Public Safety Reports:

Disclosure of Safety Policies and Annual Crime Statistics

The information contained in this document was prepared under the guidelines established by 20 United States Code, section 1092(f), known as the “Jeanne Clery, Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act,” and the Code of Federal Regulations. The information represents a general description of Mesa Community College’s security/safety policies and programs, and the crime statistics for the most recent calendar year and the two preceding calendar years; however, the information is not intended to serve as a contractual agreement between the college and the recipient. This document may be viewed by clicking on one of the links below or scrolling down.

Introduction

Mesa Community College enjoys good relations with its neighbors and maintains a highly visible Public Safety Department (PSD) that provides for the safety of the campus community. However, no community can be totally risk free in today’s society. To lessen the chances of crimes occurring within the campus community, everyone’s cooperation and vigilance is needed. All members of the campus community are encouraged to immediately report all suspected crimes, unusual or suspicious activities, and emergencies to the PSD.

Campus Security

The MCC PSD provides for the security and safety of the campus community. The division is based on the west end of the SC Building (building 14) with the entrance under the blue “Public Safety” awning, which can be seen from the Dobson Road entrance. The MCC PSD is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The telephone number is (480) 461-7046, or on campus extension 17046.

The department staff consists of one Director, four Certified Public Safety Police Officers, full time dispatchers, and an office coordinator. We also have numerous college safety officers and student workers. Red Mountain's security is also under the MCC Director of Public Safety. The MCC PSD maintains a cooperative working relationship with the Mesa Police Department and Fire Department and will request assistance from these agencies as needed.

Security and Access to College Facilities

Mesa Community College strives to maintain a safe and secure campus environment for students, staff and visitors. Offices, laboratories and classrooms are secured when not in use and officers who discover defective doors and locks, interior/exterior lighting problems, or other safety hazards, immediately report the situation to the appropriate college department for action. To further improve safety, the college encourages all campus community members to take an active role and immediately report any observation of a suspected crime, unusual or suspicious activity, emergency, or hazardous condition to (480) 461-7046, or on campus extension 17046.

The college does not own, maintain or control: a) dormitories or other residential facilities; b) off campus facilities for recognized student organizations; and c) non-campus buildings or properties that are used for educational purposes.

The campus is open Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is closed on Sunday and designated holidays.

Reporting Crime and Emergencies

Crime or other emergency in progress: Students, employees and others are encouraged to report all criminal activity and emergencies occurring on campus. A report may be filed with a Public Safety Officer, appropriate personnel in the Public Safety Department, or by calling (480) 461-7046 or on campus extension 17046. In emergency situations, 9-1-1 may be called first, followed by an immediate notification to Public Safety and Security at (480) 461-7777 or on campus extension 17777.

Reports of a past crime or incident may be made to the following law enforcement authorities:
• The Public Safety and Security Division: In person or by calling (480) 461-7046.
• The Mesa Police Department: In person or by calling (480) 644-2211.

The importance of reporting all crime:

The importance of reporting crime, suspected crime and unusual or suspicious activity to the MCC PSD cannot be over emphasized. The reports provide a basis for making timely warnings when a crime may present a threat to other members of the campus community and also assist the college in providing a full disclosure in the annual crime statistics report. In addition, such action by a victim or witness will assist in making the campus environment a safer place for the entire community.

Voluntary confidential reporting:

Voluntary confidential reporting: At Mesa Community College we have a policy or procedure that would allow a victim or witness to report crime on a voluntary and confidential basis. Call 480-461-7046 and ask for a certified police officer.

Confidential reporting to a Counselor:

Mesa Community College does not have a policy or procedure that encourages its professional counselors; if and when the counselor deems it appropriate, to inform the person being counseled of any procedures to report crime on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. Generally, when counselors do not have the permission of the victim, they can only report the occurrence of a number/statistic to the law enforcement authority.

Security and Access to College Facilities

Reporting a sexual assault: Any student, employee or visitor who is the victim of a sex offense, forcible or non-forcible, is encouraged to report the assault to the Public Safety Department or the Mesa Police Department. If a victim so chooses, he/she may be assisted by college authorities in reporting the assault to the proper law enforcement authorities. After making the report, the victim is not obligated to continue with legal or college disciplinary action. The assault may be reported in person at:

1. The Public Safety and Security Division: In person or by calling (480) 461-7046.
2. The Mesa Police Department: In person or by calling (480) 644-2211.

