Sonoma State University
Police & Parking Services
2007
Annual Report on Services & Crime Statistics
Please click here for a printable (PDF) version of the Annual Report.
Dear Friends:
In compliance with the 1998 Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act* and California Education Code section 67380, I am pleased to present this year's Annual Report on Police Services and Crime Statistics. Enclosed you will find information on crime prevention tips, how to report suspicious and criminal activities, and criminal statistics for the last three calendar years.
We are proud of our efforts to maintain a safe environment at Sonoma State University. We understand that a successful campus crime prevention program is one that encourages the cooperation and collaboration of the entire community. Not only do we appreciate your assistance in reporting suspicious activities, we welcome any comments you may have that might improve current programs or generate new ideas.
Police & Parking Services continues to be involved in the planning process for numerous construction projects to ensure that facilities are designed with safety in mind, conducting crime prevention presentations, and integrating online delivery of crime prevention and community notices. This year, we embark upon the process of training all campus personnel in the disaster preparedness as required by FEMA. During this process, we will place equal importance on campus lighting enhancements and traffic safety.
We wish everyone a safe educational experience at Sonoma State University, and we appreciate your continued support. Thank you.
Chief Nate Johnson, EdD
*You can find Information about the Jeanne Clery Act on the Web at www.campussafety.org/schools/cleryact/index.html.
Authority and Minimum Training Standards of Law Enforcement Personnel:
Sonoma State University Police Services is a fully accredited law enforcement agency. The Department employs sworn peace officers who are vested with full arrest authority in the State of California, pursuant to California Penal Code section 830.2(c) and Education Code section 89560. Sonoma State University police officers meet the requirements specified by the California Peace Officer's Standards and Training Commission, which are mandated for all sworn California law enforcement officers.
Sonoma State University police officers receive at least 20 weeks of formal basic training, 10 weeks of in-service training, and participate in regular training designed to maintain their skills. All SSU police officers are trained in the use of firearms and weapons that they carry on campus. Sonoma State University Police Services' primary jurisdiction includes all property owned and operated by SSU, including adjacent public streets. However, SSU officers' arrest authority may extend to any place within the State of California.
In cases involving on-campus and off-campus jurisdictions, or when the resources of another agency can be used to facilitate the resolution of an investigation, SSU Police Services cooperates fully with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. These agencies may include the City of Rohnert Park, the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office, the Rancho Adobe Fire Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
Philosophy and Operating Creed:
Police Services actively participates in Community Oriented Policing Strategies (COPS). Officers are trained in specialized areas of expertise. These specialists conduct monthly presentations on sexual assault education & prevention, substance abuse education & prevention, defensive driving, CPR & first aid, safety & crime prevention, building & office security, alarm systems and bicycle patrol. Town Hall Meetings are conducted to solicit input from the campus community on how we can better serve you. Community Service Specialists are non-sworn uniformed personnel assigned to patrol specific areas or work special events. ?Police Services also sponsors and supervises Criminal Justice student interns who provide nighttime escorts and help ensure the safety and security of the campus by reporting any suspicious activity to Police Services.
Police Services sponsors free bicycle registration and property identification programs. The community is encouraged to engrave and record an identification number on items of value in their home or residence. Engravers are available for check out at our office.
COPS Education & Prevention Programs:
In the 2003 fiscal year, the Department launched the Campus Oriented Partnership Policing Program (COPPS).? This new program expands the community oriented policing foundation by assigning specific officers to geographical areas throughout campus. These officers serve as liaisons with the campus community by providing a direct contact to campus constituents, conducting presentations and providing immediate feedback to address problems or concerns.? The officers also serve as specialists in conducting education and prevention programs in the following areas:
Sexual Assault
The focus begins with the very first contact with a survivor through completion of the case, dealing with the criminal courts, and/or campus discipline. The criminal investigation and the campus disciplinary processes are discussed with the survivor once a report of a sexual assault has been made. Physical, mental and emotional issues are discussed, as are the on and off campus support systems that are available for those involved in sexual assault cases. Legal definitions and SSU's statistics are also provided to help clarify understanding.
Mandated Sexual Offender Registration Program
Effective October 28, 2002, the Sexual Offender Registration law now requires convicted sex offender, even out of state offenders, to register with our police department if they are living on campus, enrolled as a student or are employed (even part timers) with SSU.
Pursuant to Section 290 of the California Penal Code convicted sex offenders are required by law to register within 5 days of changing residence locations (every 60 days if they do not have a permanent residence), starting school, employment at a school, or within 5 days of each birthday.
