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Home  > Student Life  > Crime Prevention & General Safety Measures

Crime Prevention & General Safety Measures

 

It is important to reduce the very possibility of a crime or dangerous situation and the CUA crime prevention unit seeks to do so by providing proactive risk reduction programs for the entire campus community. 

A.   General Precautions

Below are precautions that Institute students and staff should take:  

• Report suspicious persons and activities immediately to the Department of Public Safety by calling 202 319-5111, or by using the emergency telephone system. Any suspicious activity noticed in or around McGivney Hall should immediately be reported as well to the Institute's Associate Dean of Programs and Administration, Nick Bagileo (202) 526-9693.
  
• Lock room doors, offices, and other student and employee work spaces, even when leaving for a short time. Be sure to carry your keys with you.
  
• Faculty should close windows at the end of their class.
  
• Immediately report stolen items, valuables or keys, to Institute staff and/or the DPS.
  
• Never leave valuables and keys out, visible, or unmonitored in classrooms, study areas, etc.
  
• Do not take your personal safety for granted. Avoid remaining alone in isolated areas. For example, in consideration of McGivney Hall hours, it is recommended that students spending extended time in on the lower levels of McGivney Hall do not do so alone.
  
• When walking at night, have a friend along and carry a cell phone. Use the university shuttle and loop bus systems and the escort service. There is a bus and shuttle stop just outside McGivney Hall on the east side.

B.   Programs for Safety Education and Awareness

CUA's crime prevention officers are responsible for developing risk reduction programs that foster a safer environment. Additionally, the crime prevention officer is responsible for providing and disseminating educational and instructional printed materials. All printed materials distributed by the CUA Department of Public Safety list the campus police telephone number: 202-319-5111 where one reports incidents and can obtain police service 24 hours a day.

Safety and Security Presentations: Throughout the year, the crime prevention unit provides safety and security presentations.  Institute staff and students receive at the beginning of every academic school year, a presentation from CUA officers who speak at the Institute's Orientation Day to inform the Institute community about safety on the CUA campus. The Institute staff and students also receive emails of the CUA events for the week, which will contain information about a variety of safety events that the DPS sponsors. Safety information is distributed at the Institute orientation, and at all the presentations, meetings, and seminars which the CUA Department of Public Safety holds.  This information is also available at the CUA public safety headquarters and some information is also available from the Institute's Office of the Associate Dean for Programs and Administration and the Reception Office.   

CUA's DPS provides information on the locations and use of emergency telephones, the location of the Department of Public Safety, and the way to contact public safety in the event of an emergency. The procedure for reporting criminal and suspicious activity is explained at the presentations. Also, information about the Department of Public Safety's risk reduction procedures can be found at http://publicsafety.cua.edu.  

C.   Rape Aggression Defense System

The Crime Prevention Unit offers classes to Institute students and employees on self-defense techniques. The officers are certified and trained through the Rape Aggression Defense Systems Inc. Seminars on sexual assault prevention are provided throughout the year. Additional information on Risk Reduction and Campus Sexual Assault Awareness Programs, can be found at http://publicsafety.cua.edu.

D.   Proactive Services for the Campus Community

1.    Emergency Telephones

There is an emergency button in the elevator in McGivney Hall that calls DPS and there is one outside, northwest of the Hall, on the emergency call/light pole next to the sidewalk between the Pryzbyla Plaza and the National Basilica. There are actually 126 emergency telephones and 10 panic buttons strategically located throughout the CUA campus to assist with communicating with campus police, but these are the nearest to the Institute.

2.    Escort Service

CUA provides public safety officers to escort people needing an escort.  These are members of the foot, vehicle, or bicycle patrol.

3.    Bus Service

The CUA Department of Public Safety provides campus bus service. The buses are operated by special police officers who have commercial driver's licenses. The officers perform the duties of a bus driver and are authorized to take appropriate police action, should the need arise.  The Shuttle, Loop, and Metro A.M. shuttle services provide transportation throughout the campus for students, faculty, and staff. Bus schedules are available at http://publicsafety.cua.edu, or at 120 Leahy Hall.

There are two general bus routes, the shuttle service and loop service. The shuttle bus operates Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. during the regular academic year and runs on a 15-minute schedule between the Raymond A. Dufour (athletic) Center and the John K. Mullen of Denver Memorial Library. The loop bus operates Sunday through Saturday from 5 p.m. until 12:25 a.m. during the regular academic year, making scheduled stops at designated points throughout the campus.  CUA's Department of Public Safety created a morning shuttle service that was designed primarily for, but is not limited to, staff members of the campus. The shuttle operates from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and the initial run begins at the intersection of John McCormack Road and Pangborn Road (Metro kiosk). The shuttle route extends to north campus, going through center campus and back to the Metro kiosk stop.

