Campus Safety Policies

Clinton Community College is a small, rural community college located in the northeastern section of New York State. The campus is located about five miles south of the City of Plattsburgh on Lake Champlain. The college enrolls nine hundred fifty full-time students and approximately six hundred part-time students.

The safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is a high priority at Clinton Community College. Crime has not been a major problem at CCC, however, this does not mean that the college can ignore the potential for criminal conduct or other types of emergencies occurring on the campus. It is incumbent upon all members of the college community, students and staff, to contribute effort toward continuing the safe existence CCC has enjoyed to date. This brochure is a part of our effort to ensure this collaborative effort is successful. We hope that you read it carefully and use the information to help foster a safe environment for yourself and others.

Criminal conduct or an emergency situation should be immediately reported to the Safety and Security Office on the first floor of the main building on campus by either the victim(s), witness(es), or faculty or staff who become aware of the situation. This will ensure notification of proper authorities or services and appropriate college personnel.

Law enforcement and investigative services are provided to the college by the New York State Police and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department. Reports of crimes or other emergencies at the college should be reported at the main building as previously defined rather than directly to one of these agencies. Following this procedure will avoid confusion and assure orderly reporting of any such incidents.

Campus Safety Officers are present on campus during weekday evenings and Saturdays when the college is in session. 

Since CCC is a non-residential facility, the buildings and grounds are secured and are not accessible or open to students, staff, or other persons during certain times. The main building is normally accessible from 7:00 am until 9:45 pm Monday through Thursday and 7:00 am to 4:30 pm on Friday and 7:30 am until 3:30 pm on Saturdays. Buildings are accessible on Sundays from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm for faculty and staff only. The HPER building is normally open 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Friday, and 8:00 am to Noon Saturday when the college is in session. The campus is normally accessible by vehicle through the main gate located at State Route 9 from 6:00 am until 10:00 pm on weekdays, 7:30 am until 4:30 pm on Saturdays, and from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Sundays. No unauthorized persons are permitted in any building during the hours it is secured. No unauthorized persons or vehicles are permitted on college property during hours when the main gate is secured.

Most college facilities are open to the public during the day. The Health, Physical Education and Recreation facility (HPER) is open to students and other groups defined in the college policy during hours defined cooperatively by the HPER staff and the college administration. The general public can attend cultural, recreational, and sporting events on campus, however, their access will normally be limited to the facility where the particular event is being held.

 

  1. Law enforcement and investigative services are provided to the college by the New York State Police and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department. These departments do not normally patrol the campus, but respond to reports of crimes or calls for service when received.

  2. There are no Clinton Community College personnel employed in a security or police function. College personnel, under direction of the Dean of Students, are utilized to cite vehicles that are improperly parked on the campus. 

  3. Campus Safety Officers are present on campus on weekdays and Saturdays when the college is in session. 

  4. Crime reports and related statistical information, for any crime occurring on the Clinton Community Campus, will be entered into the SUNY Campus Crime Information System for statistical purposes.

  5. Criminal conduct, an emergency situation, or any non-emergency situations requiring police response or response of other public service agencies should be immediately reported to the switchboard at the main building on campus by either the victim(s), witness(es), or faculty or staff who become aware of the situation.
  1. This brochure is designed to inform you about policies and procedures dealing with crime and other emergencies at Clinton Community College. An updated brochure will be prepared and provided to each member of the college community at the beginning of each academic year. Additional copies are available at the switchboard and through the Office of the Dean of Administration.

  2. All new full-time students at Clinton Community College are given information at Orientation on sexual assault and how to avoid becoming a victim of sexual assault.

  3. Crime of any type has never been a serious problem at Clinton Community College. If any situation arises indicating that members of the college community, or any particular sub-group, are likely to be exposed to criminal activity, this information will be promptly disseminated to you through written notices and announcements.

  4. The Buildings and Grounds Department maintains buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. Campus facilities are routinely inspected and repairs made, as soon as possible, on any safety or security hazards such as broken windows, broken locks, or other hazardous conditions that comes to their attention. Any safety or security hazard can be reported to the Office of the Superintendent/Buildings and Grounds located at the north end of the first floor in the main campus building (Room 104M).

  5. If CCC is to remain relatively crime-free and safe for all members of the college community, it is incumbent on all students and staff to actively participate in minimizing opportunities for planned or opportunistic criminal activity. The following guidelines are suggested as means to minimize the potential for criminal activity:
  • Do not leave the keys in any unattended vehicle.
  • Lock all doors and secure all windows of any unattended vehicle.
  • Do not leave valuables in any unattended vehicle.
  • Do not leave valuables or other personal property unattended at any time.
  • Offices, laboratories and storerooms containing valuable or hazardous materials should be locked whenever not in use or occupied by authorized persons. Keys to such areas should not be given, even temporarily, to unauthorized persons.
  • Remain aware of people and activities around you in order to protect not only yourself and your property, but, also other members of the college community.
  1. Guidelines intended to help prevent sexual assaults from occurring on campus are set out below:
  • Unattended vehicles and rooms should be locked and kept secure to prevent access to a potential criminal.
  • Park only in areas that are well-lighted if it will be necessary for you to remain on-campus after normal business hours or during hours of darkness.
  • Carry, and don't hesitate to use, a whistle or other ready means of signaling a need for assistance.
  • Utilize the escort function of the private security personnel if it is necessary to get to a vehicle during hours of darkness.
  • Do not visit remote areas of the campus alone. Always go with a companion who you know.
  • Immediately report any person observed loitering on campus property or near vehicles. This report should be made to the person at the Safety and Security Office in the main building.

