SAFETY ON CAMPUS

Central to the mission of California State University, Dominguez Hills, is providing a community that fosters teaching and learning. The University Police Department participates in delivering the University mission and strives to create a safe environment conducive to academic excellence.

The University Police provide safety-oriented service to the campus community. Department members are guided by our mission statement:

     …to make CSU Dominguez Hills a safe and secure environment to attain a successful   

        educational experience

     …with a department commitment to approach law enforcement problems and crime in

        partnership with the community we serve.

University Police and Parking Services provide 24 hour-a-day patrol protection of university property, buildings, parking lots and student housing. All laws and codes of the state of California are enforced on campus, including university regulations established to administer the campus community. The University Police work closely with our neighboring police agency, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, Carson Station. University Police is part of the Division of Student Affairs family, and constantly networks and works with other units on campus to facilitate students in achieving their goals.

Together with the entire campus community, we employ security measures to reduce and prevent crime. We believe security is everyone’s responsibility, and we need your assistance.

CSUDH is a community of approximately 12,000 students. We are located in the city of Carson, County of Los Angeles. We have one main campus located at 1000 East Victoria Street in Carson, California. Our housing complex is a gated community comprised of two-story apartment buildings and is occupied by approximately 560 students.

CRIME ALERT BULLETINS

The University Police Department will issue Crime Alert Bulletins to the campus community as soon as possible to alert the community of potential danger.  In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that constitutes an ongoing or continuous threat, a campus wide timely warning will be issued.  the warning will be disseminated through campus email as well as postings on the police website.  A copy of the notice will be displayed in prominent locations on campus.  In addition, copies are sent to University Housing, CAMS and HDC.

Only those details pursuant to the health and safety of the campus community shall be released and the protection of the victim's identity is of the highest concern.

JEANNE CLERY DISCLOSURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY POLICY AND CAMPUS CRIME STATISTIC ACT COMPLIANCE

The University Police prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be located on our web site. This report is prepared in cooperation with local law enforcement, our Student Housing Administration, and other campus units. Each entity provides updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.

To comply with the act, we collected crime statistics from our local police agency, Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, Carson Station. The Carson Station crime analyst provided crime statistics for the public property bordering our campus.

CSUDH does not recognize any off campus fraternity or sorority houses. Likewise, student organization recognition does not extend beyond the University, and student organizations are not recognized to engage in activity off-campus. In September of every year, a postcard is mailed to all enrolled students, faculty and staff that provides the web site address to access this report. Copies of the report may also be obtained from the University Police Department at 1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747 (Welch Hall B100) or by calling (310) 243-3639. All prospective employees may obtain a copy by accessing the Human Resources "campus crime statistics" link. In addition the full text of this report is located in the CSUDH class schedule.

SECURITY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests and visitors, Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m. and as certain special events dictate. We recognize that there will be some need for after hour and weekend access to buildings. Anyone working late or on weekends should notify the University Police.

Access to university housing apartments is limited to residents, guests, and university staff. Activity is monitored by University Housing personnel which includes on-site complex coordinators, resident assistants, and night time security guards.

The campus facilities are maintained by Plant Operations and patrolled by the officers of the University Police. Officers report the need for replacement of lights and any other physical hazards they notice. Some offices, labs, computer rooms and other areas of campus have alarms. All staff and faculty are encouraged to secure offices and classrooms.

Shrubbery, trees and other vegetation on campus are trimmed and maintained on a regular basis with special attention given to walkways. Physical Plant conducts a facility audit on the entire campus on an annual basis. Emergency telephones are located throughout campus, in parking lots and inside elevators. All emergency telephones are connected directly to the University Police.

Monthly light surveys are conducted.  Lighting improvements are constantly being evaluated. Improvements have included upgrading of lighting in parking lots, in areas with heavy landscaping and trees, and along pathways frequently traveled by students. Outdoor courtesy telephones are located at many locations throughout the campus. All emergency telephones are connected directly to the University Police.  Emergency phones are regularly tested and repaired as needed.

REPORTING A CRIME

To report a crime or other emergencies:

Contact University Police at (310) 243-3639 or dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, or by using one of the Blue Light emergency telephones located across campus.  You may also use public telephones.  From any on-campus extension you can dial 9-1-1.  All crimes or suspicious activity/persons should be reported to the University Police immediately.  In addition, you may report a crime to the following authorities.

Students are encouraged to report any problems with the campus environment to faculty advisors, coaches and the Division of Student Affairs staff or any campus administrators.  The University Police, Student Health and Psychological Services, accept confidential and anonymous reports of crimes for inclusions in the annual statistical report.

