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SUNY PLATTSBURGH BRANCH CAMPUS
at Adirondack Community College

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
2008-2009

September 22, 2008

The SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus is located on the campus of Adirondack Community College (ACC), in Queensbury, NY.  Under contract and lease arrangements between SUNY Plattsburgh and ACC, SUNY Plattsburgh offers its Branch Campus degree programs in facilities owned and operated by ACC.  The SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus also operates under, and complies with, all of ACC's campus safety rules and regulations, including the reporting of possession and use of alcohol and controlled substances, and, the reporting of any criminal acts or behavior.  Campus crime, arrests and referral statistics, along with any incidents and/or violations of ACC’s campus safety rules and regulations, are reported to ACC, to the designated SUNY Plattsburgh officials listed below as a "Campus Security Authority," and to local law enforcement agencies.

This report is prepared by ACC's Director of Facilities/Safety Officer in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding the ACC campus, is edited as appropriate by the Dean and Associate Dean of the Branch Campus to include SUNY Plattsburgh, and is filed to comply with federal law (the CLERY Act).  The purpose of this report is to provide Plattsburgh Branch campus faculty, staff and students with campus safety information, including crime statistics and procedures to use when reporting a crime.

Each year, an e-mail notification that provides the web site address to access this report, is made to all SUNY Plattsburgh students, faculty and staff.  In addition, the location where this report is available to individuals who do not have access to email, is included in the opening week announcements, which are mailed to students at the beginning of each semester.

Additionally, according to federal law, the Branch Campus is required to report statistics concerning the occurrence of certain criminal offenses reported to any official of the institution who is defined as a "Campus Security Authority."  Those officials which may be reported to at the Plattsburgh Branch Campus, for the purposes of "timely warning" reports and the annual criminal statistical disclosures include the following individuals:

Please note that these offices allow victims and witnesses to report crime on a voluntary, confidential basis.  When criminal incidents occur which have a nexus to the safety of our campus community and thereby potentially impede the educational mission of the campus, judicial charges may be filed.


General Security Information

ACC continues to make personal and facility safety improvements to help ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff. Security and safety systems that are in use on the Campus include:

 

Law Enforcement Authority of Campus Security Personnel:

Peace Officer: Enforces Penal and Vehicle and Traffic Laws of the State of New York.

Security Officers: Typical work of security personnel such as enforcing campus policies, regulations and procedures. Adirondack Community College Security Officers have the authority to ask persons for identifications and to determine whether individuals have lawful business on campus. ACC security officers have the authority to issue parking tickets. Security officers do not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the police department having jurisdiction on campus.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU):

ACC and the Warren County Sheriff's Department have an MOU which recognizes the Department has primary law enforcement jurisdiction on all Warren County property owned, leased or under the control of ACC and will provide police services on said property. A copy of this MOU is available for review in the Facilities Office and in the office of the Dean at the Plattsburgh Branch Campus during normal business hours.
Please be aware that ACC allows victims and witnesses to report crime on a voluntary and confidential basis. Reports are filed for informational purposes to be used for inclusion in the college's crime reporting. Official investigations of criminal offenses are conducted by the proper local authorities.

Students who wish to identify a confidential contact for police to utilize in the event they are reported missing may do so within their web account at my.plattsburgh.edu.  On the home page of their account located in the bottom right hand corner is a link, "View/Update Emergency Contact." Once the link is followed there is a field labeled "relationship," the special emergency contact type "Missing Person Contact" is located in the drop down box within that field.  Students may enter the contact information of a confidential contact in the event that they are reported missing.  

Access Policy:

During business hours, ACC is open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours access to all college facilities is by card access, if authorized, or by admittance via the Campus Safety Security Officers.
Authorized College functions that take place during non business hours are scheduled through the Facilities Office and appropriate access to required facilities will be provided for.

Emergency Response

Crisis Response Team:

ACC maintains a Crisis Response Team to respond to campus emergencies. If a medical or criminal emergency arises that needs emergency response please use the following procedures to activate the Crisis Response Team and/or request response from the local authorities.

Emergency Response Phone Numbers

 

Medical Emergency:

or

or

Now dial "743-2200" and then "0" for the ACC switchboard.

 

Disruptive, Violent or Criminal Behavior:

or

or

 

Fire:

 

Bomb Threat or Chemical Spill:

 

Evenings and Weekend Emergencies:

Evacuation:

If the immediate evacuation of a building(s) is required, alarm notification (fire alarm system) will be activated.  This evacuation procedure is tested three times a year. Communication is provided through building representatives who are assigned to each building. Building representatives are trained on an annual basis in regards to evacuation procedures. A list of these individuals can be found on the college's n: drive and is available upon request from the Facilities Office.

