Public Safety / Security - Clery Act, Crime Awareness

"YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW"

Safety at Renton Technical College and compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 (formerly the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990)

Safety on the college campus is a natural source of concern for administration, faculty, staff, students and visitors.  Education - the business of Renton Technical College (RTC) can take place only in an environment in which each student and employee feels safe and secure.  RTC recognizes this and employs a number of security measures to protect the members of its community.

RTC does its part to ensure the safety of its students and employees.  A professionally trained and supervised public safety force, faculty, staff and students themselves all share in the responsibility of making the RTC campus a safe place to study, work and grow in.

Public Safety Department

Renton Technical College provides full-service, public safety services and security to the campus community through its Public Safety Department located in the B Building.

Renton Technical College, Public Safety Staff do not have arrest powers and do not carry firearms.

Currently, the college public safety staff consists of a Director of Public Safety; three full time uniformed officers and one part- time uniformed officer. They work closely with the Renton Police and Fire departments and other local law enforcement agencies.  The Public Safety Department acts as the first responder for all criminal incidents, provides general patrol of campus facilities and property, investigates motor vehicle collisions and manages both traffic safety and parking management for the college, coordinates emergency preparedness planning and provides crime prevention programming.  The Department responds to all reports of fire and/or medical aid working in support of the Renton Fire Department.

Emergency Telephone Number

The on-campus emergency telephone number, 425-235-7871, directly connects you with the Public Safety Department and should be used when fire, police or medical response is required. The Public Safety Office telephone number (425) 235-7871, is published in the RTC telephone directory and the RTC student handbook.

For information, escort services, parking concerns and other non-emergencies, administrators, employees and students should dial (425) 235-7836 to contact the Director of Public Safety.

Campus Emergencies 9-1-1
(425) 235-7871
General Campus Information (425) 235-2352
On Campus Public Safety Information (425) 235-7871
On Campus Security Escorts (425) 235-7871
On Campus Parking Concerns (425) 235-7871
Police, Fire and EMS 9-1-1

Alcohol and Drug Policies

RTC is committed to work against the illicit use of drugs and alcohol in the college community.  Public Safety Officers enforce all Washington Administrative Codes (WAC) and College policies concerning the purchase, possession, consumption, sale and storage of alcoholic beverages and drugs.  Student Disciplinary proceedings and policies are set forth in the WAC and are outlined in the RTC Student Handbook.

How to Report Emergencies, Crimes or Criminal Activity

To report an emergency, a crime or criminal or suspicious activity on campus, call the Public Safety cellular telephone (425) 235-7871.  A Public Safety Officers will respond to all reports of emergencies, crime and/or criminal activity.  Officers will complete an “Incident Report” for any reported crime occurring on Renton Technical College owned or leased property.

Reports are confidential within the guidelines established by the General Education Provisions Act and the Campus Security Act.  Some reports may be made available to assist the complainant to file an insurance claim.  You may also need to make a report to the Renton Police Department.  Call the Public Safety Department at (425) 235-7871 when reporting an emergency or crime, so that the officers can provide the pertinent information to the Police, Fire and emergency response teams.  Officers need to escort the emergency response vehicles into the campus, so it is important to provide the Public Safety personnel with accurate, detailed information about the emergency or problem.

Please be Prepared to Provide the Following Information:
Your name
Location of emergency, incident or circumstance
General status of victim (s)
General description on what happened

Crime reports may be made at any time of day, seven days a week, 365 days per year. Remember-prompt reporting greatly improves the ability of the campus public safety staff in being successful in assisting to resolve an incident.  Call the campus Public Safety Department if:

• Someone is injured or ill;
• You see fire or smell smoke;
• You see anything suspicious;
• Someone is hurting another person;
• You see someone stealing something;
• You have something stolen;
• You see someone forcing entry into a building or vehicle;
• You see anything that may be safety or hazardous situation;
• You observe suspicious behavior, or;
• You need assistance or would like an escort to your car at night.

Crime Prevention

Crime can occur anytime - anyplace. Crime does not know any boundaries.

Sometimes people get a false sense of security, they believe they cannot or will not be the victim of crime. People need to be aware of what is going on around them, take precautions and safeguards that reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

• Keep vehicles locked
• Do not walk alone, especially at night
• Request an escort from Public Safety
• Do not leave valuables unattended
• Report suspicious activities to public safety/law enforcement

At the start of the quarter, the public safety department shall provide safety awareness information during new student orientation.

For more information about crime prevention contact the Public Safety Department. It has information on self-protection, personal safety, preventing crime, date rape and reducing campus theft.