Limited voluntary confidential reporting:

The University Police Department encourages anyone who is the victim or witness of any crime to promptly report the incident to the police.  Because police reports are public records under state law, the University Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence.  confidential reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can generally be made to other CSU Dominguez Hills campus security authorities, as identified above.

Psychological counselors when acting within the scope of his or her license or certificate are not considered to be a campus security authority and are not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.  They are encouraged; if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for the inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

The campus emergency operations plan in addition to general emergency procedures for a variety of situations are located on the Risk Management and Environmental Health and Occupational Safety website at www.csudh.edu/admfin/ehos/ehoshome.htm under "Emergency Preparedness.

As part of the University’s Emergency Evacuation Plan, there are Floor Wardens on each floor of every building on campus. The names of the Floor Wardens are updated annually. Evacuation drills for each building are conducted every semester. The Floor Wardens assist the University Police Department in evacuating buildings in emergencies and in some cases may help in identifying hazards in the buildings. The campus community is encouraged to cooperate and participate in all drills.

CSU Dominguez Hills has the following measures which will be implemented in case of an emergency:

1.  Emergency call boxes

2.  Reverse 9-1-1 system

3.  Classroom telephone notification system

4.  Wireless PA (public address) system for outdoor notification

5.  Campus webpage-quick connect button-emergency info

6.  In case of emergency posters in classrooms

7.  Emergency preparedness information pamphlets

UNIVERSITY POLICE - YOUR COMMUNITY POLICING AGENCY

Campus safety and security are coordinated by the University Police. The University Police Department is located at the front of the campus in Welch Hall B100. The department has a force of 18 sworn officers with full arrest powers. These police officers are graduates of the California Peace Officers Standards Training Academy and undergo continued training to upgrade their skills as well as training designed to meet the needs of the university community. All sworn employees have been trained in first aid and CPR. University police officers are vested with full law enforcement powers and responsibilities, identical to the local police or sheriff departments in your home community, and are authorized to enforce all regulations on the university campus and an immediate one-mile radius. In some instances police powers extend statewide. University police officers are armed with firearms. They conduct foot, vehicular and bicycle patrols on campus and in the residence community 24 hours a day. University Police officers also work very closely with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department and other law enforcement agencies to assist them with incidents involving campus community members that may occur off campus. University police officers are responsible for reporting and investigating crimes, issuing traffic citations and responding to medical emergencies, traffic accidents and fire emergencies, as well as other incidents that require police assistance.

Potential criminal actions and any emergency on campus, including medical emergencies, should be reported directly to the University Police by dialing 9-1-1. Upon receipt of the call, the University Police officers are dispatched immediately to the site of the complaint and have the authority to make arrests if necessary.

The University Police Department prepares and submits a monthly Uniform Crime Report to the California Department of Justice. The department also enters stolen vehicles and property with serial numbers into the National Crime Information Center, allowing for recovery throughout the United States.

As an active member of the Criminal Justice system, University Police interact and cooperate with other law enforcement agencies. Cases are filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney Office. Information may also be given to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for appropriate action involving students.

As part of the Student Affairs philosophy, Student Housing along with the University Police, hold crime prevention classes every semester on a variety of topics including personal safety, sexual assault prevention, DUI awareness, and crime prevention issues. These classes are offered in partnership with the Student Housing Safety Committee. Workshops, group presentations and written materials are provided to on-campus housing residents each semester, focusing on community responsibilities and needs within the student living environment. Information on safety and security is provided to students and employees through email, seminars, bulletins, crime alerts, posters, brochures and the university student newspaper.

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND WEAPONS POLICIES

University Police officers enforce laws regulating the use of alcoholic beverages and underage drinking. CSUDH is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the campus community. Alcohol and other drugs should not interfere with the University’s educational mission. All CSUDH students, faculty members, staff members, and administrators are subject to local, state and federal laws regarding the unlawful possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution (by either sale or gift), dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited anywhere on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills (refer to PM99-04 in Campus Life Policies).

Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs is a serious health problem in itself, but alcohol and drug abuse can also contribute to a host of other physical and mental health problems such as unwanted pregnancy, violent behavior, HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases and psychological depression.

