Campus Security & Crime Awareness

Purpose:

To establish a policy and procedure for the collection and disclosure of campus crime information in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

Background:

Campus security and safety are important issues for students and their families. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), provides students and families, as higher education consumers, with the information they need to make informed decisions. The Cleary Act requires that institutions disclose institutional safety and security policies, along with statistics for offenses committed on campus. The information is a compilation of data reported in the campus records and incidents that were reported to local law enforcement agencies. Crimes statistics are disclosed each year for the previous three calendar years. Statistics for all schools nationwide are made available to the public by the Department of Education’s website located at https://ope.ed.gov/security.

Annual Campus Security Report:

This web page and the associated links constitute the Annual Campus Security Report for Western Technical College.  Additionally, notices of this Report and the direct URL address of this page are published in the School Catalog, Student Handbook, and Employee Handbook. Further, an email notice including the direct URL address for this web page is sent to all students and employees annually.

The crime statistics include the following:

The statistics for Western Technical College are published individually for each campus location and can be found at these specific URL addresses:

2024 Campus Safety and Security Survey-Eastside (Main) Campus

2024 Campus Safety and Security Survey-Northeast (Branch) Campus

The data used in the reports is compiled and submitted to the U.S. Department of Education annually by the School Director’s’ Office.  Data from internal Incident Report Forms is cross-referenced and combined with external public-record data requested from local law enforcement authorities in the creation of the crime statistics.

Be Aware, Stay Alert!

Since crime can occur anywhere and at any time, it is our sincere hope that you will read this policy and follow the included guidelines. If you suspect a crime has been committed, notify the School Director or any key manager or supervisor.  If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 to alert local law enforcement agencies, and then notify the School Director or any key manager or supervisor.

While the College employs electronic security systems, there is no such thing as a fail-safe security system. Even the most elaborate security precautions are not a guarantee against crime. The best safety measures are the ones you perform using common sense.  You should always remain alert and aware of your surroundings.  Secure your vehicles and do not leave valuables in your car.  Do not leave your personal items unattended.  Avoid walking alone, particularly at night.  Again, be cautious, use good sense, and look after your friends and classmates.

Campus Crime Awareness Policy – Definitions:

For purposes of this policy and its associated procedures, the following definitions apply:

Campus – Each “campus” is defined as the College’s building and grounds, including institutionally-controlled parking lots, storage/loading areas, and “green space”.

Non-campus property – Western Technical College’s campuses do not include any areas which would be defined as non-campus property.

Public Property – Any public thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and/or public parking facilities that are immediately adjacent to, and accessible from, the campus.

Incident – A crime or illegal activity, serious accident, injury requiring immediate medical attention, occurrence requiring the response of EMS and/or law enforcement personnel, or any other event for which reporting is mandated under the Clery Act.

Campus Security Authority – The College does not maintain a security or police force.  The Campus Security Authority at each campus is the School Director. The School Director is responsible for enforcement of this policy, for training and appointing other employees to serve as the Campus Security Authority in the Director’s absence, and for assigning that responsibility prior to any such absence.

Emergency Response Procedures:

If a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurs, students and employees will be notified through the College’s Text Message Alert System, via building fire alarm systems, and/or other situationally-appropriate means to best protect the health and safety of students and employees. The fire alarm system will be used to order an emergency evacuation of the building.  All students, instructors, and staff must immediately evacuate the building whenever the fire alarm sounds. Failure to evacuate will be cause for disciplinary action (students and employees), even if the alarm was merely a drill. The text message system may be used to order a “lockdown”.  A lockdown order requires all students and employees to quickly enter a classroom, office of other room which can be locked, lock the door and attempt to hide from view of the hallways. Students or employees in large, unsecured areas (such as the shop floor at the Plaza Campus) should either find a secure area or quickly evacuate the building and proceed to a safe distance away from the building.

Prior to initiating the Emergency Response system, the School Director (or other designated official) will confirm that a bona fide emergency exists, determine the appropriate method(s) of communication, and determine the message content (if applicable).  The College will take these actions without delay, and promptly initiate the Text Message Alert System, unless in the judgment of the School Director (or other designated official), such notice would compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

Both the Emergency Response Procedures and Text Message Alert System will be tested at least once each year. Both students and employees should be sure to keep their cell phone numbers current in the Text Message Alert System.  Emergency Response Procedure Tests (other than fire drills) will be announced in advance to prevent the creation of unnecessary anxiety or false 9-1-1 calls.