Public Services

The Public Safety Department provides many services to the college community. Some of these services are, but not limited to:

• Escorting individuals to and from their vehicles and buildings.
• Providing emergency first aid. (Call Public Safety at (425) 235-7871
• - If you are unable to contact Public Safety, Call 911)
• Responding to incident, medical, and fire calls.
• Providing jumper cable service for vehicles with dead batteries.
• Assisting motorists whose keys are locked in their vehicles. (Note: If your vehicle has electric door locks and/or side impact airbags, Security will not attempt to unlock your vehicle.)
• Traffic control, accidents and reports.

We want you to ask for our help when you need it!

Safety Tips

Contact Public Safety If You:

• Are a victim of a crime that has occurred on campus.
• See a suspicious activity or a suspicious vehicle on campus.
• Have information about an incident (criminal or non-criminal).
• Have been involved in a motor vehicle collision or have witnessed one.
• Smell or see smoke/flames or fumes inside a building.
• Have been injured and/or need first aid.
• Notice any other safety or security related problems.

Personal Safety Information:

• If you are being followed:
• Change your direction, cross the street.
• Keep looking back so the person knows you can't be surprised.
• Go to a well-lighted area, such as a classroom, office or library, anywhere there is people.
• Notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description.
• At night walk with someone; there is safety in numbers.

Report anything suspicious to public safety or the police.

Vehicle Safety

• Park in well-lighted areas if possible.
• Valuables should be locked in the trunk or taken with you.
• Lock your vehicle.

Returning To Your Vehicle

• If possible, don't walk alone.
• Check the immediate area around you.
• Have your keys in your hand.
• Check the front and back of your vehicle before getting inside.
• Once inside, lock your doors.

Enforcement Actions

The Public Safety Department is committed to working with all community members to resolve all criminal matters in a timely fashion. One of the main responsibilities of the Public Safety Department is to provide an operating force of trained personnel to protect the college community and the college from fire, theft, intrusion and other unlawful acts that disturb the peace or that place life and property in jeopardy. In addition, the Public Safety Department regulates parking and traffic, assists the college community with a variety of public services, provides escorts and assists local law enforcement.

Renton Technical College, Public Safety Staff do not have arrest powers and do not carry firearms.
 
Public safety officers patrol the campus regularly looking for safety and security concerns. Discrepancies that are noted are reported to the appropriate department. Employees and students that observe any safety or security hazards should report it to the public safety department. All buildings are locked and unlocked at scheduled times as conditions and usage warrant.
 
Firearms and dangerous weapons, RCW 9A.08.02: Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other dangerous weapons or instrumentalities on the college campus, (except for authorized college purposes or by law enforcement officers), unless written approval has been obtained from the Vice-President of Student Services or a person designated by the College President is a criminal offense.

Daily Crime Log

The RTC Public Safety Department will make the crime log for the most recent 60-day period open to public inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, except holidays and when the college is closed.

Crime Statistics

The RTC Public Safety Department maintains statistical crime data. Crime statistics for the most recent three-year period, including incidents reported to local law enforcement are maintained.  These statistics also reflect incidents reported to the RTC Public Safety Department from off-campus affiliated locations.
RTC crime statistics can be viewed here: http://www.rtc.edu/CommunityResources/Security/Statistics

Timely Warnings

The college provides timely warnings of criminal activity on a case-by-case basis and may utilize such delivery systems as the institution’s web site, postings on campus, the college newsletter, e-mail or other means of communication as may be deemed appropriate by the Public Safety Department.

Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, goes into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency 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, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.
 
In the State of Washington (Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.44.130) any adult or juvenile residing whether or not the person has a fixed residence, or who is a student, is employed, or carries on a vocation in this state who has been found to have committed or has been convicted of any sex offense or kidnapping offense, or who has been found not guilty by reason of insanity under chapter 10.77 (RCW) of committing any sex offense or kidnapping offense, shall register with the county sheriff for the county of the person's residence, or if the person is not a resident of Washington, the county of the person's school, or place of employment or vocation, or as otherwise specified in this section. Where a person required to register under this section is in custody of the state department of corrections, the state department of social and health services, a local division of youth services, or a local jail or juvenile detention facility as a result of a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the person shall also register at the time of release from custody with an official designated by the agency that has jurisdiction over the person. In addition, any such adult or juvenile who is admitted to a public or private institution of higher education shall, within ten days of enrolling or by the first business day after arriving at the institution, whichever is earlier, notify the sheriff of the county of the person's residence of the person's intent to attend the institution. The sheriff shall notify the institution's department of public safety and shall provide that department with the person's: name; address; date and place of birth; place of employment; crime for which convicted; date and place of conviction; aliases used; social security number; photograph; and fingerprints.
 
