Annual Security & Fire Safety Report 2009
Harding University is committed to providing a safe, congenial and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff and guests. With the support of all members of our campus community, there is a continuing effort to keep the campus safe and secure. Because a truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of all students, faculty and staff, we hope that you will join our effort to ensure that this endeavor is effective.
How to contact Harding University Public Safety
The Public Safety Department is located in the American Heritage Center in the first floor lobby. Any potential criminal activity or any other emergencies on campus should be reported directly to the Public Safety Department by dialing 279-5000 or reporting directly to the Public Safety Office. The Office is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The mission and purpose of the Harding University Public Safety Department
The mission of the Harding University Public Safety Department is to provide a safe Christian environment to the Harding community. To accomplish this mission, the Public Safety Department has the following responsibilities:
- To protect the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the University campus;
- To protect property, buildings and grounds located at the University campus;
- To enforce and maintain regulations as set forth in the Harding University Faculty/Staff Handbook, the Student Handbook, the general catalog, and/or those made by the president or the board of trustees of Harding University.
Public Safety personnel on duty
A minimum of three Public Safety personnel are scheduled to be on duty at all times. Public Safety Officers patrol campus 24 hours a day using marked cars, bicycles, golf carts or on foot. The Public Safety Office is staffed at all times in order that emergency situations may be reported at any time either by telephone or in person.
Reporting crimes, fires, or any type of emergency
Students, faculty, staff and visitors should immediately report criminal activity or any type of emergency on campus to the Public Safety Office by telephoning 279-5000 or by appearing in person at the Public Safety Office located in the lobby of the American Heritage Center at 907 E. Market Street, Searcy, AR. Reports of any criminal activity made to other university officials should immediately be reported to the Public Safety Department by the university official who received the report. Reports can also be made anonymously by calling 501-268-7237 or online at http://www.harding.edu/DPS/tips.html.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures
Purpose
This crisis communication plan provides policies and procedures for the coordination of communications within the university, and between the university, the media, and the public in the event of an emergency. This plan is not intended to change the way emergencies are initially reported. All emergencies on campus should be reported immediately to the Public Safety Department (Ph 279-5000).
In addition to addressing media relations and communications issues, this plan includes procedures for the rapid identification of potentially harmful situations and the methods for responding to those situations quickly and effectively. The goal of this plan is to ensure that campus officials and communicators are familiar with those procedures and their roles in the event of a crisis.
Procedures
1. Assessment- The individual who encounters the potential crisis should immediately report the situation to the Public Safety Department (Ph 279-5000). Public Safety will then determine whether an immediate communications response is necessary and, if so, will consult:
a. David Crouch, Director of Public Affairs or;
b. Heather Williams, Director of News Services
Response
The Director of Public Affairs, or his designee, should develop a plan of action including some, or all of the following after consulting with Public Safety and/or the Emergency Management Committee to assess the nature and scope of the situation:
1. Designate a spokesperson. In most cases the spokesperson should be the Director of Public Affairs or his designee. The person possessing the most direct knowledge of the crisis may be designated the spokesperson by the Director of Public Affairs or the President of the University.
a. In cases of a significant crisis, the President of the University or the highest ranking university official may take the lead in conveying the administration's response to the crisis, showing that the university has control of the situation, calming public concern, and setting an example for the entire community.
b. Public information spokespersons (those dealing most directly with day-to-day media inquiries) may also include the Director of Public Affairs, David Crouch, or the Director of News Services, Heather Williams. Communications spokesperson(s) from specific areas may also be designated (i.e., Sports Information Director, Scott Goode).
2. Draft a fact sheet. The fact sheet should contain a summary statement of the situation including all known details to be released to the media. This information should be made available to (and approved by) the President or the President's designee. This fact sheet should be analyzed with respect to the public's need for information and concerns for privacy and security.
3. Notify key constituencies. Determine key constituencies that should be informed of the crisis. It is important to keep administration, faculty, staff, and students informed of appropriate details and actions taken by the university during an emergency. Effective communications will help quell rumors, maintain morale, and ensure continued orderly operations of the university. Among the groups that should be considered for communication in a crisis situation are:
a. Emergency service providers
b. Administration, faculty, and staff
c. Students
d. Board of Trustees
e. Parents of students
f. General public
g. Mass media
h. Alumni
i. Government entities
Initial notification about any emergency may be made to the Harding community via the Harding University Everbridge Emergency Notification System in coordination with the Public Relations Office (depending upon the specific type and nature of the emergency). This system is designed to communicate with faculty, staff, and students via multiple communication paths including: cell phone calls, text messages, e-mails, and phone calls to office numbers. This notification to the general Harding community will be made without delay, taking into account the safety of the community, unless the notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.
