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Safety Brochure

2007/2008 School Year

This web page contains all of the information found in the PDF version.

Download the full PDF Version

The security of all members of the campus community is of paramount concern to the University of Notre Dame. Each year the University publishes an annual report outlining security and safety information and crime statistics for campus. This brochure provides suggestions regarding crime prevention strategies and important policy information about emergency procedures, reporting of crimes, law enforcement services on campus, and information about support services for victims of sexual assault. The brochure also contains information about the University's policy on alcohol and other drugs, the SafeWalk program and campus shuttle service. A printed copy of this brochure is available by email to Administrative Assistant Leanne Knapp, or by writing to: 
        Office of the Director
        Notre Dame Security Police
        204 Hammes Mowbray Hall
        Notre Dame, IN 46556

Law Enforcement on Campus

The University of Notre Dame Security Police (NDSP) Department, is fully authorized as a police agency by the State of Indiana.  The department employs both sworn police officers (with arrest authority) and non-sworn security officers who patrol campus and respond to emergencies.  Additional staff members work as security monitors or in other support positions in the department.  Notre Dame police officers complete state mandated training requirements established for law enforcement officers and have the same legal authority as any other police officers in Indiana.

Notre Dame Security Police staff frequently work with city, county, state and federal law enforcement authorities.  Agencies cooperate whenever possible on investigations and crime prevention programs to provide the best possible police services to our campus and local communities. When a Notre Dame student is involved in an off-campus offense, university officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with local, state or federal law enforcement. The University of Notre Dame operates no off-campus housing or off-campus student organization facilities. However, many students live in the neighborhoods surrounding Notre Dame. Responsibility for providing police services in these neighborhoods rests primarily with city and county police (depending on location).

Officers maintain a 24-hour patrol of campus every day.  In addition to the patrol section, officers are assigned to an investigation unit, a crime prevention and technical service unit, and a parking services and special event security unit.

Emergency Procedures

Any crime, emergency or suspicious situation should be reported immediately to the Security Police Department.  Anyone may call at anytime! A number of emergency call stations are positioned around the campus for use in contacting Security, and telephones are located at the main entrances of all residence halls.  For any emergency, dial 9-1-1 to summon assistance.  You may use any pay telephone to call 9-1-1 at no charge.  For other assistance, Security's telephone number, answered 24 hours a day, is 631-5555.  Except for confidential communication made to pastoral or professional counselors, University employees are required to report to Security Police any crime reported to the employee that occurred at the University.  This policy is necessary so the University can comply with federal regulations regarding disclosure of campus crimes.

Confidential reports that provide sufficient detailed information for classification of the offense by law enforcement officials using FBI Uniform Crime Report (UCR) guidelines will be included in crime statistics. A memorandum is sent by NDSP to counselors encouraging them to refer crime victims to University Security Police.  Note that crime reports may be made confidentially and such reports will provide more complete data on crimes committed on campus.  Reporting forms are available from Security Police to use in reporting crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics.  Confidential crime reports made to pastoral or professional counselors may be shared with Security Police officials with no personally identifying information disclosed for the purposes of including the information in crime statistics and in timely notices to the community.  Anonymous crime reports may be made via the Internet using "Silent Witness" at www.nd.edu/~ndspd/silentwitness.  Anonymous reports that contain sufficiently detailed facts for classification of the offense by law enforcement officials using FBI UCR guidelines will be included in annual crime report disclosures.

Our Mission

We support the university in its mission by providing exceptional services that promote a safe and well ordered environment for our community. 

Our Values

We aspire to carry out our mission in a compassionate manner guided by the following values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Service
• Excellence

Our Vision

NDSPD is a service organization whose product is safety.  We succeed by providing services in a manner that exceeds expectations.  We are well trained individuals who work together as a team, adapt to a changing environment, and reflect the values of Notre Dame in carrying out our assignments.  We respect all people and encourage their contributions to the department and community.  Our department is known as a great place to work - a place where our work makes a difference in peoples' lives.

Campus Safety Begins With You

Notre Dame Security Police provides important services to the community, but nothing we do can replace your actions in maintaining security and safety on campus. Take time to learn about crime prevention and safety - for yourself and your fellow community members. Information and awareness are your best weapons against crime and accidents. Information in du Lac: A Guide to Student Life and a brochure, "How to be 'Streetwise' and Safe", provide important strategies for promoting safety. Additional pamphlets and posters, addressing a wide variety of safety related matters, are available from Security.   Upon request by students, residence hall staff, faculty or other employees, Security Police staff will provide educational programs addressing related safety matters including self-defense, crime prevention, safe driving, alcohol laws, or other safety topics.

