Clery Act & Crime Reporting - Guidelines for Campus Security Authorities

Overview of the Clery Act

Jeanne Clery, a Lehigh University freshman, was assaulted and murdered in her dorm room in April of 1986. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, hereafter referred to as the Clery Act, was enacted in the hope that awareness of criminal activity can help to reduce the likelihood of victimization. The Clery Act requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding (including Southeastern Louisiana University) to prepare, publish, and distribute campus security policies and crime statistics.

The crime statistics reported in compliance with the Clery Act are obtained from reports to the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, and "Campus Security Authorities." Reports made to Campus Security Authorities may also provide the basis for the issuance of Timely Warnings or emergency notifications.

 

Who is a Campus Security Authority?

In addition to the members of the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department, the following are considered to be Campus Security Authorities, hereafter referred to as CSAs:

  • Individuals with campus security responsibility - for example parking enforcement staff and event staff.

  • An individual or organization identified in the campus statement of Policies for Reporting Criminal Actions and Emergencies as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses.

  • Any official with significant responsibility for student and campus activities. This includes officials who manage or otherwise oversee student and campus activities.

  • For example, staff responsible for campus student housing, a student center, or student extra-curricular activities; a director of athletics or a team coach; faculty advisors to student groups; staff responsible for student discipline, and campus judicial staff.

 

What are Campus Security Authorities required to do?

CSAs are responsible for reporting all those allegations of crimes specified in the Clery Act that are reported to them, and that they conclude were made in good faith, to the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department. The crimes specified in the Clery Act are murder/non-negligent manslaughter, negligent manslaughter, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, domestic and dating violence, and stalking. If there is evidence that the perpetrator was motivated by bias, then simple assault, larceny (theft), intimidation, and vandalism must be reported as well (please see the definitions provided below.) Timely submission of reports by CSAs is very important. If a crime is reported to a CSA, but goes no farther than that, Southeastern will be unable to fully meet its obligations under the law. Moreover, the campus community may lack information that could help them to stay safe.

 

What Should a Campus Security Authority Avoid Doing?

CSAs are not responsible for determining whether a crime took place. CSAs are also not responsible for attempting to apprehend an alleged perpetrator of a crime. These are matters best left to law enforcement personnel. CSAs should refrain from attempting to convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so. However, they may note that crimes can be reported to the police confidentially.

How do Campus Security Authorities Fulfill Their Responsibilities?
When a crime is reported to a CSA, they should first ask the reporting party if they would like to report the crime to the police. If they would, they should contact the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department at (985) 549-2222. The police department is located in Pride Hall, first floor, south side. In the event that an in-progress emergency is being reported, the reporting party should be advised to call (985) 549-2222 immediately. If they are unable to, the CSA may do so on their behalf.

If the reporting party does not want to contact the police about the crime, the CSA should complete a Crime and Fire Statistic Reporting Form and submit it to the Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department at the address on the form. Even if the reporting party does wish to contact the police about the crime, the CSA may complete the form for their records (check the appropriate box for the law enforcement agency the crime was/will be reported to).