
Click the image below to view the 2019 Annual Security Report
The Main Campus:
Regular Operating Hours:
- Switchboard Operator (0)
- Campus Police Department (708) 709-7777
- Chicago Heights Police 911
After hours
11 p.m. - 9 a.m.
Matteson Area Center:
- Matteson Area Center
(708) 709-3750
- Campus Police Department
(708) 709-7777
- Matteson Police 911
OVERVIEW
PSC is a richly diverse community college dedicated to student-centered instruction
that fosters success in adult, transfer, and workforce education. The PSC Police Department
is concerned about the safety and well-being of all staff, faculty, students, and
visitors. Crime prevention and awareness information is made available to educate
our college community so that we may all act proactively in the prevention of campus
crime. The PSC Police Department shall perform all duties in a professional manner
with pride, integrity, and compassion and will serve all without prejudice and uphold
the Constitutional Rights of people we encounter, as well as enforcing all laws of
the State of Illinois and the United States of America.
Campus safety and security is coordinated by the Prairie State College Police Department.
The department is located in Room 1100 of the main campus building. Satellite offices
are also located in the Health Tech building and the Adult Training and Outreach Center
of the College (ATOC).
The Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All full-time Police Department
Officers have completed state approved training as provided by the Illinois Private
Security Act of 1993. All police officers completed the training required by the State
of Illinois.
MISSION
Prairie State College Police Department’s goal is to help create an exceptionally
safe, secure campus for students and faculty to focus intently on excellent academics
and public service. We encourage an inclusive, respectful environment and protect
the free and civil exchange of ideas.
MONTHLY STATISTICS
Item | 5/18 | 6/18 | 7/18 | 8/18 | 9/18 | 10/18 | 11/18 | 12/18 | 1/19 | 2/19 | 3/19 | 4/19 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
911 Calls | 02 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 02 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 |
Assaults | 00 | 02 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
Assist Other Agencies | 01 | 00 | 00 | 03 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
Crash Reports | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 03 | 03 | 01 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 03 |
Disturbances | 04 | 03 | 00 | 00 | 05 | 02 | 03 | 00 | 01 | 03 | 04 | 06 |
Fire Alarms | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 02 | 01 | 04 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Lost/Found Property | 01 | 04 | 00 | 02 | 06 | 05 | 08 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 03 | 05 |
Medical Aid | 03 | 00 | 03 | 04 | 03 | 04 | 02 | 00 | 02 | 05 | 04 | 07 |
Motorist Assist | 09 | 04 | 00 | 07 | 06 | 07 | 06 | 08 | 01 | 05 | 04 | 06 |
Open Doors (Faculty/Staff) | 79 | 25 | 14 | 41 | 72 | 86 | 57 | 19 | 24 | 45 | 45 | 29 |
Open Doors Located After Hours | ||||||||||||
Panic Alarms | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 02 | 01 | 00 |
Parking Violations | 25 | 04 | 04 | 08 | 02 | 34 | 07 | 03 | 08 | 34 | 06 | 07 |
Suspicious Circumstances | 05 | 02 | 03 | 05 | 02 | 01 | 03 | 05 | 03 | 06 | 03 | 06 |
Thefts | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 01 | 00 |
Trespass Notices Issued | 02 | 01 | 00 | 02 | 02 | 02 | 03 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 04 |
Vehicle Repossessions | 00 | 00 | 00 | 02 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
Warrant Arrests | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 | 01 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
Timely Warnings
Emergency Response
How to Report a Crime
Hours of Operation
Report On-campus Emergency
Confidential Reporting
Campus Security
Campus Police Authority
Memorandum of Understanding
Security Awareness
Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons
Conduct
Substance Abuse Education
Sexual Harassment Policy
Definitions
Reporting an Incident
Written Notification of Rights
Procedures Victims Should Follow
On/Off Campus Resources
Victim Confidentiality
Hearing Results for Victims
Sexual Offender Registration
UCR Categories
Crime Definitions
Hate Crime Definitions
PRAIRIE STATE COLLEGE 2016 ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
Preparing, Publishing and Distributing the Annual Security Report
Prairie State is committed to providing a safe learning and working environment for all. In order to comply with newly enacted federal laws, policies and procedures have been created and adopted to prevent and/or respond to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking involving members of our campus community. These policies apply to all students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors.
Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), Prairie State College must publicly report its security policies and statistics about crimes occurring on and around its campuses. Under the act, some employees are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) who must report all applicable crimes to the Prairie State Police Department. CSAs include individuals associated with campus police department and other officials who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities; and individuals/units designated in PSC’s campus security policy as persons/units to which students and employees should report criminal offenses. If you are unsure about your reporting responsibilities or status as a CSA, you should contact the Prairie State College Police Department or the Human Resource Department.
Prospective students and employees are made aware of the ASR’s availability by notifications appearing on employment applications, admissions applications, and registration forms. The notification identifies the exact electronic address http://prairiestate.edu/student-life/police-and-campus-safety/statistics/index.aspx, a description of the contents of the ASR and advises of the individual’s right to request a paper copy of the ASR. The notification also provides the office location in which to obtain a paper copy of the ASR.
By October 1 an email notification is sent to all enrolled credit and non-credit students as well as all current employees providing information regarding the availability of the ASR. The notification identifies the exact electronic address, a description of the contents and an advisement that a paper copy will be provided upon request. The ASR is located on the college website ( http://prairiestate.edu/student-life/police-and-campus-safety/statistics/index.aspx), in the PSC Police Department (Room 1103) and in the Human Resource Department (Room 2402).
The Annual Security Report will be prepared by the PSC Police Department, Chief of Police or designee in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies having primary jurisdiction adjacent to the Chicago Heights and Matteson Area Center campuses. The Chief of Police will collaborate with college departments to ensure the timely preparation, publication and distribution of the ASR.
TIMELY WARNING
In the event there is a significant emergency, either on or off campus that in the
judgment of the Chief of Police or designee, constitutes an ongoing or continuing
threat, a campus wide "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued
at a minimum, through the following methods
- College Wide Emergency Notification System
- PSC employee and student emails accounts
- PSC website prairiestate.edu
Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, PSC Police may also issue the "timely warning" and related safety information via the Public Address System at the main campus.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURE
It is the policy of Prairie State College to keep students, staff and the Prairie
State community informed during those instances that represent a threat or a perceived
threat to the campus.
When a serious incident occurs that causes an immediate threat to the campus, the first responders to the scene are usually the PSCPD. Depending on the nature of the incident, other emergency responders or federal agencies could also be involved in responding to the incident.
All members of the Prairie State College Community are notified on an annual basis that they are required to notify the Prairie state College Police Department (PSCPD) of any situation or incident on campus that involves a significant emergency or dangerous situation that may involve an immediate or ongoing threat to the health and safety of students and/or employees on campus. PSCPD has the responsibility of responding to, and summoning the necessary resources, to mitigate, investigate, and document any situation that may cause a significant emergency or dangerous situation. In addition, the Prairie State College Police Department has a responsibility to respond to such incidents to determine if the situation does in fact, pose a threat to the community. If that is the case, Federal Law requires that the institution immediately notify the campus community or the appropriate segments of the community that may be affected by the situation.
During emergencies on the campus, the College Emergency Response Group will coordinate with the Police Department to formulate emergency direction and communications.
During emergencies the team will:
- Via public address system, cell and text messages, email, campus sign boards, and college website home page give full information and direction to those students and staff that may be affected.
- This information will be made immediately available to the entire college community as developments occur. The PSC Police Department will give regular updates, via the public address system, on evacuation information or other relevant emergency responses; unless the announcement would impact or jeopardize public safety or emergency operations; in those cases information will be made available as soon as possible.
In those instances where the community will be impacted, the College Emergency Response Group will formulate press releases, determine the content of the notification and initiate the notification system. The website home page will also be updated as needed.
There will be an annual testing of the emergency notification system and regular training for dispatch staff at the PSC Police Department.
Evacuations of buildings will be directed by the PSC Police Department as needed. Public address systems will be used to assist with building evacuations and informational updates during this process.
On November 1, 2017, at approximately 1123 hours an announced campus-wide evacuation exercise was conducted and the exercise was completed successfully without incident.
The College Emergency Response Group will is made up of the following members:
- Director, Chief of Campus Police
- Manager of Public Relations
- Executive Director of Facilities and Operations
HOW TO REPORT A CRIME ACCURATELY AND PROMPTLY
Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all
crimes and public safety related incidents to the Prairie State College Police Department
(PSCPD) in a timely manner. All incidents reported to PSCPD will be promptly and thoroughly
investigated. Violators will be dealt with through the Student Code of Conduct, College
Regulations and/or Criminal Prosecution.
The Dean of Students and counseling staff will inform their students of the procedures to report crime to the PSC Police on a voluntary basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the student.
