Crime Reporting, Policies, and Statistics

  1. Context of the Law
  2. Policies and Procedures
  3. Residence Halls
  4. Communications for Successful Security
  5. Alcohol Policy
  6. Counseling and Treatment for Alcohol Use
  7. Drug Use Policy
  8. Sexual Assault Policy
  9. Notification of Sex Offenders
  10. Definitions of Crimes
  11. Crime Statistics

Context of the Law (TOP ^)
In 1990 Congress passed legislation that established the right of students, their parents, and employees to know about crimes committed on campuses and about campus security policies and procedures. By having colleges and universities disseminate such information, Congress intended to increase the level of campus security awareness, thereby helping to create safer campuses.

In compliance with this law, now called the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, and in support of the aims of the legislation, Randolph College herein presents the following information related to campus security and safety. It is the policy of the College to have the Dean of Students annually provide data to the Director of Campus Safety & Security, who is responsible for compiling and distributing the final report. Thus, anyone with information about crimes or violations of College rules should report the matter to the Dean of Students, the Director of Campus Security, or a security officer so that the data can be included in the annual statistical disclosure.

Randolph College shares the concern of families, students, and the community for the well-being and safety of all members of our campus community. However, Randolph knows that the basic responsibility lies with each of us to take measures to ensure our personal safety as well as that of our possessions. While Randolph has experienced a history of a safe and secure environment, it must be remembered that no community is immune to crime. The community can remain safe only if members act responsibly toward themselves and others.

Policies and Procedures (TOP ^)
Randolph College provides the campus community with its own Department of Safety and Security, with a point of contact available 24/7 via the Reception and Information Desk in Main Hall lobby. Feel free to contact this department at 434-947-8000 or call the Operator at “O”.

Department staff patrol the grounds and buildings 24 hours a day year-round. All officers receive training in basic first aid, CPR, AED, and fire prevention and response, as well as a host of other security officer basic duties.

An escort service is provided on request in the evening to any campus community member to or from any point on campus. The department also responds to medical situations, reports faulty lighting, and patrols residence halls.

The Office of the Dean of Students and the Department of Safety and Security provide residential life staff with campus safety videos, materials and booklets, and literature about alcohol, drug abuse, and date rape to keep our students well informed.

Randolph security officers are not armed and do not have the power to make arrests. As a member of the Lynchburg community, the College receives City police assistance when needed. The response time for City police on College calls averages approximately three minutes. The Department of Safety and Security, along with the Lynchburg Police Department, responds to and investigates on-campus incidents. The Lynchburg Police Department and other City emergency services can be reached by dialing 911.

Residence Halls (TOP ^)
Safety and Security officers routinely patrol all residence halls from dusk to dawn. All outside doors are controlled by electronic card access 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Each student has a programmed access card and a separate room key. A resident director and resident assistant (s) staff each hall.

Protective features include security screens, window alarms on all outside fire escapes, and smoke and heat detectors in the rooms. The fire alarm systems are coordinated at the Reception and Information Desk  where a computer shows the alarm location. Once an officer confirms a fire, the City Fire Department can respond in approximately three minutes. Fire drills are conducted a minimum of two times per year during sleeping hours by the residence hall staff.

Communications for Successful Security (TOP ^)
The Lynchburg Police Department has historically shared information with Randolph regarding any serious or dangerous incident that occurs near the campus. Once informed of a potential problem, word can be passed via electronic mail, bulletin boards, public address systems, mail box notes, or hall meetings.

The Randolph campus is also equipped with emergency telephones in the parking lots, outside all residence halls, and at major walkways. Once the activation button is pressed, the caller is connected directly to the College communications operator. A similar system, utilizing a handset receiver, is located in each campus elevator.

It is necessary for all members of the community to assume responsibility for themselves and their belongings. This can be accomplished in a number of ways:

  • Report all suspicious persons to the Security Office
  • Do not leave ground-floor windows open or unlocked when you are not in your room or office
  • Lock your car
  • Use the escort service
  • Lock your door at night or when you are out of your room or office
  • Keep your keys with you
  • Be aware of the dangers posed by alcohol and drug use. Violent crimes and sex crimes occur more often when people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The College complies with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.

Reporting all incidents that involve violence, theft, or other crimes to the Department of Safety and Security is extremely important; it effectively reduces the likelihood of crime on campus. By reducing opportunities for crime to occur, we can all work together to maintain a safe and secure environment.

Educational programs on sexual assault prevention and crime prevention are offered by the Dean of Students Office and Safety and Security. Programs include a required session for new students during orientation, mandatory hall meetings at the beginning of the academic year, a number of campus-wide and hall-based programs presented throughout the year, and a self-defense class taught for academic credit quarterly.

Alcohol Policy (TOP ^)
It shall be the responsibility of each member of the Randolph community to know and comply with all Virginia state laws and college regulations and to help prevent any abuses or excesses stemming from the use of alcoholic beverages. In particular, students are reminded of their general responsibility for the safety and welfare of one another, as well as their specific responsibility to the College community for the highest standards of conduct and behavior for themselves and their guests.