In the State of Washington, the Washington State Patrol and local Sheriff’s Offices (King County Sheriff’s Office) maintain sex offender information.  When sex offender information is received from local law enforcement agencies the Public Safety Department cross checks the information against current lists of registered students and employees to determine if additional notification of the college community is warranted.  When necessary, sex offender information is made as a college alert.

Pertinent web site addresses for securing related information are:
 
http://www.metrokc.gov/sheriff/services/sex_offender_search/
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/
sheriff/sexoffendersearch.htm
http://ml.waspc.org/index.aspx

Sexual Assault

Prevention, intervention and education programs specifically addressing rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses are sponsored by a variety of organizations at RTC. If a sexual offense should occur, the victim should take the following actions:

• Go to a safe place.
• Call the public safety department if the incident occurred on campus; call the local police if it occurred off campus.
• Contact a friend or family member.
• Do not shower, bathe, or douche.
• Do not urinate, if possible.
• Do not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took place.
• Keep the clothes worn during the offense. If clothes are changed, place clothes in a paper bag (evidence deteriorates in plastic).
• Get prompt medical attention.
• Do not destroy the physical evidence that may be found in the vicinity of the crime. If the crime occurred in the victim's home, the victim should not clean or straighten until the police have had an opportunity to collect evidence.
• Tell someone all details remembered about the assault.
• Write down all details remembered as soon as possible.

Once an incident is reported to the Vice-President of Student Services, he/she will assign a staff person or counselor to work with the victim in deciding whether or not to pursue legal action and in connecting with local programs and agencies, such as Citizens Against Sexual Assault and the Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The treating professional will also assist the victim in making any necessary changes in academic program or living situation.
 
Following an incident, victims are encouraged to make a report to the Public Safety Department who will facilitate the involvement of the Renton Police Department.  This action does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if the decision to prosecute is made at a later date.  The earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. 
 
College judicial action, criminal prosecution and civil suits are all options available to victims of sexual assault.

Date Rape Drugs

Date rape drugs can be placed in any drink, not just alcohol.  Effects may range from a feeling of well-being and short term memory loss to an apparent aphrodisiac and intoxication effect.  Serious adverse effects can occur such as seizures, insomnia, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations, coma, and even death.  Some common side effects of these drugs include a drunken appearance, drowsiness, light-headedness, staggering, confusion, muscle relaxation and amnesia that last up to 24 hours.
 
If one suspects they or someone they know has been drugged and/or assaulted, first, go to a safe place, call the college Public Safety Department (if you are on the RTC campus) or local police if you are off campus, or go to a local hospital’s emergency room for immediate treatment of any injuries, plus urine, blood, pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing.

Resources for Support and Assistance

RTC Student Services (425) 235-5840
RTC Public Safety Department– Emergency (425) 235-7871
RTC Public Safety Department – Business (425) 235-7871
Valley Medical Center (425) 656-4055
Renton Police Department – Emergency 9-1-1
Renton Police Department – Business (425) 430-7500
King County Sheriff’s Office – Emergency 9-1-1
King County Sheriff’s Office – Business (206) 296-3311
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (206) 632-7273

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any violent or controlling behavior by a person toward a spouse or partners who are currently living together or who have lived together in the past.  Although the partner is the primary target, domestic abuse also affects the children in the household, extended family members, and even the community at large. If anyone has ever been hit or abused by a spouse, domestic partner, or boy/girl friend and they want to report it as a crime; they should immediately call their local police or sheriff’s office.  The law enforcement officer will evaluate the case and evidence to determine if there is probable cause to make an arrest or refer the case to the local prosecutor’s office.

Dating Violence

Renton Technical College is committed to providing on-campus safety and public education, training, and victim services to combat violence against all persons.  “Dating violence” is defined as violence committed by a person “who is or 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 a consideration of. . . the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship,” [20 U.S.C. 1152(f) (1)].
 
A student victim of dating violence has the right, in addition to filing charges through the criminal justice system, to file a complaint with the RTC Vice-President of Students, relative acts of violence toward them or another committed by RTC student (s).  Disciplinary action may result if a student’s behavior jeopardizes the educational atmosphere or mission of the institution.  Examples of such off-campus behavior would include but not be limited to crimes of violence, sexual assault and/or alcohol or drug violations.
 
In addition to campus based resources there are community-based organizations such as:

• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (800) 825-7273
• Washington Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 562-6025
• YWCA of Seattle/South King County, Domestic Violence
  Community Advocacy Program (425) 226-1266 ext. 1017
• DOHM –Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men (888) 743-5754
• DAWN – Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (425) 656-7867