Mission Statement

Notre Dame College entered into a public/private partnership to implement the CityWatch Community Notification System. This Campus Alert System gives us the ability to notify the college community in the instance of an emergency or health hazard. Select this link to register for the Campus Alert System.

The Notre Dame College Police/Security Department is dedicated to providing excellence in service to the College community. We strive to insure a safe, secure and pleasant atmosphere, conducive to a positive educational process, in our efforts to protect the College community.

For Parents, Students and the Notre Dame Community

The Campus Police/Security Department is committed to making the Notre Dame College campus a safe environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

We take proactive measures to ensure a sense of security among the campus community through 24 hour vehicle and foot patrols along with a campus-wide video monitoring system. We also provide additional measures including security escorts and self defense and awareness courses during the school year. We also welcome the chance to discuss safety topics with any campus group.

The Notre Dame College Police/Security Department is a police department under Section 1713.50 of the Ohio Revised Code. All peace officers are commissioned by the State of Ohio and have full arrest powers. The department is also staffed by Guardsmark Security, a well respected national security firm. All of the officers have met or exceeded training standards set by the state and receive ongoing training in CPR, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, diversity, legal updates and other pertinent skills.

Campus Police officers have complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on campus and areas immediately adjacent to the campus. If minor offenses involving College rules are committed by a College student, the Campus Police may also refer the individual to the Associate Dean of Students for disciplinary action.

Major offenses such as rape, murder, aggravated assault, robbery and auto theft are reported to South Euclid Police Department for investigation and prosecution. Campus Police works closely with local law enforcement agencies pursuant to a mutual aid agreement. Through such coordination, any criminal activity engaged in by students at off-campus locations is monitored and recorded. This information is provided to the Associate Dean of Students for any action or follow-up that may be required.

Reporting Criminal Actions and Other Emergencies

College students, staff, faculty and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related matters to Notre Dame College Police/Security Department in a timely manner. Reported occurrences are investigated by Campus Police and, as needed the assistance of local, state or other law enforcement agencies as sought. All criminal matters should be reported to Campus Police/Security even if additional reports are made to residence hall assistants or other personnel. If a student or employee so desires, Campus personnel may assist in notifying law enforcement authorities.

Campus Security does not provide law enforcement service to off-campus residences nor are off-campus activities recognized by College authority. Student Affairs and Campus Security enjoy a close working relationship with South Euclid Police Department when violations of state or local laws surface. This cooperative team approach addresses situations as they arise as well as future concerns.

All reports will be investigated. Because police reports are public records under state law, the Notre Dame College Police Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Confidential reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can generally by made to other College’s Counseling Center 216-373-5211 or to the Director of Campus Ministry 216-373-5177. Should a potentially dangerous threat to the campus community arise, timely warnings will be issued via email announcements, the posting of flyers, in-class announcements or other appropriate means.

Emergency Phone Numbers

• Campus Police/Security from on-campus phones: x5212
• Campus Police/Security from outside line: 216-373-5288/5212
• South Euclid Police Department: 911 or 216-381-1234
• South Euclid Fire Department: 911 or 216-381-1212

If using the campus phone system and calling off-campus numbers, be sure to dial 9 first.

Courtesy telephones are located throughout the campus. Students and employees are encouraged to become aware of their locations. Assistance from Campus Police/Security can be summoned from these locations. NOTE: These are campus phones only! South Euclid Police and Fire Departments can not be reached from these phones.

Emergency Planning and Communications

• In the event of an emergency, the Campus Police/Security Department would respond in accordance with directions from state and local emergency agencies. Should a directive to evacuate either a building or the campus be received, the College will work with state and local officials to implement contingency plans to safeguard all its students and employees.
• Emergency communications from the College will be distributed through the following methods:
  • Website: www.NotreDameCollege.edu
  • Staff/Faculty Announcements
  • Campus wide email
  • Voicemail
  • Flyers or signs

In addition, in case of an emergency situation on campus or the surrounding area, local radio and television stations will broadcast official information and instructions:

Timely Warnings

When a crime is reported to campus security authorities or local police that, in the judgment of the Director of Campus Safety and Security, is considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, a security alert will be issued. The “timely warnings” may include threats to property as well as to persons. The campus will be alerted to such threats whether or not the victims or perpetrators are members of the college community. The “timely warning” will be distributed via the college e-mail system to students, faculty and staff and the distribution of printed materials throughout the campus.