Sexual Assault:

Preserving evidence of a sexual assault:

After a sexual assault, it is very important that the victim receive a medical examination for health and evidentiary reasons. A victim should not wash; use the toilet or change clothes before seeing trained medical personnel. If clothes are changed, those worn during the assault should be placed in a paper bag and taken along to the examination. Even if the victim is certain that he/she will not prosecute, it is important to gather as much evidence as possible just in case the victim decides to pursue criminal charges as a later date.

Coping with sexual assault:

Victims of a sexual assault may find it helpful to discuss their experience with a counselor. College counselors are available to meet with victims in an informal and private setting. The counselor can assist by changing a victims academic situation, serve as a source of referral to outside agencies, and provide information about on-and-off campus reporting, prosecution procedures, and the college disciplinary process. College counselors may be contacted by calling (480) 461-7588.

Victims of a sexual assault may also receive free, confidential, twenty-four hour, counseling by calling the Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-4673, extension 1. Trained counselors are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

How to reduce the risk of sexual assault
(reproduced from the RAINN web site at http://www.rainn.org/):

• When you go to a party, go with a group of friends.
• Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
• Don’t leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from an open container.
• Don’t allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don’t know or trust.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Trust your instincts.
• Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship, and clearly state your limits.

Prevention programs:

Public Safety police officers conduct presentations relating to crime prevention and safety policies during orientations and at other times, when requested by staff or students. Crime prevention materials are distributed to all incoming students.

College response to a sexual assault:

Sexual assault is a criminal act, which subjects the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties in state and federal courts. Besides the sanctions that can be imposed in court, Mesa Community College will respond administratively if a sexual assault or other criminal offense involves a student or employee as the offender. Students and employees are subject to applicable District policies and disciplinary procedures, including policies prohibiting sexual harassment. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for student offenders or termination of employment for employees.

Victims may commence a disciplinary action by submitting a written, signed statement detailing the incident to the Associate Dean of Student Services. The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during the disciplinary hearing, and in the case of sexual assault, both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome.

Illicit Drugs and Alcohol Policy:

District Policy:

The Maricopa Community College District supports the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, and complies with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to controlled substances, including alcohol. The possession, sale or consumption of an alcoholic beverage in any premises owned and/or leased/rented by the District for approved educational purposes is prohibited.

College response to alcohol and drug violations:

Besides the sanctions imposed by federal and state courts concerning controlled substance violation(s), the college will respond administratively when the offense involves a student or employee as the offender. Students and employees are subject to applicable District policies and disciplinary procedures. Sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for student offenders or termination of employment for employees.

Alcohol and drug use prevention:

MCC sponsors and/or participates in the following drug prevention activities:

• Counseling services provide individual sessions on the topic of “Substance Abuse.” When needed, counselors will provide referral services to community based agencies. College counselors can be reached by calling (480) 461-7588.
• Drug and alcohol awareness workshops are offered through MCC Fitness Center Wellness Workshops (480) 461-7555.

Campus community members who may have an alcohol or drug problem can also receive assistance by calling:

• Al-Anon at 1-800-356-9996
• American Council on Alcoholism at 1-800-527-5344
• National Institute on Drug Abuse Hotline at 1-800-662-4357
• DRUGHELP at 1-800-378-4435

Responding to Criminal Activity and Emergencies:

Generally, a Public Safety officer is immediately dispatched to all on campus incidents. A Public Safety officer and, if necessary, a Mesa Police officer will respond to each report of criminal activity. The Mesa Fire Department responds to reports of fire or medical emergencies.

Crime Awareness & Prevention Programs:

Crime Awareness/Prevention Bulletin:

The occurrence of crime considered to present a threat to members of the campus community, is reported on a timely basis through the “Crime Awareness/Prevention Bulletin.” Copies of the bulletin are posted on bulletin boards throughout the campus, and all college departments are notified through electronic mail. The bulletin provides information on the specific crime(s) that occurred and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Incident/offense report information:

The MCC PSD publishes weekly information on all incidents, administrative and criminal, occurring on campus. The information is posted on the bulletin board inside the Public Safety Office and sent out to all employees by electronic mail. In addition, the MCC PSD maintains a Daily Crime Log that contains the date, time, location, nature and disposition of all crimes occurring at the college and on adjacent public property. Entries in the log are made within two business days of the incident report.