Timely Notification of Security Issues:

In addition to emergency warnings, WTC will provide a timely warning to the campus community of any known occurrences of crime in the immediate campus vicinity that are reported to campus officials or local police agencies and are considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees.  If the College is aware of such a crime or pattern of crimes, the College will send notices through the Western Technical College e-mail system and post paper notices in various locations throughout the campus, including all entrance/exit doors from the student areas of the building.  These paper notices will remain in place for ten days, or longer if College management feels a continuing threat remains.

Incident Reporting:

Any staff, instructor, or student observing or having knowledge of a criminal act or other emergency situation should first contact appropriate local emergency response personnel by calling 9-1-1.  Students witnessing any such event should also report it immediately to the School Director or any member of the faculty or staff.  For non-emergency events, students may submit an Incident Report Form to the School Director.  Blank forms can be obtained from the School Director’s Office.  Students wishing to maintain confidentiality may submit an Incident Report Form anonymously, or may request a private, confidential meeting with the School Director.

Employees of the College are required to report any incident (see definition above) in which they have been involved or which they have witnessed on the campus or on the public areas adjoining the campus.  Incidents will be reported on an Incident Report Form and forwarded immediately to the School Director (or other available senior official as appropriate).

Copies of all Incident Report Forms will be maintained by the School Director for use in data compilation for the Annual Campus Security Report. Forms for the previous three calendar years will be archived for audit purposes.

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities:

Students should only be on the campus (see definition above) during scheduled school hours, or while attending to other legitimate academic or administrative functions at Western Technical College. All visitors are required to sign in with the front desk.  Students and visitors are discouraged from socializing, loitering, or gathering in the parking lots or green space areas after the end of their class day. Further, students are prohibited from being on the campus (including outdoor areas) at any time when the building is not open and staff are not present.

Security of the building is an ongoing concern of all staff and instructors. Each staff and instructor is expected to be security-conscious and vigilant at all times.  All security violations, including unauthorized visitors, should immediately be reported to the School Director or other senior official (see “Incident Reporting”, above).

Law Enforcement and Security Personnel:

Western Technical College does not employ security personnel. All requests for security assistance are handled by law enforcement agencies. The School Director is responsible for ensuring that all crimes occurring on campus are reported to the appropriate local law enforcement agency.

Informational Programs:

This policy and College security procedures are reviewed during new student and new employee orientations.  These sessions promote awareness of crime and crime prevention, along with promoting awareness of rape, sexual assault, and acquaintance rape.  During these orientations, students and employees are also told about good practices in crime prevention (including securing their autos and other personal property) and how to report a crime, emergency, or other incident.

Other Safety Policies and Related Topics:

The Western Technical College Drug and Alcohol Policy prohibits the possession or use of illegal controlled substances on the College’s premises or at any school-related activity.  In that regard, the Drug and Alcohol Policy is considered part of this Campus Security Policy. The Drug and Alcohol Policy is posted to the Western Technical College Website and includes: policies regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs; enforcement of State laws regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs; and a description of available drug- and alcohol-abuse education programs.

Fighting, gambling, or any other behaviors that are illegal and/or interfere with the ability of other students to learn are forbidden on College property or at any College-related activity.

Under the Texas Concealed Handgun License Law (Texas and State 4413/29EE), possession of a handgun is prohibited on College premises.  Further, possession of ammunition, long blade knives (blades over 3.5″ long), or any other type of weapon without written permission is not allowed on the Campus or at any other location when participating in a School-sponsored activity or otherwise representing the school as an employee or student.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness:

Western Technical College is concerned about the safety of its students, instructors and staff.  With regard to sexual assault, good sense safety practices are your best defense.  There are sufficient instructors, staff, and students present in the building at all times during business hours to make a sexual assault on campus unlikely, but not impossible.  Remember to remain aware of your surroundings, do not walk alone outdoors (especially at night), do not enter areas of the building to which you are not authorized, and do not feel compelled to enter any secluded location or any situation which makes you uncomfortable.

Whether an assault occurs on- or off-campus, victims are strongly encouraged to report sexual assaults to the appropriate authorities.  It is important to preserve evidence whenever possible for the police to use in pursuing a criminal investigation.

In the unlikely event that a sexual assault occurs on campus, students should immediately notify their department Program Director, School Director, or any available staff or instructor they are comfortable confiding in. Upon being notified, College personnel will notify the School Director and will assist the student in contacting the appropriate authorities if the alleged victim chooses to do so. College personnel will, to the best of their ability, attempt to secure any affected area of the campus and to otherwise prevent the compromise of evidence until law enforcement officials arrive.   If a sexual assault occurs to a student off-campus, the College will assist an alleged victim with notification to the appropriate law enforcement agency having police jurisdiction where the crime occurred (upon request of the student).

Sexual Assault is a crime under Texas law.  This link will take you to a document with the current text of the Texas Sexual Assault Statute.

Western Technical College does not provide counseling services directly to victims of sexual assault, but will attempt to provide referral to local agencies that provide counseling and other support services.  One such agency is STARS. They can be contacted at:

STARS- Sexual Trauma and Assault Response Services

710 N. Campbell
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 779-1800

It is important for persons who have been sexually assaulted to seek prompt medical attention. A representative from the STARS (Sexual Trauma & Assault Response Services) is available to accompany students who have been sexually assaulted to the hospital and for counseling, if desired.

If an alleged victim of sexual assault on-campus elects not to file criminal charges, but still wishes to proceed with formal administrative charges, an investigation is conducted, and the case is referred to the College President.  Disciplinary actions assessed in a particular case will be dependent upon the nature of the conduct involved, the circumstances and conditions which existed at the time the student engaged in such conduct and the results which followed as a natural consequence of such conduct. Sanctions, up to and including permanent expulsion from the College, will be carried out by the President.

The following principles apply to any such investigation/ disciplinary process:

• Accuser shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement.
• Accuser shall be notified of available counseling services.
• Both parties will have the same opportunity to have others present at any disciplinary hearing.
• Shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
• Accuser may request a change of academic schedule / circumstances and the College will attempt to accommodate reasonable requests.

El Paso Registered Sex Offender Information:

The County of El Paso maintains a database of registered sex offenders in the county.  The information is available through the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department website.

Security Regulations/Procedures Which Are Not Applicable at Western Technical College:

Western Technical College does not employ a police or security force on campus, and thus does not maintain a “Crime Log”.  Hence, such a log is not available for public inspection.

Western Technical College does not maintain dormitories or other student housing facilities, and hence does not have a policy regarding the disappearance of students in-residence (missing student notification).

Western Technical College does not recognize any fraternities, sororities or other off-campus student clubs or organizations.  Hence the College does not have a policy for monitoring and recording criminal activity at such locations.

Western Technical College does not employ professional counselors, psychologists, or pastoral counselors. College staff may assist students and fellow employees in locating such services within the local community.

Procedure:

Responsibility:  The School Director (or designee) will be responsible for collecting, processing and publishing annual campus crime data, although other staff members may assist with these functions.

Data Collection:  All crimes, security incidents, serious injuries, or severe illness incidents known to College employees which occur on-campus or on the public areas adjoining the campus should be recorded on an Incident Report Form.  The forms will be forwarded to the School Director’s Office.

The School Director (or designee) will also request information annually from the appropriate local police department of any incidents, crimes, and/or arrests recorded in their records during the calendar year disclosure period on non-campus or public property (as defined in the policy).

Data Processing:  The internal Incident Report Forms, police department data, and any other available information will be combined and cross-referenced to form the crime statistics.

The data collection/reporting period is the calendar year. The School Director (or designee) will cross-reference data from different sources to prevent duplicate reporting of one incident.  All incidents must be categorized appropriately for reporting purposes.  If a particular incident fits into none of the appropriate reporting categories, it will not be reported.

Publishing:  The annual Campus Security Report will be published through submission to the DOE each year by October 1.  The report will include data for the prior three calendar years. The School Director will be responsible for ensuring that this submission occurs timely each year.

Distribution to New Students and Employees:  The report is housed on the College’s website, which is available to all new student applicants and potential employees.  The exact URL of the on-line report will also be published in the catalog, which may also be accessed electronically by all new students and employees.  Further, new students will receive a printed notice which references the consumer information available on the website, including specific references and URL’s for the Campus Security Policy /Report and the Drug and Alcohol Policy web pages.

Annual Distribution of Report:  Each student and employee will be provided with an electronic notification of the Campus Security Report annually. Each year, the School Director (or designee) will transmit an e-mail to all students and employees announcing the report’s publication and providing a link to the exact URL to access the policy and report.

Documentation:  The School Director (or designee) will maintain all data used in the creation of the annual Campus Security Report, a printed copy of the Report, and a printed copy of the student/employee notification e-mail.  This information will be stored for each of the previous five Campus Security Reports.

The School Director will also maintain documentation of all fire drills and drills/tests of the emergency notification system. This documentation will be maintained for a period of five years.

Printed Copy Upon Request:  Although the Campus Security Report is distributed electronically, the law requires that a printed copy be distributed to any student, prospective student, or prospective employee upon request.  Any member of the staff receiving such a request may print and distribute the Campus Security Report webpage, or refer the inquirer to the School Director (or designee).