Crimes or safety related issues including medical emergencies at any PSC Campus, may be reported in person at the PSCPD located in Room 1103 on the Main Campus, to any PSC Police Officer on any campus or by utilizing the following contact numbers:
Non-Emergency Offenses
Contact PSC Police at (708) 709-7777
Emergency situations including medical emergencies:
- utilize one of the many exterior blue light or interior direct connect emergency phones
- dial 911 to reach local police or fire. Call information will be relayed to PSCPD
In addition you may report a non-emergency crime to the following areas or numbers:
- Dean of Students Room 1200 or (708) 709-3518
- Counseling Room 1190 or (708) 709-3506
- Human Resources –Room 2402 or (708) 709-7884
The PSC Police Department is responsible for providing protective services and emergency response for the college campus. The department encourages the prompt reporting of all crimes or suspicious activities by the college community.
Complainants (victims) will be assisted by PSC Police to report a crime. Additional agencies that may be utilized are: the Chicago Heights Police Department, FBI, Illinois State Police, and Cook County Sheriff's Police.
Reporting an incident is a separate step from choosing to prosecute. When a report is filed there is no obligation to continue with legal proceedings or college disciplinary action. The victim/ complainant can choose whether or not to participate in proceedings at any point.
The Main Campus:
During regular operating hours:
Switchboard Operator 0
Police Department 7777
Chicago Heights Police 911 (using an on-campus phone)
After hours (9 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
Police Department (708) 709-7777
Chicago Heights Police 911
Campus courtesy telephones are located near the main elevator on each floor of the main building and strategic locations throughout the building. Courtesy telephones are also located at the northwest entrance in the Technical Center and the Conference Center Rotunda.
Download Call Box locations map.
Matteson Area Center:
Matteson Area Center (708) 709-3750
Police Department (708) 709-7777
Matteson Police 911
HOURS OF OPERATION
Main Building: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed and locked secure by 10 p.m.
K - Building: Monday-Friday, open and closed as requested for functions; closed and locked secure by 10 p.m.
ATOC Building: Monday-Friday, opened 7 a.m. and locked at the conclusion of classes on scheduled days.
Health/Tech Building: Monday-Friday, opened 7 a.m. and locked at the conclusion of classes on scheduled days.
All buildings: Sundays, Holidays, and break periods, closed and locked secure with no access for students.
Exceptions to the above may be authorized in advance of the scheduled function and with proper approval.
REPORT AN ON-CAMPUS CRIME OR EMERGENCY
This should be done immediately. The reasons for reporting to the PSCPD are:
- to take action which may prevent further victimization, including issuing a crime alert to warn the campus community of an impending threat to their safety
- to apprehend the assailant
- to seek justice for the wrong that has been done to you, and
- to have the incident recorded for purposes of reporting statistics about incidents that occurred on campus.
If you choose to report the incident, a PSC police officer will take a statement from you regarding what happened. The officer will ask you to describe the assailant(s) and may ask questions about the scene of the crime, any witnesses, and what happened before and after the incident. You may have a support person with you during this interview.
CONFIDENTIAL REPORTING OF CRIMES (LIMITED)
PSC does not specifically allow for confidential reporting of crimes, however, there
are reporting methods that will minimize and in some cases eliminate the possibility
that your information might become public. If you are the victim of a crime and do
not want to pursue action through the criminal justice system, you may still want
to consider one of the following reporting options: PSC community members wishing
to remain anonymous, may report information about criminal acts or suspicious activities
on campus, by being a silent witness and sending an email message to the PSC Police Department. The anonymity of the sender
and the information provided will be held in the strictest confidence. The PSC Police
Department then will initiate the appropriate investigation or action.
Report to PSC Police, Dean of Students or Counseling to make a report. In these cases, your report will remain confidential within the college system to the extent permitted by law. These reports will allow PSC to help insure your safety and the safety of other students or staff based on the information you provide. With such information, the college can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to particular locations, methods, or assailants, and alert the campus community to potential danger. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes statistics for the institution.
CAMPUS SECURITY AND ACCESS
Campus buildings and facilities are open to the public during normal college business
hours. Business hours vary per campus but in general are Monday – Friday 6 a.m. –
10 p.m. with varying hours on weekends. For all Board of Trustee designated holidays,
all campuses will be closed as well as on Friday – Sunday during the summer months
when summer hours are in effect. During any closing, access to main campus only, will
be limited to pre-approved individuals or emergency entry which will be gained by
contacting PSCPD by calling (708) 709-7777.
