Crime Awareness and Campus
Security Information Report
October 17, 2007
University of Massachusetts Boston
Department of Public Safety
This information is provided to meet the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and has been prepared by the University of Massachusetts Boston Department of Public Safety, using statistical and other information supplied by the Dean of Students Office, UMass Boston Department of Public Safety Special Services Division, the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police.
University of Massachusetts
Boston
Department of Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety consists of both sworn (police) and non-sworn (security) personnel. Personnel from both components are on duty twenty-four hours per day, every day. Sworn personnel derive their authority from MGL. Ch. 75, Sec. 32A. They are invested with the power of police officers throughout the University's property, and enforce the Commonwealth's laws and University regulations, including motor vehicle and parking violations. Security personnel assist in this regard by patrolling buildings, maintaining physical security, and calling problems requiring police intervention to the attention of on-duty officers. Unlike UMass Boston Police Officers, Security Officers have no power of arrest.
Reporting Crimes
Crime may be reported to the University Police either by telephone or in person at the police station on the plaza level adjacent to the Quinn Administration Building. The station is staffed 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. Emergency reports by telephone may be made by dialing 911 from any campus telephone, or by dialing 617-287-1212 or 617-287-7777 from any off campus telephone. In non-emergencies, the Department encourages the use of the business number, 617-287-7799. University police regulations require that an officer be dispatched to meet in person with anyone reporting a crime, whenever possible. The University does not have a confidential reporting program, and all victims are encouraged to report crimes to the UMass Boston Police
Crimes reported to the University police requiring follow-up are investigated by University Police Officers and/or UMass Police Detectives. Neither the University nor any of its recognized student Organizations maintains off-campus facilities under the jurisdiction of any other enforcement agency. Nevertheless, through regular communication and participation in formal working groups, UMass Police maintain ongoing relationships with State and Boston Police, as well as other area law enforcement agencies. This allows University police to keep abreast of crime trends in the surrounding community. This knowledge is incorporated into crime prevention awareness programs conducted by the UMass Police. The resources of these other departments are available to the University police, and are utilized as needed, or as required by statute.
Timely Warning Policy
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the
judgment of the Chief of University Police constitutes an ongoing or continuing
threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be
issued through the college e-mail system to students, faculty, staff and the
campus’ student newspaper, The MASS MEDIA. Depending on the particular circumstances
of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat
to the community and individuals, the Office of Public Safety may also post
a notice on the University Police web site at: http://www.publicsafety.umb.edu
providing the university community with more immediate notification. Anyone
with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances
to the University Police office, by phone (617-287-7799) or in person at the
dispatch center within Public Safety, on the Plaza Level of the Quinn Administration
Building.
Telephone
911
Emergency
617-287-7799 General Information
617-287-7780 Communications
617-287-7785 Fax
Postal address
University of Massachusetts Boston
Department of Public Safety
100 Morrissey Blvd. Quinn Building
Boston, MA. 02125-3393
Electronic mail
General Information: public.safety@umb.edu
Webmaster: peter.bonitatibus@umb.edu
Crime Prevention
University Police Crime Prevention Officers conduct a variety of programs through out the year, intended to inform and educate the community on crime issues. Rape awareness, physical security, and vehicle and bicycle security are examples of the issues dealt with in these programs. Additionally, crime prevention officers assist in the design of new facilities and in evaluating areas where theft is or may become a problem.
Crime Prevention Officers are available throughout the year to speak to groups or to staff exhibits at various functions sponsored by University’s Department of Student Life, where they demonstrate innovative security products and provide guidance on a wide range of security and safety concerns.
University Police representatives attend new student and employee orientations to promote awareness of the Department, to encourage the prompt reporting of crime or suspicious activity to the Department, and to provide an awareness of security policies and procedures. There is an ongoing effort to educate the community concerning the availability of the 911 Emergency number and the locations of the emergency telephones that provide direct contact with a University Police dispatcher.
Weekly a "Police Blotter" is provided to the student newspaper, listing all crimes reported for the prior week. A monthly newsletter is distributed throughout the University containing crime prevention tips, featured programs, public safety services, consumer alerts and community notes, along with other items of interest.
The P.R.I.D.E. Program is run by University Health Services and provides education and remediation in the areas of drug and Alcohol abuse. The Alcohol Awareness program is a student run peer support program; for additional information, contact the Department of Student Life.
Policy on Sexual Offenses
Any
student who believes he/she is the victim of a sexual offense, or any member
of the University community who believes he/she is the victim of a sexual
offense on campus, should report the offense as soon as possible to the Department
of Public Safety.
