Bloomfield Campus Annual Security Report – University Police - Â鶹Ai»»Áł University

Â鶹Ai»»Áł

Photo of Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áłcampus

Bloomfield Campus Annual Security Report

Last Modified: Friday, September 27, 2024 12:27 pm

General Policy Statement

This Annual Security Report (ASR) is created and published by the College in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”), 20 U.S.C. 1092f and the Department of Education’s regulations codified at 34 C.F.R. 668.41, 668.46 and 668.49 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act and Part 86 of the Department of Education’s General Administrative Regulations. The annual crime statistics were compiled by the Bloomfield College Office of Security, with information from security records, Campus Security Authorities and the Bloomfield Police Department. The College’s yearly crime statistics are compiled on a calendar-year basis in accordance with the definitions of crimes provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for use in the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system. The report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning crimes that occurred within the geography outlined by the Clery Act and were reported to the Bloomfield College Office of Security or designated campus officials.

Additionally, these statistics include referrals for campus disciplinary action for categories required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, including liquor and drug law violations and illegal weapons possession. Referrals occur when a person is not arrested for liquor law violations, drug law violations, or illegal weapons possession, but is instead referred for campus disciplinary action. Statistical information for certain off-campus locations or property owned or controlled by Â鶹Ai»»Áł University (merger of Bloomfield College with Â鶹Ai»»Áł University effective July 1, 2023 renamed the College: Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University), as well as public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from campus, are collected or requested from local police departments. For statistical purposes, crime statistics reported to any of these sources are recorded in the calendar year in which the crime was reported. The crime statistics tables are reflective of the requirements mandated by federal law for compiling this report. Bloomfield College reports the crimes required by the Clery Act that occurred on or within the institution’s Clery Geography that were reported to a Campus Security Authority. A daily offense log is available for public review at the Bloomfield College Office of Security.

The Office of Security is located at 225 Liberty Street, Bloomfield, New Jersey.

Important Phone Numbers

  • Security Main Number: 973-655-2525
  • Toll Free Security Number: 800-809-2222
  • TIPS Line: 973-655-2888
  • Immediate Contact with Police, Fire, EMT Services: 911

The Office of Security at Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University provides uniformed, unarmed security officers whose primary function is to:

  • Prevent crime on campus
  • Protect members of the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University campus
  • Assist Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University personnel in routine and emergency situations

Jurisdiction of the security officers is limited to the property at the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University campus and grounds. Security officers do not have the authority to make arrests but are authorized to detain persons involved in criminal activity until the Bloomfield Police Department responds. In addition to prompt response to emergencies on campus, the Bloomfield Police Department conducts routine vehicle patrols 24 hours per day. The Office of Security works very closely with the Bloomfield Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies to investigate and promptly resolve criminal activity. The Office of Security works closely with all offices at the Bloomfield College campus, which includes the Office of Residential Education and Housing (REH).

Student/Employee Responsibility

The support, cooperation, and involvement of all students and employees are critical for the overall success of the College’s safety and security efforts. Office and room doors should be locked when rooms are unoccupied. At night, students and employees should walk and/or park in lighted areas, avoiding shortcuts and non-lighted areas. Vehicles should be locked at all times. Valuable items should be locked in the vehicle trunk or carried with you personally. At night, it is important to not walk alone. If you need an escort, call the Office of Security to ask for assistance.

To make the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University campus a safe place, be alert for suspicious people and dangerous situations. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Be security conscious by watching for others and their property. Be responsible and report all crimes, either actual, attempted, and/or suspected to the Office of Security.

The Role of the Office of Security

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University recognizes the importance of a safe and secure campus environment and strives to maintain a campus security program that provides protection for students, faculty, and administrative employees.

The Office of Security is responsible primarily for providing a program of campus security and reports to the Â鶹Ai»»Áł University Police Department within Student Development and Campus Life. The Office of Security staff is provided through a contract with a professional security agency. Supervisory personnel are provided jointly by Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University and this professional agency. This combination provides unarmed security coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days per week through foot and vehicular patrols, enforcement of parking regulations, and building access control where applicable. In addition, there is a roving foot patrol officer 24 hours per day.

The Director of Safety compiles crime statistics annually in accordance with the (The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act) and to improve the safety and security of Bloomfield College. The Annual Security Report contains crime statistics, security policies, and safety regulations. This report is made available to current students and employees through electronic mailings and publication on the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University website. Also, prospective students and employees are informed that the Annual Security Report is available and may request a paper copy by contacting the Office of Security, Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University, 225 Liberty Street, Lower Level, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

Emergency Reporting and Voluntary/Confidential Crime Reporting Procedures

The Office of Security should be notified immediately of any threat to the safety and security of students, employees, or property (equipment, buildings, grounds, personnel, etc.). Students and/or employees should report any actual, attempted, and/or suspected criminal activities or emergencies to the Office of Security by dialing “0” for the College switchboard operator or extension “2525” for Security from any on-campus phone line.

To contact the Bloomfield Police, Fire Department, and/or Emergency Medical Services, dial 9-1-1.

Students wishing to report criminal activities confidentially should contact the Director of Safety on the Bloomfield campus and/or the University Police Department on the Â鶹Ai»»Áłcampus. Employees who wish to report criminal activities confidentially should contact the Director of Safety. Further, if you wish to report a crime confidentially, you can also call the Security TIPS Line at 973-655-2888.

The following guide is intended to be used as an aid in identifying and properly responding to campus emergencies:

  • Medical – Unconsciousness, physical injury, alcohol and/or drug overdose.
  • Psychological – Suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts or behaviors, observation of serious depression or anxiety, and/or extreme grief.
  • Physical – Altercations, assaults, violent outbursts, hysteria, threats and/or vandalism.
  • Sexual Assault – Rape or attempted rape.
  • Building and Grounds – Damage to property/housing, major issues with utilities (water, gas, and electricity), etc.

If you are doubtful as to the nature of the situation or whom to call, contact the Office of Security to get help. It is better to notify the Office of Security to have the situation examined rather than assume responsibility on your own.

Timeline Warnings

In the event an incident or series of incidents occur on the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University Campus that may affect the safety and security of the Campus community, they will issue timely warnings.