The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with California State Law and is strictly limited to persons 21 years of age or older. The possession, transportation, and/or consumption of alcohol by individuals under 21 years of age is strictly prohibited. Students who are 21 or older may consume alcohol within the privacy of their own room or apartment and without the presence of a minor. In such cases, the doors must be closed and all other policies governing noise and other common courtesies must be followed. No one, regardless of age, may have an open container of alcohol in a public area including grounds and parking lots at any time. No kegs or other communal sources of alcohol are permitted in or around University Housing. It is not appropriate within any Housing facility to plan, host or attend any group event or activity, which includes alcohol use. The ability to exercise care for one’s safety or the safety of others due in whole or part to alcohol consumption is considered a violation of policy. University Housing residents are responsible for their own actions as well as the actions of their guest(s).

Federal law, state law and the University police prohibit the solicitation, procurement, sale or manufacture of narcotics or controlled substances except as expressly permitted by law. Any student known to be possessing, using, or distributing drugs is subject to serious University disciplinary action and arrest under federal and state laws. Students suspected of using drugs ( because of odor, disruptive behavior or by information brought to the attention of staff) will be documented and subject to a disciplinary action.

University Housing residents are given a University Housing Handbook and are responsible for the information contained within that handbook. This handbook is available at the “A” building in University Housing.

The University Police strictly enforce Federal and State laws, as well as the University’s zero-tolerance policy, for the use and sale of illegal drugs. Violators are subject to university discipline, criminal prosecution and removal from University housing. Students found in violation of University alcohol, drug and weapons policies may be subject to academic probation, suspension or expulsion. Parents or guardians may be notified about any disciplinary violation involving alcohol or a controlled substance which has been committed by a student who is under the age of 21. Employees found in violation are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including termination.

Applicable legal sanctions under local, State and Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol range from probation, diversion, imprisonment in the county jail for less than one year, to imprisonment in State Prison. A police officer can take the license from any driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs who refuses to take a blood alcohol test.

Firearms and other dangerous weapons of any kind (including fireworks, stun guns, knives with a fixed blade, nunchucks, paint pellet guns, any device which closely resembles a firearm such as BB guns, air pellet guns, slingshots, explosives, spear guns, bows and arrows) are not permitted on campus or in the Student Housing complex. Use, possession, or sale of firearms or any other dangerous weapon is strictly prohibited on campus by State law and is punishable as a felony.

Campus Life Policies may be found on the Student Affairs web site under the section on Rights and Responsibilities. These policies are also published in the “Students Rights and Responsibilities Handbook” by the Office of Student Development. The Campus Life Policies includes policies on possession and consumption of alcohol, amplified sound, anti-hazing, campus events, alcohol and substance abuse, campus smoking, casino night, dance policies and procedures, free drawing, free speech area, gambling, outdoor programming, posting policy, and unsupervised minors.

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN STUDENT HOUSING

CSUDH housing complex is a gated community with night time security guards and consists of two story apartment buildings, which provide on-campus housing for approximately 560 students.

We offer a crime prevention program in housing every semester which includes new student orientations, neighborhood watch programs, residential community-wide presentations and educational programs.

All housing staff members undergo comprehensive training each semester for both prevention and response regarding safety and security issues. As part of their responsibility for campus security both student and professional staff participate in lectures and seminars associated with topics such as substance abuse, prevention of sexual assault, and community security. Professional complex coordinators and resident assistants live in student housing and provide 24 hour staff coverage. Staff members provide evening rounds and network with the University Police on a daily basis.

Residents with automobiles may park in lot 5. Residents are required to purchase a semester permit as well as an “R” permit from housing. If a student receives a parking citation and wishes to contest the citation, the student needs to come to the Police Station in Small College and fill out an “administrative review request.” The University Police encourages residents to be mindful of apartment security issues and of the rights of their roommates and to notify Student Housing staff and/or the University Police of any unfamiliar faces or unusual incidents within the housing complex.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Students may be expelled, suspended or placed on probation for committing violent or criminal acts on campus or at campus related events. In compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault, are to be informed whenever information regarding disciplinary action taken by the university is included in a student’s file. Within three days victims are to be informed of the results of the disciplinary action and any appeal. The victim is required to keep the results of the disciplinary action and appeal confidential. For further information, contact the Vice-President for Student Affairs Office by calling 310-243-3784.

SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY AND FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

CSUDH recognizes that sexual assault is a serious issue, and will not tolerate acts of sexual assault on campus. The University will investigate all allegations of sexual assault and take appropriate disciplinary, criminal, or legal action, with prior consent of the victim.

As soon as convenient, the victim of a sexual assault should report the incident, including date or acquaintance rape to the University Police, the local police (if off-campus), university faculty or staff members. The victim should make every attempt to preserve any physical evidence of the assault. This may include a voluntary medical exam, not showering, or disposing of any damaged clothing, or other items that are present after/during the assault.

