Campus Safety and Crime Information

Disclosure of Crime Statistics

CVCC encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to report the incident promptly. Police reports are public records under state law; thus, the CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Anonymous reports to the CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department may be filed for statistical reporting purposes. A student’s privacy concerns are weighed against the needs of the College to respond to certain incidents and crimes. To the greatest extent possible, all reports will remain private. In compelling situations, CVCC reserves the right to take reasonable action in response to any crime report, and information may be shared with appropriate departments and agencies on a need-to-know basis when it pertains to investigative needs and safety concerns of the campus community. All reports submitted on a confidential or anonymous basis are evaluated for issuing a campuswide “timely warning notification” and inclusion in the annual crime statistics.

Campus crime, arrests, and referral statistics include those reported to the CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department, designated campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, department heads, advisors to students/student organizations, and athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. Data is gathered for each academic year.

Each semester, notification is made to all enrolled students, providing the website to access the CVCC Annual Security Report and national campus safety data. Faculty and staff receive similar notification via email.

Copies of the Annual Security Report may also be obtained at the CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department, located in Wilson Hall, the Chief of Police's office, located in Brassell Hall, or the Office of the Dean of Students and Campus Services, located in Wallace Hall.

Crime Statistics

The following crime statistics are compiled for all on-campus property, the public property immediately adjacent to campus, and off-campus locations where the College has written agreements to provide services. Crime statistics include information collected from the daily crime log, student discipline records, and local law enforcement agencies. CVCC's Annual Security Report may be located on cv.edu under Campus Police & Emergencies.

The categories of Bias included in Hate Crime reporting include race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ethnic/national origin, and disability. Annual statistics may be located in the CVCC Annual Security Report at cv.edu under Campus Police & Emergencies.

Notification to Victims of Crime of Violence

CVCC will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sex offense the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by such institution against a student who is the alleged perpetrator of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as the result of the crime or offense, the next of kin of such victim shall be treated as the alleged victim for the purpose of this paragraph.

According to Section 16 of Title 18 of the United States Code, the term “crime of violence” means:

c. The results of a disciplinary proceeding mean only the institution's final determination regarding the alleged sex offense and any sanctions 

1. an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another or
2. any other offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.
3. imposed against the accused.

Sex Offender Registry

The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 (42 U.S.C. 16921) 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, to each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. Information about sex offenders in Alabama may be found on ALEA.gov.

Sexual Offenses

CVCC prioritizes the safety of all students, employees, and visitors. Any type of sexual misconduct is strictly forbidden at CVCC. Both College disciplinary procedures and criminal charges may be applied to sexual offenses. Please refer to the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy in the Student Handbook.

Educational Programs

Education programs aimed at making the CVCC community free from sex offenses are administered by Campus Police and include:

1. presentations at orientation sessions by Campus Police,
2. presentations by Campus Police as requested by the College community, and
3. posters throughout the campus community to heighten awareness of sexual assault.

Sanctions

Upon determination that a student or employee has committed rape, acquaintance rape, or another sexual offense, the following sanctions are available:

• Criminal charges
• Probation
• Suspension from college and/or employment
• Expulsion from college
• Termination of employment
• Ban from college property

Sexual Assault Elimination Act

Enacted in March 2013, the Campus Save Act is the most recent and far-reaching in a long line of laws that protect students from sexual violence and harassment. The act requires students, faculty, and staff to be trained in the appropriate responses to sexual violence and harassment. These training programs include a discussion of the definition of sexual harassment and sexual violence, College policies and disciplinary procedures, and the consequences of violating these policies.

Policy

CVCC prioritizes the safety of all students, employees, and visitors. Harassment, abuse, physical violence, and intimidation are forbidden. College disciplinary procedures and criminal charges may be applied to these offenses.

Student Bill of Rights

1. Complainants have the right to assistance from all faculty and staff in reporting allegations of harassment, abuse, physical violence, sexual violence, or intimidation.
2. Complainants have the right to choose how the complaint is filed.
   1. The complainant may report the crime to law enforcement.
   2. The complainant may request a school disciplinary inquiry.
   3. The complainant may choose both options.
   4. The complainant may choose not to report the incident. 
3. Complainants have the right to confidentiality when reporting allegations of harassment, abuse, physical violence, sexual abuse, or intimidation.
4. Complainants have the right to a thorough and professional investigation that protects the rights of both the accused and the accuser.
5. Complainants have the right to know that criminal sanctions include probation, fines, imprisonment, or counseling.
6. Victims have the right to know that the College's disciplinary sanctions include probation, suspension, expulsion, counseling, termination of employment, and ban from College property.
7. Complainants have the right to assistance in obtaining orders of protection, no contact orders, and restraining orders by the Campus Police concerning offenses that occur on campus when requested and when probable cause exists.
8. Complainants have the right to know there will not be a monetary charge for filing criminal or school disciplinary complaints.
9. Complainants have the right to a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation conducted by properly trained individuals who receive annual training.
10. Accusers and accused have the right to simultaneous written notification of the outcome at each stage in the process.
11. Accusers and the accused both have the right to appeal code of conduct decisions.
12. Complainants have the right to assistance with accommodations regarding academic and work scheduling when requested and reasonably available, whether or not the offense was reported to law enforcement. The location of the offense does not affect this right.
13. CVCC will not allow any form of retaliation against a complainant for making an allegation of harassment, abuse, physical violence, or intimidation.

