Campus safety

 

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment for all campus members and visitors. CalArts has developed policies and procedures designed to ensure that every possible precaution is taken to protect persons on campus from harm or theft.

 

The CalArts annual campus safety report

CalArts is a community of over 1,800 students, faculty and staff. The cooperation and involvement of students and employees in a campus safety program are absolutely necessary.

 

On the CalArts campus, the Security Office and community members themselves are responsible for measures to ensure personal safety and to protect property. In addition, the Institute employees a full-time Safety Coordinator whose responsibility is to assist in the safety of the CalArts campus and its community.

 

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities to disclose crime statistics for the previous three calendar years as part of a campus security report to be published annually by each institution. These statistics must be gathered from campus security, local law enforcement, and other school officials (e.g. Dean of Students, Director of Housing, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Security Supervisor, etc.) who have significant responsibility for campus activities.

 

The occurrence of the following crimes must be reported:

 

• Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter
• Negligent manslaughter
• Forcible sex offenses
• Nonforcible sex offenses
• Robbery
• Aggravated assault
• Burglary
• Motor vehicle theft
• Arson

 

In addition, CalArts has to report on liquor law violations, drug law violations, and illegal weapons possession.

 

Campus crime statistics must be reported by location: on campus; residential facilities (a subset of on campus), CalArts noncampus buildings or property; and public property (streets, sidewalks, lots adjacent to campus).

Crime statistics for 2006, 2005 and 2004 are available.

 

A daily log, which records all crimes reported to the campus security department is maintained and open to public inspection during normal business hours. Limited information maybe withheld to protect victim confidentiality. CalArts is also required to provide timely warning/notices of crimes that pose an on-going threat to students and employees.

 

The annual report is made available to all current students and employees and prospective students and employees are to be notified of its existence and afforded an opportunity to request a copy. Paper copies are available upon request through the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer's office, room F306.

 

The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to include in their annual campus security reports information about where information on registered sex offenders may be obtained. To locate the whereabouts of registered sex offenders a Los Angeles County web site, http://caag.state.ca.us/megan/index.htm, has been created.

 

The complete text of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is available at: http://www.securityoncampus.org

 

Programs to inform students and others about campus security procedures and practices are included in student orientation during orientation and registration week each September. The student Housing Office includes campus security procedures in its mailing over the summer to students and in the housing brochure and contacts. The orientation of on-campus residents includes security procedures. During the academic year additional security matters are brought to the attention of on-campus residents through letters to them from the Director of Housing.

 

Campus security

Campus security provides a full range of service to the CalArts community twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, year round. The department is located in room E100. Their telephone number is (661) 255-1050, extensions 2113, 2114 and 2222. Their direct line is (661) 222-2702. Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported directly by a student, faculty or staff member by calling the aforementioned telephone number. If the County of Los Angeles Sheriff's Department at (661) 255-1121 is called please make CalArts security aware of the situation.

 

Campus security:

 

• is the first responder to emergencies of any kind
• protects the persons and property of students, faculty, staff and visitors to CalArts
• patrols by automobile, electric cart and on foot
• provides first aid until the arrival of paramedics
• monitors fire and theft alarms
• enforces traffic and parking regulations
• takes reports of crimes and incidents
• provides incident reports to the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and other persons, as applicable
• assists law enforcement and other emergency service providers as needed
• provides around-the-clock escort service on campus to anyone, as needed

Campus security officers are unarmed and have no special or police powers. Their arrest powers are identical to those of a private person, as provided in the California Penal Code section 837. Campus security is not a police department but is responsible for law enforcement, security, and emergency response at CalArts. Campus security works closely and cooperatively with the County of Los Angeles Sheriff Department.

 

Access to campus buildings and grounds

Students and employees have access to all campus facilities, except where restricted by schools/departments. Access to the residence halls, however, is limited to students and their guests, according to housing procedures. Access to residence halls by CalArts employees is on an "as needed" basis. The general public can attend events on campus; however, their access is limited to the facilities in which the event is held.

 

CalArts statement of current policy

The Student, Staff and Faculty Handbooks contain the Institute's policies and procedures for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus. These handbooks also contain the Institute's policies concerning the response to such reports.

 

The Institute has a Security Committee with student, faculty and staff representation, which meets monthly during the academic year. For information regarding these meetings contact the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, room F306.

 

Sexual assault

The Institute's policies on rape and sexual harassment are included in the Student, Faculty and Staff Handbooks. Included in the Student Handbook are suggested steps to take in case of a rape. These steps are included also as part of this report. Included in all three handbooks are the Institute's procedures to follow in cases of sexual harassment. In addition, all new faculty, staff and incoming students receive a copy of the CalArts Policy on Sexual and other unlawful Harassment.