Emergency Text Messages

In the event of an emergency involving an imminent threat on campus, alerts will be communicated through Rave Mobile Safety. These messages are transmitted during emergencies and are an additional real-time avenue of communication.

Emergency Reporting Procedures

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University is committed to the best practices and continual improvement of its . The basic emergency procedures at the College are provided to protect lives and property through the effective use of campus and community resources.

These procedures apply to all Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University personnel, buildings and grounds owned and operated by the University. Since emergencies and disasters are not predictable, the guidelines outlined in this manual found at the link below may require immediate modification. This plan was developed under the authority of Bloomfield College and has been reviewed and approved by the New Jersey Presidents Council and New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.

An emergency is defined as an incident (potential or actual) that affects human life and/or well-being, Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University building(s), properties owned and operated by the University, and that will disrupt the overall operation of the College. A disaster is an event or occurrence which can seriously impair or halt the operation of the College and put human life and/or well-being at risk.

In the event of an emergency that requires the Police, Fire Department and/or Emergency Medical Services, dial 9-1-1. In all other cases, contact the Office of Security at Bloomfield College by calling 973-655-2525 or toll free at 1-800-809-2222.

Daily Crime and Fire Log

The College maintains public crime and fire logs at the Bloomfield College Office of Security. These logs are continuously updated and are available for inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Access to Campus Buildings

Facility use is for students and employees only. Employees have 24-hour access to the buildings that they work in only. All students and employees are required to carry their Bloomfield College identification cards at all times. Buildings are closed as per their individual schedules. Buildings that are leased to the College are subject to the access times the lease or property manager stipulates for hours of operation.

Building checks and campus tours are performed regularly by security personnel. All residence facilities on campus are patrolled by security personnel 24 hours a day including regular tours of residence halls. The Office of Security will not provide access to any campus facility without prior written approval from REH or Physical Plant (Facilities).

In Clee, Schweitzer, 225 Liberty, 23 Park, and the Franklin Street residential buildings, visitors must sign in and leave a valid signed identification at the security desk. Students must co-sign for their guests, escort them to their rooms, and escort them out when they leave. Students are responsible for their guests. Student and guest identifications that are not picked up will be turned in to security personnel who will then locate the visitor(s) and escort them out of the residence hall. Visiting hours and REH policies are posted in the Office for Residential Education and Housing and the REH website.

Normal hours of operation are subject to change during the summer and on recognized holidays when the campus is closed.

Security Conscious Programs

The Office of Security along with Bloomfield Township and Â鶹Ai»»Áł University Emergency Services provides an orientation for the Residence Life staff annually at the start of the academic year. This orientation session is conducted by the Office of Security. Topics include safety procedures, security tips, procedures used by security officers, and emergency response protocols.

During the Fall and Spring semesters, several Crime Awareness and Prevention programs are conducted for the College community. These topics include crime prevention; campus security procedures; sexual assault and acquaintance rape awareness; forcible and non-forcible criminal offenses; personal and property safety; fire prevention; and alcohol and drug awareness.

Announcements about these programs to students and employees occur in a number of venues that include electronic mail, digital signage, updated news on the College website, the College calendar and/or flyers posted throughout the campus community.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Alcohol Policy

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of the campus community. In keeping with these objectives, the College has established policies that govern the possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, conforming to the laws of the State of New Jersey. The Personal Counseling Office and the Health Services Office are available to assist members of the Bloomfield College community with education, information, counseling and referral services for alcohol and/or drug problems.

Drug Policy

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University prohibits the possession, use and/or sale of any illegal substance. The possession, use and/or sale of illegal and non-prescribed drugs is a crime and a threat to the welfare of individuals and to the College community. College employees, as
conditions of their employment, are required to abide by the College’s Drug Free Workplace policy, which prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession and/or use of any controlled substance or illegal drug in its workplace. Any individual known to be possessing, using and/or distributing illegal drugs is subject to disciplinary action and possible arrest by local, state and/or federal police agencies. The College is concerned about the possible physical, emotional and psychological effects of drug use on individuals and the impact such use has on all members of the College community. Students and employees are urged to consult counseling and medical personnel to discuss confidentiality questions or problems that they may experience in this area. The College will promote and encourage programs that explore the problem of drug and other substance abuse.

Firearms Policy

State statutes prohibit the possession, storage and/or use of firearms on any college or university campus in the State of New Jersey. Therefore, firearms (including pellet guns and air rifles), fireworks, ammunition or explosive materials are strictly prohibited on the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University campus. Persons who do not comply with this policy are subject to disciplinary action and arrest.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University does not discriminate on the basis of sex either in employment or in its academic programs or activities. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in employment. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities.

The College’s policy is to ensure that all employees and students of Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University have a work and learning environment free of any type of unlawful discrimination, including freedom from sexual harassment. This policy applies to all areas of the College’s operations and all persons (employees, students, guests, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, etc.) with direct or indirect contact with the institution. Federal and state laws treat sexual harassment as unlawful sex discrimination. The College abides by these laws because effective working relationships between employees and effective learning relationships among staff, faculty and students must be based upon mutual respect. The College therefore prohibits sexual harassment of its employees and students in any form. Such conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employees or expulsion of students.

Specifically, no supervisory employee shall threaten or insinuate, either directly or indirectly, that an employee’s refusal to submit to sexual advances will adversely affect the employee’s continued employment, evaluation, compensation, assignment, advancement or any other condition of employment. Similarly, no supervisory employee shall promise or suggest, either directly or indirectly, that an employee’s submission to sexual advances will result in any improvement in any term or condition of employment for the employee.

In the case of students, no instructor or other employee shall threaten or insinuate, either directly or indirectly, that a student’s refusal to submit to sexual advances will adversely impact grades, course selection, academic records, enrollment or any other matters pertaining to his/her status as a student of the College. Similarly, no instructor or other employee shall promise or suggest, either directly or indirectly, that a student’s submission to sexual advances will positively impact grades, course selection, academic records, enrollment or any other matters pertaining to his/her status as a student of the College.

