Institutional Security Policies and Annual Report on Crime Statistics

We use Twitter to broadcast emergency alerts including inclement weather closings and other unscheduled closings/changes. On Twitter, follow Chesapeake Emergency @ChesCollAlerts

• Department of Public Safety introduction
  • Reporting Emergencies and/or Criminal Actions
  • Personal Counselors/Referrals
  • Facilities Access
  • Off-Campus Student Activities
  • Education Programs
• Security Policies
  • Alcohol and Drug Use Policy
  • Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violance, Dating Violence and Stalking Policies
  • Sex Offender Registration Policy
• Chesapeake College Campus Crime Statistics

Department of Public Safety

Chesapeake College works to enhance the level of security on campus in an ongoing effort to create a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  The primary responsibility of the Department of Public Safety is to provide security and safety for the college community.  The Chesapeake College Department of Public Safety consists of a full time Director, along with full and part time Special Police Officers.  All members of the Department are certified through the State of Maryland and have full authority to conduct criminal investigations, detain individuals, make arrests, and carry firearms on college.  

Department of Public Safety personnel are trained to respond to campus emergencies and are certified in basic first aid, CPR, AED and Narcan.  Officers provide medical assistance if they are the first to arrive on the scene of an injury or accident.Public Safety personnel maintain a close working relationship with the Queen Anne’s County Department of Emergency Services, the Queen Anne’s County Sheriff’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department and the Maryland State Police. A written memorandum of understanding has been adopted between Chesapeake College and the local emergency service agencies for the investigation of alleged criminal offenses and emergency response situations that occur on campus.

Members of the Department provide patrol coverage for both the Wye Mills Campus and the Cambridge Center and officers answer and respond to calls for service while the campus and the center are open for business.  During non-business hours, 911 may be contacted in the case of an emergency. 

Escorts

The Department of Public Safety provides an Escort Program for members of our community.   Anyone who feels uncomfortable walking to or from their vehicle or anyone requiring accessibility assistance may contact Public Safety on the Wye Mills campus by dialing (410-758-7275) for an escort.  Public Safety at the Cambridge Center can be reached by calling 410-463-4185.  When requesting an escort, an individual will need to provide their name and location so an officer can respond in a timely manner.  Please note that response times may be delayed by campus incidents or emergencies.  This program does not provide service for escorting individuals off campus.   This service is available during college business hours.

Reporting Emergencies and/or Criminal Actions

The Chesapeake College Emergency Procedures Guide is printed annually and is available to all employees and students through MyCampus. It is intended for the use of faculty, staff, and students of Chesapeake College specifically to provide information on how to respond to possible emergency conditions on campus. It covers such areas as bomb threats, chemical spills, crimes, serious injuries or illnesses and fires.

Recipients of this Manual are requested to become familiar with its contents. In the event of an emergency, it serves as a quick reference for effective action. Chesapeake College encourages employees to keep the Manual in an easily accessible location at all times, preferably beside the telephone. New employees are made familiar with it as part of their orientation program.

Additionally, the Chesapeake College Student Handbook and Academic Calendar, available via Chesapeake College’s website and the Chesapeake College app, include information on reporting of crimes and emergency contact numbers.

All reports of criminal activity and other emergency situations will result in a response by a member of the Department of Public Safety. The appropriate emergency response agency will also be contacted to respond if deemed necessary for further investigation. In an emergency please call 911 and then contact Public Safety by picking up an emergency phone. In a non-emergency the Department of Public Safety can be contacted by dialing 410-758-7275, hitting the CCPS button on any college phone or *9 from any college phone. Cambridge Center Department of Public Safety can be called directly at 410-463-4185, or dialing the CCPS button on any college phone or *9 from any college phone.

Students, employees, faculty, staff, and visitors can report criminal activity or other emergency situations directly to the Department of Public Safety for the purpose of making timely warning reports. Individuals can also contact the Department of Public Safety for annual statistical disclosure. Reports of criminal activity and other emergency situations can also be reported to the appropriate agency listed above.

All emergency incidents at Wye Mills are required to be reported as soon as possible to the Department of Public Safety 410-758-7275, Cambridge Center call 410-463-4185, of by using the Alertus app. Information regarding persons reporting emergency incidents remains confidential.

