The Department of Campus Safety
The Department of Campus Safety is an internationally accredited public safety agency accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). The Campus Safety office is located in Manor Northeast. The Department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is comprised of professional sworn campus safety police officers, an office manager and an administrative assistant, part-time student security officers, contract security officers, parking enforcement officers, shuttle drivers, dispatchers, and the campus locksmith. The professional campus safety police officers have law enforcement authority while on and adjacent to College property. They are trained under PA Act 235 and complete and extensive initial training program, attend municipal police update classes, bi-annual firearms training/qualification and complete many other other in-service training programs. The student security officers complete a training program in safety and security matters. All student security officers, while in the performance of their duties, are considered College “officials”.
Hours of Operation- The Department of Campus Safety maintains office hours between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. The Campus Safety office maintains summer hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Emergency patrols occur 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
Contact- For emergency assistance on campus, please call the Department of Campus Safety at (717) 815-1314 (ext. 1314 if calling from an on-campus phone) and for non-emergency assistance, please call (717) 815-1403 (ext. 1403 if calling from an on-campus phone). For emergency assistance off campus, please call 911. To discuss safety issues contact the Director of Campus Safety, Manor Northeast , (717) 815-1430.
Historically, York College has experienced a low rate of crime. Unfortunately, there are always some incidents that occur during the year. During the course of the school year, the Department of Campus Safety will be publishing safety tips as well as sponsoring programs on safety and security awareness, self-defense and other crime prevention related topics. Please look for these programs advertised on the College website and portal.
Surrounding Community- All York College students are encouraged to use good judgment with regard to their personal safety and security while on campus and in the community. Students should become familiar with the surrounding neighborhood and use the “buddy system” where appropriate. Students that live in or visit the York College neighborhood area are reminded to be respectful of the community. Disorderly conduct, underage drinking or inappropriate behavior will be addressed by the York City Police or the Spring Garden Township Police. No “warnings” will be given and all will be treated as a citizen and responsible for such laws. The York College Department of Campus Safety staff plans and works for a safe environment for our students and encourages all to cooperate in realizing this goal.
Sex Offender Registration- In accordance with Pennsylvania State Law, known sex offenders must register in the community in which they reside. York College requires that students also register with the Department of Campus Safety on campus. Failure to register may result in immediate expulsion from the College. York College reserves the right to dismiss a student if it is deemed necessary in the interests of public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.
Incident Reports
Students involved in an incident on campus may request a copy of a York College Campus Safety incident report. However, the College holds the right to deny copies of any incident report, as York College is a private institution, and reports generated by the Department of Campus Safety are not public record. In certain cases, the Department may honor requests for copies of reports made by students who are directly affected by the incident. Investigation status, student conduct process status, confidentiality and compliance with appropriate laws and regulations will be considered when requests for reports are submitted. Written requests for copies of incident reports can be made in the Campus Safety Office. All reports must be picked up in person, in the Campus Safety office, by the requesting party with proper photo ID.
Child Abuse Reporting Policy
All faculty, staff, administrators, student health employees, members of the Campus Safety Department, and any individual who may come into contact with children through any college sponsored program, activity, camp, conference, retreat, academic presentation or any other college programs are required to report incidents of child abuse when they have witnessed and/or have reasonable cause to suspect that a child (under 18 years old) under the care, supervision, guidance or training of any adult on our campus is being or has been abused. If your responsibility is not listed above, but you come into contact with children in the course of your employment, you have a mandatory reporting obligation. Students, guests and other members of the College community are strongly encouraged to follow the same procedures.
Make a report as soon as possible utilizing the following procedure:
- First, immediately report the matter to the York College Department of Campus Safety at (717) 815-1314 and the Director of Campus Safety at ebruder@ycp.edu. Campus Safety is available 24 hours daily; If for some reason you are unable to contact the Campus Safety Department, contact the Dean of Campus Operations at (717) 815-1211, kmartin@ycp.edu. Upon a receipt of a report, the Campus Safety Department must immediately notify the Campus Safety Director, or in his or her absence, his designee.