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University considers sexual harassment of either employees or students as unprofessional and unacceptable conduct and an abuse of authority and power. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, physical, virtual (via social media post, pictures, videos, voicemail and e-mail messages, text messages, etc.) conduct of a sexual nature when:

  • Submission to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic status, or
  • Submission to such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individual, or
  • Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment.

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University prohibits sexual/romantic relationships between individuals (students, faculty and other employees) where there is an imbalance of power, i.e., where one individual is in a position to make decisions which may adversely impact the employment or educational experience of the other. These relationships include student-to-teacher; supervisor-to-subordinate; or any other relationship between two individuals where one individual has the authority to make decisions which directly or indirectly impact the employment or educational experiences of the other. A staff member or faculty member’s relations with students shall be limited to those that are consistent with and necessary to the performance of the staff member or faculty member’s duties as an employee of the College.

Any and all other conduct involving sexual harassment that creates a hostile workplace and/or educational environment, whether committed by supervisory employees, non-supervisory employees or students, is also prohibited.

This includes the following:

  • offensive sexual flirtations, advances, propositions and electronic communications â—Ź verbal abuse of a sexual nature
  • the telling of obscene jokes or display of sexually graphic pictures or objects in the workplace or classroom
  • obscene comments about an individual or comparing a person to risquĂ© computer images, pictures, drawings, cartoons, etc.
  • discussions of sex and sexuality in academic and workplace settings unrelated to course work or work tasks
  • repeated requests to have lunch, dinner, etc.
  • repeated requests that an employee or student stand, sit or move closer, or insistence on private meetings behind closed doors
  • unnecessary offensive touching of an employee or student, such as patting, pinching, grabbing, hugging, kissing and repeated brushing against another employee or student’s body
  • inappropriate offensive posting on any social media networks

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University prohibits harassing conduct directed at an individual because of his or her sex, even if the conduct is not sexual in nature. Therefore, supervisory employees, non-supervisory employees and students shall not harass or discriminate against any staff member, faculty member or student because of his or her sex by verbally abusing him or her or treating him or her differently from members of the opposite sex, including but not limited to by increasing his or her workload and grading him or her differently than students of the opposite sex.

The College also prohibits supervisory and non-supervisory employees and students from harassing or discriminating against any staff member, faculty member or student because that individual fails to conform to behavioral norms traditionally associated with the individual’s sex. For example, a male individual should not be harassed because he acts effeminately or otherwise fails to conform to a male stereotype, and a female individual should not be harassed because she acts masculine or otherwise fails to conform to a female stereotype. In addition, no supervisory or non-supervisory employee shall harass or discriminate against any staff member, faculty member or student because of the student’s sexual orientation or trans-sexuality.

Complaint Procedure for Reports on Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Title IX and Gender Based Misconduct Reporting website

The Title IX Compliance and Affirmative Action Officer is responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with and carry out the institution’s responsibilities under Title IX. Procedures for employees and students are as follows:

  • Employees: Any employee who feels he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment/discrimination should report the incident directly to his or her supervisor or the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer, Dr. Ashante Connor 973-655-2041
  • Students: Any student who feels he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment/discrimination should report the incident immediately to Sheila Wooten (973-655-2784) or Dr. Chinasa Eke-McClean (973-655-2873), Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College, who will notify the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer. The Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College is located at Richards Hall, 463 Franklin Street, 1st floor. Students may also report complaints to the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

Complaints by students and employees should include the following:

  • The victim’s name; campus location/department; status as employee or student of the college; and preferred means of contact (email, home phone, cell phone or permanent address)
  • The name(s) of the person(s) who committed the alleged act – if available
  • A brief description of what transpired with specific dates, times, locations where act(s) were committed with names of witnesses or other individuals who can corroborate the allegations, where available
  • The nature of the alleged harassment, i.e., sexual harassment or discrimination based on sex, race, religion, color, national/ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status or disability
  • A description of each step taken by the victim from the time he or she first concluded that a violation of policy has occurred
  • The resolution sought by the victim
  • Copies of any materials, reports or evidence of relevance to the investigation of the complaint
  • Written complaints should be signed.

Investigation Procedures

Under Title IX, student complaints of sexual harassment are to be analyzed under a preponderance of the evidence standard, i.e., whether it is more likely than not that harassment occurred; and that the conduct was so serious to limit or deny his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the school’s education program. (i.e., creates a hostile work environment). Students and employees who make a good faith claim of sexual harassment will not be subjected to retaliation, which is prohibited by state and federal law, including Title IX. Any act or threat of retaliation against a complainant, witness or supporter at any point before, during or after an investigation or hearing is a violation of this policy and will subject the employee or student who engages in retaliation to discipline up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the College.

The investigatory and adjudicative process should generally take no more than (60) days. To the extent possible, the College will maintain the privacy of all persons involved in a complaint of sexual harassment during the investigation. The investigation will involve interviewing witnesses, taking statements, reviewing evidence, and any other best practices and resources to accomplish a thorough examination of the incident. If there is a delay in the investigation as a result of the unavailability of students and/or employees (or other key witnesses) required for interviews during between semester breaks, the investigation will be delayed until the beginning of the following semester. In such a case, all parties involved will be notified of the change in timeline.

If the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer or Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College determines the complaint to be valid, the offender will face immediate and appropriate disciplinary action based upon the severity of the charge and the history of past charges, if any, against the offender. The College reserves the right to proceed with an investigation whether or not criminal charges are pursued by the victim. Should the investigation reveal a violation of the Sexual Harassment Policy by an employee, the imposition of disciplinary action will be deferred to the appropriate Vice President in consultation with the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer. Disciplinary actions against offending students and employees may include a written warning, suspension, demotion, and/or termination of employment or expulsion from the College which could include banishment from the College.

If the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer or Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College determines the complaint was not made in good faith, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against the employee or student who made the complaint. To the extent possible, the privacy of all persons involved in a complaint of sexual harassment will be protected.

Sexual Assault/Misconduct Policy

Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University is devoted to creating and maintaining a campus community free from all forms of harassment, exploitation or intimidation. The College is committed to furthering and protecting the rights of all members of the College community to ensure the needs of victims and all parties involved (bystanders, accused and friends) are addressed.