The University Police, with the victim’s consent, will immediately conduct a criminal investigation of a reported sexual assault. Disciplinary actions may be imposed on recognized individual students, student organizations, and/or university faculty and staff found responsible for a sexual assault. University sanctions following campus disciplinary procedures depend on the outcome and may range from suspension to expulsion. Every effort will be made to criminally prosecute perpetrators of sexual assaults. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome of the proceeding.

After an alleged sexual assault incident occurs, the university will assist the victim in changing academic and living situations if so requested and if such changes are reasonably available.

If you become the victim of a sexual assault on or off campus:

     GET to a safe place

     CONTACT the University Police (or your local police if off campus)

     DO NOT shower, bathe, douche, change or destroy clothing

     DO NOT straighten up the area

     SEEK medical attention

The University Police respond to all reports of sexual assault. Officers conduct investigations, interview victims and suspects, collect evidence, testify in court, and refer victims to the appropriate services.

Additional listing of organizations that provide assistance to rape victims:

On Campus:

          University Police (24-hr emergency) 9-1-1 or

                                                          (310) 243-3639

          Student Health & Psychological Services (310) 243-3818

          Student Development (310) 243-3625

          Women’s Center (Library bldg C518) 9am-7pm

                                                           (310) 243-2486

Campus Organizations which provide sexual assault prevention programs:

          University Police (310) 243-3639

Off Campus:

          Victim/Witness Assistance Coordinator (LA DA's Office)

                                                      (310) 830-1123 x4347

          South Bay Rape Hotline (310) 545-2111

          Compton Center YMCA – Sexual Assault & Crisis Center     

                                                  (310) 763-9117

          Harbor/UCLA Medical Center – Crisis Hotline

                                                  (310) 392-8381

The University Police will assist our community in notifying or obtaining services from the above and any authorities upon request.

COUNSELING & PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

The University Police work closely with the Department of Student Health & Psychological Services and the Department of Student Development. We work as a team in dealing with sensitive situations, and we refer persons to psychological counseling as needed. The psychologists inform their clients that they can report crimes to the University Police. Counseling sessions are considered privileged. Crime information can be forwarded anonymously at the request of the client. The psychologists do not disclose information to the University Police without the consent of the client, unless there is an immediate threat to safety. Any reporting of statistics to comply with this act is done by reporting numbers and not names so the information provided by clients is confidential.

Psychological counseling services are available to students at no cost. The staff consists of licensed psychologists and professionally trained mental health specialists. Psychologists are also available for consultations regarding distressed or potentially violent students and can be reached at 243-3818.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Integrated Insights Employee Assistance Program is a confidential counseling and referral service to help employees and their family members deal with life's daily challenges. The EAP offers easy access to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week via a toll-free number (800) 342-8111 or (858) 571-1698. Sessions are face to face counseling sessions at an office convenient to home or work. Employee assistance counselors are licensed clinical social workers; marriage, family and child counselors; and clinical psychologists with special training. EAP is there to help with anything that interferes with job or personal life, including: marital/relationship issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, anger, legal questions, financial issues, coping with change, bereavement or grief, and low self-esteem. For additional information about the EAP, please visit the Human Resources Management web site.

DOMINGUEZ x 12

An open phone line (310-243-2810) for those experiencing problems with alcohol and/or drugs. Is your performance in class being affected? Is your performance before the class being affected? Is your performance servicing the classroom being affected? Then call. Someone is there to listen. All conversations will be kept absolutely confidential. this service is free to the campus and the community.

STUDENT PATROL/ESCORT SERVICE

The University Police/Parking Department provides an escort program. The student escorts are CSUDH students who work in the evening hours Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 11pm. The student escorts provide personal escorts and additional parking lot security, acting as “eyes and ears” for the University Police. The student escorts are available to escort students, faculty, and staff to and from their classrooms, laboratories or offices to campus parking lots, student housing, or any other campus location. To request an escort, call University Police from a campus phone at x3639 or at (310) 243-3639 or stop by the University Police Station in Welch Hall 100. Advance reservations are not taken. Student Assistants are hired to staff the information booths which are located in the front of campus and in parking Lot 4.

Escort service is available all hours of the day and night and is not just limited to 6pm-11pm. Our police officers and parking officers provide this service when the escorts are not working.

