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).