College Catalog (2011-2012)

2011-2012 College Catalog: Appendix P

Appendix P

Safety and Security

This annual security report information is being provided as part of the TMCC commitment to safety and security on campus and is in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).

TMCC is a state-supported institution of higher education within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE). The Dandini Campus is located approximately 10 minutes north of downtown Reno in the foothills of Red Peak. The High Tech Center at Redfield is located at 18600 Wedge Parkway, Building B. The Meadowood Center is located at 5270 Neil Road. The IGT Applied Technology Center is located at Edison Way and Energy Way. The Nell J. Redfield Foundation Performing Arts Center is located on Keystone Avenue.

Reporting of Criminal Actions, Emergencies or Secret Witness

To report a crime in progress or an emergency, dial 911. Non-emergency crimes or incidents should be made to the TMCC Police Department at 775-674-7900. Fire, police and emergency medical personnel are available through dialing 911.

To make an anonymous report of a crime you have seen or to report information related to a crime, contact the Secret Witness hotline at 322-4900.

TMCC Police Department is responsible for coordination of law enforcement, safety and emergency response at TMCC. The police department is located on the Dandini Campus in room 241 of the Red Mountain Building, 7000 Dandini Blvd., Reno, NV 89512.

There are exterior 911 emergency phones located at the following locations throughout the Dandini Campus

Dandini Campus

IGT Applied Technology Center (Edison Way)

  • On the southeast corner of the center next to the parking lot

Meadowood Center

  • On the northeast corner of the center next to the parking lot
  • On the southeast corner of the center next to the parking lot

These phones dial direct to the regional 911 operator and should be used for emergencies only.

Access to Campus Facilities

Campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community and both guests and visitors during normal hours of business, Monday-Friday and limited hours on Saturdays. The campus is closed on Sundays and state holidays.

Safety of Campus Facilities

The college maintains a very strong commitment to campus safety and security. Exterior lighting is an important part of this commitment. Motor vehicle parking lots, pedestrian walkways and building exteriors are well lighted. A comprehensive survey of all exterior lighting is conducted by the Facilities Services Department representatives at least once a year. Members of the campus community are encouraged to report any exterior lighting deficiencies to the Facilities Services Department at 775-673-7100.

The Facilities Services Department periodically conducts a comprehensive survey of every exterior door on campus. The purpose of this survey is to ensure that each exterior door and its locking mechanisms are working properly.

Exterior doors on campus buildings are locked and secured each evening by the Facilities Services Department. Door and security hardware operating deficiencies are also reported by the police officers when observed.

Shrubbery, trees and other vegetation on campuses are trimmed on a regular basis. Shrubbery is routinely trimmed at a height of no more than 24" from the ground. Trees are routinely trimmed so that their limbs are no less than six feet from the ground. The Facilities Services Department periodically surveys the grounds of the campus to ensure that shrubbery, trees and other vegetation have been properly trimmed.

Parking lots, buildings and grounds areas are actively patrolled by police officers and community resource officers. TMCC Police Department personnel work with Facilities Services to ensure timely repairs are made to noted deficiencies.

Law Enforcement Authority and Interagency Relationships

TMCC is policed by the department of public safety. TMCC police officers have the same training and authority as other municipal, county and state peace officers. All police officer training exceeds the standards set by the Nevada Peace Officers Standards and Training division. Community resource officers are trained non-enforcement safety personnel.

The TMCC Police Department maintains close working relationships with the Washoe County Sheriff's office and the Reno Police departments. The TMCC Police Department coordinates police services at other TMCC locations, such as the Meadowood Center, the IGT Applied Technology Center, the Nell J. Redfield Performing Arts Center and TMCC High School.

TMCC Police Department

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the TMCC Police Department is to provide quality law enforcement services founded in community-oriented policing and problem solving principles to effectively meet the demands and unique needs of a regional community college population.

SAFETY AWARENESS AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS

It is the philosophy of the college that we would much rather prevent crimes from occurring than react to them after the fact. A primary vehicle for accomplishing this goal is the college's comprehensive crime prevention program. The college's crime prevention program is based upon the dual concepts of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities, whenever possible, and encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. The following is a listing of the crime prevention programs and projects employed by TMCC.

  1. Escort Program—Provides an escort service, particularly during hours of darkness, for persons walking on the Dandini Campus.
  2. New Student Orientation—Crime prevention tips are included in the student handbook and other printed material is made available.
  3. Crime Prevention Presentations—Crime prevention presentations are made upon request to such campus groups or organizations as Facilities Services employees, commuter students, handicapped or disabled students, international students, student government, faculty senate, classified council, specific campus departments and recognized student organizations.
  4. New Employee Orientation—Campus safety policies are made available to new employees.
  5. Printed Crime Prevention Materials—Printed crime prevention brochures, posters and bookmarks related to motor vehicle security, bicycle security, the escort service, employee security and library security are distributed at crime prevention presentations. Sexual assault and domestic violence prevention/informational brochures are also available at the TMCC police department office, room 241 of the Red Mountain Building and outside the Student Services office, room 120 of the Red Mountain Building.
  6. Electronic Alarm Systems—An electronic monitoring system monitors a comprehensive network of intrusion detection and duress alarm systems.
  7. Architectural Design—Technical and crime prevention specialists make significant input into the design of all new and renovated campus facilities as it relates to physical and electronic security systems.
  8. Safety Surveys—Safety surveys or audits are made periodically for a number of campus facilities each year.
  9. Facilities Surveys—Comprehensive surveys of exterior lighting, exterior doors and grounds are conducted each year.
  10. Crime Prevention Publicity—Crime prevention articles and material are published in the student newspaper, the online employee newsletter and the student online newsletter.
  11. "Victim of Crime" notifications—TMCC police officers patrol parking lots and proactively look for potential crimes that could occur as a result of persons leaving car doors unlocked, valuables in plain view, etc. A notice is left on the windshield advising the vehicle owner of the officer's observations.

CRIME REPORTING

Numerous efforts are made to advise members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime-related problems.

  1. Annual Report—A comprehensive annual security report of crime-related information is compiled, published and widely distributed. This annual report is available to the media and any member of the campus community.
  2. Student Newspaper—If a serious or unique crime(s) has occurred, a special article is usually printed in the student newspaper.
  3. Special Alerts—If circumstances warrant it, timely warning notices are prepared and distributed selectively or throughout campus via email announcements, posted flyers on campus and TMCC homepage message (www.tmcc.edu).
  4. Crime Statistics—The college believes that an informed public is a safety-conscious public. Campus crime statistics are published annually by TMCC in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act in the TMCC course catalog and are distributed via e-newsletter to faculty, staff and students. TMCC crime statistics are also available on the TMCC police department Web page at police.tmcc.edu. If you have any questions, contact the department of public safety at 775-674-7900.
  5. Registered Sex Offenders—Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act, Section 1601 of Public Law 106-386 requires all sex offenders who are employees of, students of, or visitors to the Truckee Meadows Community College to register with TMCC Police Department. This includes employees of private contractors or other public entities who work at the college.

Offenders must comply with the registration requirements of NRS 179D. Pursuant to NRS 179D.240, offenders must register if they are a resident of the state or are present for 48 hours or more in any jurisdiction in which they will have a presence.

Additional information is available at the TMCC Police Department, 775-674-7900.

TIMELY WARNING NOTICES

Truckee Meadows Community College Police Department (TMCCPD) is responsible for issuing timely warnings in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, 20 U.S.C. 1092(f). Timely warnings will be issued in response to reported crimes committed either on campus or, in some cases, off campus that, in the judgment of the College, constitute an ongoing or continuing threat to students and employees. Anyone with information believed to warrant a timely warning should promptly report the circumstances to:

Truckee Meadows Community College Police Department
7000 Dandini Blvd., Red Mountain Building, Room #241
Reno, Nevada 89512
(775) 674-7900

TMCCPD will consult, as appropriate and necessary, with other college officials regarding whether a timely warning should be issued. The decision to issue a timely warning shall be made on a case-by-case basis after consideration of the available facts, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger or risk to the campus community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts. Timely warnings are considered for the following classifications of reported crimes:

  • Criminal homicide
  • Sex offenses
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated assault
  • Burglary
  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Arson

Timely warnings may also be issued for other reported crimes as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. The decision will be made in compliance with the Clery Act and in an effort to prevent similar crimes from occurring. When a determination is made that a timely warning should be issued, TMCCPD will take appropriate steps to ensure timely notification of the campus community. Options for notification include, but are not necessarily limited to, the College's mass notification system (phone, text and email), physical postings on doors and bulletin boards, http://www.tmcc.edu, or the TMCCPD website.

Warnings will include some or all of the following information: the date, time and location of the reported crime; a summary of the incident; a description of the suspect and/or vehicle, if available; and any other special instructions or incident specific safety tips.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) developed the following procedures to facilitate notification and evacuation responses in an emergency:

Upon the confirmation of an emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students or employees occurring on campus, TMCC will immediately notify the campus community using a systemized emergency communication procedure. The college developed an integrated procedure, which includes all of the following: voicemail messaging, text messaging, emails to computers, outdoor mass notification system announcements using handheld siren/voice alert devices, indoor notifications utilizing public address systems and web site notifications via the TMCC home page and select social media outlets (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, MySpace).

TMCC will, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system, unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

The emergency notification process involves the receipt of information, the verification of this information, and the evaluation of the information, which then sets into motion the following actions:

  • Determination if the entire campus community, or just an affected portion, will receive the emergency alert notification.
  • Compilation of the content of the emergency alert message.
  • Activation of the TMCC Emergency Alert Notification System.
  • Broadcasting of evacuation procedures, methods and means.

The following TMCC individuals, at a minimum, will routinely be involved in making these determinations/decisions:

  • President or designee
  • Vice President of Finance and Administration or designee
  • Vice President of Student Affairs or designee
  • Chief of Police or designee
  • Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator or designee
  • Public Information Officer or designee

The Public Information Officer will, working in conjunction with the above listed individuals, be responsible for disseminating the emergency information to the larger community using the TMCC Emergency Alert Notification System (voicemail messaging, text messaging, emails, Timely Warning Notice, press releases, and /or web page alert messages).

TMCC's Emergency Alert Notification System equipment is tested, at least annually to ensure it is working properly. At least once per calendar year the college will conduct a full activation of the TMCC Emergency Alert Notification System, which will be advertised beforehand to the Reno/Sparks community.

See Also: View TMCC Emergency Procedures PDF icon

SAFETY TIPS

  • Avoid working or studying alone at night.
  • Stay in well-lit areas, walk mid-point between curbs and buildings, away from alleys and bushes.
  • Don't carry extra credit cards or money.
  • Walk with someone whenever possible; use the buddy system.
  • Use TMCC's Dandini Campus escort service after dark.
  • If your purse or wallet is snatched, don't fight back. Turn it over rather than risk personal injury and report the incident immediately.
  • Do not place purses, portable radios, stereos, TV sets or other valuables near windows, which can be smashed by a tempted burglar.
  • Carry a whistle. This can serve as a reminder to exercise caution and can alert anyone in the area that you need help.
  • Keep an inventory of valuable possessions.
  • Keep doors locked, even if you are only away for a few moments.
  • Do not mark your key chain with your name, address or license number; lost keys lead to theft.
  • Get to know your neighbors. Establish a neighborhood watch system and share information on suspicious circumstances.
  • Call the department of public safety with any safety concerns.

TIPS FOR SAFE BIKING

Bicycling is an enjoyable and practical means of transportation on TMCC campuses. However, bike theft accounts for the largest percentage of theft on college campuses. Most problems can be avoided, however, if simple safety and security rules are followed.

  • Photograph your bike, write down the make, model and serial number and keep that information available in case your bike is lost or stolen.
  • Use bicycle racks and high security locks.
  • Report suspicious activity around bike racks.
  • Perform routine bike maintenance.
  • Walk your bike across the busy intersections.
  • Ride defensively and with caution.

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Here are some suggestions for ensuring safety in the office or laboratory.

  • When working late, make sure doors are locked.
  • Keep your purse in a locked cabinet or drawer. Never leave it on or underneath a desk.
  • Contact TMCCPD (when available) for an escort when traveling to and from your car on the Dandini Campus.
  • Avoid using stairs in remote sections of a building.
  • Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time.
  • Do not hold the door open for strangers after normal business hours.

Sexual Assault Information

WHAT IS SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Sexual assault is a violation of Nevada state law. Sexual assault is an act in which a person subjects another person to sexual penetration, or who forces another person to make a sexual penetration on himself or another, or on a beast, against the will of the victim or under conditions in which the perpetrator knows or should know that the victim is mentally or physically incapable of resisting or understanding the nature of his conduct (NRS 200.366).

WHO ARE THE VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT?

Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, cultural background, religion, marital status, physical or mental ability, gender or sexual orientation. A person can be assaulted by their spouse. One out of every three women will be assaulted at least once in their lifetime. One out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be assaulted before their 18th birthday (Retrieved on September 25, 2003 from http://crisiscallcenter.org).

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?

  • Get to a safe place
  • Get medical attention immediately
  • Do not change your clothes
  • Do not bathe or douche
  • Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash
  • Do not eat or drink anything
  • Do not apply medication
  • Do not clean up the crime scene
  • Report the incident to the Police

WHO CAN HELP YOU?

Truckee Meadows Community College, Dandini Campus

Community Services

ADDITIONAL SEX OFFENSE INFORMATION

Cases at TMCC involving alleged sexual offenses are subject to the procedures and definitions outlined in the following NSHE Codes:

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Title 2, Chapter 6 (Read Source)
  • 6.5.1 President to Order Administrative Leave.
    The president of each System institution may order any member of the System community to be placed on administrative leave for the interim period pending a disciplinary hearing whenever the president determines that administrative leave is required in order: (B/R 5/92)
    1. To protect life, limb or property;
    2. To ensure the maintenance of order; or
    3. To remove a person from the University of Nevada System community when an act of sexual harassment has been alleged against such person and the accuser or the accused person cannot be assigned to other duties or classes or placed elsewhere in the System institution apart from each other pending the completion of an investigation and/or disciplinary hearing into the allegation. (B/R 5/92)
  • 6.9.6 Advisors, Attorneys.
    1. The person charged may be accompanied by one adviser of the person's choice, who may represent and advise the person and may present the evidence on the person's behalf. The person charged must give written notice of the name and address of the adviser , and whether the adviser is an attorney, to the administrative officer no later than 5 college working days before the time set for the hearing. An adviser will not be permitted at the hearing without such notice. (B/R 1/06)
    2. Should a person charged advise that the person will be accompanied by an attorney as adviser , the administrative officer shall advise the Executive Vice Chancellor & Chief Counsel so that an attorney will be present at the hearing to represent and advise the administrative officer and to present the evidence on behalf of the administrative officer. (B/R 1/06)
Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13, E (Read Source)

"...An individual filing a complaint of alleged sexual harassment shall have the opportunity to select an independent adviser for assistance, support, and advice and shall be notified of this opportunity by the Human Resources Officer or the Affirmative Action Program Officer, or by their designee. It shall be the choice of the individual filing the complaint to utilize or not utilize the independent adviser . The independent adviser may be brought into the process at any time at the request of the alleged victim. The means and manner by which an independent adviser shall be made available shall be determined by each institution or unit...."

"...4.d. After the appropriate management has made a determination regarding the resolution of the matter, and depending on the circumstances, both parties may be informed of the resolution. Certain actions made confidential under NSHE Code Chapters 5 and 6 or Nevada Administrative Code , Chapter 284 shall remain confidential..."

SANCTIONS

Title 2, Chapter 6 (Read Source)
  • Section 6.3 Disciplinary Sanctions
    The following sanctions are applicable to members of the community of the Nevada System of Higher Education for conduct prohibited by Section 6.2 of the Nevada System of Higher Education Code . Depending on the seriousness of the misconduct, these sanctions may be imposed in any order. 6.3.1 Warning; 6.3.2 Reprimand; 6.3.3 Restitution; 6.3.4 Probation; 6.3.5 Reduction in Pay; 6.3.6 Suspension; 6.3.7 Expulsion or Termination.
Title 4, Chapter 8, Section 13, E4c (Read Source)

"After the recommendation has been made, a determination will be made by appropriate management regarding the resolution of the matter. If warranted, disciplinary action up to and including involuntary termination or expulsion will be taken. Any such disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with NSHE Code Chapter 6, or, in the case of classified employees, Nevada Administrative Code , Chapter 284. Other appropriate actions will be taken to correct problems, if any, caused by or contributing to the conduct. If proceedings are initiated under Chapter 6, the investigation conducted pursuant to this policy may be used as the Chapter 6 investigation. The administrative officer, in his or her discretion, may also supplement the sexual harassment investigation with additional investigation."

DRUG AND ALCOHOL PREVENTION

The TMCC drug and alcohol policy may be found online

Drug and alcohol abuse information may be found online

CRIME STATISTICS

View TMCC Crime Statistics PDF icon