I. Virginia State Law

Persons who are under 21 years of age may not purchase, possess, or consume beer, wine, or distilled spirits. Persons 21 years of age or older may purchase, possess, and consume any type of alcoholic beverage. It is illegal for any person of legal drinking age to buy alcohol for consumption by persons who are not of legal drinking age. Any student who is under 21 years of age may not consume or possess alcoholic beverages on campus or at any College-sponsored event.

II. College Regulations

  1. Students of legal drinking age may possess and consume alcoholic beverages on campus in a responsible manner in the following areas:
    1. In a student room with the door closed
    2. At registered private parties for which consumption for those of legal age has been approved.
  2. Alcoholic beverages MAY NOT be possessed or consumed in the areas listed below:
    1. Grounds of the College, including parking lots
    2. Academic buildings
    3. Residence hall public areas (hallways, lobbies, lounges, study rooms parlors, kitchens)
    4. Stairwells
    5. Caldwell Commons area
    6. Main Hall Lobby and corridors
    7. Student Center
  3. Individuals who choose to consume alcoholic beverages, regardless of their age, are responsible for their behavior.
  4. It is a violation of College policy to provide alcohol to an underage person.
  5. It is a violation of College policy to be intoxicated in public, as determined by College and residence hall staff.
  6. It is a violation of College policy to drive a vehicle on the campus while under the influence of alcohol.
  7. A student, regardless of age, who as a result of alcohol consumption has become physically ill, injured herself or another, or lost consciousness for any period of time will be referred to the Dean of Students.
  8. Alcoholic beverage containers may not be displayed in a manner that renders them visible from outside a campus building.
  9. Student Government funds shall not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
  10. A party contract must be approved in advance by the Dean of Students Office if any over-sized container of alcoholic beverage will be brought onto the Randolph campus, no matter the location (including a student room) or the number of persons attending the private party. ALL persons attending a gathering where there is an oversized container of alcohol must be 21 years of age.
  11. Parties at which alcohol will be consumed must be approved in advance by the Dean of Students Office before space can be reserved for the party. Copies of the College’s party policy are available in the Student Handbook and in the Dean of Students office.

Counseling and Treatment for Alcohol Use (TOP ^)
Students should be familiar with the health risks associated with alcohol abuse. These include possible addiction, reduced resistance to disease, danger of overdose, and impairment of motor skills and judgment, which may cause the user to engage in behaviors that place them at risk.

Students may seek alcohol counseling and referrals at the College’s Counseling Center, (434) 947-8158.

Drug Use Policy (TOP ^)
The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by the College. Students are obligated to function under the legal standards set forth in local, state, and federal statutes. Law enforcement officials with proper documents may search any campus building without prior notice, within the constraints of a legal search. Disciplinary action may include referral for prosecution.

Students should be familiar with the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs. These include possible dependence or addiction, reduced resistance to disease, danger of overdose, and impairment of motor skills and judgment, which may cause the user to engage in behaviors that place her at risk. Students may seek drug counseling and referrals at the College’s Counseling Center, (434) 947-8158.

Sexual Assault Policy (TOP ^)
The Student Handbook distributed to each student contains a section explaining procedures a student should follow if a sexual assault occurs, the medical and counseling services available on campus and in the Lynchburg area, what her options are for reporting a sexual assault, and the importance of filing a police report.

The Dean of Students Office advises the student and helps them to make an informed decision about the reporting procedure. This office also advocates for the student in the legal system as well as in the campus judicial process at another college or university or on the Randolph campus.

Notification of Sex Offenders (TOP ^)
In accordance with the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Virginia State Police will advise the Randolph College Security Department if a registered sex offender is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student at the College. This information is also available at the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Information Web Site located at https://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/

Definitions of Crimes (TOP ^)
Under the Federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, the following is a list of crimes that must be reported by all colleges and universities. Incidents that are reported by a college under the campus act have actually occurred on that campus.

  1. Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter are defined as the willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
  2. Negligent Manslaughter is defined as the killing of another person through gross negligence.
  3. Rape is defined as sexual intercourse against the will of another person by using force, the threat of force, intimidation, or victim incapacitation.
  4. Other sexual offenses – forcible and non-forcible. Other sexual offenses are defined as sexual crimes other than rape.
  5. Robbery is defined as a larceny from a person in his/her presence by violence or intimidation.
  6. Aggravated assault occurs when a victim is attacked by physical means.
  7. Burglary is defined as the breaking and entering of a dwelling or a place of business with intent to commit a crime.
  8. Motor vehicle theft is defined as the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
  9. Hate crimes are defined by the Department of Education for reporting purposes as any crime that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability.
  10. Arson is defined as any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

    Arrests
  11. Liquor law violations are defined as violations of laws prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages.
  12. Drug abuse violations are defined as violations of laws prohibiting the production, distribution, and/or use of certain controlled substance and equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.
  13. Weapons possession violations are defined as violations of laws that prohibit the manufacture, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devises, or other deadly weapons.

Crime Statistics (TOP ^)
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the College publishes statistics on the following criminal offenses, which occurred on or near campus. These offenses are maintained according to the definitions used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting System.