- Employees must also inform their immediate supervisor. An initial oral report to your supervisor is acceptable, but written detail should be supplied upon request. For athletic staff, reports must also be made to the Director of Athletics.
- College employees, who are also registered medical professionals, must concurrently report all injuries caused by suspected child abuse to the local or state police.
- The Director of Campus Safety or his/her designee within the Campus Safety Department is responsible and has the obligation to report suspected child abuse to the Department of Public Welfare. Reports must be made orally, and immediately, to the Department of Public Welfare’s ChildLine at (800) 932-0313. The Director of Campus Safety shall notify the reporting employee that the report was made after making the initial oral report to ChildLine. Within 48 hours of reporting to ChildLine, the Director of Campus Safety, or his/her designee in the Campus Safety Department, must make a written report on forms provided by the Department of Public Welfare (Report of Suspected Child Abuse [CY-47] to the county Children and Youth Agency in the county where the suspected child abuse occurred. The Director of Campus Safety shall maintain records of all reports made under this Policy. In cases where the Director of Campus Safety cannot or is not involved, the Dean of Campus Operations shall be the designated person for purposes of the reporting and record keeping obligations hereunder.
- Any person who makes a good faith report of child abuse may not be subjected to retaliation in employment.
There are four categories of child abuse covered under the law:
- Any recent act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes non-accidental serious physical injury to a child.
- An act or failure to act by a perpetrator which causes non-accidental serious mental injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child.
- Any recent act, failure to act or series of such acts or failures to act by a perpetrator which creates an imminent risk of serious physical injury to or sexual abuse or sexual exploitation of a child under 18 years of age.
- Serious physical neglect by a perpetrator constituting prolonged or repeated lack of supervision or the failure to provide the essentials of life, including adequate medical care, which endangers a child’s life or development or impairs the child’s functioning.
- No child shall be deemed physically or mentally abused based on injuries that result solely from environmental factors that are beyond the control of the parent or person responsible for the child’s welfare, such as inadequate housing, furnishings, income, clothing, and medical care.
Clery Act
The York College Clery Act and Title IX Compliance Committee is responsible for preparing and distributing the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act and Act 73, the Pennsylvania College and University Security Information Act. Its purpose is to make public certain reported campus crimes and fires for the previous three years and certain campus security and fire safety policy statements. The crime statistics in this report include those reported to the Department of Campus Safety, designated campus officials (including but not limited to Directors, Deans, designated Residence Life staff, Student Affairs, advisors to student organizations, athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. Certain crimes occurring on property owned or controlled by the College are included with this report, as well as crimes occurring on certain public property that is immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
We encourage members of the York College community to use this report as a guide for safe practices on and off campus. It is available on the Web at http://www.ycp.edu/campus-safety/asr. Each member of the College community receives an email each year advising them of the availability of the report, a description of the report, and the Web address where it can be located. For a paper copy of the report, visit the Department of Campus Safety in Manor Northeast or call (717) 815-1403.
Timely Warning
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that in the judgment of the College Administration constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to the community, a campus wide “timely warning” notice will be issued. Warning notices will be transmitted by email. They will also be posted on the MyYCP portal under “Campus Announcements.” An agreement exists with local authorities to notify the campus of crimes or other events reported to them that may warrant a timely warning notice. If circumstances arise that pose an imminent threat to the campus community, the College will activate the appropriate part, or all parts, of the Emergency Alert System which includes a siren and electronic phone/email/text messaging systems.
College and Personal Property
The College shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss of personal property. Students are advised to provide for loss through their own personal or family insurance coverage, and to register all valuables with Campus Safety. Students are held personally liable for damage or destruction of College property, whether willful or accidental. Tampering with fire equipment is a violation of state regulations and is subject to civil action as well as College discipline.
Skateboard/Stunt Bike/Inline Skating/Policy
All individuals operating bicycles, skates, and skateboards on campus are expected to use the equipment in a manner which is appropriate, considerate of others and of College property. Skateboarders, Skaters, and bicyclists will also yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians.
