Approved by:

President

History:

Issued              -- October 15, 2013

Revised            --
Last Reviewed -- July 24, 2019

Related Policies:

Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Policy; Missing Student Notification Policy; Sexual Offenses Policy

Additional References:

Crime Prevention Education & Awareness Programs; Crime Prevention Safety Tips; Information on Reporting Crime; Property Safety Tips; Safety First, Safety Always; Services to the Campus Community

Responsible Official:

Associate Vice President for Emergency Management and Public Safety tel. (202) 319-5111

I. Introduction


The Catholic University of America is committed to the safety and security of the University community. Accordingly, all members of the University community should immediately report potential crimes as set forth in this policy.

To enable members of the University community to promote their own safety and prevent becoming the victims of crime, the University provides notifications of crimes on or near its campus. In addition, the University provides a number of resources for proactively promoting personal safety. All members of the University community are strongly encouraged to review all crime notifications and to become familiar with and take advantage of the safety resources referenced in this policy.

II. Reporting Crimes


Report all crimes immediately! If in doubt about whether to report something that has occurred, report it! Do not attempt to apprehend or pursue a suspected criminal.

The University has obligations to report to the government certain crimes pursuant to the federal Clery Act. These reporting requirements are applicable both domestically and internationally. Accordingly, you should report all crimes to the University regardless of where they occur. Crime reports may be made as follows:

A. Crimes that occur on campus:


Reports should be made to a University Public Safety officer, to the Public Safety dispatcher in Leahy Hall, or by calling tel. (202) 319-5111. Any of the emergency telephones located throughout campus may be used as well.

B. Crimes that occur off campus:


Reports should be made first to local police by calling 911. After calling local police, then report the matter to DPS at tel. (202) 319-5111.

C. Crimes that occur abroad:


Reports should be made first to local police in the host country. After calling local police in the host country, then report the matter to DPS at tel. (202) 319-5111.

For further information on reporting a crime see http://publicsafety.cua.edu/report-crimes.cfm, and see the following related University policies:

III. Crime Notifications


Efforts are made to inform members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime-related issues. These efforts include the following:

  • Crime Alerts: Notification to students and employees about the occurrence of serious crimes on or near campus that are considered a potential threat to students, faculty and staff.
  • Timely Warnings: Alerts of a potentially dangerous situation on or off campus that allow the campus community to take the appropriate precautions for their safety. Timely warnings can be issued for threats to property as well as threats to persons.

Crime Alerts and Timely Warnings may be accomplished by any of the following means based on the nature of the situation:
• By paper notices posted at all residence halls, academic and administrative buildings.
• By electronic notice on the University web page under the “Safety First” icon and on the DPS home page.
• By electronic email notices to the University Watch Captains.
• Via e-mail to all students, faculty and staff via the University listserv.
• Via phone messages.
• Via social media outlets.

DPS also maintains a Daily Crime Log, available for review at the dispatcher's desk in Leahy Hall.
For more detailed information on crime alerts, timely warning, and crime statistics, review the University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report on the Department of Public Safety home page at http://publicsafety.cua.edu/.

IV. Crime Prevention

DPS provides proactive crime prevention programs and safety services to assist members of the University community in reducing their risks of becoming a victim of crime. All members of the University community are strongly encouraged to become familiar with and take advantage of the safety resources available at the following web links: