POLICY

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, UMass Dartmouth will issue Timely Warnings (Crime Alerts) to notify members of the University community about certain crimes, defined by the Act, when such crimes occur on the UMass Dartmouth campus or in close proximity to the campus and the crime represents a serious or continuing threat to members of the University community.   A Crime Alert shall be issued within a reasonable amount of time (generally within two work days) after the incident has been reported to the University Police or a Campus Security Authority.  A Campus Security Authority is defined as a University official who manages or oversees students and campus activities, Dean of Students Office staff, University Housing Services staff, Athletics Department staff, including athletics coaches, and faculty and staff.

Crime Alerts may also be issued for non-Clery Act crimes.  Such situations shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the frequency of offense, likelihood for additional occurrence, continuing danger to the University community, and risk of compromising law enforcement efforts to resolve the case in a timely manner.

PROCEDURE

The Chief of Police or his/her designee is responsible for consulting with department staff, local police, and other campus authorities in making the determination on a case-by-case basis of when “timely warning” information in the form of a Crime Alert is appropriate.

The Crime Alert shall be issued using a method that allows for the prompt notification of the University community.  Methods of dissemination include but are not limited to electronic distribution through e-mail and the UMass Dartmouth Public Safety Crime Alert page.  In compliance with the Clery Act, the following criteria will be evaluated to determine if a Crime Alert will be issued:

1.         Has the incident been reported to the UMD Police or a campus security authority?

2.         Has the crime or incident been identified as a Clery Act crime?

3.         Is the crime or incident considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to students, faculty, staff, or campus visitors?

Crime Alerts shall contain in the subject line the phrase “Crime Alert.”  The body of the notification will include, but not limited to:  a short description of the crime or incident, time and date, location, reported offense, weapon used (if any), and suspect vehicle (if any) and method of operation used to facilitate the crime. The notification should also include personal safety information and/or crime prevention tips.

The notification posted on the DPS webiste will include any suspect information, such as available description of the suspect, that is not included in the campus e-mail alert.         

When appropriate, status updates as to the resolution and/or disposition of the crime or incident will be similarly disseminated and updated as soon as possible.

Reporting – Community members who know of a crime or other serious incident are encouraged to report that incident as soon as possible to the UMD Police so a determination can be made as to issuing an alert.