Chesapeake College encourages accurate and prompt reporting of all criminal activity to the Department of Public Safety or to the listed law enforcement agencies. Reports can be made confidentially by victims or witnesses. The Department of Public Safety or administrative staff can assist victims and witnesses with confidential reporting.

Wye Mills Campus Emergencies

Each building on campus has an emergency phone on each floor (first floor only in the Dorchester Building). There is also an emergency phone outside of the Public Safety Office. Look for the blue signs in hallways to locate an emergency phone.

Instructions: Emergency phones are simple to use—pick up the handset, the phone automatically dials Public Safety. If Public Safety is unable to answer the phone within 4 rings, it will automatically go to 911. (You are not able to dial out on these phones.)

You may also call 911, or 410-758-7275, Department of Public Safety, hit the CCPS button on any college phone or *9 from any college phone.

Cambridge Center Emergencies

Look for Emergency Phones at the Cambridge Center as well. Emergency phones are simple to use—pick up the handset, the phone automatically dials Public Safety. If Public Safety is unable to answer the phone within 4 rings, it will automatically go to 911. (You are not able to dial out on these phones.)

You may also dial 911, or 410-463-4185, Department of Public Safety, hit the CCPS button on any college phone or *9 from any college phone.

Additional Information for Non-Emergencies

County/State Agencies

• Queen Anne’s County Emergency Services 410-758-4500
• Queen Anne’s County Fire Board410-758-0333
• Maryland Poison Control 1-800-222-1222

Law Enforcement Agencies

• Cambridge City Police 410-228-3333
• Caroline County 410-479-2515
• Dorchester County 410-228-4141
• Kent County 410-778-2279
• Queen Anne’s County 410-758-0770
• Talbot County Sheriff’s Office 410-822-1020
• Maryland State Police (Centreville Barracks) 410-758-1101

Note: if using a college phone, you must dial “9” to get an outside line

Emergency alerts

We use Twitter to broadcast emergency alerts and the Alertus app ( download fthrough Google Play and Apple App Store). These include inclement weather closings and other unscheduled closings/changes. Remember, you can have Twitter send text messages to your cell phone. On Twitter, follow Chesapeake Emergency @ChesCollAlerts

• Sign up/log in on Twitter
• Go to Settings, Mobile, and set up your mobile number
• Search for @ChesCollAlerts or Chesapeake Emergency
• Click Follow, then click on the gear to enable mobile notifications.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a confirmed emergency response that presents a dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health and safety of students and staff, the campus community will be notified in a timely manner by members of the Crisis Management Team or by the appropriate emergency response agency. The Crisis Management Team will also update information to the campus community during and after an event. The team consists of the President, the Vice Presidents, the Director of Facilities, the Director of Public Safety, and the Director of Public Information. The campus community will be notified by using some or all of the following methods:

Voice Mail

This method can be accessed on or off campus. Broadcasts go to the voice mailboxes for all employees.

Webpage

Displays continuous announcements regarding emergency situations in the yellow alert box on the home page, when appropriate.

Computer Display Messaging

Chesapeake College has the ability to send messages to every computer system that is activated on the network. The message(s) will reach computers in offices and classrooms if the computer is activated.

Email

Email messages can be sent to students and employees advising them of an emergency situation.

Social Media Announcements

Chesapeake College uses Twitter to send emergency announcements @ChesCollAlerts. We also post information on our other college social accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Building Monitor Announcements

Building monitors will make announcements in every facility on the campus.  Notifications will include a description of the event and what action(s) need to be taken.  Students, staff and guests are permitted to have access to cell phones while on campus.  At the Cambridge Center,  Public Safety Officers will ensure faculty/staff have been notified and receive the necessary updates as deemed appropriate.

Evacuation Procedures

If an evacuation of any facility is necessary, building monitors, in conjunction with the public safety and maintenance staff will assist in evacuating the building in a safe and timely manner. The facility will remain evacuated until deemed safe by the appropriate emergency service agency investigating the incident.

In the event that the campus must be shut down, Public Safety Officers with the assistance of the maintenance department will block all entrances and exits of the campus as deemed appropriate.

Emergency/Dangerous Situations

In the event of an emergency/ dangerous situation, the Department of Public Safety will confirm that the situation does exist.

Members of the Crisis Management Team will be notified to alert the campus community of the situation and what action(s) need to be taken.

Situation updates, if necessary, will be sent by members the Crisis Management Team.

Tests and Drills

Chesapeake College will conduct drills and exercises to evaluate emergency response procedures. Upon the completion of any drills and exercises, an after action review will take place to assess the response procedures.

Personal Counselors

Chesapeake College does not have professional counselors on staff, however, all academic advisors are aware of the procedures for reporting crimes and of the importance of encouraging active communication of such information to the appropriate authorities. For information on the availability of mental health organizations offering on-campus support, go to www.chesapeake.edu/bit. There you will find out more about the Chesapeake College CARES Team. You will also learn how to submit a CARES Referral and what Mental Health Resources are available.

Access to Facilities

All buildings are generally open from 7:00AM to 9:30PM Monday through Thursday and 7:00AM to 4:30PM on Fridays. Certain academic buildings are also open for weekend classes and special events. When the College is closed, all buildings are locked and secured by Public Safety Officers as appropriate for scheduled activities. Public Safety Officers responding to requests for access to buildings ensure that such access is appropriate.

Chesapeake College has no residential facilities.

Maintenance of Campus Facilities

In the event of a safety concern dealing with building or grounds maintenance, contact the Facilities Department during normal business hours at 410-827-5872 or contact the College Operator by dialing 0. At all other times, contact the Department of Public Safety, 410-758-7275.

Off-campus Student Activities

Most student activities take place on campus. Off campus student activities are primarily associated with athletic teams. Teams travel together and are supervised by College personnel. College personnel are aware of their responsibility to report any incident of student misconduct through the Office of Student Affairs. Reports of off-campus misconduct to external agencies and to the Office of Student Affairs, as appropriate, are the responsibility of the college employee.

Education Programs

New employees are given brochures at their orientation informing them of the Department of Public Safety duties and responsibilities, and students have access to information on safety awareness through the Chesapeake College website and app. Safety awareness messages are sent through various notification systems advising the campus community of safety tips and safety awareness issues.

Safety awareness recommendations are stated in college publications and on the college web site under safety and security. The purpose of the recommendations is to advise the campus community of safety tips and safety awareness issues.

Crime prevention tips along with timely notifications are sent to the campus community after reports of criminal activity are received by the Department of Public Safety.

Security Policies

Policy on Alcohol and Drug Use

Chesapeake College does not permit the use, possession, distribution, and/or the sale of controlled substances on its campus. Alcohol is prohibited at student events. Students are notified of this policy through the Student Code of Conduct, which is distributed free-of-charge to all students in the catalog and in the Chesapeake College Student Handbook publication. Alcohol and drug laws are strictly enforced by local and state law enforcement authorities. Disciplinary actions for violations include immediate dismissal.(Note: Per state law – HB 571 – complainants and witnesses to instances of sexual assault shall not be subject to disciplinary action for drug/alcohol violations IF (a) the violation occurred during/near time of assault, (b) the assault report and participation in the investigation is in good faith, and (c) the violation was “not an act that was reasonably likely to place the health or safety of another individual at risk”. Complainants and witnesses may be referred for treatment as appropriate.)

For information on student counseling assistance for alcohol and drug abuse, go to www.chesapeake.edu/bit. There you will find out more about the Chesapeake College CARES. You will also learn how to submit a CARES Team Referral and what alcohol and drug abuse counseling services are available. Advisors follow the confidentiality guidelines suggested by the American Association for Counseling and Development. Employees are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department for assistance through the Employee Assistance Program.

Policy on Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

In accordance with the Violence against Women’s Act, the following definitions have been added to the Annual Security Report:

• Domestic Violence

Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or who has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or by any person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and section 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

• Dating Violence

The term “dating violence” means violence committed by a person who has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim, and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence. For the purposes of complying with this section and section 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

• Stalking

The term “stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress. Course of conduct means two or more acts, including but not limited to, acts which the stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device, or means follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or about, a person, or interferes with a person’s property. Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling. Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this section and section 668.41, any incident meeting this definition is considered a crime for the purposes of Clery Act reporting.

• Consent

The term “consent” is an act of reason and deliberation. A person who possesses and exercises sufficient mental capacity to make an intelligent decision demonstrates consent by performing an act recommended by another. In the context of rape/sex crimes, submission due to apprehension or terror is not real consent. There must be a choice between resistance and acquiescence. If a woman resists to the point where additional resistance would be futile or until her resistance is forcibly overcome, submission thereafter is not consent.

Chesapeake College is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment in which students and staff can develop intellectually, professionally, personally and socially. Such an environment must be free of intimidation, fear, coercion and reprisal. The College prohibits sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in all forms. Statements of College policy with regards to these issues are included in the Student Handbook, Catalog, and Student Code of Conduct. The full text of these policies and grievance procedure are distributed to all employees as part of the Faculty/Staff Manual and at the new employee orientation, as well as the new hire employment packet. They are also available to students through the Office of Student Affairs and for new students as part of the orientation process.

The Office of Student Affairs and Human Resources Department provide programs designed towards education and prevention of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and are provided to students and employees during orientation sessions and as part of the new hire employment package. College security policies and procedures are developed and carried out in an effort to prevent all forms of criminal activity including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Sexual misconduct complaints can be reported to the Director Human Resources, 410-827-5811, Vice President for Student Affairs, 410-827-5858, Director of Public Safety, 410-827-5889, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, 410-827-5828, or any member of the Public Safety Department, 410-758-7275. Reports can also be made to any Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s), which include public safety officers, college administrators, faculty/staff advisors to campus student organizations, Student Life staff, and others whose function involves relationships with students and who has a significant responsibility for student and campus activities. Reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are turned over to local law enforcement for further investigation. If any of the above listed crimes occurs, it should be reported as soon as possible to the Department of Public Safety, or it can be reported to a faculty or staff member, who can also assist in making the proper notifications. Victims do have the right to decline law enforcement intervention. Bystanders are encouraged to report any instances of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking immediately to the Department of Public Safety or to local law enforcement. Employees may also contact the Director of Human Resources. Students may contact the Vice President of Student Affairs. Anyone reporting the above crimes can remain anonymous. It is important to preserve any evidence for a proper investigation. Further assistance, such as counseling services, can be facilitated through the Office of Student Affairs for students and through the Human Resources Department for employees. The following services are available for students and employees: Eastern Shore Operations Center 1-888-407-8018, Life Crisis Center Hot Line 1-800-422-0009, Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE, Youth Hotline 1-800-422-0009, For All Seasons, Inc. 1-800-310-7273, Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence 1-800-927-4673, and Corsica River Mental Health Services 410-758-2211.

Once one of the above listed crimes are reported to the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement will be contacted for further investigation. Local law enforcement will assist the victim with the proper procedures with obtaining a protective order or peace order if applicable. Information concerning protective orders and peace orders can be obtained by visiting the District Court of Maryland’s Web Site. 

If a student or an employee obtains a protective order or peace order, a copy must be provided to the Department of Public Safety. The Public Safety Department will notify the Vice President for Student Affairs and the Director of Human Resources. Violators of protective orders and peace orders will be reported to local law enforcement.

College policies provide for a complete grievance procedure including a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation of any alleged criminal incident or sexual misconduct at the request of any student, employee or guest. This also includes allegations of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. All disciplinary proceedings will be conducted by trained individuals. By policy, the outcomes of the investigation are made available to the accused and the accuser. Disciplinary action for violation of the College policy may result in suspension or immediate dismissal for students and may include a verbal warning, written warning, suspension or termination of faculty or staff. Cases will be adjudicated based upon a preponderance of evidence. The college will assist victims with academic and working situations that are reasonably available, such as adjusting schedules. Chesapeake College cannot assist with living arrangements and transportation, since we not offer student housing or transportation. See the college’s complete Title IX Policy.