Instructions for Sexual Assault Victims

In the event you or another person is the victim of sexual assault, it is important to remember details, follow procedures, and notify the proper departments. The single most important thing a victim of rape or sexual assault can do is tell someone, the police, a friend or a medical professional. Rape or sexual assault, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body, your trust, and your right to choose. The following are recommended procedures to follow:

1. Do not shower, wash, or change your clothes.
2. Do not brush your teeth.
3. Preserve any evidence such as clothing, used condoms, towels, tissue, or other items that may be useful for investigation purposes.
4. Seek medical attention immediately. Local emergency medical services can be contacted by dialing 911.
5. Seek counseling to assist with mental and emotional trauma. Information concerning counseling services available through various agencies may be obtained from the CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department.

Resources for Sexual Assault Victims

Chief of Police
Danny Williams 
204 Brassell Hall
Office (334) 291-4919 or Cell (334) 381-0066 danny.williams@cv.edu

CVCC Police and Campus Safety Department
(334) 214-4850

Office of Dean of Students and Campus Services
Dr. Sherri Taylor, Dean of Students and Campus Services
2nd Floor Wallace Hall (334) 291-4928 sherri.taylor@cv.edu

Office of Student Development and Success
Title IX Coordinator Vickie Williams, Associate Dean of Student Development and Success & ADA Coordinator
Wilson Hall (334) 214-4803 vickie.williams@cv.edu

Admissions and Records Office
Sanquita Alexander, Admissions Director/Registrar
200 Wallace Hall (334) 291-4996

Community Resources
Phenix City Police Department (334) 448-2800
Russell County Sheriff Department (334) 298-6535
Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (334) 832-4842
Alabama Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 650-6522
National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 537-2238

Medical Facilities
Piedmont Columbus Regional (Midtown) (334) 448-2800
St. Francis Hospital (706) 257-7715

Counseling and Mental Health Resources
East Alabama Mental Health (Russell County) (334) 298-2405 
New Horizons (706) 596-5500
Pastoral Institute (706) 649-6500

Preventing and Responding to Sexual Offenses

The College educates the student community about sexual assaults and date rape through various outlets each academic year. Literature on date rape education, risk reduction, and College response is available through the Office of the Associate Dean of Student Development and Success and the Office of the Dean of Students and Campus Services.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault, your priority should be to get to a place of safety. You should then obtain the necessary medical treatment. Campus Police strongly advocate that victims of sexual assault report the incident promptly. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. An assault should be reported directly to a College police officer.

• Filing a report with a College police officer will not obligate the victim to prosecute, nor will it subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers. However, filing a police report will ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives necessary medical attention at no expense to the victim;
• Filing a report will provide the opportunity for the collection of evidence for the prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally, a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing before a medical/legal exam), and
• assure the victim has access to free, confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

When a sexual assault student victim contacts a campus officer or College administrator, the local police will not be notified unless the victim requests the notification. The Dean of Students and Campus Services and the Title IX Coordinator will be notified. A student who is the victim of sexual violence may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system, the College student conduct process, or both. Please refer to information on Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy in the Student Handbook for additional information and resources.

How to be an Active Bystander

Bystanders play a critical role in preventing sexual and relationship violence. A bystander is defined as an “individual who observes or witnesses conditions that perpetuate violence." They are not directly involved but have the opportunity to "intervene, speak up, or do something about it.” CVCC wishes to promote community accountability whereby bystanders actively engage in preventing violence without causing further harm. Individuals may not always know how to help. This NSVRC.org site provides useful information to help bystanders make informed decisions.

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 911. An example is when a person is yelling or being physically abusive toward another person and it is not safe for you to interrupt.
• Watch out for your friends and fellow students/employees. If you see someone who looks like they could be in trouble or need help, ask if they are okay.
• Confront people who seclude, hit on, try to make out with, or have sex with people who are incapacitated.
• Speak up when someone discusses plans to take sexual advantage of another person.
• Believe someone who discloses sexual assault, abusive behavior, or experience with stalking.

Risk Reduction

With no intent to victim blame and recognize that only abusers are responsible for their abuse, the following are some strategies to reduce one’s risk of sexual assault or harassment (taken from Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (https://www.rainn.org/).

Protection from Abuse Orders

CVCC complies with Alabama law in recognizing protection from abuse orders. Any member of the campus community who obtains such an order should notify the CVCC Police Chief, who will assist the complainant with developing a Safe Action Plan. The purpose of this plan is to reduce the risk of harm to the complainant while on campus or traveling to and from campus.

Sex Offender Registration

Per 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 the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Dean of Students and Campus Services provides a link to the Alabama Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry. This act also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice of 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 Alabama, convicted sex offenders must register with local law enforcement, who then forward the information to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Additional information is available at the Alabama Department of Public Safety Community Information Center ALEA.gov website.

Student Handbook Disclaimer

Failure to read the Student Handbook does not excuse students from the policies and procedures. Personal factors, illness, or contradictory advice from any source are not grounds for seeking exemptions from these policies and procedures. All policies in the Student Handbook are subject to change without prior notice.