Emergency notification through the Harding University Everbridge Emergency Notification System will be conducted by key members of the Emergency Management Committee in conjunction with the Public Relations Office. Members of the Emergency Management Committee who have been authorized and designated to send out emergency messages to the community are:
Lora Fleener, Manager of Student Support and Communications
Craig Russell, Director of Public Safety
Kevin Davis, Assistant Director of Public Safety
David Crouch, Director of Public Relations
Heather Williams, Director of News Services
4. Assign appropriate people to communicate the facts of the situation (contained in the fact sheet) and the university's intended response.
a. Emergency Service Providers- should be notified by a representative from the Public Safety Department
b. Campus Administrators, Faculty, and Staff- Information to administrators other than those selected to serve on the Emergency Management Committee or in the Emergency Operations Center should be provided via the Everbridge Emergency Notification System, facsimile, electronic mail, campus mail, voice mail, postings on the www.harding.edu web site and telephone postings at 279-INFO (279-4636) and/or mass meetings.
c. Students- Notices to students may be submitted through the Everbridge Emergency Notification System, to the Bison, the campus radio and television stations, through mass electronic mail, flyers posted in residence halls, postings on the www.harding.edu web site, telephone postings at 279-INFO (279-4636) and/or through mass meetings if needed. Mass meetings can be set up in the Benson Auditorium, the Administration Auditorium or the Heritage Auditorium. The Director of Public Affairs will be responsible for disseminating this information with the assistance of the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students.
d. Board of Trustees- May be reached by telephone or facsimile. Phone lists are maintained by Claudette Bratcher, Secretary to the President. The President of the University or his designee will be responsible for communicating with this group.
e. Parents of Students- Parents may access information via Harding's web site at www.harding.edu , through Harding University's information phone line at 279-INFO (279-4636), and additional information lines that may be established depending on the need.
f. General Public- The general public may access information much the same way as parents at www.harding.edu or by calling 279-INFO. If needed and appropriate, community meetings may be set up in the Benson Auditorium, Administration Auditorium, or the Heritage Auditorium. The Emergency Operations Center will make the determination about holding public meetings.
g. Mass Media- The Director of News Services, Heather Williams, may prepare news releases for distribution. All media inquiries should be directed to the Director of News Services.
h. Alumni- Alumni may access information in the much the same way as parents and the general public at www.harding.edu or by calling (501) 279-INFO. In addition to these outlets for information, the Director of Alumni Relations, Liz Howell, will post information to the Alumni Digest (an electronic digest to which many alumni subscribe).
i. Government Entities- If government entities (Mayor's, County Judges, Governor's Office, etc.) need to be informed, the Emergency Operations Center, under the direction of the President of the University, will determine the time and means by which these notifications will be made.
Testing Procedures
Testing is a crucial component of any Emergency Management Plan to ensure the functionality of the plan and to identify and correct any deficiencies. Harding University generally conducts two types of testing to ensure the continuity of the Emergency Management Plan. The two types of testing are disaster simulation drills (live drills) and tabletop exercises. While each exercise is designed to emergency response on different levels, both types are excellent tools for revising plans and procedures.
As part of the Emergency Management Plan testing process, at least one annual test of the Harding University Everbridge Emergency Notification System will be conducted. A test message concerning the "live" annual disaster drill will be sent out as the drill occurs to ensure real-time results.
Disaster Simulation Drills
Disaster Simulation Drills are "live" drills that are designed to test the capabilities of response agencies and to test the procedures found in the Emergency Management Plan. These drills are conducted on an annual basis and involve various campus departments as well as various emergency response agencies. "Live" drills offer the chance to physically test the response capabilities of emergency responders and Harding personnel and offer realistic scenarios and victims. The Disaster Simulation Drills are conducted in coordination with the College of Nursing and the Theater Department and are used as academic exercises for both departments. Participants in Disaster Simulation Drills include, but are not limited to:
Public Safety Department
Physical Resources Department
Public Relations Department
Student Health Services
Nursing Program
Physician Assistant Program
Office of Student Life
IS&T (Communications) Department
Human Resources Department
Harding University Insurance Coordinator
Vice President of Finance/CFO
Aramark Food Services
Aramark Facility Services
Counseling Center
Searcy Police Department
Searcy Fire Department
Northstar Ambulance Service
White County Sheriff's Department
White County Office of Emergency Services
Other Specific Departments on Campus Affected by the Disaster
Disaster simulation drills normally occur in April of each year. Past drills have included simulated: fire, tornado, earthquake, and active shooter scenarios in various academic buildings and residence halls.