The Department of Public Safety provides specialized training to a number
of officers, enabling them to deal in a sensitive and effective way with victims
of sexual assault. The Department will assist a student who believes he/she
is the victim of a sexual offense in notifying the appropriate law enforcement
agencies if the student requests the assistance of such agencies. By law,
the identity of sexual offense victims is kept confidential.
The Department’s primary concern in assisting victims of sexual offenses is to insure that they receive prompt medical and emotional treatment and support. Additionally, the Department makes available written information, speakers, and programs dealing with both the prevention and the aftermath of a sexual offense. Contact the Department of Public Safety for further information.
In addition to, or in lieu of taking action through the criminal justice system, victims may also pursue a complaint of sexual offense under the Code of Student Conduct. To pursue a complaint of sexual offense through the Code of Student Conduct, the complaint should be filed with the Student Affairs designee, as are all other complaints concerning violations of the Code of Conduct.
When a sexual offense complaint is filed with the Student Affairs designee, he/she shall follow the procedures outlined in the Code of Student Conduct with the following additions:
a. The Student Affairs Designee will ensure that both the accused and victim of an alleged sexual offense have the right to advocates at each step of the process. As specified in the procedures on handling student misconduct, the student ...shall have the right to be accompanied... by member of the University community of his/her choice (except legal counsel) to act as an advocate on the student’s behalf. (However, a student charged with conduct that is also the subject of pending criminal proceedings shall have the right to the presence of legal counsel for advice. This right shall NOT include the participation of counsel. This right to have an attorney present will also apply when, in the judgement of the Student Affairs designee, it appears likely that such charges will be filed. In either case, a student who elects to be accompanied by an attorney shall be required to give advance notice to the Discipline and Grievance Committee).
b. The Student Affairs designee may, if it is considered necessary, provide a change of the victim’s academic situation after receiving complaint about an alleged sexual offense.
c. Both the accused and the accuser shall be advised of the findings at each step of the process involving the adjudication of a misconduct complaint.
Sanctions for students found to have committed a sexual offense are those outlined for other types of misconduct up to and including expulsion from the University.
Registered
Sex Offenders Information
The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000 went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where information provided by the State concerning registered sex offenders, may be obtained. Please contact the Sexual Offender Registry Board at (978) 740-6400 or at www.state.ma.us/sorb. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under State law, to each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation or is a student.
University Alcohol Policy
from the Student Handbook, June 2000-August
2001
In order to provide an environment that is conducive to learning, individual growth and respectful of the rights of all, it is necessary periodically to review campus policies and when necessary make important modifications. The campus policy on alcohol and other drugs is especially in need of review. Policies have been formulated to promote attitudes towards alcohol and other drug use that are consistent with an atmosphere of civility and safety and understand that excessive, abusive, illegal and/or repetitive use of alcohol and other drugs is not supportive of the University’s community goals.
General Guidelines for Alcohol Policy
The acquisition, possession, transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages are governed by various statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. In general, some of the more pertinent statutes and regulations provide:
1. No person, group or organizations may sell alcoholic beverages except pursuant to a license granted by the Commonwealth through the local licensing authority.
2. No person shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages.
3. No person who is intoxicated shall be served an alcoholic beverage.
4. No person or group shall purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages for consumption by a person under 21 years of age unless the acquiring person is the spouse, parent or guardian of the minor.
5. No person under the age of 21 years shall transport, purchase, sell, possess, or receive alcoholic beverages (except such persons over 18 who may be lawfully employed in the alcoholic beverage industry,
6. No person under 21 years of age shall use the liquor identification card of another, or furnish false information in obtaining such a card, or alter or deface such a card.
Violation of many of these provisions can subject the violator to criminal punishment of fines and imprisonment. In addition, persons who drive under the influence, or furnish alcohol to intoxicated persons or persons under 21, may be civilly liable to any persons who suffer personal injuries. The statutes and regulations are numerous and subject to change. The above generalizations should not be considered a complete and categorical statement of the present law. All members of the University community are expected to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations relative to the possession, consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages.
Regulations
These regulations are promulgated by the Trustees of the University of Massachusetts pursuant to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 75, section 3, and Chapter 15A, section 10.
The following words as used in these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
(a) Alcoholic beverage shall include any liquid intended for human consumption as a beverage and containing one half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume at sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) Employee or staff member shall include all full-time, part-time, permanent and temporary employees, including faculty members, and also all persons or corporations retained as consultants, providers, franchisees or independent contractors or compensated from an 03 account or on a similar non-employee basis.
(c) Faculty, any person employed as an instructor, lecturer, assistant, associate or full professor at the University, whether on a full-time or part-time basis.