The boundaries of personal freedom are limited by applicable state and federal laws and institutional rules and regulations governing interpersonal behavior. In creating a College community free from violence, sexual assault/misconduct and non-consensual sexual contact, respect for the individual and human dignity are of paramount importance.

The College recognizes that the impact of violence on its victims and the surrounding community can be severe and long lasting. This includes but is not limited to sexual violence by one or more students or employees against another student (employee), which is a form of sexual harassment prohibited by Title IX and state law.

Accordingly, in conjunction with the Sexual Harassment Policy, and to comply with Title IX and state law, and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), the College has established this Sexual Assault/Misconduct Policy to ensure that the needs of victims of sexual violence are met and that the College community supports human dignity. The College assures that new measures are in place to address domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and other acts of unlawful and inappropriate behaviors

What Acts Constitute Prohibited Sexual Assault, Misconduct and Exploitation?

Acts of sexual assault, misconduct and exploitation are prohibited at Bloomfield College. For the purposes of this policy, “sexual contact” means any intentional touching, either directly or through clothing, of the victim’s or actor’s intimate parts for the purpose of degrading or humiliating the victim or sexually arousing or sexually gratifying the actor. Sexual contact of the actor with himself must be in view of the victim whom the actor knows to be present. “Sexual assault/misconduct” means any form of sexual contact with another person without effective consent. Effective consent is clear, informed and freely given by both individuals. Silence does not equal consent. It is communicated by mutually understandable words or actions, which indicate a willingness to participate in mutually agreed upon sexual activity by persons of legal age. Consent obtained through coercion, intimidation, force or threat of force against the victim or another is not effective consent. Effective consent may never be given by minors, mentally disabled persons, and those who are incapacitated as a result of alcohol or drug consumption (voluntary or involuntary) or those who are asleep, unconscious, unaware or otherwise mentally or physically helpless. Effective consent to one form of sexual activity cannot imply consent to other sexual acts. A previous relationship or previous consent, including a dating relationship or previous sexual involvement, does not imply consent to future sexual acts. Consent may be withdrawn by either party at any time by an outward demonstration through words or actions to end sexual activity immediately and without question.

Another type of sexual misconduct is termed sexual exploitation and occurs when an individual takes non consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his or her benefit or to benefit a third party.

Examples of sexual exploitation include but are not limited to:

  • prostituting another person
  • non-consensual observation or video or audio recording of sexual activity of another person
  • exceeding the boundaries of consent with another person (such as permitting others to secretly
    observe you engaging in consensual sex)
  • inducing or attempting to induce incapacitation in another person
  • employment of another person or achievement related inducements
  • knowingly transmitting a sexual disease, including but not limited to HIV, to another person

THE COLLEGE ALSO PROHIBITS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND DATING VIOLENCE:

Domestic violence involves a variety of serious offenses, including acts of violence, which are committed against someone by his or her current or former spouse or intimate partner, by a person with whom the parties have a child in common, a current or former cohabitant or by someone who is similarly situated, such as person in a relationship or children with respect to their parent or guardian. Under New Jersey criminal law, domestic violence can include acts such as homicide, assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restrain, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, criminal mischief, burglary, criminal trespass, harassment and stalking.

Dating violence means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship or a romantic or sexual nature with another. It is determined based on the reporting party’s statements, and in consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. Dating violence includes, but it is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. It can include a pattern of behavior where one person threatens to use, or uses, physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse to control a dating or sexual partner.

The College prohibits stalking of another individual in any form. Stalking is a consistent pattern of conduct or outreach directed at a specific person on at least two or more occasions that would cause the targeted individual to fear for her, his or another’s safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking behaviors can be direct or indirect, accomplished through multiple means such as: in person, via social media, phone, email, regular mail or through third parties. The type of actions that can constitute stalking include: following another; showing up uninvited at another’s home/classroom/workplace/vehicle or expected location; monitoring another; surveillance of another; threatening another; communicating with another or by interfering with another’s property or activities.

Upstander/Bystander Intervention

Upstander/Bystander intervention refers to a person who takes safe, reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or stop an act, or potential act, of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence or other act of violence. Intervention includes simple statements, words of caution, offers of assistance, removing someone from a situation, or calls for assistance.

We encourage members of the College community to immediately seek assistance from the Bloomfield College Office of Security, the Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics Bloomfield College and/or Human Resources-Bloomfield College when confronted with an act or potential act of sexual violence/misconduct. If off-campus, members of the College community should immediately seek assistance from a person in authority or law enforcement.

The safety of upstanders/bystanders is a priority. Retaliation against an upstander/bystander violates this Policy and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the College.

Disciplinary and Remedial Actions

College employees, students and visitors are expected to abide by all local, state and federal criminal law. In addition to criminal sanctions and possible liability under such laws, acts of sexual assault/misconduct and unwelcome sexual contact will subject a student or employee to College disciplinary action. Student sanctions may include expulsion, suspension, conduct probation or any other form of the College’s disciplinary sanctions. Employees will be subjected to warning, suspension, demotion or termination of employment. College penalties and disciplinary procedures are specified in the Standards of Conduct in the College Catalog. Employees should review the Employee Handbook or the Faculty AAUP Agreement (where applicable) for procedures related to employment sanctions. Any individual who violates any local, state or federal criminal laws while on the Bloomfield College of Â鶹Ai»»Áł University property will be reported to the Bloomfield Police Department.

The College will also implement remedial measures to prevent incidents of sexual assault/misconduct, retaliation and confrontations during and after the investigation. Once a complaint has been received, the College will promptly notify the victim of his or her options to avoid contact with the alleged perpetrator during the investigation and change academic, extracurricular activities, living, transportation, dining and working situations as appropriate.

Specific options include:

  • Providing an effective escort so the victim can move safely between student/work-related activities until a final decision is rendered after the investigation;
  • Ensuring the perpetrator and victim do not share classes, offices or student/work-related activities; â—Ź Moving the perpetrator or victim, if he or she so requests to a different residence hall or office location;
  • Providing comprehensive, holistic victim services including medical/psychological counseling and academic support services, such as tutoring;
  • Arranging for the victim to have extra time to complete or retake a class or withdraw from a class without an academic or financial penalty;
  • Reviewing any disciplinary actions taken against the victim to see if there is a causal relationship between the sexual violence and the misconduct that led to the discipline (i.e., a victim of sexual violence skipping class or calling out from work to avoid the perpetrator).