Timely Warnings:

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of Campus Security, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued through the college wide e-mail system to students, faculty and staff and through the use of Building Reps assigned to each building.

The office of the Director of Facilities is responsible for communication between local law enforcement agencies involving situations which occur off campus and may impact the safety of the college community.

First Aid:

ACC does not have a Nurses Office or other on campus medical services office. Medical emergencies are directed to the Glens Falls Hospital for attention. ACC does provide first aid supplies and defibrillators located in various areas on campus. These locations are described below:

Location of Emergency Supplies

First Aid Kits

 

Defibrillators

 

Personal Safety Tips:

Although ACC is fortunate to have been able to maintain a very safe environment over the years, no one should be lulled into a false sense of security. Here are several common sense measures to take at all times:

Crime Reporting:

All members of the campus community are urged to report criminal incidents and emergencies that occur on campus. The institution does not at this time have any non-campus organizations.

The Director of Facilities is responsible for the collection of crime reports from campus authorities and local police for inclusion in the annual report.

Please use the emergency contact information below to report an incident.

Campus Security   796-1344
Facilities Office  743-2240 or Ext. 2240
Warren County Sheriff's Office  911

In any kind of emergency, please try to have someone stay with you while another person is sent to get help. In the event you contact medical or police authorities on your own when no one is available to assist you, at the first opportunity please stop by the Facilities Office located on the bottom floor of Warren Hall to report the incident and to fill out an incident report. The report will be kept on file in the Facilities Office.

Campus Crime Statistics:

In accordance with the Campus Safety Act, the following reflects reportable crime statistics at Adirondack Community College for the previous three (3) years. Statistics are compiled and filed in the Facilities Office.

 

Crime
Location
2006
2007
2008
Murder
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Manslaughter
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Sex Offenses
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Robbery
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Burglary
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Arson
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Liquor Law Violations
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Drug Related Violations
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Weapons Possession
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
 
Referrals
Location
2006
2007
2008
Liquor Law Violations
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Drug Related Violations
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Weapons Possession
On Campus
Non-Campus Property
On Public Property
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0


Hate Crimes

During the 2006-2008 reporting years ACC had no hate crimes reported.

Definitions Of The Above Criminal Actions

Murder - the willful killing of one human being by another.

Forcible Sex - any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will, or where the victim is incapable of giving consent, and includes forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling.

Non-forcible Sex - acts of unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse including incest and statutory rape. Depending on the circumstances, acquaintance rape could be in either category.

Robbery - the taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody, or care of another person or persons by force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.

Arson - Any willful or malicious burning, attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another etc.

Aggravated Assault - an unlawful attack by one person upon another wherein the offender displays or uses a weapon in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.

Burglary - the unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft.

Motor Vehicle Theft - the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Liquor Law Violations - violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages.

Drug Abuse Violations - violations of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.

Weapons Possessions - violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.  Firearms and dangerous weapons of any type are not permitted on campus.  Use, possession, or sale of firearms or other dangerous weapons by anyone is strictly forbidden and is a violation of state and federal law as well as a violation of the Student Conduct Manual.

Sexual Assault:

Most sexual assaults are not committed by sociopathic strangers hiding in the shadows. College students are actually in far greater danger of being sexually assaulted by a friend or a fellow student than by a stranger.  With its high number of dating and social activities, the campus setting can offer opportunities for date rape to occur. 

When a victim's relationship with the offender or the circumstances that are involved make a victim hesitant to report a sexual crime, the term "date rape" or "acquaintance rape" is frequently used. Sometimes the offender is a date or a friend. Sometimes alcohol or drug consumption or sexual play past a mutually agreed upon point is forced upon a partner.

Just as victims have been mistaken about feeling responsible for being attacked, perpetrators have tended to deny their guilt and responsibility.  An otherwise reasonable person may suggest that it is all right to pressure or force someone to have sex if:

These, however, never excuse inappropriate behavior. There is one single principle to remember: when any form of sex is against a person’s will, it is against the law:

 

Avoiding Assault:

There are a number of precautions that anyone can take to reduce the risk of being victimized:


Campus Disciplinary Proceeding Involving Sexual Assault

In cases of sexual assault, both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of any institutional disciplinary proceeding alleging a sex offense. Both the accused and the accuser will be provided with the outcome of any disciplinary action taken.