Individuals are prohibited from skating or skateboarding in campus roadways and from engaging in tricks (sliding, grinding, ramp building, jumps, etc.) anywhere on College grounds which involve any College property (i.e., roadways, stairs, steps, railings, benches, tables, entrances to buildings, etc.). York College will not be held accountable for injuries sustained on campus properties as a result of these actions; however, first aid for injuries should be sought immediately and the incident reported to Campus Safety promptly.
The use of bicycles on College roadways are subject to the same policies and laws regarding the operation of a motorized vehicle under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code (Title 75).
Bicycles must be registered with the Department of Campus Safety and secured on available bike racks throughout campus. Individuals are not permitted to secure bicycles to any campus structure (railing, light post, tree, etc.). Unregistered bicycles or bicycles found secured to any campus structure other than designated bike racks, will be subject to confiscation by the Department of Campus Safety. Locks and chains may need to be removed and fines may apply.
Use of bicycles, skates and skateboards inside of campus buildings, including residence halls, is strictly prohibited.
It is recommended that the operator of bicycles, skates and skateboards wear the appropriate manufactured-suggested safety equipment while using the equipment on campus.
Individuals who use the equipment recklessly or without care of others on College property may be subject to disciplinary action through the Student Conduct process.
Hover boards are strictly prohibited on campus.
Parking and Traffic Enforcement
The Department of Campus Safety is responsible for enforcing parking and traffic regulations on all College property. In addition to College policies, all traffic and parking regulations regulated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania apply and are enforced on campus.
Parking on Campus
Parking on campus is by permit only. Permits must be displayed on vehicles parked on campus at all times and any day of the week. Parking permits are available for purchase at the Campus Safety office. All parking lots on campus are assigned for specific users. Parking regulations and a parking map are issued with each parking permit. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to obtain, read, and comply with Campus regulations with regard to parking a vehicle on campus.
Traffic Enforcement
York College Campus Safety Officers are authorized by the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code (Title 75) to regulate and enforce all campus traffic rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of the vehicle operator to comply with all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania traffic regulations, including licensing, registration, financial responsibility (insurance), traffic control devices, and vehicle operation.
It is the responsibility of the driver to observe signage on all campus roadways and in all campus parking lots.
Parking and Traffic Citations
York College traffic and parking policies must be observed at all times, including during class registration periods, exam and reading days, holidays, college breaks, and during periods of inclement weather. Failure to comply with the traffic and parking regulations constitutes a violation subject to traffic or parking fines (by means of a citation) and/or referral to the Office of Student Conduct.
Appeals
An appeal of traffic or parking citations may submitted only after the fine has been paid with the Business Office. The citation being appealed must be paid within ten (10) business days from the date that the citation was issued. Any appeal received after the ten business day limit will NOT be considered.
Appeals may be submitted on forms obtained from the Campus Safety office after proof of payment has been confirmed. The appeal form must be returned to the Campus Safety office within ten (10) business days from the date that the citation was issued. Any appeal received after the ten working day limit will NOT be considered.
The appellant should set forth his or her reasons for contesting the citation on the appeal form. Any supporting documentation or evidence (such as photographs, medical documentation, auto repair receipts, etc.) may be attached to further substantiate claims.
Appeals are reviewed and resolved by the Student Senate’s Operations and Security Committee. Appeals may be fully or partially granted or denied. All decisions are mailed to the appellant and are final.
Visitor Parking
Visitors to the college must obtain and display a visitor parking permit on the vehicle and are to adhere to the College traffic and parking regulations. Visitor permits are available at the Campus Safety office during business hours and at the Campus Information Center from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Visitor permits may also be obtained on-line from the Campus Safety web page. Overnight visitors are to park in student parking. Faculty, staff, and students are responsible for their guests and may be held accountable for fines imposed upon their visitors for any parking offenses incurred. In the absence of faculty, staff, or student information, the registered owner of the vehicle may be held accountable for any traffic or parking offenses incurred.
Students should refer to the traffic and parking regulations for specific information. A copy of the regulations may be obtained at the Campus Safety office, the Campus Information Center or on the internet at www.ycp.edu/campus-safety/drivingandparking.
Emergency Call Boxes
Emergency call boxes are located in various locations on campus. Emergency call boxes are easily identifiable by a blue light located at the top of the call box pole. These call boxes can be utilized 24 hours-a day to contact the Department of Campus Safety.
Campus Escorts
On-campus escorts are available through the Department of Campus Safety. Escorts are available 24 hours-a-day by calling extension 1314 from a campus phone or (717) 815-1314 from an off-campus phone.
CCTV Surveillance
The College operates a security camera network in the common areas of several buildings as well as a number of exterior locations. The purpose of these cameras is to deter crime and enhance public safety. They are for investigative purposes only and are not continuously monitored by Campus Safety personnel. Camera data is recorded and archived for a limited period of time. This data may be reviewed to obtain evidence in the event that a crime, campus violation or other incident has occurred.
Campus Information Center
The Campus Information Center (CIC), located in the Iosue Student Union room 201, was established to provide the college community with assistance in locating and utilizing college services. The staff in the center consists of college employees who are part of the Campus Safety Department. Aside from providing information to the campus community, the staff of the CIC can provide visitor parking permits and related information and information pertaining to events occurring on campus. Those who have reserved a college fleet vehicle may pick up the keys in the Campus Information Center. The information center also houses the campus switchboard. Calls to the switchboard and campus safety lines are recorded for training and customer service purposes. The Campus Information Center is staffed 24/7.
YCP Emergency Alert
York College Emergency Alert is a mass notification system that enables students and members of the faculty and professional staff to receive emergency alerts on cell and home phones and through text messages and e-mail. This service is part of our strategy to enhance campus-wide communications during an emergency. Our goal is to increase safety on the York College campus.
York College Emergency Alert will only be activated when there is a confirmed, imminent threat to the campus community. In the unlikely event that a situation such as an active shooter or major weather emergency is occurring on the campus, the Emergency Alert System will be utilized in addition to other resources to alert the campus to the emergency and provide basic instructions on what to do. The Emergency Alert will not be used when a situation has occurred that poses no further threat to the campus community. The College will use other methods of communication to inform the campus of these occurrences. Please go to http://www.ycp.edu/officesandservices/campussafety/emergencyalertsystem for more information.
Possession of Firearms and Other Weapons
York College is a private institution and prohibits all students, faculty, staff, administrators and guests to possess or use firearms on its property, even by those who possess a valid concealed carry or other permit. An exception may be made with prior approval by the Director of Campus Safety, for faculty and students taking part in authorized College classes where the presence of a firearm serves a legitimate academic purpose, such as a criminal investigation class or a living history demonstration. Sworn law enforcement officers, including the College’s Campus Police Officers, may carry their approved service weapon on campus. Officers should be in uniform or carry their law enforcement identification. Retired law enforcement officers certified under LEOSA and carrying their credentials may also carry their firearm on campus.
Other prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to: firearm ammunition, bombs, grenades, explosive devices, fireworks, blackjacks, metal knuckles, large knives, daggers, swords, stun guns, Tasers, batons or clubs, paintball or pellet guns and other harmful instruments and devices. Campus Safety Police Officers are authorized to carry firearms, Tasers, and MEB batons as defensive equipment once they have completed the proper training and state certification. York College student security officers are not permitted to possess any prohibited weapon. Any questions regarding whether or not an item is prohibited or any other questions about the campus weapons policy should be directed to the Campus Safety Director (717) 815-1314.
Facilities Use
York College welcomes visitors to campus. For the safety and respect of others we ask that visitors abide by the following guidelines:
- York College athletic and intramural fields are for exclusive use by YCP students, faculty, and staff; trespassers will be asked to leave.
- The College gymnasiums are for exclusive use by York College students, faculty, staff, spouses, and alumni. A College ID card must be presented for participation.
- The walking path near Tyler Run Creek and the College’s quarter-mile track are available for fitness enthusiasts.
- Pets must be leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
- Prolonged loitering by groups is prohibited.
- Motorized vehicles, such as mopeds and motorcycles, are prohibited on fields and walkways.
- Visitors are prohibited from skateboarding, inline skating, and similar activities anywhere on campus.
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