 

Illegal drugs and alcohol

The Institute has standards that prohibit the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, faculty and staff on Institute property or as part of the Institute's activities. As noted in the Student, Faculty and Staff Handbooks, sanctions will be imposed on students and employees (consistent with federal and state law) for the use or distribution of illicit drugs or illicit use of alcohol up to and including expulsion form the Institute or termination of employment.

 

The unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is a violation of state and federal law. In the State of California anyone under the age of 21 cannot be served or be in possession of alcohol.

 

Alcohol may not be sold anywhere on the CalArts campus. The Institute allows the proper serving of alcohol at authorized functions as described in the Student Handbook.

 

In California anyone driving with a .08 or greater blood-alcohol content is considered "driving under the influence" and subject to loss of their driver's license and other penalties. These penalties can include incarceration.

 

The Institute recognizes the importance of assisting students, faculty and staff in dealing with substance or alcohol abuse problems and to that end offers educational and benefit programs dealing with such matters. Questions regarding this should be discussed with the Dean of Students, Provost or the Director of Human Resources.

 

Printed information and individual consultations are available to all students at the Health Office and the Student Affairs Office. We have reading material on how to identify people with alcohol or drug problems, how to help a friend with a drinking problem and characteristics of children from dysfunctional families.

 

For those who want to obtain direct assistance there are several sources within the local community and many more within the greater Los Angeles area. These sources are listed in the "yellow pages" of the local phone book under "Alcohol and Drug Abuse."

 

Weapons

For the safety of everyone, all types of weapons are prohibited on campus. This includes but is not restricted to firearms, illegal knives, ammunition, explosives, gas or springloaded guns, crossbows, bows and arrows, spring-type guns, slingshots, firecrackers, fireworks, and cherry bombs. Anyone possessing or using any of these weapons can and will be subject to disciplinary action or arrest.

 

Residential security

CalArts houses approximately 450 students in dormitory style rooms or in an independent living situation.

 

Entrances are locked at 10:00 p.m. from September until Halloween. From Halloween through the beginning of Spring Break lock up time is 6:00 p.m. After the spring recess, the 10:00 p.m. lock up time resumes.

 

Overnight guests are permitted under the housing policy for guests. They are the responsibility of the housing resident and must be accompanied by them at all times.

 

Chouinard Hall is served by live-in Resident Assistants. These student members are trained in First Aid and CPR and to respond to safety and security concerns.

 

Safety tips

General Safety

 

• Be aware of your surroundings and any signs that something appears to be wrong or out of place.
• Stay in well-lighted areas and walk mid-point between curbs and buildings and away from alleys and bushes when possible.
• Don't carry extra credit cards or large sums of money.
• Lock your valuables securely, even in your room.
• Walk with someone whenever possible. Request an escort when traveling alone at night.
• Do not risk personal injury if someone forcibly attempts to take your wallet, purse or property.
• Do carry a whistle or personal alarm and use it when you feel threatened.
• Keep an inventory of personal property and mark items with your driver's license number and the state.
• Acquaintance rape happens. Learn the danger signs. Victims suffer significant life disruption.
• Distance yourself from the misuse of alcohol or drugs, it can be far worse than a bad headache the next morning.
• Do not attach your ID to your key chain or mark your keys with your name and address.
• Get to know your neighbors and share information about suspicious activities.
• Call Campus Security at extension 2113 or 2114 or 2222 in an emergency or to report any crime or suspicious activity.

Office safety

 

• When working late, make sure doors are locked. Let someone know of your location and expected departure time.
• NEVER prop doors open, even for a short time. Your action could contribute to harm to yourself or someone else.
• Do not loan your office keys or allow them to be copied.
• Do not hold a door open for a stranger.
• Keep your purse, wallet, or other valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer. Office thieves know where to look.

Car safety

 

• Auto theft is a problem nationally as well as on campuses. Take action to safeguard your vehicle.
• Lock all doors after parking.
• Help secure your car against grand theft/burglary with an electronic alarm and/or kill switch.
• Keep a copy of your registration, title, and vehicle ID number in a safe place, separate from your vehicle.
• Store your valuables out of sight.
• If you park your car but don't use it regularly, check on it daily.
• Immediately report thefts, as well as suspicious activity in parking lots or near parked cars, to Campus Security.

Conclusion

All members of the CalArts community must cooperate and work hand-in-hand to resolve criminal matters in a timely fashion. By working together the CalArts community can create a safe and secure environment.

 

Further information

Further information about public safety can be obtained from the Security Office at (661) 253-7700 or the Director of Housing at (661) 253-7897.

 

Telephone numbers for emergency or non-emergency reasons:

 

Off-campus:
661-255-1050, extensions 2113, 2114, or 2222
Direct line 661-222-2702

 

On-Campus:
Extensions 2113, 2114, or 2222

 

Sheriff, Fire or Medical Emergency : 911

Sheriff non-emergency: 661-255-1121