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Policies & Procedures

Campus Police Authority & Jurisdiction

The Office of Public Safety and University Police are here to help all members of the Lock Haven University community. The University Police Department, located in the Glennon Infirmary Building, serves as the administrative office responsible for law enforcement on the Lock Haven University Campus. University Police Officers are on duty 24 hours a day each day of the year. The administrative staff and the police officers are among the best in their field. Our director and nine commissioned police officers are ready, willing and able to help make Lock Haven University a safe, secure learning environment. One Security/Parking officer, six dispatchers and a secretary supervisor support them. All of our courteous, helpful, and well-trained police officers have completed more than 750 hours of classroom and practical field training. Their extensive training includes courses on criminal justice, investigation, accident reporting, first aid, and criminal law and procedure. All officers have extensive, on going, police training. University Police Officers have full police authority and powers of arrest on the campus and conduct foot and vehicle patrols on a twenty four-hour basis. Lock Haven University Police Officers do carry firearms. The primary jurisdiction consists of the grounds of the University, which are all lands and buildings owned, controlled, leased or managed. The University Police Department maintains excellent relationships with the City of Lock Haven Police as well with the Pennsylvania State Police. When necessary, physical evidence is processed by the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory or the FBI Laboratory Division. University Police regularly use the National Crime Information Center to assist in the investigation of criminal offenses, giving them access to more than 20 million files. Lock Haven University is a safe and secure place, but if and when the need arises, all of the techniques and practices of modern law enforcement are available to help our University Police Officers.

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Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies

The LHU Police encourages anyone who is a victim or witness to any crime to promptly report the incident to the police. Because police crime reporting are public records under state law, the LHU police cannot hold reports of a crime in confidence. Confidential reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can generally be made to other LHU campus security authorities, as identified below.

  • Vice President Student Affairs: 570-484-2022 - Sullivan Hall 310
  • Dean, Student Development: 570-484-2317 - Sullivan Hall 308
  • Dean, Student Affairs: 570-484-2317 - Sullivan Hall 308
  • Director, Social Equity: 570-484-2322 - Sullivan Hall 301
  • Director, Human and Cultural Diversity: 570-484-2598 - Sullivan Hall 101
  • Director, Student Health Service: 570-484-2276 - Glennon Infirmary
  • Director, Human Resources: 570-484-3085 - East Campus J205
  • Director, Athletic: 570-484-2093 - Thomas Field House 213
  • Director, Student Activities: 570-484-2125 - Parson's Union Building
  • Athletic Team Coaches
  • Advisors to Student Organizations

You are strongly encourage to report a crime by contacting University Police at 484-2278 or by using the emergency phone located at Residence Halls, Parking lots and by some buildings. Any suspicious activity or person seen in the parking lots or loitering around vehicles, inside buildings or around the Residence Halls should be reported to LHU police. In addition you may report a crime to any LHU campus security authorities, as identified above.

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Confidential Crime Reporting Procedures

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the University System or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, the Director of Public Safety can file a report of the details of the incident without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the University can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.

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Timely Warnings

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, constitutes an on going or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued. The warning will be issued by the Public Relations Department through the college e-mail system to students, faculty, staff, notices will be placed on bulletin boards in resident halls, academic and administration buildings and published in the campus student newspaper, The Eagle Eye.

Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Department of Public Safety may also post a notice on the campus website on the Department of Public Safety webpage at LHU Public Safety ; providing the university community with more immediate notification. In such instances, a copy of the notice is posted in each residence hall. The LHU website is immediately accessible via computer by all faculty, staff and students. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstance to the University police, by phone (484-2278) or in person at thee dispatch center within Public Safety located in the Glennon Infirmary Building.

Lock Haven University will be notifying students and employees of emergency situations via the mass paging functions of our telecommunication system.  Telephones and paging systems in all offices, classrooms and other academic spaces will simultaneously provide an audible notification of the emergency situation as well as any incident-specific instructions provided by the Public Safety staff.  Such notifications can be tailored and directed to specific parts of the campus if the situation requires that level of granularity.

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Monitoring and recording criminal activity off-campus

Monitoring and recording criminal activity at off-campus organizations.  The University relies on its close working relationships with local law enforcement agencies to receive information about incidents involving students on campus. The Department of Public Safety will actively investigate any crime information it receives concerning or involving a member of the campus community. If the University is notified of a situation in which a campus community member is the victim of a crime, the Department may issue a Campus Safety Alert, detailing the incident and providing tips so that other community members may avoid similar incidents.  The Department of Public Safety is notified of crime or other serious incidents occurring in the City of Lock Haven. We will forward for disciplinary action any information regarding student misconduct in the City of Lock Haven.