The drill for 2009 was conducted on Wednesday, April 14, 2009, at 3:00 PM in the afternoon. It was an unannounced drill that simulated a fire in the Kendall Hall residence facility.
Tabletop Exercises
Tabletop Exercises are another excellent way to test the response capabilities and the procedures found in the Emergency Management Plan. Tabletop Exercises offer the flexibility of testing plans and procedures without the commitment of manpower and valuable resources that live drills require. Tabletop exercises are conducted annually and also on an "as-needed" basis to test specific areas of the Emergency Management Plan. Tabletop Exercises are designed to ask the "what if" questions in a more quiet atmosphere without the pressures and confusion of a live drill.
All exercises of the Emergency Management Plan will be coordinated and conducted by members of the Emergency Management Committee. During each type of exercise, monitors will be present to evaluate the drills and to take notes. Within 48 hours following a live drill or a tabletop exercise, members of the Emergency Management Committee will gather to conduct a debriefing session of all drill participants to determine what went well and to determine any deficiencies.
All exercise simulations, whether live drills or tabletop exercises, will be written and approved in advance by the Emergency Management Committee. The President of the University must approve all live drills in advance.
Threat Assessment Team
Harding University is committed to providing an environment that both supports students and challenges them to realize their full potential. Ensuring the physical and emotional safety for all students, faculty, and staff is of utmost importance in promoting an atmosphere that encourages learning and productive employment. Conduct or the threat of conduct that presents a danger to self or others in the campus community will not be tolerated and will be addressed by the appropriate university personnel.
The Threat Assessment Team is an advisory group of select administrators who may assist one another in the identifying, assessing, and monitoring of high risk behaviors exhibited by members of the campus community and individuals from outside the university who could pose a threat to the campus community. The team may assist in determining whether an individual is a threat to self or others and make recommendations to the appropriate university personnel. Team members are:
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students (Chair) David Collins Director of Public Safety Craig Russell Director of Counseling Center Lew Moore Vice President for Academic Affairs Larry Long Director of Human Resources David Ross
All members of the university community are encouraged to be alert to the possibility of violent acts on the part of students, employees, visitors, or others. Information regarding violence or the threat of violence should be immediately reported to campus officials. Reports will be handled in a confidential manner to the extent possible.
To report an immediate threat or emergency, call Public Safety at (501) 279-5000. For other threat-related information or concerns, call Student Life at (501) 279-4332.
Recognizing Warning Signs (Emotional Distress)
A pamphlet is distributed annually to all faculty and residence life staff that provides information on warning signs to detect student problems at an early stage. The pamphlet is distributed by the Harding University Counseling Center, and additional copies may be obtained in that office. Faculty and Staff are provided with information about warning signs regarding the following topics:
a. Excessive class absence or tardiness
b. Apathy or indifference towards instructors or class material
c. Appearance of being lonely, troubled, or preoccupied
d. Low performance levels on tests and assignments
e. Social inadequacies or conflicts that are apparent
f. Neglect of physical appearance or state of health
g. Observable disorientation of speech, actions, or awareness of a reality perspective
Information is provided about specific symptoms including: agitation, depression, apathy, fatigue, projection of self/self-esteem, attitude/disposition, and anxiety. In addition, information is provided to recognize symptoms of drug use for various drugs including: depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens, and alcohol.
Institutional response to reports of
criminal activity or emergencies
After receiving a report of an emergency or criminal activity, the Public Safety Department will respond in the following ways, depending on the nature of the report:
1. In the case of an emergency that presents some kind of physical danger, the Public Safety Department will
a) first, request assistance from appropriate professionals such as the local police, fire department or ambulance services;
b) second, provide assistance to those effected by the emergency;
c) third, write a report describing the incident and distribute that report to appropriate University officials.