(d) Individual or person includes any person present in any area under the jurisdiction of the University, including students, employees, alumni, visitors and guests.
(e) Organization, all recognized student organizations, clubs, governance bodies, and groups of students, and all faculty, staff, and alumni organizations using areas under University jurisdiction.
(f) Responsible Officer, the individual or office designated as such by the Chancellor of the Boston Campus of the University pursuant to the provisions of section 8 of these regulations. The Responsible Officer is the Associate Dean of Students.
(g) Student, any person enrolled in a class or course at the University, whether full or part time, graduate or undergraduate.
(h) University, the University of Massachusetts Boston.
(i) University property means all areas under jurisdiction of the University, including all (1) property occupied or used by the University; (2) property owned, occupied or used by the University of Massachusetts Building Authority; and (3) property, irrespective of ownership, which is occupied or used by a fraternity, sorority or any other recognized organization of students.
(j) Confiscated shall include the forfeiture of seized alcoholic beverages, and the authority to destroy such alcoholic beverages as may be seized. Destruction shall be carried out by or under the supervision of a University Police Officer.
(a) No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage in any area on University property unless such possession is in accordance with this policy and the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
(b) All individuals and groups shall observe the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts pertaining to alcoholic beverages, including those relating to the legal drinking age of 21. Violation of such laws by any student or employee may be grounds for disciplinary action whether or not such violation occurred on University property, if such conviction is likely to bring discredit to the University.
(c) Damage to or destruction of property, or injury to any person which is caused by or related to the consumption of alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action. The association of alcohol with problem behavior shall not be deemed a mitigating factor in the disciplinary process.
(d) No person shall possess any open container of alcoholic beverages in University common areas, such as grounds, hallways, auditoriums, classrooms, shared offices, etc., unless such area has been expressly designated as the site of a function where the serving of alcoholic beverages has been officially approved.
(a) No student, employee, or organization may expend any state appropriated funds for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. No student or student organization may expend any campus trust fund monies for the purchase of alcoholic beverages (Trustee Doc, T75-015A).
(b) No student, employee, or organization may expend monies informally collected from organization members for the purchase of any alcoholic beverage except where said beverage is to be served as part of an officially scheduled event consistent with the cultural or educational purposes of the organization, and where the serving of alcoholic beverages has been approved by the Responsible Officer.
(a) No student, employee or organization shall serve, provide or otherwise make available any alcoholic beverages to any person except as approved by the Responsible Officer pursuant to this matter.
(b) No student, employee or organization shall sell or offer for sale any alcoholic beverage unless they shall have received a license from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the local licensing authority prior to engaging in any such sale or offer to sell.
(c) No student, employee or organization shall apply for a license to sell alcoholic beverages unless the Responsible Officer designated by the Chancellor of the University under Section 8 of these regulations shall first approve said application.
(d) No alcoholic beverage shall be sold or otherwise made available to or by any person under the age of 21 years.
(e) No alcoholic beverage shall be sold or provided to any intoxicated person.
(f) The Responsible Officer may approve the serving or sale of alcoholic beverages on University property in the following instances:
(1) At events or occasions sponsored by an official University office or organization, a recognized student organization or a formal or informal organization of faculty members or other employees, provided timely application has been made to the Responsible Officer and all information the Officer deems pertinent has been supplied. This application must be submitted in addition to the regular request for facilities submitted to the Office of Community Services.
(2) On a regular basis by employee organizations, such as the University Club, the membership of which is entirely, or nearly so, composed of persons over the age of 21, provided such organization has, either in its own name or through an appropriate entity such as a food service vendor, been licensed through the local licensing authority and has made application for approval to the Responsible Officer and supplied all information the Officer deems pertinent.
(3) By persons or groups from outside the University community who sponsor events or functions on University property, provided they obtain any necessary licenses and otherwise comply with this policy, and provided timely application has been made to the Responsible Officer and all information the Officer deems pertinent has been supplied. This application must be submitted in addition to the regular request for facilities submitted to the Office of Community Services.
(g) All serving or sale of alcoholic beverages by students and student organizations on University property shall be limited to occasions where all or nearly all persons expected to be in attendance will be 21 years of age or over. In addition, the alcoholic beverages served or sold on such occasions shall be restricted to beer and/or wine. Any sale of such beverages shall also be subject to and in conformity with any restrictions or conditions imposed by the local licensing authority.
(h) If the Responsible Officer does not approve the sale of alcoholic beverages, such sale is prohibited.
Any individual or organization permitted to provide alcoholic beverages on University property, whether or not a fee is charged, shall be responsible and shall bear the cost of providing:
(a) at least three nonalcoholic beverages;
(b) a clean, sanitary dispensing facility;
(c) reasonable control of access to the immediate area where alcoholic beverages are served or stored;
(d) clean, unused containers, glasses, cups, ice and other utensils;
(e) sufficient supervision to insure compliance with Massachusetts law, including a special police detail assigned by the Department of Public Safety.
(f) a thorough and complete cleaning of the premises within twelve hours after the function has ended.
The Director of Public Safety for the University shall determine the appropriate number of police officers required for approved events at which alcoholic beverages will be served and shall be responsible for providing the necessary officers. The organization sponsoring the event shall be responsible for all charges associated with the police detail. (In accordance with facilities scheduling policy, payment is required in advance.)
Any person or organization requesting permission to serve alcoholic beverages shall submit such requests 14 days in advance.
The Director or any police officer(s) assigned by him to provide assistance shall have authority to terminate any function where the possession, consumption or sale of alcoholic beverages is being conducted in violation of this policy or the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth; to take any action, including arrest, which may be authorized by law; and to confiscate any alcoholic beverages involved in such violation. The Responsible Officer shall be notified of any such violation.
(a) The Chancellor of the University shall designate an officer or office of the University as the Responsible Officer for the implementation of these regulations.
(b) The Responsible Officer shall have the authority to:
(1) establish administrative procedures and guidelines for the implementation and enforcement of this policy and for the processing of applications hereunder;
(2) approve applications by persons or organizations for permission to serve alcoholic beverages on University property in accordance with the terms of this policy;
(3) approve applications to the local licensing authorities for licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages on University property in accordance with the terms of this policy.
(4) perform any and all acts necessary or convenient for the implementation and enforcement of this policy.
(c) No person or organization shall have a right of appeal from a decision of the Responsible Officer. The Chancellor may, however, as a matter of discretion, reverse or modify any decision of said Officer.
(a) Any violation of these policies and procedures shall constitute a violation of University rules and regulations and shall be reported to the Responsible Officer on such forms as he may prescribe.
(b) Upon receipt of any notice of alleged violation, the Responsible Officer may, if sufficient cause exists, initiate proceedings under the Code of Student Conduct or report the matter to the appropriate supervising University official for employee discipline.
(c) In addition to, or in lieu of, the penalties provided for violations of University rules and regulations, if a violation is found to have occurred the body or official responsible for determining a sanction may terminate, suspend, or modify the liquor privileges of the person or organization found to have violated the provisions of these policies and procedures. Any such termination or suspension may be appealed to the Responsible Officer. Students who are under 21 years of age and are found responsible for violating alcohol and other drug policies are subject to parental or legal guardian notification.
(d) For purposes of these regulations, an organization is responsible for the actions of its members and may be jointly liable for any violation of these regulations by any of its members. In determining whether or not to hold any organization liable for the violations of its members, the body or official charged with determining a sanction shall give due consideration to the circumstances of the violation and the efforts of the organization, as a whole, to comply with the provisions of these regulations.
(e) The body or official charged with determining a sanction shall notify the Responsible Officer of all actions taken by it relative to alleged violations of these policies and procedures.
Nothing contained in these policies and procedures shall relieve any person or organization of the responsibility to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth and the regulations of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, nor from any civil or criminal liability which may result by reason of any such violation.
University Drug Policy
from the Student Handbook, June 2000-August
2001
The general policy relative to substance use and/or abuse by UMass Boston students is contained in the Code of Student Conduct. The Code defines as a violation of proper conduct the manufacture or attempted manufacture, or use, possession or distribution of narcotic or dangerous drugs or controlled substances, including, but not limited to marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), except as expressly permitted by law. In addition, any student engaged in employment pursuant to the provisions of a federal grant or contract (i.e., work/study) is included under the policy statement relative to employees contained in the March 15, 1989 memorandum issued by the University President.
In the event that a student is observed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, appropriate action is to be taken. The progression of actions, from the least to the most severe, is the following:
(a) The supervisor/faculty member will discuss his/her concerns and observations with the student. The supervisor/faculty member will recommend that the student seek assistance and will suggest a referral to appropriate University services. This will occur on an informal (verbal) basis and will not be included in the student’s record. Appropriate arrangements will be made to ensure that the student reaches his/her home safely that day.
(b) Should there be a repeat occurrence, the referring supervisor/faculty member will submit a written statement to the Dean of Students (or designee). Again, the student will be encouraged to utilize appropriate University services.
(c) Any continued use by the student of drugs and/or alcohol at school will result in an investigation by the Dean of Students (or designee). The student may be subject to administrative disciplinary action which may range in severity from oral and written reprimand, parental or legal guardian notification, probation, suspension, and/or expulsion from the University.
Students may also utilize the appropriate hearing and grievance procedures available to them during this process. These procedures are described in detail in the Code of Student Conduct.
Faculty members/supervisors are to consult with the Dean of Students (or designee) relative to each student situation to ensure that disciplinary actions are followed or accelerated as dictated by the severity of the behavior. In the event of behavior that is in violation of state and federal statutes regarding controlled substances, the student will also face criminal prosecution.
Facilities Access
The University of Massachusetts Boston does not maintain any housing facilities. The buildings which comprise the campus are mixed-use facilities, and are operated on an open campus basis during normal business hours, twenty-four hour access is available upon demonstrated need. Keys are provided in accordance with a policy which requires the approval of an employee's department head. Students are provided off-hour access to laboratories and other restricted facilities by security personnel upon approval of a professor or other authorized staff member; they are not issued keys, as a rule.
The Department of Public Safety provides the University's Facilities Department with input on issues regarding lighting, and other concerns involving security and maintenance of the facility. Every effort is made to assigning top priority to repairs impacting on security of campus facilities.
Statistics
Below is a statistical breakdown of crimes, which the University is required to report. Where more than one type of crime was involved in an incident, only the most serious offense is reported. The arrests statistics may reflect arrests of more than one person in individual incidents. Reporting periods run from January 1 though December 31 of each year.
Criminal Offenses -On Campus
Criminal Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder/Non -Negligent Manslaughter
0
Forcible Sex Offenses (including forcible rape)
1
Nonforcible Sex Offenses
0
Robbery
1
Aggravated Assault
1
Burglary
3
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
Arson
2
Negligent Manslaughter
0
Criminal Offenses - Non Campus
There are no applicable non-campus buildings at UMass Boston
Criminal Offenses - Public Property
Criminal Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder/Non -Negligent Manslaughter
0
Forcible Sex Offenses (including forcible rape)
0
Nonforcible Sex Offenses
0
Robbery
0
Aggravated Assault
0
Burglary
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
Arson
0
Negligent Manslaughter
0
Unique siting of the campus on a peninsula limits adjacent public property. State Police have jurisdiction over contiguous roadway; no statistics available. Boston Police have jurisdiction over another contiguous dead end roadway; no statistics available. Hate Offenses - On Campus
Criminal Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder/Non -Negligent Manslaughter
0
Aggravated Assault
0
All Forcible Sex Offenses (including forcible rape, if available)
0
Forcible Rape
0
Arson
0
Negligent Manslaughter
0
Simple Assault
1
Hate Offenses - Non Campus
There are no applicable non-campus buildings at UMass Boston
Hate Offenses - Public Property
Criminal Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder/Non -Negligent Manslaughter
0
Aggravated Assault
0
All Forcible Sex Offenses (including forcible rape, if available)
0
Forcible Rape
0
Arson
0
Negligent Manslaughter
0
Simple Assault
0
Unique siting of the campus on a peninsula limits adjacent public property. State Police have jurisdiction over contiguous roadway; no statistics available. Boston Police have jurisdiction over another contiguous dead end roadway; no statistics available. Arrests - On Campus
Crime
2004
2005
2006
Liquor Law Violations
1
Drug Law Violations
4
Illegal Weapons Possessions
1
Arrests - Non Campus
There are no applicable non-campus buildings at UMass Boston
Arrests - Public Property
Crime
2004
2005
2006
Liquor Law Violations
0
Drug Law Violations
0
Illegal Weapons Possessions
0
Unique siting of the campus on a peninsula limits adjacent public property. State Police have jurisdiction over contiguous roadway; no statistics available. Boston Police have jurisdiction over another contiguous dead end roadway; no statistics available.
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - On Campus
Crime
2004
2005
2006
Liquor Law Violations
0
Drug Law Violations
1
Illegal Weapons Possessions
0
Persons arrested may also have been referred for disciplinary action, but are carried as "arrests" for statistical purposes.
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - Non Campus
There are no applicable non-campus buildings at UMass Boston
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - Public Property
Crime
2004
2005
2006
Liquor Law Violations
0
Drug Law Violations
0
Illegal Weapons Possessions
0
Unique siting of the campus on a peninsula limits adjacent public property. State Police have jurisdiction over contiguous roadway; no statistics available. Boston Police have jurisdiction over another contiguous dead end roadway; no statistics available.
* At this time. The University of Massachusetts Boston campus does not have any residence halls.
Last modified: October 17, 2007