E.   How to Report Crimes

Students and employees are cautioned never to attempt to apprehend or pursue a suspected criminal. Institute employees and students should immediately report any crime. Crimes or suspected criminals should be reported to the CUA Dept. of Public Safety dispatcher, or, if appropriate, to 911.  If in doubt about reporting something, it is better to report it. Timely reporting leads to timely warnings given to the campus community. For immediate assistance from the campus police to the Department of Public Safety, use either (1) an emergency button, (2) an emergency phone, or (3) phone (call 202-319-5111).

If students within McGivney Hall need assistance for some reason in contacting the Department of Public Safety, they can immediately ask for help from Institute employees.  And, especially with regard to any crime in McGivney Hall, the Institute's Associate Dean of Programs and Administration (nbagileo@johnpaulii.edu, 202-526-9693), should be informed—or in his absence, the Provost/Dean of the Institute (202-526-9691).  These are the designated security authorities of the Institute and they will need to know of such matters affecting people in McGivney Hall.

Victims of or witnesses to crimes may disclose them on a voluntary, confidential basis to the CUA Department of Public Safety (202-319-5111), and/or to the Institute's Associate Dean of Programs and Administration.  These authorities will take appropriate action and will assess whether the event constitutes a crime that has to be collected and statistically reported (see list below), if other appropriate agencies need to be called, etc.  For situations where a victim of a crime or witness to a crime wants to maintain an absolute confidentiality, the priests on the Institute faculty also serve as pastoral counselors to the Institute community and can lend assistance and direction for those seeking their help.

The types of crimes that must be statistically reported are:

• Aggravated assault
• Arson
• Automobile/Motor vehicle theft
• Burglary
• Forcible sex offenses
• Hate crimes involving bodily injury
• Liquor, drug, or weapons law violations resulting in an arrest
• Murder and non-negligent manslaughter
• Negligent manslaughter
• Non-forcible sex offenses
• Robbery

F.    Where to Find Information on Registered Sex Offenders

In conjunction with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, the District of Columbia enacted the Sex Offender Registration Act of 1999, which authorized the Metropolitan Police Department to release sex offender information to the public.  A list of Class A registered sex offenders is provided on the Metropolitan Police Department's Web site as a service to the community, http://mpde.de.gov/mpdc/site/default.asp (Services - Sex Offender Registry).

G.   Sexual Assault Policy

The John Paul II Institute has access to the CUA safety awareness program that provides Rape Aggression Defense System classes (through a sign-up through Public Safety at http://publicsafety.cua.edu/ RADTraining.cfrn). Targeted training is provided. The policy below has been adapted from the CUA Sexual Assault Policy to be cohesive with the CUA community in promoting safety from sexual assault.

1.   Introduction

The Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family affirms the teaching of the Catholic Church that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife and are to contain the respect due to each person's human dignity.   The Institute realizes, however, that the threat of sexual assault unfortunately exists throughout society in general.  All sexual assaults are serious and considered unacceptable behavior, will not be tolerated, and will be adjudicated to the fullest extent afforded to the Institute.

2.  Definitions

A. Sexual Assault:  Sexual assault is defined as sexual contact without meaningful, explicit, ongoing consent.  This includes forcing, threatening, or coercing an individual into sexual contact under duress and/or against his or her free will. 

B. Consent:  Although the John Paul II Institute condones sexual relationships only in the context of marriage, "consent" is defined as an understandable exchange of affirmative words and actions that indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.  Consent must be informed, actively sought prior to and during sexual activity, and freely and actively given. Absence of any explicit response constitutes lack of consent.  It is expected that after consent has been established, a person who changes his/her mind during the sexual activity will communicate through words or actions his/her decision to no longer proceed. 
 

3. Statement on Sexual Assault

Sexual assault, including acquaintance rape, will not be tolerated. Sexual assault by any member of the Institute community is a violation of accepted student behavior that, in addition to other consequences, can lead to disciplinary action.
 
Institute community members have the right to have any and all reported sexual assaults treated with seriousness and to be treated justly and with dignity throughout the process. Members will not (1) be pressured to suppress a sexual assault report; (2) be made to think that they are somehow responsible for the commission of the crime against them; or (3) that the victim was contributory or negligent, by assuming the risk of being assaulted by reason of circumstances, dress, or behavior; or that the victim, Institute, or University would incur unwanted publicity if the sexual assault was reported.
 
4.  What To Do In The Event Of A Sexual Assault

Victims of a sexual assault at the Institute should, as soon as possible:
 
(1) Report the incident to the CUA Department of Public Safety at 202-319-5111. The Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, victims/survivors of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report a sexual assault to the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. The Department of Public Safety can assist anyone who needs help with this process.
 
(2) Seek medical attention and do not interfere with the preservation of evidence (e.g., do not bathe or change clothing).
 
(3) Meet with the Institute's Associate Dean of Programs and Administration, the Provost/Dean, or possibly one of the Institute priests who also serve as pastoral counselors.  Depending on the circumstances involved, these Institute professional staff may seek assistance from—or advise the victim to seek assistance from— the campus counseling staff at the CUA, from local community resources, including the DC Rape Crisis Center [Hotline: (202) 333-7273; Business: (202) 232-0789], or from the list of community resources and area hospitals available in the CUA Office of the Dean of Students.

(4) Upon request, the Institute will help to prevent any unwanted contact between the complainant and the accused by, for example, making reasonably available changes to academic schedules.

5. Confidentiality and Support

The Institute will make a reasonable effort to protect the confidentiality of information.  The degree to which this happens, however, depends upon the professional role of the person being consulted. The professional being consulted should make these limits clear before any disclosure of facts. The Institute has the responsibility to protect the larger community and so, certain cases may warrant investigation and resolution beyond the solution desired by the individual reporting the incident.  An individual can speak confidentially with certain persons in legally protected roles. These roles include clergy, off-campus medical clinicians, professional sexual assault counselors, and on-campus professional counselors at the CUA Counseling Center.  However, professional and pastoral counselors are encouraged to inform students being counseled of voluntary disclosure procedures. Students are encouraged to seek counseling in order to speak confidentially with a professional and begin the recovery period.

6. Prevention Education

The Institute community is able to access the CUA's Sexual Assault prevention programs.  This program includes self-defense workshops, educational seminars, resource information and referral, and Sexual Assault Awareness Week.  In addition, the CUA Student Health Services is a comprehensive resource center that contains journals, books, and videos on a wide range of contemporary college health issues including sexual assault.

7. Disciplinary Action

Allegations of sexual assault will be reviewed, assessed, and adjudicated by the Provost/Dean of the Institute.  Acts that constitute violations of law would make offenders accountable to both to civil/criminal authorities. Disciplinary action at the Institute may proceed during the pendency of criminal proceedings, and are not subject to challenge on the grounds that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced or that no criminal charges have been brought. Penalties shall not be increased in severity because civil or criminal action may be pending. Sanctions for a finding of sexual assault ordinarily range, depending on the nature and severity, from disciplinary probation to expulsion.

H.   Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy

John Paul II Institute students who are 21 years of age or older are free to consume alcohol responsibly at institution events.  These students, however, assume responsibility for their use of alcohol.  No student or employee shall encourage the use of alcohol by underage students.

The manufacture, sale, distribution, cultivation, possession, or use of drugs or drug paraphernalia is illegal.  The Catholic University of America's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy strictly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, cultivation, dispensation or use of controlled drugs or alcohol on the University campus. The Institute also abides by this policy, prohibiting the unlawful possession or unlawful use of drugs or alcohol on the university's property. 

John Paul II Institute students who choose to violate this policy may be expelled, suspended, or at minimum required to attend a counseling workshop to address the issue of drug and alcohol abuse, depending on the severity of the circumstances. In line with CUA's own policies, the Institute will notify the University within five days of any drug-related or alcohol-related accidents or criminal offenses on the premises involving the Institute's agents or employees.  Violations of the CUA drug and alcohol policy which are also violations of federal or local law may be referred to the appropriate agencies. 

1.    Risks of Alcohol and Drug Use

[The following risks involved with alcohol and other drug use are reiterated here and/or adapted from the CUA policy found at http://policies.cua.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/alcoholdrugs.cfm.]

The risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol are numerous and include

• physical and mental impairment
• emotional and psychological deterioration
• devastating effects on family and friends
• hangover
• being charged with driving under the influence or while intoxicated
• sustaining or causing personal injury

Other risks:

• Poor academic performance
• Poor job performance
• Poor social interactions
• Unwanted and inappropriate sexual activity, which may spread diseases
• Needle-transmission diseases such as HIV/AIDS
• Jeopardizing future career prospects

In addition, alcohol and other drug abuse puts the user at considerable health risk, which can include

• nausea
• vomiting
• cancer
• liver damage
• elevated blood pressure
• psychotic episodes
• hallucinations
• death

In addition to the risk to the abuser of illicit drugs and alcohol are the risks to fellow classmates, the public, and to unborn children.

2.    Legal Penalty Matters

CUA and the John Paul II Institute both cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities. Violations of this drug and alcohol policy that are also violations of federal and local law may be referred to the appropriate agencies. In such situations, cases may proceed concurrently with the Institute's review process and in the criminal justice system. Legal penalties for violation of the laws regarding alcohol and drugs may include including monetary fines and imprisonment.  The penalties for violating federal and local jurisdiction standards are available at http://counsel.cua.edu/Security/clicks/drugchart.cfm.

The CUA Counseling Center and Student Health Services can provide confidential consultation and referral to those with problems or concerns related to alcohol and/or drug use. Information about substance abuse and treatment programs is also available in the CUA's Office of the Dean of Students as well as through the Institute's Associate Dean of Administration and Programs.

For information on federal drug penalties, please visit http://counsel.cua.edu/security/clicks.  

I.      Weapons Policy

The Institute abides by the policy of the Catholic University of America, which prohibits weapons on campus. For details: See Appendix 1, CUA's Prohibited Conduct list,  "Dangerous Items."  Sanctions against those who disregard this policy will be adjudicated by the Provost/Dean and relayed to the appropriate authorities and agencies.