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Public Safety

A Guide to Campus Safety and Law Enforcement

Numbers to Know On Campus

Department of Public Safety: Emergency 9191
Department of Public Safety: Information 8107
Department of Public Safety: Tip Line 8477
Health Services 8982
Counseling Center 8650
Housing Office 8140
Women's Resource Center 8584
Unity House 9222

Table of Contents

Introduction: Department of Public Safety and University Policies

The Department of Public Safety, located in the power plant building directly across from parking lot 6, operates 24 hours a day year-round and is composed of professional police, security, and Public Safety personnel. Sworn Department of Public Safety officers investigate all violations of local and state laws including Massachusetts Chapter 90 governing motor vehicles, and are empowered to carry firearms and make arrests. Our police officers are vested with full law enforcement powers and receive the same initial training as municipal law enforcement officers In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Officers are required to attend the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council Police Recruit Academy and are supplemented by ongoing in-service training each year. Officers frequently attend in-depth training in a wide variety of specialized topics such as crime prevention theory, the investigations of sexual assaults and bias- related incidents and all other incidents requiring police assistance.

The Department of Public Safety maintains a close working relationship with the Dartmouth Police Department, as well as state and federal law enforcement agencies. As a courtesy, we routinely exchange information on arrests and serious crimes with both state and local police adjacent to the University. The serial numbers and identifying description of all stolen motor vehicles, office equipment and other stolen properties from our campus is reported nationwide through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Potential criminal action and emergencies on campus should be reported directly by any student, faculty, staff or visitor.

For an emergency, dialing 9191 from any on-campus telephone will provide you with direct contact with the university police dispatcher twenty-four hours a day. Also, an emergency call box system is provided on campus. These emergency call boxes are in strategic locations around campus and are easily identified by their distinctive blue containers as well as by their bright blue light during the nighttime. Follow the directions on the phones to obtain the necessary assistance.

Tip Line The UMass Department of Public Safety now has a dedicated phone line to receive anonymous information (TIPS or x8477). If you wish to provide information on any issue, call the TIP line and leave a message. This line should not be used to report a crime in progress or for any event where immediate police response is needed. In those circumstances, you should dial 9191 immediately.

Silent Witness Anonymous reporting is available online at www.umassd.edu/publicsafety/tipline.cfm

Crime Prevention and Public Safety Services

We feel that most violations committed on campus are preventable. As part of the university‘s educational mission, the Department of Public Safety attempts to teach and educate members of the campus community on how to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of personal or property crime. For this reason, the department has a Crime Prevention Unit with a certified Crime Prevention Officer/Coordinator dedicated full-time to several Crime Prevention Programs.

Community Policing

The UMass Dartmouth Department of Public Safety is committed to building partnerships with the community. Our department’s community policing philosophy is based on the premise that both the police and the community must work together to identify, prioritize and solve problems with the goal of improving the overall quality of life in the community. Community Policing is about crime prevention, partnership and problem solving with the community. The following safety programs are available to UMass Dartmouth students, faculty, and staff:

Emergency Blue Light Phones There are 39 blue light phones located at strategic locations and at the entrances of all Residence Halls. Follow posted directions on phones to obtain the necessary assistance.

Lighting/Brush Surveys These surveys are conducted biannually to evaluate the safety conditions of the university. These recommendations are then forwarded to facilities who take appropriate action to correct any repairs affecting the safety and security of the University. The Facilities and Physical Plant Department maintains all buildings and grounds for the University and inspects campus facilities regularly.

Dart Van (Escort Service) is a shuttle for safety transportation which begins at approximately 5:30pm and ends at 2:30am seven days a week. When there are special events on campus, extended service is provided for one half hour after the event closes. Special requests made by physically challenged individuals are also available. DART service stops are designated with a sign and are located at the residence halls, the campus center, the gym, Cedar Dell and the library. When the DART is not available, the Department of Public Safety provides safety escorts, depending upon the availability of officers. Information regarding the Dart Van can be obtained by dialing extension 8108. If you are in need of an escort and the Dart Van is not available, please call extension 8107 for an escort. Link to DART van schedules

RAD Program (508-999-8967) The Rape Aggression Defense System is a free program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training.

9191 emergency telephone service is available to provide immediate access to emergency personnel. If you are on campus and need emergency assistance dial 9191. There are also red telephones on campus located within the buildings which allow for immediate communication with the dispatcher. These specific telephones automatically dial into the police station, therefore, no dialing is necessary.