Police Services does not maintain a public database of registrants at SSU. If there are requests to know who is a registered sex offender on the campus, contact the California Sex Offender information line at 1-900-448-3000 or the Megan?s Law internet website. ?Offenders? campus involvement will be listed as a secondary registration location.
Drugs and Alcohol
Officers enforce violations pro-actively through education and community contacts. Officers provide "Knock and Talks" in the residential community to make residents aware of the policies regarding drug/alcohol use and abuse. Students who experience substance abuse problems may be referred to on and/or off campus programs.
Safety & Crime Prevention
Although all SSU police officers participate in the COPS program, the Crime Prevention Officer oversees the main duties of the program. This program includes providing written information and presenting instruction for personal and property safety, plus the following objectives:
- Coordinating "Town Hall" meetings
- Monitoring the "We Tip" phone hotline
- Conducting safety surveys for students, staff and faculty
- Conducting lighting surveys and recommending improvements for the campus
Building, Office-Security and Alarm systems
We maintain, add and change alarm systems & codes for University employees. We also serve as a first point of contact for instructions on and trouble-shooting alarm problems. Problems that cannot be repaired by campus personnel are referred to an outside alarm contractor for servicing. We also work with appropriate administrators to conduct alarm and security studies for in new buildings or offices on-campus, including the purchasing of new equipment.
Bicycle Patrol
With Sonoma State University's park-like setting, a combined use of bike and vehicular patrols is ideal. ?Depending on staffing availability, the bicycle officer allows for more personal contact and opportunity for positive feedback of those contacted while on patrol. This person also assists the crime prevention officer with presentations on crime prevention and personal safety.
Police Services offers a host of additional services, such as:
- Escort Services
- Disabled Motorist Assistance including lockouts & jump-starts
- Bicycle Registration and Property ID
- Resource & Safety Information pamphlets
- Fingerprinting
- Defensive Driving Classes (for campus personnel)
- First Aid and CPR Certification (for campus personnel)
Access to Campus Facilities:
Police Services secures campus buildings nightly. The Library, Recreation Center and some other locations have specific hours based on their function. We recognize that there will be an occasional need for after hours and weekend access to buildings. Anyone working late or on weekends should notify SSU Police Services. Although proper identification is always required, after hours access will require additional authorization from the effected department. Access on holidays is treated as weekend access.
Access to University housing is limited to residents, escorted guests and selected staff. Entry into the Residential Community is monitored on a 24-hour basis cooperatively with on-duty Residence Life personnel and Police Services.
University facilities and grounds are maintained by SSU Facilities Services and are patrolled by police officers. Police officers regularly test the emergency and pay phones and submit work orders for repair. They recommend the trimming of shrubbery for safety reasons, conduct weekly lighting surveys, and report hazardous situations that require attention. We conduct a crime prevention survey/analysis when a crime trend occurs or upon the physical changes of office space and equipment, when requested by an administrator. Many offices, labs, computer rooms and areas of campus have alarms that report a signal directly to Police Services if tampering is present. Police Services also participate in the review of new building designs and recommend changes that are conducive to preventing crime through environmental design.
Reporting Crimes and Suspicious Activities:
Sonoma State University Police Services is currently located at the southern end of Verdot Village. The Police Services unit provides 24-hour police protection for the campus community, throughout the entire year, including all holidays. Suspicious or criminal acts and other emergencies on campus should be reported directly to Police Services by calling 9-1-1 from any campus phone or campus pay phone (no coins needed). For business or non-emergency situations, call 664-2143, or x42143 (from on-campus phones). In emergencies, be prepared to provide the police dispatcher with your name, telephone number, and location, as well as any pertinent information (such as suspect and vehicle description, direction of travel, etc.). In cases involving sexual assaults, crimes may be reported to those listed under 'Procedures for Reporting Sexual Assaults.' You may also report crimes to any University official, particularly at the following locations:
- A University Counselor in the Counseling Center at x42153
- The Residential Life Coordinator (for on-campus residents) at x44033
- Student Health Center professional staff (a doctor or nurse) at x42921
- Any Police Services officer at x42143 or 9-1-1
There are newly upgraded emergency phones strategically located throughout the campus that include blue lights for easier visibility. They will automatically connect you to the Police Services Communications Center simply by pressing the red button. You can also report crimes anonymously via the "we tip" hotline at 664-2910.? We encourage anonymous reporting of crimes rather than not reporting at all.
We strongly encourage victims of stalking and those who believe they are involved in a violent or potentially violent domestic relationship to call Police Services so that proactive measures can be taken to prevent related crimes.
Officers are responsible for a vast range of police services, including responding to all reports of crime, investigations, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, fire emergencies (assisting Rancho Adobe Fire District) and the enforcement of all federal, state and local laws, and University Regulations. There is always an on-duty police officer available for response to calls of assistance.
Please note: Plans are underway to require 911 call takers to capture 911 calls that are placed by a mobile phone within respective jurisdictions. Currently, however, CHP receives most of these calls. Therefore it is advised that SSU community members program the campus Police telephone number (707.664.2143) into their mobile phones to expedite such calls.
Community Notifications:
Crime statistics appear at the end of this document. In addition to publishing an annual security report, Police Services informs the campus community about campus crime in a number of ways, including the following:
Special Crime Alerts/Warnings: In matters where there is a threat to safety, the issuance of a timely crime alert, the information will be distributed throughout the campus and posted via the campus email system.
Communications Log: The Police Services Communications Center maintains a daily log of all department activity. The log is available for viewing upon request.
Crime Log and Media: Summaries of campus crime incidents are published in the STAR student newspaper. Police Services also works in partnership with the STAR and NEWSBYTES (for employees) to publish information related to crime and campus safety issues.
Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention:
SSU Police Services is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the campus community. Alcohol and other drugs should not interfere with the University's educational mission. All SSU students, faculty members, and staff are subject to local state and federal laws regarding the unlawful possession, distribution, or use of alcohol and illegal drugs. Violators will be subject to University discipline, criminal prosecution and removal from University housing. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of illegal drugs on the University campus or at any University-sponsored event off-campus is also prohibited. A complete description of these regulations is contained in the Drug Free Workplace and Violence Free Workplace policies.? Both policies are available at http://www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/default.html, Human Services, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Police Services strictly enforces Federal and State laws, as well as the University's zero-tolerance policy, for underage drinking and the use and sale of illegal drugs. No one may use illegal substances, or abuse legal substances, including alcohol. Students engaging in the sale of illegal drugs may be expelled. Students found in violation of University alcohol, drug and weapons policies may be subject to academic probation, suspension or expulsion. Parents or guardians may be notified about any disciplinary violation involving alcohol or a controlled substance that has been committed by a student who is under the age of 21.
Employees in violation of the university alcohol and drug policies may be subject to corrective action, dismissal or be required to participate fully in an approved counseling or rehabilitation program. Applicable legal sanctions under federal, state and local statutes for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol range from probation, diversion, imprisonment in the county jail, to imprisonment in State Prison. A police officer can confiscate the driver's license from any person, suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, who refuses to take a blood alcohol test.
The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with California State Law and is strictly limited to persons 21 years of age or older. The possession, transportation, and consumption of alcoholic beverages by individuals younger than 21 years of age are strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in public areas and must be concealed and not in plain view when transported in the Residence Community. Residents in the Residence Community under the age of 21 are not permitted to host guests or residents of any age who are in possession of alcohol in their room or apartment. Only beer and wine may be consumed in the residence halls. Distilled liquor is not allowed.
Sonoma State University provides useful and informative prevention education programs throughout the year. A variety of departments sponsor workshops and lectures on alcohol and drug related issues. These programs are available through ADEP (664-2850), Residential Life Office (664-2541) Student Health Services (664-2921). For students with substance abuse concerns, Peer Education is also available from SAFE (Student Advocates for Education). The Counseling and Psychological Services Office (664-2153) and Student Health Center are also available to assist students with other matters that may require their services.
SAFE and ADEP provide culturally sensitive information about alcohol and other drugs to our diverse campus community. These groups consist of students who assist in creating a campus environment which reinforces healthy lifestyles, provide support services for students who are experiencing problems with substances, and educate other students about the impact of both alcohol and other drug abuse. Excessive use of alcohol and other drugs is a serious health problem in itself, but alcohol and drug abuse can also contribute to a host of other physical and mental health problems such as unwanted pregnancy, violent behavior, HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases and psychological depression.
Firearms and Dangerous Weapons:
Firearms and other dangerous weapons of any kind are not permitted on campus or in the Residence Community. Intentional use, possession, or sale of firearms or any other dangerous weapon is strictly prohibited on campus by State law.