Each “timely warning” will be decided upon on a case-by-case basis in light of all of the facts involved, including the nature of the crime, whether it presents continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk to compromising law enforcement efforts.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Notre Dame Campus Security office 373-5212.

Drug, Alcohol and Weapon Policies

Notre Dame College Police/Security officers enforce laws regulating underage drinking, the use of controlled substances and the possession of weapons. The issue of drug and alcohol abuse concerns the entire campus community as well as the surrounding neighborhood. The Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require schools, colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance to implement and enforce drug and alcohol preventive programs for students and employees.

Notre Dame College prohibits the illegal use, possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of drugs or alcohol by all students and employees on the college premises or as a part of any College activity. Any misuse of substances by college students or employees that presents physical or psychological hazard to individuals is also prohibited.

Discharging, carrying, or possessing firearms, including replicas and air guns or any weapons with which injury, death, or destruction may be inflicted, is prohibited on property owned or controlled by Notre Dame College.

Campus Safety Precautions

Common sense is the most valuable tool for most safety situations. To promote a safer, more secure campus, the campus community should remember:

• Carry your Notre Dame College ID while on campus.
• Be alert to any unusual or suspicious individuals or circumstances on campus and report it to the Campus Police/Security Department at x5212.
• Remember that Campus Police/Security patrol the grounds, parking lots, residence halls and all academic buildings.

Despite recent growth, Notre Dame is still a small community. If you notice a situation or individual that seems unusual or out of place, please report it to the Campus Police/Security.

Sexual Assault and Rape Prevention

It is the responsibility of each member of the Notre Dame College community to prevent sexual assault. The college offers instructional programs for all students and staff on sexual assault and rape prevention throughout the school year. Residence hall students are encouraged to attend special floor meetings where the issues of rape and sexual assault are discussed.

Under Ohio law, sexual assaults include rape, sexual battery, corruption of a minor, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, importuning, voyeurism, public indecency and felonious sexual penetration. Other sexual offenses include prostitution and obscenity. While these crimes are generally well understood, the precise legal definitions are complex. They are fully defined in Chapter 2907 of the Ohio Revised Codes, reference copies of which are available for review at Notre Dame College Police/Security Department.

Any student or employee who believes a sexual offense may have occurred is strongly encouraged to report the matter promptly, and to preserve any evidence. This is the most effective way to insure that a complete investigation is conducted and that, if a criminal assault has occurred, it can be prosecuted effectively. Since the Notre Dame College Police/Security Department is a proper agency for reporting incidents occurring on the campus, they should immediately be contacted at x5212 for assistance. Students and employees also have the option of notifying the South Euclid Police Department (911 or 216-381-1234) regardless of any other action taken or anticipated on the campus.

Other resources that students and employees may find helpful in this situation include:

• Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (216) 619-6192

• Hillcrest Hospital (440) 312-4500

• R.A.I.N.N. 1-800-656-4673

• Anthony Camino (Director of Campus Ministry) /acamino@ndc.edu

• Jane Ahern (Counseling Center) x5211 /jahern@ndc.edu

• Select this link to view the Notre Dame College Policy and Procedures on Sex Offenses (Adopted May 1, 2006) as a PDF file (PolicyProceduresSexOffenseMay2006.pdf, 25KB)

If you are a survivor of a sexual assault, the following steps are recommended: Go to a safe place where you feel comfortable: Find someone you can trust (a friend, Resident Assistant, Graduate Assistant or Director of Residence Life). Seek medical attention! Your first desire may be to wash yourself, DON’T! Do not shower, urinate, brush your teeth or change your clothes or move anything, as it may disturb evidence.