Victims Of Assault - Immediate Needs

After an attack, the victim should try to be as calm as possible. Getting to a safe place and calling for help promptly is extremely important. Call the police, a friend, or a rape crisis service.  Leave the crime scene exactly as it is, not touching anything, cleaning up, or throwing anything away.  

Do not change, wash, or destroy any clothing or wash any part of your body.  Women should not douche.  If the attack occurs on campus, immediately contact the ACC Dean for Student Affairs or the Director of Facilities or the Dean of the Plattsburgh Branch Campus.  It's important to receive medical aid promptly. Not only can internal and external injuries be treated, but measures can also be taken to combat the possibilities of disease. This is also an opportunity to collect evidence.

As soon as possible, write down every detail about the incident.

A victim should seek professional help and not try to deal with rape alone. Several numbers to call are available through the ACC Counseling Office and in the office of the Dean at the Plattsburgh Branch Campus.

Counseling and Support Services:

We at ACC and Plattsburgh are concerned for each and every student’s safety and security. Please contact the ACC Counseling Office or the office of the Dean at the Plattsburgh Branch Campus for a listing of community agencies.  Data concerning reported on-campus crimes can be obtained from the Office of the Director of Facilities in Warren Hall.

REMEMBER:  Every emergency situation is different. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.

Sex Offender Registration:

In Accordance with the “campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, The Jeanne Clery Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Campus Safety Department of Adirondack Community College is providing a Link to the New York State Sex Offender Registry. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice to each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student. In the State of New York, convicted sex offenders must register with the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The Sex Offender Registry is available via Internet at: http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor/, or by calling 1(900) 288-3838.
Registry information is provided to be used for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees, volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Unlawful use of information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and willful violation shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Furthermore, if registered sex offenders are employed at the Branch Campus or enrolled as a student at the Branch Campus information regarding these sex offenders will be made available to the public, according to the sex offender registry guidelines.  The public should contact the Dean of the Branch Campus or the Associate Dean of the Branch campus at (518) 792-5425 or in person at the Branch Campus located in the Regional Higher Education Center to request sex offender information. 

Crime Prevention Programs:

Crime Prevention programs on personal safety and theft prevention are sponsored by Student Services throughout the year. Student Services staff facilitate programs for students providing a variety of strategies and tips on how to protect themselves from sexual assault, theft and other crimes.

Drug-Free Campus Policy

(Alcohol and Controlled Substances)

I. Statement of Purpose:

Adirondack Community College and SUNY Plattsburgh have a vital interest in insuring safe, healthful, and efficient conditions for all students, faculty, and staff and in helping each to become optimally contributing members of society.  In addition, as federal contractors (or grantees), they have a duty to safely and efficiently provide the public with quality education. The unlawful presence of controlled substances on the campus conflicts with these vital interests and constitutes a violation of the public trust. For these reasons, ACC and SUNY Plattsburgh have established, as a condition of one’s enrollment and continued enrollment, the following drug-free campus policy.  SUNY Plattsburgh students are expected to follow all the standards of conduct that are expected of ACC students and will be held accountable by SUNY Plattsburgh for violation of these standards.

II. Standards of Conduct Prohibiting Illicit Drug and Alcohol Abuse:

A.  Prohibition Against Unlawful Presence of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol On-Campus:
The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of illicit drugs or alcohol on College premises or while engaged in College activities is strictly prohibited.

B.  College Sanctions for Violation of Drug-Free Campus Policy:
Any student who violates the foregoing drug-free campus policy shall, subject to provisions of the College’s Code of Conduct found in the Student Handbook, be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations. These sanctions may include expulsion, termination of on-campus employment, referral for prosecution, or participation in an approved drug or alcohol assistance program.

C.   College’s Code of Conduct:
A student enrolling at Adirondack Community College assumes an obligation to conduct oneself in a manner compatible with the functions of the College as an educational institution.  All conduct which adversely affects the student’s suitability as a member of the academic community shall result in appropriate disciplinary action. (See Code of Conduct)

D.   Statement on Public Order:
The College is a public institution operated for the purpose of providing educational opportunities to students and to support cultural and intellectual aspects of the area. College students, faculty, staff, employees and visitors to the campus are required to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and with College rules and regulations at all times.

The College rules and regulations prohibit, among other things, any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of alcohol or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization. Such rules and regulations shall be deemed to be part of the by-laws of all organizations operated on campus which shall review annually such by-laws with individuals affiliated with such organizations. In addition to the penalties outlined below for individuals, an organization which authorizes such conduct will be subject to the revision of permission for the organization to operate on campus property and to continue as a sanctioned organization.

