals in the dorms, Cable TV and Antennas, Candles and Incense, Computer Policy, Disorderly Conduct, Drugs, Penalties, elevators, Escorts, failure to comply with a request from Housing staff, law enforcement officer or University Official, Fire Safety, Furniture, Guests, Harassment, Loft Construction, Lock Out Policy, Motorcycles in Dorms, Noise, Privacy, Smoking, Personal Safety and Mental Health, Prohibited Items, Property Damage/Vandalism, Public Common Area Use, Sexual Assault Response, Sexual Misconduct, Solicitation, Theft, Throwing Objects from Windows, Visitation, Windows and Screens
DISCIPLINARY PROCESS (STUDENTS)
Administration disciplinary processes for students are explained in the Housing manual http://housing.wcu.edu/policies_Regs.asp and in the University’s Student Handbook http://www.wcu.edu/studenthomepage/handbook/
WCU
Police Home Page.
Comments and suggestions to tjohnson@email.wcu.edu