The best source of information concerning campus crime reported to Security Police is the department web site: http://ndsp.nd.edu.  The site contains timely notices or crime alerts, a log of crimes reported to Security Police, crime statistics and crime prevention information (as well as other information about Security Police services).  Check out this site often for other information about crimes and crime prevention.  Security Police staff regularly provide information to The Observer for news stories. Additionally, in the event of a serious crime or incident on campus that may pose a threat to others, alerts are sent to the university community via e-mail and posted on the NDSP website. "Crime Watch" notices may be posted around campus in residence halls and in other campus buildings also.  Everyone is encouraged to review such information and to share the information with others that may not have seen it so steps can be taken to minimize exposure to risks.

SafeWalk

When walking on campus after dark, call 634-BLUE for an escort from the men and women of Notre Dame SafeWalk.  A SafeWalk employee will meet you and walk with you to or from any point on campus.  The service is free and confidential.  SafeWalkers are student employees of the Security Police department, have photo-ID cards and are in radio contact with the Security Police Communication Center.  Hours are 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. during the academic year.  After hours or during breaks, contact Security Police at 634-(BLUE) for a SafeWalk.

Bus Service On Campus

The University of Notre Dame is party to an agreement with the South Bend Public Transportation Corp. (TRANSPO) that allows students, faculty and staff to ride fare-free on all TRANSPO routes in South Bend/Mishawaka. This includes the #7 and the Sweep routes that serves the Notre Dame and Saint Mary's campus. TRANSPO schedule and route information is available at http://www.sbtranspo.com/.

An administrative shuttle runs from the circle north of Main Building to Lots B16 (near the East Gate) and B2 (Library Lot). The shuttle runs in the morning, at lunch and at the end of the business day. For more information, contact Business Operations at 631-6661.

Campus Lighting and Physical Plant

Facilities Operations and Landscape Services maintain University buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security.  Campus facilities and lighting are regularly surveyed by physical plant staff. Security Police staff assist Facilities Operations by reporting potential safety or security concerns.  Anyone noticing a safety or security problem with the physical plant or campus landscaping should contact the manager of the facility or Facilities Operations (631-7701) or Landscape Services (631-6537).  After business hours, contact Security Police.

Access to Residence Halls and Other Campus Facilities

The campus and University facilities are private property.  Presence on campus is at the pleasure of the University.  It is the University's expectation that visitors abide by University rules.  Policies for persons visiting residence halls are outlined in du Lac: A Guide to Student Life.  Visitation in residence halls by members of the opposite sex is restricted to hours between 9 a.m. and midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Except in those buildings where posted notices prohibit trespassing, most non-residence campus buildings are open to guests during normal business hours.  Visitors' access to offices, rooms, labs and studios is restricted in these buildings and not permitted without permission from a University representative.  Community members are encouraged to immediately notify Security Police if visitors are present in these areas.  

Safety and security within undergraduate residence halls is the joint responsibility of the Offices of Residence Life and Housing and Security Police.  Entrances to residence halls are generally locked at all times except during move-in and move-out. Residents of graduate student housing are responsible for maintaining security in their apartments by keeping doors and windows secured.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Policies pertaining to possession and use of alcohol on campus are outlined in the University's Drug-Free Schools Policy statement and in du Lac: A Guide to Student Life. Both documents are available from the Office of Student Affairs. These policies are governed by Indiana law, which prohibits persons under 21 years of age from possessing or consuming alcohol. Further, intoxication is considered a serious violation of policy. The University will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the rights of others because of use of alcohol. Possession, use or distribution of any illegal drug on campus is prohibited.

Consistent with its educational mission, the University provides information about alcohol and drug use, as well as alternatives to the use of alcohol in social settings or to reduce stress. Additional information is available from the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education (631-7970) and the University Counseling Center (631-7336). University employees may also call the LifeWorks at 888-267-8126 for information or assistance programs. 

Support Services for Victims

A number of services are available to assist students, faculty and staff who may become the victim of a crime on campus, or who may be injured in a serious accident or other emergency situation on campus. In addition to prompt and professional emergency medical services provided by Security Police, Fire Department, ambulance, hospital or Health Center staff, victims will be offered an opportunity to meet with Campus Ministry staff, and students may meet with professional staff from the Office of Student Affairs. University Counseling Center staff provide services for students 24 hours a day in emergency situations during the academic year. In cases of criminal activity, information regarding victims' rights and the steps followed by the criminal justice system to address their case is available from Security Police staff. Assistance for crime victims is also available from the County Prosecutor's Office.  The Victim's Resource Person can inform victims of the processes, procedures, and policies that apply when a sexual assault is reported to the University.  Other services provided by this person are: materials for support services on and off campus, and providing information on civil and criminal investigation and adjudication processes.  The Victim's Resource Person is Ava Preacher and she can be reached at 631-8637.

Detailed information for students about victim services in cases of sexual assault may be found in du Lac: A Guide to Student Life. 