Other services and programs include:

Additional safety programs and materials are available to students, faculty, and staff. The Department of Public Safety provides pamphlets and video tapes on various topics regarding crime prevention. Topics include: Public Safety Services, General Crime Prevention, Operation I.D., and Bicycle Safety and Security. Information on safety and security is provided to the University community through videos, crime alert bulletins, posters, brochures, University publications and the student newspaper.

Reporting Crimes: To report a crime or call for help:

  1. Have Department of Public Safety phone number readily accessible:
    Information: 8107/Emergency: 9191
  2. State the nature of problem.
  3. Location you are calling from.
  4. Remain calm and speak clearly.
  5. Where is the location of the crime or call for help?
  6. Is the crime in progress?
  7. Are there any injuries?
  8. Are there any weapons involved?
  9. Get a description of the involved parties: for example: hair color, weight, height, clothing, auto.

Campus Facilities

On-Campus Student Housing

There are ten Residence Halls on campus. All Residence Halls entrances are locked twenty-four hours a day and all traffic entering and exiting the buildings is restricted to the main doorways, except in an emergency situation. Each building has a desk staffed by an attendant during evening hours. Apartment doors for each student are locked at all times. Access to each apartment is regulated by the residents. There is limited CCTV surveillance for the main entrances of each residence hall. In addition, all academic buildings are secured at approximately 10:30pm each night by security personnel.

Off-Campus Student Housing

Although the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has no off-campus sororities or fraternities, many students live in privately owned housing close to campus. Crime Prevention programs emphasizing what off-campus students can do to help themselves and various other crime prevention programs are provided.

Satellite Campuses

Professional & Continuing Education Center The Fall River campus, located at 139 South Main Street, Fall River, serves both graduate and undergraduate UMass students, and also provides classrooms for Bristol Community College, Bridgewater State College and Boston University. The New Bedford campus, located at 800 Purchase Street, New Bedford, houses academic and administrative facilities as well as the Neighborhood College.

Star Store The Star Store is the center for the College of Visual and Performing Arts which provides both academic and administrative facilities. The Star Store is located at 715 Purchase Street, New Bedford.

SMAST This is the Intercampus Graduate School of Marine and Science Technology. SMAST is situated between Rodney French Boulevard and the Battery Milliken on Clark’s Cove, New Bedford. Access to the building after 6 pm requires proper card access.

ATMC The Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Center is located at 151 Martine Street, Fall River. This building is used for research and light manufacturing, as well as housing numerous administrative offices. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Violence in the Workplace

Violence in the workplace can be defined as the acts of threats or violence that arise out of either disputes or antagonistic interpersonal relationships between employees, visitors, customers, and/or their employees in and around the place of employment. Workplace violence can be categorized into three areas: stranger violence, client violence, and employee violence. Personal harassment (including stalking), abusive behavior, and violence are not tolerated in the workplace. Call Public Safety with any questions or concerns at ext. 8107.

Sex Offense Policies and Procedures

Sexual Assault

The possible sanctions for rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses (forcible or non-forcible) are addressed by the UMass Dartmouth Student Judicial Code and the University’s Sexual Harassment Policy: www.umassd.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs

The priority of any sexual assault victim shall be to get to a safe place and obtain medical treatment. The Department of Public Safety encourages all victims to report the incident in a timely manner. Filing a report will not necessitate criminal prosecution nor will this subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental actions by the police; reporting allows for medical treatment, collection of physical evidence, and accessing counseling services from persons specially trained in the area of sexual assault intervention. If the incident takes place in the residence halls, the resident assistant will contact the university police. In order to preserve evidence, clothes should not be laundered and a shower should not be taken.

Local and state police can be notified as needed; also, the counseling office, health office and women’s center will assist students. The campus judicial code provides that the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities in which to have others present during campus disciplinary proceedings, and that both the accuser and the accused shall be informed as to the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding. The Women’s Resource Center, the Counseling Center, the Health Office, the Housing Office, the Student Life Office, and the University Chaplains are the identified campus resources available to help students. All offices, faculty and staff have been made aware of the seriousness of sexual offenses and would make appropriate referrals.

The Women’s Center at STARR in Fall River, the New Bedford Women’s Center, St. Luke’s Hospital (New Bedford) and Charlton Memorial Hospital (Fall River) are possible community referrals for treatment and/or counseling.

The Office of Residence Life may provide reasonable options for changing living arrangements and various Deans and the Registrar offer reasonable options for changing academic classes when necessary.

Educational programs that promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses are presented by several campus groups:

  • Women's Resource Center (508.999.8584) The WRC director counsels, advocates, and refers victims of sexual assault to appropriate agencies within the community or on campus for counseling, information or judicial and court proceedings. Also, the Women's Resource Center provides periodic educational programs regarding sex offenses for the university community.
  • Women's Studies Program (508.999.4586) Violence against women and its ramifications are studied in the classroom in many of the courses offered in the Women's Studies Program.
  • Resident Assistant Training (508.999.8140) Each year, several training sessions are devoted to defining sexual offenses, training R.A.s to do crisis intervention, referral and follow-up.
  • Counseling Center (508.999.8650) Programs, brochures, individual and group counseling educate clients about sex offenses. Orientation requires freshmen to receive training in sexual assault prevention.
  • Health Services (508.999.8982) Initial assessment, referral and follow-up to sex offenses incidences as well as educational programs are provided by this office.
  • Chaplain's Office (508.999.8872) This office provides educational information as well as counseling and referrals.
  • RAD Program (508.999.8967) The Rape Aggression Defense System is a free program of realistic, self-defense tactics and techniques. The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands on defense training.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment has been defined as the unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. These constitute sexual harassment when: 1. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment; 2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting that individual; or 3. such conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Although this definition focuses on employment, the same types of unwelcome conduct in the classroom constitute sexual harassment and are prohibited. Sexual harassment can occur in a situation where one person has power over another, but it can also occur between equals. Both men and women can be sexually harassed, although women are more often victimized. Harassment under the third part of the definition often consists of callous insensitivity to the experience of women. Any member of the UMass Dartmouth community found to have violated the university’s sexual harassment policy will be subject to a range of disciplinary action up to and including possible termination or dismissal. Retaliation against individuals who file complaints or participate in the investigation of a sexual harassment complaint is unlawful and will not be tolerated.

UMass Dartmouth has a Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure which provides for investigation and informal and formal resolution processes. All complaints will be investigated in a fair and expeditious manner. Every effort will be made to investigate each complaint in a manner respecting the privacy of those involved.

Dr. George Smith, Assistant Chancellor for Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Outreach (x8204)

Between the hours of 5pm and 8am on weekdays and on weekends, individuals wishing to report a concern, issue or sexual harassment complaint should call x6452, the University’s dedicated line for such matters, and leave a message.

University Policies

Student Conduct

The University respects the laws and ordinances of the civil jurisdiction within which it lies. The University does not stand in loco parentis for its students, nor is the campus considered a sanctuary from civil law. Serious acts of felony committed by students on the campus of the University, in its buildings, or at University-sponsored events will be reported to the proper law enforcement agency as is required by law.

Hazing

The University is required by state law to issue to each student the following sections of the law pertaining to hazing.

269:17 Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined.

Section 17. Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment. The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subject such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

269.18. Failure to report hazing.

Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.

269.19 Copy of secs. 17-19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations.

Section 19. Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an un-affiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to un-affiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said un-affiliated student groups, teams or organizations. Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgment stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.

Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the regents of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of the sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of regents and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.

Firearms and Weapons

Firearms of any type, assembled or disassembled, ammunition, knives, machetes, javelins, martial arts devices, clubs, or any device which can be considered hazardous to the welfare of members of the university community are strictly prohibited on campus. Any violation of state laws or town ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons will result in prosecution and will be subject to severe disciplinary action, up to, and including, dismissal from the university.

Drugs and Alcohol

The University seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of its community. In keeping with these objectives, the University has established a policy along with guidelines governing the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the University campus while conforming to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed only in licensed areas and only under strict guidelines in accordance with the rules and regulations of the University.

The University does not condone possession, use of, or distribution of marijuana, L.S.D. or other hallucinogens and narcotics by anyone in any University facility. Any individual known possessing, using or distributing such drugs is subject to disciplinary action and possible arrest, imprisonment or fine according to Massachusetts General Law.

Massachusetts law forbids the sale or serving of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years of age. The law also forbids falsifying identity cards and misrepresenting age in order to obtain alcohol. The University enforces the laws regarding illegal use of alcohol and drugs. The specific legislation regarding the local, state or federal sanctions for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are on file with the Department of Public Safety, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and the Dean of Students.

They include:

  1. Chapter 94C, Controlled substances, which include "marijuana, cocaine, morphine, opium, heroin, etc." and also lists criminal penalties or any prohibited misuse of the substances. These include forfeiture of property as well as imprisonment and other criminal penalties. The law also prohibits misuse of drug paraphernalia.
  2. Chapter 138, Alcoholic Liquors, regulates sale of liquors to minor, use of false identification card to obtain liquor, making false statements as to age to obtain liquor and operation of motor vehicles containing alcoholic beverages. Laws regarding driving while under the influence of liquor also apply.
  3. The ordinance of the Town of Dartmouth prohibit public consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Although the Department of Public Safety has no statutory authority over off-campus residents, local police along with the Massachusetts State Police Department share concurrent jurisdiction. Together these police agencies share an excellent mutual working relationship with the Department of Public Safety and as required, mutual aid is rendered among the agencies.

Consuming and Transporting Alcohol

Any person consuming alcoholic beverages outside of a licensed and/or sanctioned area shall be ordered to dispose of said beverage. The violation will result in the individual(s) being reported to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee for possible disciplinary action and subject to criminal prosecution.

Any person possibly under 21 years of age who is observed transporting alcoholic beverages, shall be required by a police officer to provide proof of age. If the person in fact is under 21 years of age, the police officer shall determine if they are currently a university student. If so, they shall be informed by the police officer that the violation may result in action taken by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee and subject to criminal prosecution.

In any event, the police officer shall confiscate the alcoholic beverages and dispose of them. The legally under-aged individual caught with alcohol may be charged with a violation of Massachusetts General Law, i.e., minor in possession of alcoholic beverages.

Drug and Alcohol Education and Referral

The intention of the University is to support students and staff in demonstrating responsible conduct in the best interest of their personal health and well being, the community’s well being and the rights of others.

The University promotes attitudes and behavior that create a university atmosphere of civility and discourage any behavior that is abusive to oneself or others.

The University provides alcohol and drug education counseling, intervention and referral services to students, faculty, staff and administrators. The Program consists of three areas: Education, counseling, and referral.

The University provides orientation for incoming students about alcohol and drug-related issues and university policy. It also offers workshops for residence halls staff regarding assessment of alcohol troubled students.

The Counseling Center provides individual and group counseling sessions, and regularly scheduled meetings for Adult Children of Alcoholics and Alcoholics Anonymous. The referral program provides liaison with local alcohol and drug treatment programs and utilization of other university counseling, health and academic resources.

Referrals are made to local treatment programs involving alcohol and drug abuse. The program also provides for further utilization of other University counseling such as health and academic resources.

Keeping yourself informed is an important step in developing a healthy lifestyle and in knowing how to cope with problems as they arise. The University provides useful and informative prevention education programs throughout the year. A variety of departments sponsor workshops and lectures on alcohol and drug related issues to support and encourage a healthy productive lifestyle. These programs are made available through the following departments:

Decisions regarding your use of alcohol can increase your risk of failing courses, making irresponsible choices about sexual behavior, and being involved in fights and accidents. Information regarding other drugs is available through Health Services, x8993. If you wonder whether you or someone you know may have a problem with alcohol or other drugs, these resources may be able to help:

Health insurance carriers also provide some coverage of services providing treatment for alcohol and drug problems. When a student violates a university policy or procedure and has been referred to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs or designee, a brief history of the circumstances is reviewed. Part of this review will include alcohol and/or drug usage at the time of the violation. Students who admit to having used alcohol and/or drugs during or prior to manifesting the inappropriate behavior may be required to participate in an alcohol evaluation. In some instances, alcohol/ drug education and/or counseling will be recommended. This information can be used as part of the criteria for making a decision about the student's status at the university. Students who continue to manifest inappropriate behavior and violate university policies and procedures while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be referred again for further consultation. In any event, disciplinary action may result which may include completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension/dismissal and referral for prosecution.

The Jeanne Clery Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act 1998

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 as amended requires that colleges and universities publicize campus crime statistics and interim reports of serious crime incidents.

These publicized statistics are meant to warn students, employees, and applicants of the prevalence of campus crime. Employees and students must be given interim crime reports which include statistics on murder, forcible sex offenses, non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny (theft), and motor vehicle theft. The annual report must also describe how to report crimes and emergencies on campus.

NOTE: The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 enacted during the 105th Congress on October 7, 1998 include revisions. The campus security section of the federal Higher Education Act is formally named in memory of Jeanne Clery.

NOTE: Public Property includes all thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities which are within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. Judicial referral is the referral of any student to the Office of the Judicial Affairs regarding any instances where a drug, liquor, or weapons violation has occurred. These referrals do not include incidents when an arrest was made.

Link to report of Campus Crime Statistics

Contact Info:

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