Yale University Report on Campus Security in 2008

The contents of this page are also available as a downloadable PDF file.

Yale University provides state-of-the-art police and security services to the campus. Our police officers have the same standing and powers as officers of the New Haven Police Department, and Yale officers patrol the campus on foot, by motorcycles, on mountain bikes, and in cars equipped with computers and radio communications systems. Yale Police have complete authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on campus and throughout the City of New Haven. If minor offenses involving University rules and regulations are committed by a Yale student, the police may also refer the individual to the Yale College Dean’s Office or other academic officials. Yale Police personnel work closely with local, state, and federal police agencies, including the FBI, Secret Service, and Department of Justice, on campus events, regional law enforcement matters, training, and main investigations. Yale has a written Memorandum of Understanding with the City of New Haven governing the relationship between the Yale and New Haven Police. The two agencies work closely together, coordinating patrols, participating together on various investigations, and sharing information. The Chief of the Yale Police Department attends weekly New Haven Police staff meetings. New Haven Police notify Yale Police if a member of the Yale Community is the victim of a crime within their jurisdiction.

A separate Department of University Security Programs oversees a staff of security officers and is responsible for all aspects of building security and campus-wide alarm monitoring. Our network of almost 400 blue phones provides immediate access to police, fire, and medical services in emergencies. Over $2 million has been invested in outdoor lighting improvements, and we provide an additional $250,000 each year in capital funds for security enhancements. Access to residence halls is controlled by an electronic access system, and exterior ground-level dorm rooms are equipped with security screens.

Many services are available on campus to contribute to safety and convenience, including a daytime shuttle service, a nighttime minibus, and a special services van. For those wishing to walk, a security escort service is on call 24 hours a day. Replacement ID cards and a lock-out service are provided around the clock. A bicycle registration program and property identification services are available, as are two nationally-monitored computer registries. We seek to educate the campus to these services by offering security awareness presentations to students, faculty, and staff. We also provide detailed information on campus crime through regular reports in the Bulletin and Calendar, a campus-wide newspaper published weekly during the academic year, through specialized e-mail networks, and through brochures and presentations.

Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the Yale Police in a timely manner. To report a crime or an emergency, call the Police at 203-432-4400, dial 911 on any campus phone, or press the red button on a blue phone.

Safety on our campus depends on a partnership among police and security professionals, our students, faculty, and staff. We are pleased to provide this summary, consistent with guidelines and requirements from the U.S. Department of Education, of campus safety activities and statistics for the past calendar year. We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions concerning campus safety, which may be directed to the Office of the Secretary, which is responsible for overseeing police and security services on campus. General information about public safety at Yale is posted at http://www.yale.edu/publicsafety/.

Policies and Procedures

In addition to a full array of police and security services, the University has policies and procedures that are intended to help promote safety on campus. Consistent with federal requirements, these are included here for general information. Assistance with interpretation or information regarding a specific policy application is available from staff in the offices indicated below.

Policy regarding access through electronically controlled entries (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675, or University Security Programs, 203 785-6100)

Entryway doors to freshmen residences, residential college gates and some entryways, and some other academic and office spaces are controlled by electronic access. Only University personnel and their guests are allowed inside University buildings; signs to that effect are prominently posted throughout the campus. Access to electronically controlled residential spaces is governed by a detailed policy that is administered by the University Security Programs department, in consultation with the Council of Masters.

Policy regarding illicit drugs and alcohol (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675, or University Police Department, 203 432-4407)

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students or employees on University-owned property or as part of a University activity is prohibited. The University has in place a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program; information about the program is distributed to all students and employees each year.

The University also has a drug-free workplace policy that includes an awareness program to inform employees of the dangers of substance abuse and the availability of counseling and other assistance. Information about drug and alcohol use on campus is contained in the Undergraduate Regulations, the University’s personnel manuals, and various other department-level publications. The University Police investigate all reports of illegal activity involving drugs and alcohol, referring cases for criminal prosecution where evidence warrants.

Policy regarding monitoring of criminal activity by students in off-campus organizations (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675, or Yale College Dean's Office, 203 432-2900)

Officially recognized student organizations located or conducting events off-campus are subject to the same rules and regulations governing on-campus organizations and events. The University Police Department conducts routine patrols of the areas surrounding the campus where these organizations are located. Criminal activity by students occurring in off-campus organizations is subject to all applicable state and municipal laws, as enforced by the Yale and New Haven Police Departments. In addition, the police report violations of law to the Yale College Dean's Office for disciplinary review.

Policy regarding possession of various weapons (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675, or University Police Department, 203 432-4407)

The possession or use of explosive, incendiary materials or weapons (guns) on University property by students, employees, or visitors is prohibited except for University Police and other certified law enforcement officers.

Policy regarding security considerations in construction, renovation, repair, and maintenance (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675, or University Security Programs, 203 785-6100)

A formal set of standards governs security installations and security-related design in facility renovation and new construction. University Security Programs, University Police, and the Physical Plant Department monitor areas in need of physical repair and maintenance, with security repairs for residential areas available 24 hours a day.

Policy regarding sexual assaults (Contact: Office of the General Counsel, 203 432-4949, or the Dean of a given school)

The University has various programs to prevent sexual assault and other sex offenses, including rape and acquaintance rape. All freshmen participate in a mandatory awareness session on the prevention of sexual assault. Freshmen counselors also receive mandatory training. Counseling services are provided by: the Division of Mental Health of the University Health Services; New Haven Rape Crisis Center; and student peer counseling organizations.

In addition, the Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources & Education Center (SHARE) has counselors available to talk to students or meet with them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SHARE also provides educational services and other information (http://www.yale.edu/yhp/med_services/share.html).

Any sexual assault involving students, faculty, or staff should be reported as soon as possible to the Yale Police, who will investigate all such reports and also will provide assistance to victims of sexual assault. Awareness sessions include instruction about the importance of preserving evidence that may be necessary for criminal charges. All police investigations involving sexual assaults are conducted with respect for the confidentiality of the victim.

Students may also report offenses to a variety of other campus officials, including freshmen counselors, residential college deans and masters, and academic deans or department heads. University officials will review the academic and living situations of a victim of an alleged sexual assault, upon request, and will make appropriate changes whenever possible.

Students should be aware that they have the option of notifying appropriate law enforcement authorities, including on-campus and local police, or other university officials. University officials will also assist the student in notifying police, if the student requests such assistance.

Procedures for filing disciplinary complaints concerning sexual assault are included in the Yale College Undergraduate Regulations, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Programs and Policies, and in the Bulletins of professional schools. In campus disciplinary procedures, both the accuser and the accused may choose to be accompanied by another person during the proceedings. In addition, both the accuser and the accused are informed of the final determination of the disciplinary body and any sanctions imposed. Sanctions may include probation, suspension, or termination of employment for faculty and staff or expulsion for students. In addition, information provided by the State of Connecticut regarding registered sex offenders who are enrolled at or employed by the University is available at the offices of the Yale Police Department, 98-100 Sachem Street, 203 432-4400.

Policies allowing victims or witnesses to report crimes on a confidential basis (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675)

Students are encouraged to report all crimes to the police. If they wish to report a crime on a confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics, they may report the crime to any of the following campus officials: residential college deans and masters, deans of the professional schools, deans of student affairs, Title IX coordinators, Dean of the Graduate School, Chair of the Sexual Harassment Grievance Board, and staff to the Yale College Executive Committee.

Programs informing students and employees about campus security procedures and the prevention of crimes (Contact: Office of the Secretary 203 432-2657 or University Security Programs, 203 785-6100)

During orientation in August and September, students are informed by the University Police, Security Programs and the Office of Security Awareness of services offered. Security awareness information is offered to all incoming undergraduates, graduate and professional students, and new employees. Undergraduate orientation programming includes live skit performances by upperclassmen informing students about services such as the 24 hour companion walking service, free night-time bus that travels on and off campus, and how to use the emergency blue phones. The skits also inform students about their environment on campus and off campus. At orientation, brochures are available along with a favor that lists phone numbers of security services for students’ convenience. The Office of Security Awareness also works with students within each residential college to support its campus safety mission and to distribute materials to remind students of services and encourage safe choices.

During orientation, the Yale College Dean’s Office sponsors an evening forum for all parents of freshmen. This session details security services, provides an overview of campus safety, allows parents to meet public safety officials and gives them the opportunity to ask questions.

Graduate student orientation is presented to all incoming graduate and professional students and includes information about on campus services as well as City of New Haven services, resources and neighborhood information.

Crime prevention and sexual assault prevention programs are offered on a continual basis. At Yale University Health Services, peer health educators are trained in all subjects dealing with mental, physical and sexual health. The SHARE Center also offers orientation, training and awareness activities related to the prevention of sexual assault.

Periodically during the academic year, the University Police, in cooperation with other University organizations and departments, present crime prevention awareness sessions to educate the campus community about personal safety, remind them of security services and keep them informed about ways to prevent theft and vandalism. Information is also disseminated to students and employees through crime prevention brochures, security awareness posters, website and advertisements in University and student newspapers.

Policy regarding timely warnings (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675)

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Deputy Secretary and the Chief of Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a “timely warning” is issued to members of the community. The warnings are issued through the college e-mail system to students, faculty, and staff.

The notice will also be posted on the Yale Police website. Additional notifications will be made by phone or in person to University Officers, deans, and others closely associated with any victim of a major crime.

Policy regarding preparation of the annual disclosure (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675 or University Security Programs, 203 785-6100)

Crime statistics for the annual disclosure are collected from two primary sources: (i) the New Haven and Yale Police Departments, and (ii) school officials with knowledge of formal and informal complaints and disciplinary referrals. University officials assemble the police reports and, using a directory of campus-owned and occupied property and a map that combines campus and city areas coded by property type, review each report to determine the geographic category (on-campus, on-campus residential, non-campus, public) in which incidents fall. When there is doubt whether a crime is reportable owing to its location, the University errs on the side of including the crime, in an effort to provide useful and informative data. With regard to the school officials, reports are solicited twice a year. The campus officials are informed that any complaint, allegation, or incident falling into the reportable categories (arson, murder, manslaughter, aggravated assault, sex offenses, robbery, burglary, and motor vehicle theft) that is described to them must be reported, regardless of whether any particular informal or formal investigative process is pursued.

Each year, an e-mail notification is made to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff that provides the website address to access this report. Employees who do not have e-mail accounts receive a copy of the report by mail at their home address. Copies of the report are available through the Admissions Office and the Human Resources Department. Copies of the report may also be obtained at the University Police Department located at Ashmun Street. The report is posted on-line at http://www.yale.edu/publicsafety/.

Policy regarding immediate emergency response and notification (Contact: Office of the Secretary, 203 432-2675)

The University has an emergency notification system, known as Yale Alert, that provides text, voice, and email messages to all members of Yale community. Undergraduates are required to provide a personal and emergency phone number in order to register for classes. In addition, about 90% of graduate and professional students also provide contact information. The Yale Alert system is tested annually.

The University Emergency Operations Team meets regularly to review procedures, coordinate with City officials, and practice table-top exercises and drills. The University has developed emergency response and notification procedures for major events as noted:

In the event of a shooting incident on campus, the Yale Alert system would be used to notify the campus. Public address systems and external loud speakers would also be used to reach members of the community without cell phone, visitors on campus, and others in the area. The Yale Police have a Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) that is trained and equipped to respond if we should have such as situation.

In the event of a major fire, explosion, or other situation causing extensive property damage, the Yale Police, in coordination with the New Haven Fire Department, would respond to begin immediate evacuation. Staging areas for residential facilities have been identified and would be opened to accommodate residents as conditions permit.

The University has an extensive plan that would be implemented if there were a major pandemic such as an outbreak of avian flu affecting the United States. The University would consider canceling classes and sending home as many students as possible. Essential operations would continue, however, including services to house and feed those remaining on campus, support for critical facilities operations such as heating and cooling, and medical care for members of the YUHS and the Yale community generally. A modified version of the plan for avian flu has been implemented to address the current H1N1 pandemic.

In the event of a major hurricane, tornado, or other severe weather, the Secretary of the University would issue an alert to the campus and would activate the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) if conditions warranted.

Please report all crimes to the Yale Police Department at 432-4400.

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2008 Crime and Other Data
 

Criminal Offenses - On-campus total	2006	2007	2008
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)	9	8	13
c. Non-forcible sex offenses	0	0	0
d. Robbery	3	1	3
e. Aggravated assault	0	0	2
f. Burglary/theft	98	103	51
g. Motor vehicle theft	4	10	4
h. Arson	0	1	0
i. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
Criminal Offenses - On-campus (only Residence Halls)
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)	5	4	11
c. Non-forcible sex offenses	0	0	0
d. Robbery	0	0	0
e. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
f. Burglary/theft	52	58	23
g. Motor vehicle theft	0	0	0
h. Arson	0	0	0
i. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
Criminal Offenses - Non-campus
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)	0	0	0
c. Non-forcible sex offenses	0	0	0
d. Robbery	0	0	0
e. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
f. Burglary/theft	1	5	3
g. Motor vehicle theft	0	1	1
h. Arson	0	0	0
i. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
Criminal Offenses - Public Property
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Forcible sex offenses (including forcible rape)	1	1	1
c. Non-forcible sex offenses	0	0	0
d. Robbery	20	9	11
e. Aggravated assault	1	0	1
f. Burglary/theft	0	0	0
g. Motor vehicle theft	18	8	7
h. Arson	0	0	0
i. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
Arrests - On-campus
a. Liquor law violations	3	33	29
b. Drug law violations	3	7	6
c. Illegal weapons possessions	2	1	2
Arrests - On-campus Residence Halls
a. Liquor law violations	0	9	12
b. Drug law violations	0	0	1
c. Illegal weapons possessions	0	0	0
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - On-campus
a. Liquor law violations	46	74	60
b. Drug law violations	0	2	2
c. Illegal weapons possessions	1	1	0
Arrests - Non-campus
a. Liquor law violations	0	3	0
b. Drug law violations	0	0	0
c. Illegal weapons possessions	0	0	0
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - Non-campus
a. Liquor law violations	0	0	0
b. Drug law violations	0	0	0
c. Illegal weapons possessions	0	0	0
Arrests - Public Property
a. Liquor law violations	3	21	39
b. Drug law violations	3	13	15
c. Illegal weapons possessions	2	0	6
Disciplinary Actions/Judicial Referrals - Public Property
a. Liquor law violations	3	0	0
b. Drug law violations	0	0	0
c. Illegal weapons possessions	0	0	0
Hate Offenses - On-campus
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
c. All forcible sex offenses, including forcible rape	0	0	0
d. Non-forcible rape	0	0	0
e. Arson	0	0	0
f. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
g. Simple assault	0	0	0
Hate Offenses - On-campus Residence Halls
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
c. All forcible sex offenses, including forcible rape	0	0	0
d. Non-forcible rape	0	0	0
e. Arson	0	0	0
f. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
g. Simple assault	0	0	0
Hate Offenses - Non-campus
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
c. All forcible sex offenses, including forcible rape	0	0	0
d. Non-forcible rape	0	0	0
e. Arson	0	0	0
f. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
g. Simple assault	0	0	0
Hate Offenses - Public Property
a. Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Aggravated assault	0	0	0
c. All forcible sex offenses, including forcible rape	0	0	0
d. Non-forcible rape	0	0	0
e. Arson	0	0	0
f. Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0
g. Simple assault	0	0	0