Crime statistics:

Statistics and security policies, collated in accordance to the guidelines established in the Clery Act (20 USC §1092(f)), are published and distributed annually to all current students and employees, and when requested, to any applicant for enrollment or employment at the college. A copy will also be provided to anyone, upon request to the Director of Public Safety at (480) 461-7066.

Escort service:

An escort service is available to the students, faculty and staff of Mesa Community College. A request may be made to the MCC PSD at extension 17046. An officer will respond and accompany you to a vehicle or the bus stop closest to the campus.

Assistance for disabled motor vehicles:

Reasonable assistance will be provided to drivers whose motor vehicle is disabled on campus. After the driver of the vehicle prepares and signs the appropriate vehicle assistance form, an officer will provide a battery boost or appropriate assistance.

Safety presentations:

Members of the MCC PSD provide safety presentations during class orientations. They are also available to talk to any department or groups of students. The orientations and talks are designed to educate members of the college community about the services provided by the MCC PSD and how to avoid becoming the victim of a crime at the college.

Policies Regarding Weapons, Smoking & Children:

Weapons:

The possession or use of a firearm on campus is strictly forbidden. The Maricopa Community College District Governing Board promulgated the weapons policy under ARS §13-2911 C. anyone violating the policy is subject to arrest under ARS § 13-2911 and/or subject to applicable college disciplinary procedures.

Smoking:

Smoking is prohibited inside college buildings and within 25 feet of any entrance/exit door. Campus community members are requested to utilize the designated smoking areas for smoking. The designated areas are conveniently located and clearly marked.

Children on campus:

Children, younger than 18 years of age, may not attend a class unless they are officially registered for the class. Children that are not officially registered are not allowed on campus unless participating in an authorized college program or under the immediate supervision of an adult.

Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics:

Preparing the annual disclosure:

The MCC PSD has the responsibility of gathering the data used to prepare the annual campus crime statistics. The data is obtained from reports made to the MCC PSD, the Mesa Police Department, and the college Counseling Department. In the case of the college departments, the data is gathered the same day that it is reported. Data is obtained annually from the Mesa Police Department and compared with the data gathered at the college. The resulting data is used to prepare the annual crime statistics report.

Mesa Community College's Annual Crime Statistics

The following statistics were gathered in accordance with the guidelines established under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 U.S.C. §1092(f)). The crime definitions outlined in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Incident Based Reporting System, as modified by the Hate Crime Statistics Act, were utilized in compiling the numbers.

On Campus

2004

2005

2006

Offense

Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter	0	0	0
Negligent Manslaughter	0	0	0
Forcible Sex Offense	0	0	0
Non-Forcible Sex Offense	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	0	1	0
Burglary	1	2	3
Arson	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	12	6	7
Larceny/Theft	102	110	101

Arrest For:

Liquor Law Violation	5	3	1
Drug Abuse Violation	2	3	0
Weapons Possession	0	0	0

• The college does not own dormitories or other residential facilities.
• As required by the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, law enforcement agency information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained by visiting the following Internet address: www.azsexoffender.com

Questions?

If you need more information about security policies and safety at Mesa Community College, please contact the Director of Public Safety at (480) 461-7046 or the Vice President of Administration at (480) 461-7443. A college official will be glad to discuss your concerns.

Uniform Crime Reporting - Offense Definitions:

Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Forcible Sex Offenses:Forcible Sex Offenses: Any sexual act (Forcible Rape, Forcible Sodomy, Sexual Assault With An Object, Forcible Fondling) or an attempted sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that persons will, or not forcibly or against the persons will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

Non-Forcible Sex Offense: Unlawful non-forcible sexual intercourse (Incest, Statutory Rape).

Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person on another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Weapons Law Violations: The violations of laws or ordinances dealing with weapons offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Drug Abuse Violations: Violations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include: opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).

Liquor Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor, drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned (drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition).

Please visit the Occupational Health and Safety [OHS] website for employee health and safety information.

Please contact Paul Springhall for comments or corrections email phone: 480-461-7046