HATE CRIMES

Hate violence as defined in the statute "means any act of physical intimidation or physical harassment, physical force or physical violence, or the threat of physical force or physical violence, that is directed against any person or group of persons because of the ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, sex , sexual orientation, disability, or political/religious beliefs of that person or group.” Incidents of hate violence can be reported to the University Police, Student Health & Psychological Services, Student Development, or Vice President for Student Affairs Office. The University does not condone hate violence and is charged with ensuring that the rights guaranteed by state law and the U.S. Constitution are protected for all people regardless of their ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or political/religious beliefs.

PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE ON CAMPUS AND AVAILABLE CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS

California State University, Dominguez Hills has established a team of individuals to respond and provide training to prevent or recognize early warning signs of potential violence. The team consists of members from the University Police, Student Health & Psychological Services, Student Development, Human Resources and Faculty Affairs. Individual consultations, presentations, and workshops are offered on request. Requests can be made by calling the Director of Student Health & Psychological Services at (310) 243-3818 or the Chief of Police at (310) 243-3639.

Each allegation of violence will be taken seriously. Individuals are encouraged to report acts of violence, threats of violence, or any other behavior which by intent, act or outcome harms or may harm another person.

Members of the University Police are available to provide the following presentations to staff, faculty and students:

     Sexual Assault Prevention

     DUI and Drug Abuse

     Safety Awareness and Self Defense

     Theft Prevention

     CPR & First Aid

     Operation ID Engraving

     Emergency Preparedness

     Safety Presentations for the Child Development Center and Infant Toddler Center

     Orientation Programs for New First Time Freshmen, Parents, and Transfer Students

     Orientation Programs for International Students

     Orientation Programs for Housing Residents

We do encourage participation in our crime prevention programs and ask for your assistance in keeping our community safe. If any group on campus would like to request a specific crime prevention program, please contact the police department at (310) 243-3639.

Convicted Sexual Offender Registration Laws

Effective October 28, 2002, Penal Code 290.1 was expanded and requires sexual offenders to register with the University Police. convicted sexual offenders are required to register under Section 290 if they are residing on the university campus; enrolled as a student of the university ; employed by the university, either full-time or part-time (includes paid employees or volunteers); or working or carrying on a vocation at the university (e.g. contractors) for more than 14 days or for an aggregate period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year (including paid workers as well as volunteers).

Persons listed above must register with the University Police within five working days of commencing enrollment or employment with the University. Registrants are also required to notify the University Police within five working days of ceasing to be enrolled or employed, or ceasing to carry on a vocation at the University.

Megan's Law

In 1996, California enacted Megan's Law, which provides the public with photographs and descriptive information on serious sex offenders that reside in California. These offenders have been convicted of committing sex crimes and are required to register their whereabouts with local law enforcement. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has made this database of sex registrant information available for public viewing.

You can access this information through the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department - Carson Station, located at 21356 S. Avalon Blvd. (310) 830-1123 between 8am-5pm (daily) or by contacting the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the city that you reside. Viewing of the Megan's Law information is limited to 15 minutes and copies of these records are not permitted.

To access sex offender information via telephone, you may call the Sex Offender Identification Line at 1-900-448-3000. The cost is a flat rate of $10.00 for information on up to two individuals.

For more information on Megan's Law please see the California Department of Justice web site.

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY DOMINGUEZ HILLS GRADUATION RATES

Under the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy Crimes Statistics Act, institutions of higher education are required to disclose information to prospective and current students about institution graduation rates for first-time freshmen. The California State University draws its first time freshmen from the top one-third of California’s high school graduates. Since 1960, the CSU has awarded more than 1.2 million baccalaureate degrees in hundreds of program areas. More than any other senior institution in California, the CSU has maintained access for students who need to juggle academic life with work and family obligations. The rate of graduation will vary depending upon the needs of the individual student to balance work and family obligations. The rate of graduation will vary depending upon the needs of the individual student to balance work, school and family priorities. Information specific to California State University, Dominguez Hills graduation rates appears below.

The California State University Dominguez Hills is comprised of the College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business Administration and Public Policy, College of Education, College of Extended and International Education, College of Health and Human Services, and College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences. The campus follows a semester bases academic calendar and offers bachelor’s degrees in 41 academic disciplines and master’s degrees in 21 academic disciplines. At the end of the last academic year, (2006-2007) 1,822 students were awarded baccalaureate degrees.

CSUDH’s six year graduation rate for regularly admitted, first-time freshmen (2001-2007) who attempted a minimum of 12 units their first semester is 28.2%, which compares to a CSU system wide graduation rate of 47.4%. After six years, 13.9% of the original cohort were still continuing their studies compared to 9.1% CSU system wide.