E.  Statement on College’s Cooperation with Law Enforcement Officials:
The College will cooperate fully and completely with local or state authorities on any case of suspected use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.  In the event that any student is apprehended by local, state or federal authorities for the offense of use, possession or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol, that student will not be in any way protected by the College.  A student convicted of violating civil the law may be subject to separation from the College.

III. Health Risks Associated with Illicit Drug and Alcohol:

In order to be informed citizens, we all need to be aware of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse. The following is a brief summary of some of the health hazards caused by the use of:

Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses can significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spousal and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. 

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.  Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver. Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Controlled Substances:
There is overwhelming evidence that illegal drug use leads to academic failure, failure to get a job, failure to keep a job and maintenance of good health, as well as creating other problems.

IV. Legal Sanctions Imposed for Illicit Drug and Alcohol Abuse:

Preventing the spread of unlawful possession, use and distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is everyone’s responsibility. If you wish to report illegal drug activity, you can make a toll-free call to: 1-800-GIVE-TIP. Calls will be received in complete confidence and will be referred to the appropriate Federal, State, or local authority.  Considerations regarding a few of the state legal sanctions follow:

Articles 220 and 221 of the Penal Law are directly aimed at unlawful traffic in mind-affecting drugs. They are compatible with the Public Health Law and the provisions of the latter are often cross-referenced in the Penal Law sections that deal with the different drugs.  Articles 220 and 221 set criminal penalties for possession or sale of drugs considered harmful or subject to abuse. The seriousness of the offense and penalty imposed upon conviction depend upon the individual drug and amount held or sold.  Marijuana has been placed in Article 221 and separately dealt with in the Penal Law, as a result of the Marijuana Reform Act of 1977. That statute made the penalties upon conviction of use of small amounts of marijuana less severe than formerly.  Specific sections of interest in Article 220 not included in the table follow:

Section 220.44 makes a sale of a controlled substance in or near school grounds, to a person less than 19 years of age, a Class B felony.  220.45 makes criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument a Class A misdemeanor.  220.46 makes criminal injection of another person with a narcotic drug, with consent of that person, a Class E felony.  220.50 bans possession or sale of drug paraphernalia; deals with things that dilute drugs, like dextrose or mannite; and gelatin capsules, plastic envelopes, etc., considered commercial preparation materials (Class E felony).  220.60 makes criminal possession of certain “precursors” of controlled substances used in their preparation or manufacture but not the drugs themselves, a Class E felony (for example, ergot or diethylamide). 

It is important to be aware, that under the Penal Law, a gift of drugs, including marijuana, is treated as a sale.  New York State Penal Law defines a misdemeanor as a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than 15 days but not more than one year.  A felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

V. Assistance in Matters Related to Drug and Alcohol Abuse:

Adirondack Community College has a commitment to help students succeed academically, vocationally and socially.  We can assist you with drug or alcohol related problems or can refer you to someone who can. Please see your advisor, a counselor or the Dean for Student Affairs if you wish to discuss a problem with drugs or alcohol.  We can help you find assistance off-campus through individuals or agencies.  Also, to help in maintaining an environment that does not permit the possession or use of illicit drugs and alcohol, Adirondack Community College has established an awareness program to provide education for students, faculty and staff regarding the following aspects of the use of illicit drugs and alcohol: standards of conduct, disciplinary sanctions by the College, health risks, legal sanctions by local, state and federal laws and rehabilitation, counseling and re-entry. Such education may include (1) inclusion of this statement in the Student Handbook; (2) video tape and print materials made available to students in class, the Student Center and the Counseling Offices; (3) the distribution of lists of those agencies and individuals who can assist students in coping with drug and alcohol abuse problems. 

This policy and program will be reviewed at least biennially by a representative committee of students and staff selected and chaired by the Dean for Student Affairs. The committee’s purpose will be to determine the program’s effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.


 

Contact Information

For more information about the SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus at Adirondack Community College, please contact:

Phone: (518) 792-5425
Fax:(518) 792-3868
E-mail: branchcampus@plattsburgh.edu

Fall Office Hours 

Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and by appointment.

Branch Campus Address:

SUNY Plattsburgh Branch Campus at ACC
640 Bay Road
Queensbury, NY 12804

Main Campus Address:

SUNY Plattsburgh
101 Broad Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
 

Phone: (518) 564-2000

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