2. In the case of a serious criminal offense that requires immediate assistance from local law enforcement professionals, the Public Safety Department will
a) first, send an officer to investigate if the incident is still in progress (if it is safe to do so);
b) second, request assistance from local law enforcement professionals;
c) third, assist in the investigation as requested by law enforcement professionals.
d) fourth, write a report describing the incident and distribute that report to appropriate University officials.
3. In the case of criminal offenses that do not require immediate assistance from local law enforcement professionals, the Public Safety Department will
a) first, send an officer to investigate if the incident is still in progress;
b) second, report the incident to the appropriate dean for disposition within the student disciplinary process;
c) third, write a report describing the incident and distribute that report to appropriate University officials.
4. In the case of criminal offenses that occur on campus, but are disposed of by local law enforcement officials, the Public Safety Department will
a) regularly check with city and county police officials for any arrests made for crimes that occur on campus;
b) send reports of any such crime to the appropriate deans for disposition within the student disciplinary process;
c) send reports of any such crime to other appropriate university officials.
Missing Student Notification
Each student living in an on-campus housing facility will register a confidential contact person to be notified in the case that the student is determined to be missing. Only authorized campus officials and law enforcement officers may have access to this information. This information is recorded on a Residence Hall Record Form that each dorm resident is required to complete. For every student less than 18 years of age who is not emancipated, parents or legal guardians will be automatically notified that their child is missing. Regardless of whether the student has registered a contact person to be notified, if they are determined to be missing for a period of 24 hours, local law enforcement agencies will be notified.
To report a missing student, the Office of Public Safety should be contacted either by phone at 501-279-5000 or in person in the American Heritage Building (907 E. Market Street). Residents can also report missing students to their Resident Assistant (RA), Residence Life Coordinator (RLC), or directly to the Office of Student Life. All missing student reports will be subsequently forwarded to the Public Safety Department.
All official missing student reports must be made to the Public Safety Department, who in turn, will contact local law enforcement agencies. Students living in on-campus housing must report each evening to their residence hall for campus-wide curfew. Resident Assistants are responsible for physically checking for the presence of every student to ensure that they are present and accounted for. If a student is not present for curfew and no special permission call has been received, the Residence Life Coordinator of the residence hall will immediately begin attempts to locate the student.
Within 24 hours (sooner when possible), missing student reports will be forwarded by the Public Safety Department to the Office of Student Life. The appropriate Dean (Dean of Women or Dean of Men) will assist Residence Life Coordinators, Public Safety Officers, and local law enforcement personnel in attempts to locate the missing student. The Office of Student Life will contact emergency contact points listed on the student's Residence Hall Record Form, including the student's parent or legal guardian if given permission by the student, in an attempt to locate the missing student.
The President of the university and other university administrators, including the Executive Vice President and the Vice President for Finance, will be notified of any student who has been missing 24 hours. The Office of Public Relations will be responsible for issuing all official press statements in regards to the missing student. The Public Safety Department and the Office of Student Life will work closely with local law enforcement personnel until the matter is resolved.
Enforcement Authority of Public Safety
Public Safety has been given the authority to enforce Harding University regulations as set forth in the Harding University Faculty/Staff Handbook, the Student Handbook, the general catalog and/or those made by the president or the board of trustees of Harding University. Public Safety arrest powers are limited as pursuant to Arkansas Code 16-81-106 (d) and Arkansas Criminal Code 5-36-116 (a).
Relationship of Public Safety with state and local police agencies
Public Safety has an excellent working relationship with state and local law enforcement officials and agencies. The Chief of Public Safety is responsible for notifying and coordinating joint efforts between Harding University, its Public Safety Department and local law enforcement officials. Local police are notified by the Public Safety Office whenever there is a serious crime on campus that requires the assistance of local police.
Harding University encourages the accurate and
prompt reporting of all crimes on campus
Students, faculty and staff are all encouraged to promptly report all crimes that occur on campus immediately to Public Safety and/or appropriate police agencies. Students, faculty and staff are made aware of this need through this Web site, through residence assistants in the dormitories, and through periodic programs designed to educate the campus community about safety.