Investigating Reports of Sexual Assault/Misconduct

During the investigation, the College will provide increased monitoring, supervision or security at locations or activities where the misconduct occurred and ensure that the victim is aware of his or her Title IX rights and any available resources such as victim advocacy, housing assistance, academic support, personal counseling, disability services, health and mental health services, legal assistance and the right to report a crime to College, University or local law enforcement. The College will keep the victim updated on the status of the investigation.

Once the investigation has been completed, if the complaint has been substantiated, the College will take remedial measures in addition to the disciplinary sanctions above, as appropriate. The College will
also offer the victim the same remedies offered to him or her as interim measures, whether or not the victim accepted or declined those remedies during the investigation. The College may also change its overall services or policies as needed.

The College will promptly investigate any complaint of sexual assault/misconduct made to a College employee, which includes the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer, any Vice President/Officer, College Dean, Division Chair, faculty member, administrator, Resident Director, Resident Advisor, or Nurse. In some cases, the investigation will be performed by a specifically trained employee and/or an independent outside investigator under the supervision of the College’s Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer. The victim and the alleged perpetrator, who shall be notified of the accusation against him or her, shall have an equal opportunity to present witnesses and evidence. The procedures of the College’s Judiciary Program, which are set forth in the Colleges Standards of Conduct, shall apply in the case of student complaints. In the case of employees, the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer, the Human Resources-Bloomfield College Director, and/or an outside investigator will directly handle the investigative process. Any factual determinations will be made under a preponderance of the evidence standard. The process, which includes fact-finding, a hearing in appropriate cases, and a determination of the appropriate disciplinary and/or remedial action, will take no more than sixty (60) days, excluding appeals, except in cases that require additional time. The victim and the alleged perpetrator will concurrently receive written notice of the outcome of the complaint.

Reporting and Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence

The College encourages victims of sexual violence to discuss the incident with a trained professional on campus so that victims can get the support required immediately. Different employees on campus have different levels of responsibility to maintain a victim’s confidentiality.

  • Some are required to maintain near complete confidentiality: talking to them is sometimes called a “privileged” communication as in the case of a licensed therapist in the Counseling Center or the Coordinator of Disabilities Services;
  • Other employees may talk to a victim in confidence, and generally only report to the College that an incident occurred without revealing identifying information. Disclosures to these employees will not trigger a college investigation into an incident against the victim’s wishes;
  • Thirdly, some employees are required to report all the details of an incident (including the identities of both the victim and alleged perpetrator) to the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer. A report to these employees (called “responsible employee”) constitutes a report to the College, which generally obligates the College to investigate the incident and take appropriate steps to address the situation.

This policy is intended to make all members of the College community aware of the various reporting and confidential disclosure options available to them – so they can make informed choices about where to turn should they become the victim of sexual assault/misconduct. The College encourages victims to talk to someone identified in one or more of these groups. Title IX forbids retaliatory action taken against any victim who makes a good faith effort to report an incident of sexual assault/misconduct.

Reporting Options

Privileged and Confidential Communications

Professional Counselors

Professional, licensed counselors and pastoral counselors who provide mental-health counseling to members of the school community (including those who act in that role under the supervision of a licensed counselor) are not Campus Security Authorities. They are not required to report any information about an incident to the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer without a victim’s permission.

The following is the contact information for these individuals:

  • Personal Counselors: Talbot Hall, 3rd Floor – 973-655-2790
  • Director, Services for Students with Disabilities: LRC Building – 973-655-2964

Non-professional Counselors and Advocates

Certain non-professional counselors and advocates can generally talk to a victim without revealing any personally identifying information about an incident to the College. A victim can seek assistance and support from these individuals without triggering a College investigation that could reveal the victim’s identity or that the victim has disclosed the incident.

While maintaining a victim’s confidentiality, these individuals or their office should report the nature, date, time and general location of an incident to the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer. This limited report – which includes no information that would directly or indirectly identify the victim – helps keep the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer informed of the general extent and nature of sexual violence on and off campus so the coordinator can track patterns, evaluate the scope of the problem and formulate appropriate campus-wide responses. Before reporting any information to the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer, these individuals will consult with the victim to ensure that no personally identifying details are shared with the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer.

The following individuals are examples of non-professional counselors and student advocates whose assistance a victim may seek without triggering a College investigation that could reveal his or her identify or that he or she has disclosed the incident. The College will aid in the selection of an advocate for the victim if requested. The College will also assist the accused with the selection of an advocate to provide guidance and assistance during the investigative process. An advocate should be an employee of the College who will help guide the students through understanding the College’s Sexual Assault Policy, and navigate all the support services and resources available on and off campus:

  • EOF Counselor
  • Academic Advisors/Coaches
  • Tutors
  • Resident Advisors or Resident Directors
  • Department Secretaries or Administrative Assistants

A victim who speaks to a professional or non-professional counselor or advocate must understand that, if the victim wants to maintain confidentiality, the College will be unable to conduct an investigation into the particular incident or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator. However, the counselors and advocates will still assist the victim in receiving other necessary protection and support. A victim may decide to file a formal complaint at a later date to prompt a formal investigation.

The only exceptions to the non-disclosure policy apply in cases that present an imminent threat of harm to self or others. In such cases, the counselor or advocate involved has a duty to notify the College. If there is a serious and immediate threat to others, the College may issue a warning to the College community, but will do so without disclosing the identity of the victim. If the victim is a minor, and the alleged offender is an adult, the counselor or advocate will have a responsibility to notify local law enforcement.

Reporting to “Responsible Employees”

A “responsible employee” is a College employee who has the authority to redress sexual violence, who has the duty to report incidents of sexual violence or other student misconduct, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty.

A responsible employee must report to the Title IX Compliance/Affirmative Action Officer all relevant details about the alleged sexual violence shared by the victim and that the College will need to determine what happened – including the names of the victim and alleged perpetrator(s), any witnesses and any other relevant facts, including the date, time and specific location of the alleged incident.

To the extent possible, information reported to a responsible employee will be shared only with people responsible for handling the College’s response to the report. A responsible employee should not share information with law enforcement without the victim’s consent unless the victim has also reported the
incident to law enforcement or the victim is a minor; or the incident poses a safety risk to the College community.

The following employees (or categories of employees) are the College’s responsible employees:

  • College Deans
  • Department Directors and Managers
  • Academic Division Chairs, Faculty and Instructors
  • Public Safety and Security Officers

Before a victim reveals any information to a responsible employee, the employee should ensure that the victim understands the employee’s reporting obligations – and, if the victim wants to maintain confidentiality, direct the victim to confidential resources. If the victim wants to tell the responsible employee what happened but also maintain confidentiality or does so before the responsible employee has had the opportunity to ensure that the victim understands the employee’s reporting obligations, the employee should tell the victim that the College will consider the request but cannot guarantee that the College will be able to honor it.

Responsible employees will not pressure a victim to request confidentiality but will honor and support the victim’s wishes. By the same token, responsible employees will not pressure a victim to make a full report if the victim is not ready to.

Reporting to Campus Security Authorities

Campus Security Authorities under the Clery Act are not the same as “Responsible Employees” under Title IX. While there may be some overlap, persons considered to be CSAs for Clery Act reporting are not necessarily the same as those defined as “responsible employees” for Title IX. There are circumstances where a person may be a Campus Security Authority and a Responsible Employee. CSAs are obligated to report crimes occurring on campus, in public areas bordering campus and in certain non-campus buildings
owned or controlled by the University or College that involve homicide, murder, manslaughter, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, arrests related to the liquor, drug and weapons law violations, hate crimes, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking and other serious incidents that the College determines to represent a serious and ongoing threat to the campus. CSAs should report those crimes that have not been previously reported to the Office of Security.

If the CSA has firsthand knowledge/confirmation that the reporting party filed a police report with University Police, then they are not obligated to complete and submit a CSA report form. However, if the reporting party says they will file a police report with University Police and leaves (no CSA firsthand knowledge/confirmation that a police report was filed), then the CSA must still complete and submit a Campus Security Authority Crime Report Form.

Requesting Confidentiality from the College: How the College Will Weigh the Request and Respond.

If a victim discloses an incident to a responsible employee but wishes to maintain confidentiality or requests that no investigation into a particular incident be conducted or disciplinary action taken, the College will weigh that request against the College’s obligation to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all students, including the victim. If the College honors the request for confidentiality, a victim must understand that the College’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator(s) may be limited.

The College has designated the following individual(s) to evaluate requests for confidentiality once a responsible employee is on notice of alleged sexual violence:

  • Dr. Ashante S. Cooper, Title IX Compliance Officer
  • Sheila Wooten, Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College
  • Dr. Theodorea Regina Berry, Dean

The individuals noted above will consider a range of factors when considering request for confidentiality:

  • The increased risk that the alleged perpetrator will commit additional acts of sexual or other violence, such as:
    • whether there have been other sexual violence complaints and/or history of
      violence about the same alleged perpetrator;
    • whether the alleged perpetrator is a registered sex offender;
    • whether the sexual violence was committed by multiple perpetrators and/or involved a weapon;
    • whether the victim is a minor;
    • whether the victim’s report reveals a pattern of perpetration (e.g., via illicit use of drugs or alcohol) at a given location or by a particular group.

The presence of one or more of these factors could lead the College to investigate and, if appropriate, pursue disciplinary action including notification to local law enforcement. If none of these factors is present, the College may respect the victim’s request for confidentiality.

If the College determines that it cannot maintain a victim’s confidentiality, the College will inform the victim prior to starting an investigation and will, to the extent possible, only share information with people responsible for handling the College’s response.

The College will remain ever mindful of the victim’s well-being, and will take ongoing steps to protect the victim from retaliation or harm and work with the victim to create a safety plan. Retaliation against the victim, whether by students or College employees, will not be tolerated. The College will follow its Sexual Assault/Misconduct Investigative Procedures. The College will also extend or make permanent
the remedial measures offered to the victim during the investigation.

The College may not require a victim to participate in any investigation or disciplinary proceeding. Because the College is under a continuing obligation to address the issue of sexual violence campuswide, reports of sexual violence (including non-identifying reports) will also prompt the College to consider broader remedial action – such as increased monitoring, supervision or security at locations where the reported sexual violence occurred; increasing education and prevention efforts, including to targeted population groups; conducting climate assessments/victimization surveys; and/or revisiting its policies and practices.

Other Resources

The College Media Center, lower level of the library, provides an excellent video on Sexual Harassment in the workplace and classroom. It takes approximately 20 minutes; you may borrow the video for home viewing or use the library viewing room. If you have any questions, contact x2945 for information.

The College offers mandatory online sexual harassment training for all employees. Students are offered several on-campus training programs/forums on sexual harassment and sexual assault/misconduct.

Online sexual assault/misconduct training will be available to all students and employees. The College also offers anonymous reporting through an online reporting process. The system will notify the user (before s/he enters information) that entering personally identifying information may serve as notice to the College for the purpose of triggering an investigation.

Campus Conduct Hotline© — Dial toll-free to 866.943.5787. Available for use around the clock, seven days a week. Because the Hotline is operated by an independent organization, any calls made through this Hotline are completely confidential and anonymous. Issues that may arise that can be reported include: discrimination, fraudulent activity, harassment, hate messages, hostile workplace, illegal business activity, NCAA violations, safety and security issues and bullying.

BC TIPS Line: 973-655-2888– another source to report anonymous information is the BC Tips Line that is maintained by the BC Office of Security.

Victim’s Rights and Services

The victims of sexual assault/misconduct or unwelcome/non-consensual sexual contact will be:

  • afforded the same access to legal guidance as the accused;
  • afforded the same opportunity to have others present during any campus disciplinary proceeding that is allowed the accused with exceptions to conflicts of interest circumstances;
  • notified immediately, simultaneously and in writing of the outcome of the disciplinary
    proceeding against the accused; appeal procedures; any change to the result before it becomes
    final; and when the result becomes final. Note that the accused is entitled to these same rights.

Regardless of whether the alleged crime is formally reported to campus or civil authorities, the College’s medical, counseling and other services are available for victims. The full, prompt and victim sensitive cooperation of the College personnel with regard to obtaining, securing and maintaining evidence, including a medical examination when necessary to preserve evidence of the assault will be provided to all victims. In order to preserve evidence, the College encourages victims not to shower or cleanse in any manner; urinate, brush teeth or gargle, eat, drink, smoke or change clothes prior to going to the hospital. Evidence can be collected up to five days after the incident. In addition, the (FSL) is also a major resource. The Family Service League is the designated Essex County Rape Care Center.

Victims can also consider off-campus counselors, advocates and healthcare providers who will generally maintain confidentiality. Victims are also encouraged to contact the Rape Care Hotline: 1- 877-733-CARE (2273) any time, day or night, to learn about other options and services. A trained advocate can accompany victims to the hospital and will help to connect to the appropriate services which include: a 24-hour, free and confidential Hotline; crisis services for survivors and their families; educational programs and training for youth and professionals; and free unlimited counseling.

For additional information regarding victim’s rights, students should review the .

Registered Sex Offenders in the State of New Jersey

New Jersey law authorizes the Division of State Police to make available to the public over the Internet information about certain sex offenders required to register under Megan’s Law. The sex offender Internet registry law can be found in the New Jersey Code at 2C:7-12 to -19. This information is being made available on the Internet to facilitate public access to information about persons who have committed a sex offense, to enable you to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and those in your care from possible harm. Public access to registry information is intended solely for the protection of the public, and should never be used to threaten, intimidate or harass another.

In compliance with the Clery Act, Bloomfield College is required to advise its students and employees that a current listing of Registered Sex Offenders in the State of New Jersey can be found at the following website link: Registered Sex Offenders in the State of New Jersey.

This information is being made available on the internet to facilitate public access to information about persons who have committed a sex offense, to enable you to take appropriate precautions to protect yourself and those in your care from possible harm. Public access to registry information is intended solely for the protection of the public, and should never be used to threaten, intimidate or harass another. The use of information contained in the sex offender registry to commit a crime is a crime in the third degree within the State of New Jersey.

Missing Student Protocol

In accordance with the Clery Act and to comply with federal regulations, Bloomfield College is required to ensure that a protocol exists for students who are reported missing from the College. Thus, Bloomfield College administers a missing student notification policy which permits students who reside within on campus housing to register contact information confidentially. This confidential contact information for residential students is maintained by the Office of Residential Education and Housing (REH).

At Bloomfield College, a student is reported missing if he or she has been absent without any known reason or which may be contrary to his/her usual patterns of behavior. Such circumstances concerning the student being missing or absent from the College could include a number of factors such as, but are not limited to: 1) reports or suspicions of foul play; 2) suicidal thoughts; 3) drug and/or alcohol abuse; 4) any life-threatening situations; as well as 5) situations in which a student may be known to be with persons who may endanger the health, safety and welfare of that student.

All reports of missing/absent resident students shall be directed immediately to the Office of Security (973-655-2525) and/or the Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College (973-655-2784)). Either the office or both jointly will investigate if the student is missing in accordance with this protocol and there will be NO waiting period before the commencement of an investigation. An investigation will be initiated to determine the validity and credibility of the missing person report. All essential information will be gathered about the resident student from the person making the report and from the students’ acquaintances.

Notification will be made to the appropriate emergency individual(s) within 24 hours after it is established that the resident student is actually missing.

The sequence of notifications is listed as follows:

  • The confidential emergency contact(s) provided to REH.
  • The custodial parent or guardian if no confidential emergency contact was provided to REH.
  • The custodial parent or guardian if the resident student is under 18 years of age and not emancipated.
  • The Bloomfield Township Police Department if the student is determined to be missing/absent from the College.

The Office of Student Affairs will initiate whatever actions are deemed appropriate, necessary, and in the best interests of a resident student if he/she is confirmed to be missing/absent from the College. Once closure has been brought to the investigation, the Office of the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Director of Athletics-Bloomfield College will notify all appropriate individuals and keep a report of the incident/investigation on file

Annual Crime/Fire Statistics and Explanation of How Statistics Are Compiled

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, which is also known as the Clery Act, requires all colleges and universities to disclose campus crime statistics and other safety and security information annually. This Annual Security Report is reviewed each year by the Office of Security to ensure that information is up-to-date and that new information is added accordingly to comply with federal and state regulations.

These statistics that are listed below include crimes on campus and crimes in adjacent public areas.
These statistics are collected by the Office of Security and are based on crimes reported directly to Security and information provided by the Bloomfield Police Department.

In preparation for annual reporting, persons within the College with significant responsibility for student and campus affairs, including judicial disciplinary affairs, are surveyed for knowledge of crimes that may not have been reported to the Office of Security or police authorities. These individuals include the Senior Associate Dean of Students/Athletic Director-Bloomfield College, Residence Life staff, Athletic Associate/Assistant Directors and coaches, administrative heads of student groups, and other Student Development and Campus Life personnel. Persons at Counseling and Psychological Services and campus ministries are not surveyed for knowledge of certain crimes because the law does not impose a reporting obligation on persons with counseling or pastoral obligations.

Crimes that occurred within residence halls are reported both in the “On Campus” category and in the “Residence Hall” category. Thus, “Residence Hall” is a subset of “On Campus.” The presentation of the tables is designed to enable the reader to compare crimes committed in the same locales during the past three years.

Definitions of Reportable Crimes

  • Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.
    Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence.
  • Sex Offenses: Any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent.
  • Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.
  • Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
  • Incest: Sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
  • Statutory Rape: Sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
  • Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
  • Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by a means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. (It is not necessary that injury result from an aggravated assault when a gun, knife or other weapon is used that could and probably would result in serious personal injury if the crime were successfully completed.)
  • Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft. For reporting purposes, this
    definition includes unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or felony, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, housebreaking, safecracking and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned acts.
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. This includes motor vehicle theft in all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joyriding.
  • Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.
  • Domestic Violence: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim; by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common; by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
  • Dating Violence: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. For the purposes of this definition, dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence. The existence of a dating relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
  • Stalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (A) fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress. For the purposes of this definition: (i) Course of conduct means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the stalker directly, indirectly or through third parties, by any action, method, device or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens or communicates to or about a person, or interferes with a person’s property; (ii) Reasonable person means a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim; (iii) Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
  • Drug Abuse Violations: Violations of state and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).
  • Liquor Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned activities. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
  • Weapon Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as manufacture, sale or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned acts.

Additional Clery Act Hate Crime Definitions

In addition to any of the crimes above, the following acts are reportable as Hate Crimes under the Clery Act, when motivated by prejudice on account of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability:

  • Larceny-Theft: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another.
  • Simple Assault: An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration or loss of consciousness.
  • Intimidation: To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.
  • Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property (Except “Arson”): To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Unfounded Crimes

An institution may withhold, or subsequently remove, a reported crime from its crime statistics in the rare situations where sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel have fully investigated the reported crime and, based on the results of this full investigation and evidence, have made a formal determination that the crime report is false or baseless and therefore “unfounded.” Only sworn or commissioned law enforcement personnel may “unfound” a crime report for purposes of reporting under this section. The recovery of stolen property, the low value of stolen property, the refusal of the victim to cooperate with the prosecution and the failure to make an arrest do not “unfound” a crime report.

Crime Statistics

The following charted statistics are provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act and are for informational purposes only. This chart provides crime statistics for Bloomfield College for the last year and the two previous years (i.e., a total of three years). If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact David Reilly, Director of Safety at Bloomfield College at 973-655-2863.

In order to assist the Office of Security at Bloomfield College in complying with the Clery Act, members of the College community are encouraged to report all criminal activities to the Bloomfield College Office of Security. This allows the Office of Security to issue timely warnings and to ensure the inclusion of those activities in the annual statistics.

Definitions

  • Campus — Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the area identified above of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as food or other retail vendors). “Campus Residential Facilities” is a subset of the number listed under “Campus.”
  • Non-Campus Building or Property — Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.
  • Public Property — All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Non-Negligent Manslaughter

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Sexual Offenses: Rape

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 1 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Sex Offenses: Fondling

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Includes sexual contact, fondling or other inappropriate touching.

Sex Offenses: Incest or Statutory Rape

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Includes incest and statutory rape.

Robbery

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 1 0

Aggravated Assault

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 2 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Burglary

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 1 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Vehicle Theft

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 1 0 1 0
2022 1 0 1 0
2023 0 0 2 0

Arson

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Fires deemed to be officially labeled as a crime of arson by qualified fire investigators.

Dating Violence

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 5 5 0 0
2022 5 5 10 0
2023 4 3 5 0

Non-criminal or non DV statute offenses including verbal arguments, threat of force.

Domestic Violence

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 5 5 2 0
2022 9 9 5 0
2023 4 3 2 0

Crimes where a dating or domestic situation exists and an enumerated crime is committed.

Stalking

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 1 1 0 0
2022 1 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

A course of harassment or intimidation to an individual in dating or non dating situations.

Hate Crimes Bias Vandalism

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Crimes noted were anti-racial, anti-religion and/or anti-sexual orientation.

Bias Intimidation

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Crimes noted includes harassment or threats to a person for anti-racial.

Bias Simple Assault

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Bias Larceny/Theft

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Liquor Law Arrests

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

A citation or criminal arrest was performed by law enforcement.

Liquor Law Disciplinary Referrals

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 16 16 0 0
2022 22 22 0 0
2023 25 20 0 0

Where no arrest could be performed but a referral was made to conduct officials.

Drug Law Arrests

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 1 0

A citation or criminal arrest was performed by law enforcement.

Drug Law Referrals

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 23 23 0 0
2022 27 27 0 0
2023 19 18 0 0

Where no arrest could be performed but a referral was made to conduct officials.

Weapons Law Arrests

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Where a citation or criminal arrest was performed by law enforcement.

Weapons Law Referrals

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 1 1 0 0
2022 1 1 0 0
2023 5 4 0 0

Where no arrest could be performed but a referral was made to conduct officials.

Unfounded Crimes

Year Total On Campus Residence Halls Public Property Off Campus
2021 0 0 0 0
2022 0 0 0 0
2023 0 0 0 0

Safety Tips

  • Do not take your safety for granted. Be alert, aware and cautious. Use your best judgment, and avoid dangerous situations.
  • Trust your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you on the street, in an elevator or getting off a bus, head for a populated place or yell for help.
  • Do not assume that college campuses are automatically safe. The most common crime reported is theft.
  • Always keep your doors and windows locked. Never leave personal property unattended. If you have a peephole, use it or ask who is on the other side of the door. Be sure you know who is on the other side of the door before you open it.
  • Carry a cell phone, whistle or a personal alarm to alert people that you need help.
  • Attend an educational course and learn what can be done to avoid vulnerability to crimes like sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking.
  • Do not lend your keys to other people. Keep your keys safe and do not leave your keys in a place where somebody can take them.
  • Report lost or stolen keys to the Office of Security and/or the Office of Residential Education and Housing.
  • Do not prop open exterior doors. The safety and security of a building is only as sound as the people who reside there make it.
  • Do not bring unnecessary valuables to campus. Always secure valuables you do bring in a safe location and take them with you when you leave campus during break periods or extended periods of time.
  • Listening to loud music, wearing headphones or using your cell phone distracts you from being alert to potential safety issues. Unplug yourself and tune in to your immediate environment.
  • Report any suspicious activities or persons to the BC Office of Security by dialing “0” or extension 1366. Walk in groups of two or more, especially at night. Avoid isolated or non-lighted areas.
  • Always Park in lighted areas. Lock your car and lock your valuables in your trunk, and always remember to activate your vehicle security alarm when you leave your vehicle.
  • Know the locations of fire alarms, fire extinguishers and fire exits for the buildings that you use. Never tamper with a fire alarm or fire extinguisher.