The Notre Dame College Police/Security Department along with the College administration will assist the victim in examining all options available in response to alleged crimes. More information pertaining to the College’s policy on sexual offenses can be found in the Student Handbook.

Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, requires that certain convicted sex-offenders must identify themselves to colleges and universities if they: A) attend classes, B) work on a college or university campus, C) volunteer on a college or university campus.

Colleges and universities are required as of October 1, 2003 to make members of their communities aware of where sex-offenders information can be obtained.

In the State of Ohio, sex-offender registries are maintained by each of the 88 county sheriff’s offices. In Cuyahoga County information on registered sex-offenders can be obtained by:

Calling the Sex-Offender Unit at (216) 443-5567 or the Sheriff’s website at:

http//www.sheriff.cuyahogacounty.us/

After accepting the terms of the Web site, search for Notre Dame College zip code (44121) or desired zip code.

Additional Security Situations

Notre Dame is a campus with a diverse student body. The College welcomes students of different faiths, nationalities and political beliefs. We recognize that the educational experience of every student is enhanced by this diversity and expect that respect and courtesy will be extended by all students to one another.

In light of events since 2001, there has been a national emphasis on Homeland Security. The College realizes that the possibility of attacks on our nation is a reality that we must take into account. The Notre Dame College Police/Security Department assure all of our students, faculty, staff and visitors that your safety is of primary importance and we will do all in our power to provide a secure environment for you to focus on your studies.

If you have additional concerns, federal, state and local governments have set up several websites that we encourage you to visit:

http://www.ready.gov/
http://www.state.gov/
http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/emergency/emergencyind.html
http://www.state.oh.us/odps/division/ema/
http://www.catholicrelief.org/
http://www.redcross.org/

Departments

Administrative: Director/Chief Michael T. Dugan : x5407/mdugan@ndc.edu

Assistant Police Chief: James H. Brearey: x5192/Jbrearey@ndc.edu

Guardsmark Security: x5288

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Crime Statistics for the Campus

The office of Campus Safety and Security prepares an annual report in compliance with Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. This report is prepared in cooperation with South Euclid Police Department, the Associate Dean of Students and the Director of Residence Life. Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to NDC Campus Security, campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, faculty, staff, coaches) and local law enforcement. Ohio law requires the prompt reporting to the local law enforcement by health care practitioners when they provide medical services to a person they know or reasonably suspect is suffering from wounds inflicted by a firearm or is a result of assaultive or abusive conduct. Notre Dame’s counseling office informs their clients of the procedures to report crime to Campus Security on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially during such a session.

Each year, an email notification is made to all enrolled students, staff and faculty that provides the web site to access this report. In addition to the web site, this report is available to current and prospective students through the Office of Admissions and Campus Security.

The following statistics are obtained directly from reports made to the Notre Dame College Police/Security Department and South Euclid Police Department. Crime information is also obtained from other campus offices with security authority including, but not limited to, Student Affairs, Residence Life, College Counseling Services, and other college officials.

For more information go to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Campus Security Statistics website at: http://ope.ed.gov/security/

Crime is reported in the following categories:

On-Campus: Crimes reported and investigated by Notre Dame Police.

Residential Facilities: Crimes occurring in Notre Dame College Residence Halls. (This is a sub-total of On-Campus reports).

Non-Campus: Crimes reported to and investigated by the City of South Euclid Police that occur on private property owned and occupied by student organizations recognized by Notre Dame College.

Public Property: Public streets and sidewalks that are adjacent to Notre Dame College.

Disciplinary Referrals: Incidents that could be classified crimes that are referred to Judicial Affairs for adjudication. The Notre Dame College Police refers some arrests to Judicial Affairs. Those numbers include arrests referred by the police to Judicial Affairs. These numbers may also include policy violations that are not criminal offenses.

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