Access to Residence Halls
Every residence hall has a live-in manager and several resident assistants. Residence halls have a monitor on duty from 9:45 a.m. until midnight weekdays and from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on weekends. Members of the opposite sex are not allowed to visit living areas inside residence halls or apartments at any time (with the exception of "Open House" visitation dates and times as specified by the Office of Student Life). Members of the opposite sex are allowed inside residence hall lobbies when monitors are present and during hours specified by the Office of Student Services. Regardless of gender, all visitors, repair persons, vendors, etc., must sign in at the front desk with the desk monitor or the resident manager before entering the living areas and must sign out at the front desk when leaving the living areas.
Every residence hall is also equipped with card entry access control systems that deny access to the buildings by non-students during certain time periods.
Access to Harding University Apartments
Members of the opposite sex are not allowed to enter the apartments of single individuals.
Access to educational buildings
Harding University's classroom buildings, auditoriums, gymnasiums, etc. are open during scheduled hours that vary depending on University needs. Each building is checked and locked by Public Safety personnel when the building is scheduled to be closed. (For most buildings, this is no later than curfew.) Public Safety personnel recheck each building on campus approximately one to two hours after the buildings have been checked and locked. Special authorization for student access to buildings after curfew must be approved of in advance by the building manager and/or by the Student Life Office. Instructors' presence in buildings after curfew is recorded by Public Safety in a daily log. The time when buildings are locked, rechecked, and opened is also recorded by Public Safety in a daily log.
Security Considerations Used in the Maintenance of Campus Facilities
Public Safety works closely with the Physical Resources Department to ensure that safety remains a priority in the regular maintenance of campus facilities. Public Safety regularly reports lights that need to be replaced on campus. Public Safety also immediately reports defective door locks, broken windows or any other maintenance concern that might present a safety problem to the Physical Resources Department.
Curfew
All students must be in the residence halls or University apartments at the curfew hour set by the administration and board of trustees. Any student needing to be out later than the set curfew must receive late permission from the appropriate personnel. Off-campus students are not permitted on campus after curfew unless they have permission from an appropriate school official.
There is an all-campus security curfew from 12:15 until 6:00 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, and1:15 a.m. until 6:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday. For protection and security purposes, any activity on campus will be regulated during these hours. Any person needing to come on campus or leave during these hours must report to Public Safety.
Programs for Security Procedures and Practices, Crime Prevention, Drug and Alcohol Education, Sexual Assault Prevention, etc...
Student Impact: An officer annually presents a program concerning Public Safety Procedures and Practices and crime prevention, along with safety concerns to incoming freshmen and transfer students as part of the "Student Impact" program.
R.A. Training: Public Safety procedures and practices, crime prevention and safety concerns are also presented annually in a program to all residence hall Resident Assistants as part of their R.A. training program.
Residence Hall Safety Programs: Numerous safety programs such as women's safety, drug and alcohol awareness, theft prevention, first aid, and CPR are offered on a periodic basis to students.
Faculty & Staff Bulletins: Employees are made aware of Public Safety procedures and practices through this brochure each year and are also presented with additional information in periodic colleague e-mail bulletins as needed.
Counseling Center: Anyone desiring counseling or information regarding drugs, alcohol, sexual assault, etc... may contact the Counseling Center during regular business hours or through the Public Safety Office after hours.
Pamphlets and booklets available: Students are also informed of crime prevention techniques through the use of pamphlets and booklets, which are available in the Counseling Center and the Brackett Library during regular business hours.
Off-Campus Student Organizations
Harding University has no recognized off-campus organizations. All on-campus organizations that leave campus for activities must have an adult sponsor that is responsible for reporting if any criminal activity might take place at such an activity.
Drug and Alcohol Use Policy
Anyone suspected of possessing, selling or using alcohol or illegal drugs is reported to the Office of Student Life. If the Office of Student Life determines that alcohol or illegal drug use in fact took place, that student may be suspended from school.
In addition to University disciplinary action the Federal Government has also imposed the following actions:
A student who has been convicted of any offense under any Federal or State law involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance shall not be eligible to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under this title (1998 Higher Education Amendments of 1998) during the period beginning on the date of such conviction and ending after the interval specified in the following table:
If convicted of an offense involving:
The possession of a controlled substance
Ineligibility period is:
First offense.................1 year
Second offense............2 years
Third offense................Indefinite
The sale of a controlled substance
Ineligibility period is:
First offense.................2 years
Second offense.............Indefinite
Enforcement of State and Local Underage Drinking and Drug Laws
Any student suspected of underage drinking or the possession, use or sale of illegal drugs will be turned over to the Office of Student Services for disposition. If the Office of Student Services makes the determination that the student was in fact involved in any of the above listed activities, the Office of Student Services will dispose of the case either through the University judicial process or by turning the case over to local law enforcement officials for prosecution. In either event, the violation will be reported to the Public Safety Office to be released within two days in the daily crime log and will be included in the annual security report if the violation occurred on campus.
Timely Reports to the Campus Community Concerning Reports of Crimes
All students, faculty and staff are instructed to immediately report any criminal activity that occurs on campus to the Public Safety Office. After reviewing the facts concerning the reported crime, the Director of Public Safety will make a determination whether or not the crime is considered to be a serious and ongoing threat to other students and employees. If the Director of Public Safety determines that the crime does present a serious and ongoing threat to other students or employees, a warning will be distributed to the campus community by e-mail, chapel announcements, postings on the HUNet site or any other means that the administration feels would be effective. If the threat is considered to be an immediate threat, warnings will be given by using the University Everbridge Emergency Notification System.
Policy / Procedure for Sexual Assaults
Sexual assault for the purpose of this procedure is defined as rape, acquaintance rape, or other various sex offenses. Harding University helps to promote awareness of sexual assault through educational programs from the School of Nursing and the Counseling Center. The Counseling Center provides tracts and other educational materials through their office and distributes them throughout the residence halls. A student who is a victim of a sexual assault should do the following:
1. In the event of a rape, whether from an acquaintance or a stranger, the student should contact their residence hall manager (if they live in a residence hall) or Public Safety. The student should not bathe or change clothes so as not to destroy any potential evidence.
2. Campus officials will, upon request, assist the student with contacting local authorities. The incident may be reported to law enforcement personnel with the student retaining the option of pressing charges immediately, at a later date, or not at all. The filing of criminal or civil charges against the alleged offender will not preclude disciplinary action on the part of the University, if the alleged offender is also a student.
3. Students who have experienced sexual assault may feel the need for personal counseling. Free counseling services are provided on campus by licensed professional counselors. University officials may assist in arranging off-campus counseling service when preferred. Cost of off-campus counseling services is the responsibility of the student.
The Victim May:
1. Based on safety or emotional concerns, request a change in academic or living situation. Such requests will be met within reason. Changes may include the transfer to another class or another residence hall room.
2. Have someone of their own choosing to accompany them to the disciplinary hearing. This may include a counselor or friend for moral support, but not parents, guardians or legal representation. It may also include witnesses where applicable. Arrangements can be made to keep the victim separated from the accused. To whatever extent possible, the victim's name will be kept confidential.
The Accused:
Shall be given a hearing where all the evidence is considered. Should the accused be found to have engaged in the sexual assault, they will be suspended from the school immediately. University disciplinary action will be taken regardless of whether legal charges are being pursued. (See the student handbook for more information on disciplinary procedures.)
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act
Information provided by the State of Arkansas concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained via the following local law enforcement agencies:
Searcy Police Department
101 North Gum
P.O. Box 178
Searcy, AR 72145
Phone: (501) 268-3531
White County Sheriff's Department
White County Office Building
417 North Spruce St.
Searcy, AR 72143-4298
Phone: (501) 279-6231
Campus Crime Log
The Public Safety Department maintains a daily log in written form in which all crimes that are reported to the Public Safety Department are recorded. The nature, date, time, and general location of the crime and the disposition of the complaint, if known is recorded in the log entry. Log entries are made available to the public within 2 business days of the initial report being made to the Public Safety Department with the following exceptions:
- If disclosure would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim.
- If disclosure is prohibited by law.
Disclosure of such information may be delayed under the following circumstances:
- If there is clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual.
- If there is clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would cause a suspect to flee or evade detection.
- If there is clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would result in the destruction of evidence.
Campus Crime Statistics
The Federal Government requires institutions of higher education to compile and report statistics concerning certain types of crime every year. University policy dictates that all crimes on campus be reported to the Department of Public Safety, and this policy is advertised in numerous ways throughout the year. Crimes reported to the Department of Public Safety are entered and coded in a database that is used to track and compile crime statistics. The Department of Public Safety also regularly checks with the Searcy Police Department for crimes on or near campus as well as other crimes that might affect Harding students or campus. Crimes reported by Searcy Police to campus that meet the Clery Act's requirements for inclusion in the annual security report are also included in the annual statistics.
Statistics must be compiled and reported for the following categories:
Campus Crimes: Crimes that occur in or on any property or building that is owned or controlled by the university within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the university and is used in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the university's educational purposes including residence halls. Campus also includes property within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the university that is owned by the university but controlled by others, but is used by students and supports institutional purposes. (Food or retail vendors are examples.)
Non-campus Crimes: Crimes that occur in or on any property or building (other than branch campuses) owned or controlled by the university that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the university's educational purposes, is used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the university.
Public Property Crimes: Crimes that occur on public property that is within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution, such as sidewalks, streets and thoroughfares, parking facilities, etc... and is adjacent to a facility owned or controlled by the institution if the facility is used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the institution's educational purposes.
Crimes of Prejudice: Crimes that fall within the categories required to be reported in which the victim is intentionally selected because of the actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim.
|
STATISTICS |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Murder |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Manslaughter |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sex Offenses |
||||||
|
Forcible |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-Forcible |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Robbery |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aggravated Assault |
||||||
|
Campus |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Burglary |
||||||
|
Campus |
30 |
15 |
29 |
31 |
27 |
24 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
22 |
14 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
22 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Motor Vehicle Theft |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
6^ |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Arson |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Liquor Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Drug Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2^^ |
2 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2^^ |
2 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Weapons Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Hate Crimes (Crime of Prejudice)
|
STATISTICS |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
|
Murder |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Manslaughter |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sex Offenses |
||||||
|
Forcible |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-Forcible |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Robbery |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Aggravated Assault |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Burglary |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Motor Vehicle Theft |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Arson |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Liquor Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Drug Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Weapons Law |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Non-campus |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Public |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Larceny-Theft^^^ |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
|||||
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
|||||
|
Non-campus |
0 |
|||||
|
Public |
0 |
|||||
|
Simple Assault^^^ |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
|||||
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
|||||
|
Non-campus |
0 |
|||||
|
Public |
0 |
|||||
|
Intimidation^^^ |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
|||||
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
|||||
|
Non-campus |
0 |
|||||
|
Public |
0 |
|||||
|
Destruction/Damage/Vandalism^^^ |
||||||
|
Campus |
0 |
|||||
|
(In Residence Halls) |
0 |
|||||
|
Non-campus |
0 |
|||||
|
Public |
0 |
^ Four of these thefts involved golf carts that were stolen on campus and recovered on or off campus
^^ One case involved a high school participant at a summer camp held on campus
^^^ These categories were added to the reporting statistics by the Department of Education beginning with the 2009 Annual Security Report due in October, 2010.
Everyday Safety Tips
Harding University encourages everyone on campus to be responsible for their own security. Remembering the following simple instructions may help protect yourself and your property:
- Lock your door to your room.
- Lock your car.
- Refrain from leaving valuables unattended in public areas.
- Review the safety area map posted in every lobby.
Public Safety Services Available: All the following services are available by simply calling 279-5000 or following the directions given below.
Courtesy Escorts: Public Safety may be called from anywhere on campus for an escort to any other location on campus after dark.
Emergency Call Boxes: Yellow emergency call boxes have been placed in strategic locations on campus. If there is criminal activity or a physical emergency, a person should push the button on the box and report the problem to the Public Safety Department. There is a direct line from each call box to the Public Safety Office.
Motorist Assistance: Public Safety may provide free assistance with vehicle jump-starts, and unlocking some vehicles. If we are unable to open a vehicle we can assist the motorists with locating a lock-smith at the motorist's expense.
Emergency Transport to Medical Facilities: Most officers are medical first responder certified, allowing Public Safety to provide limited emergency medical services. In non life-threatening situations, either the Campus Health Services Office or Public Safety may transport students needing medical attention to local hospitals or clinics.
Campus Apartment Lock Outs: Public Safety Officers may assist residents of University owned apartments if locked out of their apartment. (Students locked out of residence hall rooms must seek assistance from Residence Hall staff.)
The purpose of this report is to make members and potential members of the Harding community aware of what we at Harding are doing to make our community one of the safest places available to work, learn, and visit. We truly believe that a safe environment stems largely from the Christian environment that all of us work so hard to maintain. We hope that this information is helpful and informative, but most of all we hope that this information prompts each member of our community to do their part to help insure that Harding remains a safe place for those dedicated students, faculty and staff to continue the work of preparing Christian young people to have a positive impact on our world.
Fire Safety Report
Reporting Fires on Campus
Students, faculty, staff and visitors should immediately report fires or fire alarms on campus to the Public Safety Office by telephoning 501-279-5000 or by appearing in person at the Public Safety Office located in the lobby of the American Heritage Center at 907 E. Market Street, Searcy, AR. Residents may report fires or fire alarms to their RA or RLC as well; however, reports of any fire or fire alarm made to other university officials should immediately be reported to the Public Safety Department by the university official who received the report.
Fire Safety Systems for On-Campus Housing
Smoke Detectors
Independent battery or 120-volt smoke detectors have been installed in the sleeping rooms of each residence hall. The Physical Resource Department completes periodic room checks to make certain that units are working properly. Residents will be fined for tampering with smoke detectors (including removing the battery or disconnecting the unit).
Residents of each room are responsible for keeping their smoke detectors operational. Smoke detectors are designed to operate on a single battery for 1 year. The smoke detector can be monitored by viewing the indicator light which blinks once every 2 minutes. An annoying beep, indicating the battery needs to be replaced, will sound if the battery is defective or loses power. The resident may have the battery replaced by completing a maintenance request. NOTE: Smoke detector batteries will only be replaced with an exchange of an existing battery.
Fire Alarms
All residence halls are equipped with a fire alarm warning system to alert occupants of a potential fire. All fire alarm systems are tested and maintained by the Physical Resource Department. Creating a false alarm(*) is a Class A Misdemeanor (Class D Felony if a physical injury to a person results), can lead to criminal charges and civil liabilities, can cause building occupants to ignore real alarms, and may lead to fatalities. Most of the residence halls are also monitored by a central fire alarm monitoring service that automatically notifies the Fire Department and the Public Safety Office in case of a fire or fire alarm in the residence halls.
Fire Equipment
Fire extinguishers are located throughout the residence halls and are designed to fight small fires. Tampering with fire extinguishers, sprinkler heads, or other equipment or misusing them for purposes other than fighting a fire is prohibited.
Sprinkler Systems
Several of the residence halls on campus (with the exception of Allen, Cathcart, Cone, Kendall, Pattie Cobb, Pryor, Shores, and Stephens Halls, and the West Apartments) are equipped with sprinkler systems in accordance with Arkansas Fire Code. As residence halls are remodeled, the remaining residence halls will also receive fire sprinkler systems.
Future Improvements
As each dormitory is remodeled, improvements to the fire safety systems will be made including: updating or installing sprinkler systems as needed, updating or adding centrally monitored fire alarm capabilities, updating fire alarm systems as needed.
Fire Safety Policies and Procedures
Open Flames and Hazardous Heat Sources
Due to significant risk of fire and inability to contain scents in a given room, items with an open flame or hazardous heat source (including candles, incense, candle warmers, potpourri pots, smoking, space heaters, halogen lamps etc.) are prohibited in the residence hall.
Fire Evacuation
Law requires all persons to evacuate a building as promptly as possible when a fire alarm is activated. Residents should become familiar with fire escape routes posted in the common areas of their residence halls and follow those routes each time the alarm sounds. All residents must check in with their RAs and remain outside until the alarm is shut off. Additional instructions in case of fire are posted in each residence hall by the RLC.
Fire Safety Education
Each residence hall on campus conducts at least four mandatory fire alarm drills per school year. Students are provided instructions during wing meetings with their RAs and RLCs on how to safely evacuate the building whenever a fire alarm sounds. In addition, the local Fire Department conducts mandatory fire safety education training programs for all freshmen (men and women) and transfer students.
Fire Statistics 2009
Total Number of Fire Drills conducted 60
Number of Fire(s) 0
Cause of Fire(s) 0
Number of Injuries related to fire(s) 0
Fire Statistics 2009
Total Number of Fire Drills conducted 60
Number of Fire(s) 0
Cause of Fire(s) 0
Number of Injuries related to fire(s) 0
Number of deaths related to fire(s) 0
Value of property damage related to the fire(s) 0
Campus Fire Log
The Public Safety Department maintains a daily fire log in written form in which all fires that are reported to the Public Safety Department are recorded. The nature of the fire, date, time, and general location of the fire is recorded in the log entry. Log entries are made available to the public within 2 (two) business days of the initial report being made to the Public Safety Department.