Information and Support Services for Victims of Rape and Sexual Assault

I. REPORTING PROCEDURES

A. Police Agencies

The University of Notre Dame encourages all victims of rape, or any other sex offense, to report such incidents to the appropriate police agency.  If the incident occurred on Notre Dame property, Notre Dame Security Police is the appropriate agency.  For most local but non-campus incidents, the appropriate agency will be either the St. Joseph County, South Bend or Mishawaka police departments.  Notre Dame Security Police is available, at any time, to assist any student who wishes to report a sex offense that occurred in any police jurisdiction.  Once Notre Dame Security Police is contacted, a trained investigator who is sensitive to victim's rights and emotions will be assigned to follow-up on the initial report.  Filing a report with Notre Dame Security Police does not commit the student to any subsequent course of action. While follow-up options and alternatives will be presented and discussed, final decisions are left to the victim. Confidentiality is a critical concern for victims of sexual assault. Student victims frequently express fear that family, friends, professors, police, hall staff, and/or press will learn of their experience. Because of the University's pastoral relationship with its students, the vice president for student affairs is generally apprised of any serious incidents involving a Notre Dame student.  Insofar as it does not interfere with the University's legal or ethical obligations, the Office of Student Affairs will honor the victim's choices regarding additional reporting and follow-up. While options and alternatives will be presented and discussed, final decisions are left to victims unless they are too seriously injured to make their own decisions.

University Security and University Health Services can be of assistance when a victim requests and/or requires transportation to the hospital. Because St. Joseph's Medical Center (South Bend) has a specially trained sexual assault team available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a victim is generally transported to this facility.

B. Medical Services

Following a sexual assault, the victim's physical well-being is a primary concern because of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and/or physical injuries which may not be visible. If the rape just occurred, victims would especially benefit from immediate medical assistance; however, even if time has passed, it is still very important to obtain medical care. Not seeking medical attention could have long-term physical and emotional consequences.

Before a victim goes to the hospital, she or he should avoid changing clothes, showering, douching, or using the toilet, because such activities may destroy important evidence. A victim's clothing may be kept as evidence, so she or he may want to bring a change of clothing to the hospital.

At the hospital, a physical exam will occur. In addition, hospital staff are required to contact the police. Seeking medical attention, however, does not mean that a victim will be forced to talk to the police or cooperate with criminal prosecution. A victim's choice on these matters need not be made at the hospital.

Once a victim is at the hospital, S.O.S. will be contacted to send a trained volunteer advocate to the hospital. A victim decides if she or he wishes to utilize this service.

II. VICTIM'S OPTIONS

The University encourages the reporting of sexual misconduct, especially sexual assault.  At times, victims are hesitant to report to University officials because they are concerned that they themselves may be charged with policy violations, such as intoxication or parietals.  The University recognizes that it is in the community's best interest that victims feel supported and encouraged to report sexual assaults or misconduct; accordingly, student victims will not be subject to disciplinary action in connection with their reporting of sexual assault or misconduct.  In some circumstances, the University may recommend and provide educational options that do not include formal disciplinary sanctions.

The following options are neither mutually exclusive nor mandatory. A victim may choose to pursue any of the following options or take no action.

A. Off-Campus Legal Options

As rape and other sex offenses are violations of Indiana law, whether they occur on or off University property, criminal prosecution and/or civil litigation are options available to all Notre Dame student victims. Criminal cases are handled by the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney's office. Notre Dame Security Police is available to act as a liaison with this office. Students should consult legal counsel for assistance in exploring possible civil actions.

B. On Campus Disciplinary Options

A student may also elect to pursue University disciplinary options. The same procedures will be followed and the same sanctions will be imposed as those outlined in University Standards of Behavior and University Disciplinary Procedures as contained in du lac: A Guide to Student Life.  In cases handled by the Office of Residence Life and Housing, the sanctions may include, but not limited to, a ban from a specific area of campus, loss of specific student privileges, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, or permanent dismissal.

University procedures for campus disciplinary action in such cases comply with the Higher Education Amendment (HEA) of 1992. In those cases required by the HEA: (1) the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunity, if any, to have others present during a Disciplinary Conference or an Administrative Hearing. Generally, students are not permitted to have others present during a Disciplinary Conference, but if either party is permitted to have others present, both will be. (2) both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of a Disciplinary Conference or an Administrative Hearing.

A student seeking further information, clarification, or assistance in pursuing the on-campus disciplinary option may make confidential inquiries through the Office of Residence Life. A student making such inquiries will not be required to give his or her name, describe the alleged incident in detail or submit anything in writing to the Office of Residence Life. Requesting information does not commit a student to any subsequent course of action.

An Office of Residence Life staff member will answer questions and thoroughly review Administrative Hearing procedures with the student victim so that she or he can make her or his own decision about exercising this option. If a student chooses to proceed, the Office of Residence Life and Housing  will request a report of the incident.