More information on prevention tips: Accusations Of Sexual Misconduct - Risk-Reduction Tips | Sexual Violence - Risk-Reduction Tips

Additional campus security policy and information can be found on the website of the Office of Public Safety at http://www.chesapeake.edu/public-safety.

Sex Offender Registration

Chesapeake College practices an open-door admissions policy. Students are admitted to the college without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.  However, some restrictions may exist for applicants who are listed on the National Sex Offender Registry or the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Sex Offender Registry.  These applicants must disclose their Registered Sex Offender status to the Director of the Department of Public Safety.

Applicants who are on the Sex Offender Registry will be considered for an academic program or course based upon the applicant’s Registered Sex Offender Tier designation, age at time of offense, the time that has elapsed since the offense, the nature of the criminal history, and evidence of rehabilitation or good conduct as weighed in relation to risk to the members of the community and assets.  Such decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.  In cases where admission is denied or revoked, a written response will be provided from the Office of the Dean of Students to the Registered Sex Offender so as to afford notice, an explanation of the decision, and provide an opportunity to respond. 

The admissions process involves compliance with stipulations listed within the Conditions of Admissions and Enrollment Agreement for each applicant who is a Registered Sex Offender.  Upon admission, failure to comply with the stipulations listed in the Conditions of Admissions and Enrollment Agreement may result in the Registered Sex Offender being immediately withdrawn from current classes and may result in disciplinary action including dismissal or expulsion, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.  Failure to disclose Registered Sex Offender status may result in the applicant being immediately withdrawn from current classes and may result in disciplinary action including dismissal or expulsion, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Registered Sex Offender applicants who are admitted to a Chesapeake College program or course are required to deliver copies of the following documents to the Department of Public Safety; official identification, course schedule, letter indicating the supervising or managing authority is aware the Registered Sex Offender is applying to participate in a course or program at Chesapeake College, and an executed Conditions of Enrollment Agreement.  Copies of these documents shall be delivered to the Department of Public Safety upon enrollment and no later than by the start date of the course or program.  The information contained within the required documents will be verified by the Department of Public Safety.  Delivery of the documents may be either in person or via email at publicsafety@chesapeake.edu.   Failing to deliver the required documentation to the Department of Public Safety may result in the applicant being immediately withdrawn from the enrollment process and dismissed from the course or program.  

The United States Department of Justice maintains the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW), which provides information to the public on the whereabouts of registered sex offenders regardless of state, territory or tribal boundaries. Click on the link above to go to the National Sex Offender Public Website. 

The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services maintains the Maryland Sex Offender Registry, which provides information about Registered Sex Offenders in Maryland to the public.  Click on the link above to go to Maryland’s Registered Sex Offender website.

Chesapeake College Campus Crime Statistics

Federal regulations call for colleges and universities to report crime statistics to students, employees and upon request to applicants for enrollment or employment. These requirements stem from the Federal Campus Security Act of 1990 and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (2013 Amendments). Reports on crime statistics are prepared annually through the Director of Public Safety and are posted on the College’s web site. They are available in print form upon request from the Public Safety Office or Institutional Research Office and are also displayed as a link on the annual security report. This information is shown below and covers the federally-prescribed crimes and time periods. “Public Property” is defined as the area that is within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the school, or is adjacent to a facility owned or controlled by the school, and the facility is used by the school in a manner related to the institution’s educational purpose, and includes streets, sidewalks and parking facilities. These statistics are also available in the student handbook..

Definitions for criminal offenses can be located here.

Chesapeake College’s detailed results are available at the Federal Office of Postsecondary Education’s Campus Security Statistics Website.

The College’s Emergency Procedure Guide, which can be found by logging into MyCampus, contains more security-related information, including detailed information about specific emergency situations.

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education Regulations, Chesapeake College distributes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report to all current students, staff, and faculty. In addition, the report is available to prospective students, staff, and faculty upon request. Contact the Director of Public Safety at 410-827-5889 if you would like to receive a paper copy of this report.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report provides important information regarding campus crime and security, including information about Chesapeake College’s Department of Public safety, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault policies, and crime statistics for the previous three years.

If there is inaccurate information in this document, please email corrections or comments to: Barbara Duncan bduncan@chesapeake.edu.