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Crime Prevention Programs

The Department of Public Safety offers a wide variety of crime prevention and safety awareness programs to the university community. The Department of Public Safety participates in student and parent orientation, new employee orientations, student organizations and community functions in which we explain available services and educational/training programs that is provided. The theme of most crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own safety and the security of others. 

The Department of Public Safety in cooperation with other university organization and departments, present crime prevention awareness sessions and educational strategies and tips on sexual assault prevention, underage drinking and illegal drug use, theft prevention, identity theft, residence hall safety tips, vehicle safety tips, avoid becoming a crime victim, protecting your credit, reduce risk of book theft, prevent bicycle theft.

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Reporting Annual Disclosure of Crimes

The University Police prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Act Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be found at www. lhup.edu/publicsafety. You may also be able to connect to our webpage via the LHU website Home page at www.lhup.edu. This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our main and satellite campuses, Student Housing and Life, the Judicial Affairs Office, and the office of Student Affairs. Each entity provides updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.

Campus crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reports to LHU Police, designated campus officials (including but not limited to directors, deans, department heads, designated staff, judicial affairs, advisors to students/student organizations, athletic coaches), and local law enforcement agencies. Pennsylvania law requires prompt, mandatory reporting to local law enforcement agency by health care practitioners (such as Student Health Services) when they provide medical services to a person they know or reasonably suspects is suffering from wounds inflicted by a firearm or is a result of assaultive or abusive conduct. Department of Counseling and Psychological Service staff informs their clients of the procedures to report a crime to the University Police on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially during such session.

Each year, an email notification will be made to all enrolled students, faculty and staff that provides the website to access this report. Copies of this report may also be obtained at the Department of Public Safety located at Glennon Infirmary Building or by call 570-484-2278. All prospective students may obtain a copy from the Department of Admissions and prospective employees from Human Resources by calling
570-484-2033.

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Access to University Facilities

Most University buildings and facilities, other than student residence halls, are accessible to members of the university community, their guests and visitors during normal hours of business, and during designated hours on weekends and holidays, depending on the wide variety of events and activities taking place outside the normal business hours. Academic, administrative and recreational buildings are locked nightly at the conclusion of activities and classes. Unauthorized persons are not permitted in the buildings during these times. Individuals needing access after hours can request special access from the department. University Police maintain a list of individuals who receive permission to be admitted after hours. Proper identification must be presented to the University Police for admittance to closed buildings.

Organizations not affiliated with the University may request use of the facilities by contacting the Vice President for Finance, Administration and Technology office. Public Safety personnel (police/security officers) patrol the grounds and conduct security checks of all University buildings. In addition to checking the security of buildings, Public Safety Officers report physical safety and security hazards, including defective lighting to the Maintenance Department. Hazards that pose a significant risk to health and safety receive priority attention. The Safety Inspector also works closely with the Maintenance Department to identify and eliminate safety hazards in the buildings and on the grounds.

The Lock Haven University Public Safety Department has adopted a Community Oriented Policing approach in all campus buildings on all shifts to provide high officer visibility and access. These regular foot patrols act as a deterrent to criminal activity and enable students, staff, and visitors to get to know the officers.
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Missing Person

If any individual has reason to believe that a Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania student is missing, University Police should be notified at 570-484-2278 or 711.  All reasonable efforts will be made to locate the student to determine his/her state of health and well-being.  These efforts will include action by members of the University Police and the Division of Student Affairs.

A student will be determined to be missing by the University if the following circumstances apply:

  • She/he is overdue in reaching a predetermined destination by more than 24 hours past his/her expected arrival time.
  • A preliminary check of his/her residence supports the view she/he is not present there and preliminary efforts to contact the student fail.
  • Additional factors may be used by university officials to determine a student is missing if appropriate depending on circumstances.

If the student is not located within 24 hours of the initial report being made, University officials will contact the student's family or a designated emergency contact person to notify them of the report and determine if they have any information that would assist in finding the student.  If the student's family or designated emergency contact was involved in the initial report, University staff will inform them of the results of the preliminary efforts and explain any additional steps being taken.  If a student is still not found at this point, University Police will open an official investigation and retain status as the primary investigative unit for those students residing in campus housing.  If the student resides off-campus, University staff will assist the student's family or designated contact person in making an official missing person report to all appropriate law enforcement agencies.  University officials will assist in any investigation as appropriate. 

Students may provide a designated contact to be notified in case she/he is determined to be missing by providing an Emergency Contact Person to the University, which can be done for off-campus students through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or for on-campus students through their Hall Director.  This contact may be a family member or any other person determined by the student.  If a student under 18 years of age is determined to be missing, the University is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian in addition to any other designated contact.  if an Emergency Contact Person is not designated contact.  If an Emergency Contact Person is not designated, the student's closest identified family member will be notified.  Contact information provided by students will be kept confidential and will only be accessible to university officials.

Resources:

  • Lock Haven University Police:   711 or 570-484-2278
  • Vice President/Student Affairs: 570-484-2022
  • Housing and Residence Life:     570-484-2317
  • University Health Services:      570-484-2276
  • Lock Haven City Police:           911 or 570-893-5911

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Access to Registered Sex Offender Database

In accordance with the "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" of 2000, which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, the Lock Haven University Public Safety Department is providing a link to the Pennsylvania State Police Sex Offender Database. This act requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries a vocation, or is a student. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited and punishable by law.

The Pennsylvania State Police is responsible for maintaining this registry. Follow this link www.pameganslaw.state.pa.us to access the Pennsylvania State Police website.If uncomfortable with reporting to the University Police, the incident may be reported to any official of the University such as the Office of Student Affairs and Student Success, Dean of Student Life, Student Judicial Affairs Office, a sexual violence victim advocate, a Residence Hall Director (RD), counseling services or resident assistant (RA). But, in all cases, seeking medical attention is encouraged.

To maintain confidentiality, but still comply with the law to obtain an accurate account of incidents of this nature, pastoral counselors and professional counselors are requested to forward only a verifiable statistic to the University Police. Statistic will be verified through the use of either a day or time of occurrence or location of occurrence. At all times, the victim's wishes as to police involvement will be followed.   

The victim's academic and living situation may be changed if requested and if such changes are reasonably available. The student's academic advisor and the Residence Life and Housing Office can provide details as needed.

Both the accused and the victim may have other support persons present during a disciplinary hearing. Both will be advised of the outcome of that proceeding. Persons found guilty of sexual assault may be suspended or expelled from the University.

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Zero Tolerance Policy for Alcohol and Illegal Drugs

The University will not tolerate the use, possession, and/or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs. These activities present a danger to the University community and detract from the educational mission of the institution. Students may be denied admittance into University facilities if it is believed they are under the influence of, or in possession of, alcohol or illegal drugs. Negative behavior that results from the use of alcohol and/or other drugs will not be tolerated in the University community. All instances of drug and alcohol usage will be formally adjudicated by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and, wherever possible, police authorities.  LHU provides alcohol and substance abuse counseling on the campus for students, staff and the local community. In addition, the residence hall staff is trained to deal with alcohol and substance abuse situations.

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Alcohol

Pennsylvania law states that no one under 21 years of age shall possess, sell, transport, or consume alcoholic beverages. Underage drinking violations are dealt with in accordance with Pennsylvania statutes.

The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages in the University residence halls or apartments is not permitted by any student or guest including those 21 and older. In addition, students are reminded that intoxication does not excuse offensive behavior and that disciplinary action will be taken against offenders.

Alcohol is not permitted on University property. Violation of this University policy can result in dismissal from the University. Students may be referred to local or state assistance agencies for counseling services for alcohol misuse.
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Drugs

Federal and state laws prohibit the use of illegal drugs. Students are expected to know about drugs and the law. If you are concerned about drugs or their usage, the Student Affairs staff would be glad to discuss the legal and psychological aspects of drug usage.
Possession, sale, use, transfer, purchase or delivery of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia on campus is prohibited. Violations of this University policy can result in dismissal from the University. Students may be referred to county and state assistance agencies for misuse of drugs.

As required by the Federal “Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988,” P.L. 100-690, 120 STAT 4304 et seq, the Lock Haven University of the State System of Higher Education, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, hereby declares as its policy that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at any work place under the authority of the Board of Governors. Any employee violating the policy will be referred to the Commonwealth’s employee assistance program and/or disciplined, in an appropriate manner, up to and including termination. Discipline, when appropriate, shall be taken under relevant provisions of collective bargaining agreements, Civil Service Policy or the System’s Merit Principle Policy.

It is a condition of employment to abide by the terms of this policy and to notify Lock Haven University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the work place no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

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Updated  03/25/2010