C. Housing and Academic Options

A student victim may change academic and housing arrangements after an alleged sexual assault incident, if so requested by the victim and if reasonably available.

III. UNIVERSITY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

A. Personal Support

Should someone who has been assaulted come to another student for help, that student should listen and support the victim. A sensitive, accepting and non-judgmental response will influence a victim's recovery in a positive way.

Recovery takes time and the timetable is different for each person. Following a rape or sexual assault, victims need to regain control of their lives. It is, therefore, important to let victims make decisions for themselves. Support persons should be careful to allow victims to choose who they want to tell about the incident.

B. Pastoral Support

Campus Ministry and residence hall staffs are available to provide pastoral support for the victim and for any friends who may need support in assisting a victim throughout the healing process.

C. University Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center is staffed by trained professionals who can provide specialized support and help toward recovery.  Students may seek counseling at any time, whether it be days, months or years later.

This confidential service is available to victims and their friends who may need support in assisting a victim.

D. University Health Services

University Health Services is equipped to provide confidential and professional medical care to rape and sexual assault victims. The staff, however, is unable to perform procedures related to the collection of evidence.

E. S.O.S.

S.O.S. is St. Joseph County's rape crisis agency. S.O.S. is staffed by trained professionals and volunteer advocates who are available 24 hours per day. The staff can provide confidential counseling and recovery services, as well as support and information about dealing with the police, family and friends.   A student may move to a different room, residence hall or be eligible to cancel his/her contract. The Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Residence Life and Housing will work with the Registrar's Office and the appropriate Dean's Office to assist a student in changing a class section.

F. Victim's Resource Person

The Victim's Resource Person can inform victims of the processes, procedures, and policies that apply when a sexual assault is reported to the University.  Other services provided by this person are: making referrals as appropriate, furnishing materials for support services on and off campus, and providing information on civil and criminal investigation and adjudication processes.

IV. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND PREVENTION SERVICES

The University of Notre Dame provides campus sexual assault programs aimed at the prevention of sex offenses.  The Security Police department offers the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program as well as personal safety lectures that provide information on how to avoid sexual assaults and what to do if one is the victim of such crimes. NDSP has collaborated with campus groups to sponsor presentations by experts, and department staff participates with other professionals in panel discussions about sexual assaults. The First Year of Studies orientation program includes a session, Gender Issues: Myths versus Realities which provides information about sexual assault prevention and victim services. The Campus Alliance for Rape Elimination (CARE) presents sexual assault programming and a Take Back the Night Walk. Several residence halls also sponsor speakers and panel discussions on sexual assault. Campus Security Police officers receive training on this topic as well and are sensitive to the issues and needs of victims of sexual assault.

V. SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY IN INDIANA

The Indiana Sheriffs' Sex Offender Registry provides detailed information about individuals who register as sex or violent offenders at Indiana sheriff departments. The purpose of the registry is to inform the general public about the identity, location, and appearance of sex and violent offenders who live, work, or study in Indiana. The registry, as well as detailed information about Indiana’s laws governing Sex Offender Registry, is available at http://www.indianasheriffs.org/default.asp .

Indiana’s Sex and Violent Offender Directory is maintained by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) and lists individuals who have been convicted of one or more of the sex and violent offenses requiring registration with local law enforcement authorities. The directory and information about ICJI is available at http://www.state.in.us/serv/cji_sor .

Crime Statistics

Compilation of information disclosed in accordance with the Clery Act is the responsibility of the Director of University Security Police. The Security Police department will gather data from records maintained by that department, other University departments and offices, as well as from records from local, county and state police agencies, if reasonably available.  Crime reports are classified following FBI Uniform Crime Report guidelines.

University Security Police record all reports of criminal activity investigated by the department.  The most commonly reported crime is larceny (theft).  Frequently, thefts are from unlocked rooms and offices, or the theft is of property left unattended in a common area.

Tables 1, 2 and 3 provide information about serious crimes and attempted crimes as well as arrests and referrals for violations of liquor laws, for drug offenses and for weapons offenses.  

Table 1:

NOTE:  Click here to view Table 1 as a PDF document.

Table 2:

NOTE:  Click here to view Table 2 as a PDF document.

Table 3:

NOTE: Click here to view Table 3 as a PDF document.

* Larceny is not required to be included in the annual report.

Notes for Crime Statistics

NDSP seeks and includes crime data provided by the Indiana State Excise Police, The Indiana State Police, St. Joseph County Police, South Bend Police and Roseland Town Marshal.

2004, 2005 and 2006 Hate Crimes Statistics

There were no crimes of prejudice reported to Notre Dame Security Police nor to other campus security authorities for the above categories (listed in table 1, 2, and 3) nor for any crime involving bodily injury that manifest evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim's actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability.