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Campus Security
Reporting Criminal Activity and Other Emergencies
Norfolk State University
Police Department’s policy is to protect the rights, the safety and the welfare
of the students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. The Norfolk State
University community must note that it is extremely important that each person
has the right to be free from acts and threats of violence. Everyone is
expected, as well as required, to comply with all state, local and federal laws.
Students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to report all suspicious
persons, activities, or crimes that are witnessed on campus and in the
surrounding communities to the University Police Department immediately.
Any
person living, studying, working and/or visiting the University campus that is
victimized by, or has knowledge of a criminal incident/offense or other
emergency should immediately report such incident, offense or emergency to the
Norfolk State University Police Department or to any University official who is
defined as a “Campus Security Authority.
” The definition of “Campus Security
Authority” is: An official of an institution who has significant responsibility
for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student
housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. For example, a
director who oversees student housing, the student center, and/or student
extra-curricular activities, have significant responsibility for student and
campus activities. Similarly, a director of athletics, a team coach, and/or
faculty advisors to a student group also have significant responsibility for
student and campus activities.
A Crime Statistics Report Form is issued to
individuals in the designated departments who fit the definition of a “Campus
Security Authority.” If those employees are aware of any crimes that occur on
campus that are not reported to campus police, it is important that he/she
forward their completed crime statistics form to the police investigation unit
promptly.
The following individuals and organizations within the University are
designated as “Campus Security Authorities:”
- Director of Student Affairs and
Judicial Affairs
- Director of Parking and Transportation and Staff
- NSU Law
Enforcement Officers • NSU Security Officers
- Athletic Administration and
Coaches • Student Activities Coordinators, Supervisors and Activity Staff
- Residential Life Director, Assistant Director, Coordinators, Staff, and Resident
Assistants
- Student Organization Advisors
- Military Service (ROTC, NROTC),
Active Duty Military Personnel
- Director of Student Services and Staff
- Director of New Student Orientation and Staff
- Band Director and Staff
- Faculty Advisors
According to the Federal law set forth by the “Jeanne Clery
Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act,” it is
Norfolk State University’s policy to report “statistics concerning the
occurrence of certain criminal offenses reported to the local police agency or
official of the institution who is
defined as a “Campus Security Authority.” If such an official is a pastoral,
mental health counselor or professional counselor, the official is not
considered a “Campus Security Authority.”
The police department encourages all
students, faculty, staff and visitors to immediately report criminal incidents
and other emergencies. Incidents may be reported in person or by dialing the
non-emergency number. (823-8102). In emergency situations, dial the emergency
number (823-9000) or the non-emergency number. The Norfolk State University
Police Headquarters is located in the central area of campus across from the
James A. Bowser Industrial Education Building near Gate 4 (Temporary trailers I
II and III). Police officers and police sergeants are on duty 24 hours a day,
365 days a year. The police officers are in constant communication with the
University’s telecommunications center. A certified campus police dispatcher is
always available to receive calls. Shortly after a call is received an officer
is dispatched to the location for assistance.
The office of the Assistant Vice
President of Student Affairs, located in Mills E. Godwin Student Center
(823-8222) can assist students in reporting serious incidents. The Office of
Human Resources, located in Harrison B. Wilson Hall (823-8160) can assist
employees in reporting serious incidents. The Ombudsperson (823-9159) is another
resource that community members may use if they wish to report serious
incidents.
Emergency Call Boxes
 View Blue Light Locations
Outdoor “blue light” emergency call boxes are strategically located
throughout the campus and connect directly to the University Police Department.
This security measure is provided to ensure safety.
Simply pushing the large
black button that connects to the campus police dispatcher can activate call
boxes. The dispatcher will then identify the activated call box by number and
ask for the nature of the emergency (i.e., “Call box number 3, what is your
emergency?”).
Persons should try to remain calm and speak loudly and clearly
while giving the location and nature of the emergency. To increase residential
hall safety, wall mounted call boxes are being installed at the front entrance
of each residential hall.
All calls, complaints, and serious incidents will be
investigated by the University Police Department. Violations of the law can
result in charges by the Norfolk State University Police Department, local
police, and referral to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs or the
Faculty Senate.
Voluntary and Confidential Reporting of
Crime and Other Serious Incidents
Norfolk State University has two methods for individuals to voluntarily and
confidentially report crimes and other severe incidents, as indicated below.
- The Norfolk State University Police Department works very closely with the
University’s counseling center staff and counselors. This connection has allowed
the two departments to develop a procedure that encourages all counselors to
avail their clients to the opportunity to voluntarily and confidentially report
crimes or other serious incidents to the police department. The Norfolk State
University Police Department uses this information to better inform the
community of the crime picture on campus.
- The Confidential Sexual Assault
Report Form allows victims or witnesses to report an incident of sexual assault.
It supports the police department in determining whether a Campus Crime Alert
should be issued and in collecting pertinent information about sexual assaults
that are not at first reported to the police. It is a valuable tool that is
available to any member of the community. The form can be obtained by contacting
the Norfolk State University Police Department, Norfolk State University
Counseling Center or Residence Hall Coordinators.
For information regarding how to report a crime, contact University Police at
(757) 823-8102.
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