Sexual Assaults:
Sonoma State University will not tolerate sexual assault in any form, including those formerly referred to as 'acquaintance rape.' Where there is probable cause to believe that a student, faculty, or staff member has violated the University's Sexual Assault Policy, and with the consent of the victim, all complaints will be investigated promptly and thoroughly. Even if the victim or criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute, the University can pursue disciplinary action. If the incident involves someone under 18 years old, the appropriate legal guidelines will be followed. Incidents involving non-members of the University community will be processed according to local and state laws. Refer to SSU Policy and Procedures for further descriptions and information. The Sexual Assault policy can be found on the web at www.sonoma.edu/uaffairs/policies/assaultpolicy.htm or by contacting the University Affairs or Vice President for Student Affairs offices.
The University's Sexual Assault Education Coordinator implements university-wide prevention education and also works with a student advocacy/peer educator group called Student Advocates for Education (SAFE) at 664-2217. Police Services assists in presenting these programs. Sexual discrimination complaints should be directed to the Employee Relations and Compliance Office at 664-2664.
Possible sanctions to be imposed following the final determination of an on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding rape, acquaintance rape or other sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible, may be one or any combination of the following:
- Expulsion from the University
- Suspension for a specified time
- Probation for a specified time
- Psychological counseling and/or assessment
- Performance of community service
- Revocation of residence hall license
Procedures for Reporting Sexual Assaults:
Persons who believe that they are victims of sexual assault, including witnesses thereto, may report and discuss the matter with one of the following University employees:
- A University Counselor in the Counseling Center at x42153
- The Residential Life Coordinator (for on-campus residents) at x44033
- Student Health Center professional staff (a doctor or nurse) at x42921
- Any Police Services officer at x42143 or 9-1-1
Police Services have officers with specialized training in sexual assault investigations. Officers will conduct investigations, interview survivors and suspects, collect evidence, testify in court, and refer victims to the appropriate services. The victim should make every attempt to preserve any physical evidence of the assault. This may include a voluntary medical exam, not showering, or disposing of any damaged clothing, or other items that are present after/during the assault.
We encourage everyone to report on-campus sexual assault incidents directly to Police Services at 664-2143. However, victims are not required to pursue prosecution just because they report a crime to a police agency. The reporting of sexual assault to the police agency may prevent others from being victims and safeguard your rights for future prosecution.
During the course of the investigation, feel free to ask the officer any questions you may have about the procedures being followed. You have the right to request that your name NOT become a matter of public record. The officer will assist you in contacting an advocate of your choice for support and assistance during the investigative process. An advocate can accompany and support you at sexual assault medical exams, and at police and district attorney interviews. United Against Sexual Assault advocates will further help you with problems that arise with your family, friends, school, work, or housing. Advocates can answer many of your questions, inform you of your options, advocate for your rights, and connect you to counseling and victim funds.
Victim Rights:
As a victim of any crime, you have the right to be treated with respect, dignity and courtesy, regardless of race, age, lifestyle, or occupation. You also have a right to file a complaint and receive services regardless of the relationship between you and the suspect. You may also have an advocate for support throughout the entire investigative process. You should expect an explanation about all procedures and forms.
In sexual assault cases, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging the sexual assault.
Sonoma State University encourages all members of the campus community who believe they are victims of sexual assault to immediately report the incident to the police agency of jurisdiction. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in successful investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. Police Services will assist victims in notifying the Police agency with jurisdiction over the alleged offense.
Counseling & Psychological Services:
Police Services works closely with the campus Counseling and Psychological Services. We work as a team in dealing with sensitive situations, and we refer persons to the Counseling Center on a regular basis. Both police officers and counselors have received training on threat assessments, and the counselors consistently encourage their clients to report crimes to the Police Services to prevent future crimes. Counseling sessions are considered privileged and the holder of the privilege is the client. Crime information can be forwarded anonymously at the request of the client. The counselors do not disclose information to Police Services without the consent of the client, unless there is an immediate threat to safety. Any reporting of statistics to comply with the Jeanne Clery Act is done by reporting numbers and not names, so the information provided by clients remains confidential. Counseling services are available to students, staff, and faculty initially at no cost. The staff consists of professionally trained and licensed counselors, psychologists, and clinical social workers. Counselors are also available for consultations regarding distressed or potentially violent students/employees and can be reached at 664-2153.
Additional Resources for Sexual Assault Victims:
ON CAMPUS SERVICES (707)
SSU Police Services |
664-2143 |
SSU Health Center |
664-2921 |
SSU Office of Employee Relations & Compliance Services |
664-2664 |
SSU Counseling Center |
664-2153 |
OFF CAMPUS SERVICES (707)
Medical:
Sutter-Warrack Hospital - Santa Rosa |
542-9030 |
Victim Assistance:
United Against Sexual Assault (UASA) |
545-7270 |
YMCA 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline |
546-1234 |
The Victim Witness Project |
527-2002 |
District Attorney Domestic Violence Counselor |
527-2311 |
Victim Compensation Assistance:
State of California Office of Criminal Justice Planning |
1-800-VICTIMS |
The Victim Witness Project |
527-2002 |
Legal Assistance:
YWCA TRO Clinic |
546-1234 / 546-7115 |
Petaluma People Services |
795-6629 / 765-8488 |
Sonoma County Legal Services |
546-2924 |
Lawyer Referral Service |
546-5297 |
Emergency Shelters:
YWCA-women's Emergency Shelter |
546-1234 |
People for Economic Opportunity |
544-6911 |
Crisis Counseling Hotlines:
United Against Sexual Assault |
545-7270 |
YWCA |
546-1234 |
Sonoma County Mental Health |
576-8181 |
Social Advocates for Youth |
546-3432 |
Protective Services for Children |
527-2246 |
Orenda Center - Substance Abuse |
528-4141 |
Sonoma Valley Crises Line |
938-HELP |
Sonoma County MEN-Offender Hotline |
528-2636 |
Other Resources:
AIDS Information/Testing |
524-7373 |
Planned Parenthood |
584-3404 |
Sonoma County Probation Department |
527-2149 |
Sonoma County Rental & Mediation Department |
575-8787 |
Sonoma County Municipal Court - Civil |
527-1100 |
After an alleged sexual assault incident occurs, the university will assist the victim in changing academic and living situations if so requested and if such changes are reasonably available.
Crime Statistics:
It is the University's policy to ensure that crime on campus is accurately reported and analyzed for the development of new programs that will aid in crime prevention. Crime statistics for public property adjacent to the University are requested from and provided in part by Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety and the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, the two agencies whose jurisdictions incorporate the immediate surrounding properties.
Formal recognition of student organizations does not extend beyond the University; therefore incidents related to off-campus activities of student organizations are not reported. We do not provide security at off-campus events.
Statistics regarding campus disciplinary actions are collected from the offices of Residential Life and the Vice President for Student Affairs. Voluntary confidential reports are also collected from Counseling Services & the Student Health Center.
Crime statistics are reported pursuant to the guidelines as specified in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Disclosure Act, as defined under the FBI Uniformed Crime Reporting procedures, and separated by the following geographical areas:
- On campus;
- In on-campus residence halls; *
- On public property adjacent to the University;
- And, University-owned property located other than on main campus.
- Fairfield Osborne Preserve on Sonoma Mountain
- Galbreath Wildland Preserve in Mendocino County
- Undeveloped Land Parcel (approximately 1.1 mile north of Main Campus)
*These figures are also included in the statistics for 'On campus.'
Crime statistics concerning this campus and others can also be found on the Department of Education web site at www.ope.ed.gov/security/.
Hate Incidents are separated from Hate Crimes to include non-criminal incidents of hate and hate related cases.
Crime Statistics
| On Campus | Residence Halls | Non-Campus | Public Property | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | |
| Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Negligent manslaughter | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sex Offenses – Forcible | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Sex Offenses – Non-forcible | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| Burglary | 28 | 26 | 15 | 10 | 18 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Arson | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
HATE CRIMES
There were no hate crimes in 2004, 2005 or 2006.
| On Campus | Residence Halls | Non-Campus | Public Property | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | |
| Illegal Weapons Possession | 5 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Drug Law Violations | 10 | 21 | 42 | 8 | 13 | 33 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 28 | 21 | 27 |
| Liquor Law Violations | 17 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 16 |
| On Campus | Residence Halls | Non-Campus | Public Property | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | |
| Illegal Weapons Possession | 1 | 2 | 1 | * | * | * | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drug Law Violations | 72 | 92 | 94 | * | * | * | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Liquor Law Violations | 142 | 120 | 75 | * | * | * | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
On Campus – includes all non-residential hall areas on main University property
Residence Halls – includes all residence hall buildings and surrounding property Non-Campus – includes all SSU-owned properties off campus
Public Property – includes University perimeter
* Residence Hall special category discipline issues are included in On Campus section.