The Dean of Student Affairs compiles data on crime reports from statistics provided by the New York State Police and the Clinton County Sheriff's Department. These data are also forwarded to the United States Department of Justice by the respective police agencies through the Uniform Crime Report System. 

Clinton Community College's disclosure of campus crime statistics can be found in the Annual Security Reports.

For national statistics about on-campus crimes reported to college officials during the reporting periods required by Title II of the Crime Awareness and Security Act, visit Campus Security Statistics at the office of PostSecondary Education (US Department of Education). Offense definitions can be found in the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook.

It is the policy of Clinton Community College to maintain a campus/workplace that is free of alcohol and illegal drugs in order to curtail abuse of these substances and also to comply with provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-106, Title V, Subtitle D) and Section 22 of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Amendments Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). The following definitions will be applied within this policy statement:

  1. "Drug" refers to anything defined as a "Controlled Substance" (includes opiates, stimulants, narcotics, depressants and hallucinogens) or "Marijuana" in Section 220.00, Subdivisions 5 and 6 of the New York State Penal Law.

  2. "Alcohol" refers to any "Alcoholic Beverage" as defined in Section 3 of the New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Law.
    Further information regarding Public Laws and New York State Laws cited is available in the college library.

Policy of Clinton Community College regarding drugs and alcohol is as follows:

  1. Possession of any drug or any other action in violation of Article 220 (Controlled Substances Offenses) or Article 221 (Offenses Involving Marijuana) of the New York State Penal Law is prohibited.

  2. Possession of alcohol on college property or at any college-sponsored event is prohibited unless specifically otherwise approved by the CCC Board of Trustees and the Clinton County Legislature.

  3. Paragraphs 1 and 2 apply in all circumstances except when possession is in accord with a prescription issued by a Medical Doctor or when possession is both legal and necessary for proper instruction during a college course or activity.

Violation of college policy regarding drugs and alcohol will result in appropriate disciplinary action against any student and/or employee involved. Student sanctions, particularly in serious situations, include possible expulsion from the college.

An employee, particularly if the violation involves a conviction in court, will be subjected to action by the college, which may include termination of services or mandatory participation in an abuse assistance or rehabilitation program selected or established by the college. Where the sanction is participation in such a program, failure to cooperatively or satisfactorily participate can lead to termination of employment.

Clinton Community College is particularly concerned about how the complex issue of drug and/or alcohol abuse may affect students and employees, not only in connection with college activities, but also in their individual lives. These concerns are not only with the legal issues involved, but just as importantly, with the physical and psychological effects of abuse to the individual student or employee.

While there is no criminal penalty for use of a drug, there are sanctions against any possession, sale (including giving away), or manufacture of drugs. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can result in a non-criminal, permanent public record. The stigma of a drug-related offense may constitute a bar to some employment possibilities and professional goals. Possible sanctions for a criminal conviction include, among other things, a prison term, financial penalties, probation, and/or loss of certain citizenship rights during the period of a sentence.

Selling or giving alcohol to a person under the age of twenty-one (21) constitutes criminal conduct under New York State law. While this is not generally as serious as most drug offenses, a conviction does result in a criminal record with associated long-term effects on the individual. Additionally, it is a non-criminal violation of New York State Law for a person under the age of twenty-one (21) to possess alcohol except at home with permission of his/her parent or guardian.

As a responsible educational institution, the college can not and will not provide a sanctuary to insulate students or staff from the consequences of illegal acts. Information concerning use, sale, exchange, or manufacture of drugs that comes to the attention of the college will be communicated to appropriate public officials. The college has no control over procedures that may be utilized by law enforcement agencies, including arrests, for violations of laws pertaining to drugs or alcohol and will in no way impede the work of law enforcement agencies.

Abuse of drugs or alcohol impacts the lives of users and others in serious ways. Such abuse may lead to "accidents" or incidents that affect others negatively and lower campus morale. Adverse publicity and community reactions to these can reflect negatively on CCC as an institution and members of the college community as a group. Users of drugs or alcohol also subject themselves to serious long-range physical and psychological effects including addiction, communicable diseases and deterioration of physical and/or mental capabilities.

Drug and/or alcohol abuse or dependencies have serious ramifications for all persons in all situations. Because the college recognizes this, the following is provided as guidance information and to help students and employees gain insight into the college position in these areas:

  1. Substance users or abusers need help. Everyone in the college community has a responsibility to contribute in this area.

    Do not cover for a co-worker or student who you suspect has a problem with drugs and/or alcohol.
    If you become aware someone has such a problem, do not try to handle it alone. Seek guidance from qualified professionals.

    Do not be afraid to act. Your intervention may be just the thing needed to start your friend, colleague, or fellow student on the road to recovery.

  2. Employees can obtain confidential assistance from:

    Immediate supervisor or division coordinator.

    Clinton County Employee Assistance Program, 563-8293 or 1 (800) 724-0747.

  3. Students can obtain assistance from:

    Faculty members.

    Student Health Office, Room 149M, 562-4129, college extension 129.

    Student Counseling Office, Room 140M, 562-4198, college extension 198.

    Assistant Dean for Student Services Office, Room 210H, 562-4221, college extension 221.

  4. Assistance is also available through Alcoholics Anonymous, 561-8444 and Champlain Valley Family Center, 561-8480

 

 

 

LOCATION:
Moore Bldg., 1st floor
Phone: 518-593-0777


OFFICE HOURS

STAFF:
Jeff Martin
Deputy Sheriff

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