Main campus is staffed by PSC Police 24/7. Other campuses are patrolled intermittently by PSCPD as well as by local police agencies. Approximately 105 security cameras, both internal and external, are located at all campuses.
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) STATEMENT
The PSC Police Department does not have any formal MOUs with surrounding police agencies
for day to day operations. However PSCPD does have an Intergovernmental Cooperation
Agreement in part to utilize the Chicago Heights Police Department lock up facility.
An excellent working relationship is maintained with the Chicago Heights Police Department
whose jurisdiction PSC campus lies within.
SECURITY AWARENESS, CRIME PREVENTION AND SAFETY PROGRAM
PSCPD utilizes a number of methods to make students and staff aware of the various
safety issues and concerns that exist on PSC campus, and in their day to day routine
both on and off campus. PSCPD also offers various training sessions on how to avoid
victimization. Below is a list of some of the programs and presentations utilized
to achieve those goals.
Orientation Safety Presentations are made each semester by PSCPD and the Dean of Students or information provided at New Student Orientation and New Faculty Orientation;
PSC Police Book: Each year an updated Police Book is printed and distributed throughout campus as well as being posted in PDF format on the PSC police website page. This booklet contains the annual Clery ASR along with additional safety information.
Safety Presentations: Safety presentations by PSCPD are made to various employee and student groups such as department meetings, union meetings, Student Government Association, and College Council, upon request. These include Active Shooter Response as well as more routine safety discussions.
Evacuation, Shelter Map and Emergency Procedure booklets are posted in all classrooms, office areas and in various public locations.
PSCPD conducts female Self Defense classes on campus throughout the year.
Drills: Annual fire and tornado drills are conducted on PSC campuses. Additionally Active Shooter Drills are conducted annually for faculty, staff and some students. Table top and full scale drills are also conducted annually with the College Emergency Response Resource Group per the College Emergency Operations Plan.
PSC Handbook: Each year an updated Police Book is printed and distributed throughout campus as well as being posted in PDF format on the PSC police website page. This booklet contains the annual Clery ASR along with additional safety information.
Evacuation and Shelter Maps are posted in all classrooms, office areas and in various public locations.
Emergency Call Boxes: Ten emergency call boxes are located in the parking lots of the main campus and in the north campus complex. The Emergency Call Boxes are activated by pushing the button. Each call box is individually identified to its location when activated and will put you in immediate contact with a campus safety officer to assist you.
Mobility Impaired Persons: The PSCPD has enhanced its emergency evacuation capability for Mobility Impaired Persons by installing the Garaventa Evacu-Trac CD7 evacuation device. These devices are encased in metal cabinets and marked "Emergency Evacuation Device". They are located on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors at the southeast and northeast tower stairwell entrances. An additional device is located on the 2nd floor in the northwest stairwell entrance.
Escort Program: The PSC Police Department offers a free escort service providing assistance to students, faculty, and staff, as well as visitors to the campus.
Vehicle Assistance: Vehicle assistance - including jump starts, lockouts and motorist emergency notifications, is available to persons that are properly registered and display the required PSC parking permit/sticker.
PSC Emergency Panic System provides individual panic buttons for staff who work in areas where they feel isolated or where they could become involved in confrontational situations. Upon activation these buttons send a prerecorded message to all PSC Police radios as well as to Police Dispatch. Currently this system is available on the main campus.
PSC Camera System consists of approximately 105 cameras located throughout the main campus and the MAC.
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs): AEDs are distributed strategically throughout the main campus and the MAC. Training is provided periodically to staff members on AED use and First Aid.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS, WEAPONS
The college has the obligation to uphold federal, state, and local laws regarding
the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs. The college
will cooperate with legal authorities in the investigation of the illegal use, sale
or distribution of alcohol and /or drugs.
Alcohol: The state of Illinois requires that persons be 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages, including wine and beer. Violators are subject to arrest. In addition, the college prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by any student, regardless of age, in any area of the college. Violators are subject to official college disciplinary regulations.
Drugs: The college prohibits the possession, use or distribution of any controlled substance by anyone, in any area of the campus. Any individual possessing, using or distributing such drugs is subject to arrest, imprisonment or fine according to the applicable laws, as well as official college disciplinary regulations.
Weapons: The illegal possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major or minor explosives, or any lethal weapon is forbidden and subject to criminal sanctions as well as official disciplinary regulations.
CONDUCT
The PSC Police Department aims to create a positive atmosphere focused on learning
and free of as many distractions as possible. We ask the community to help by adhering
to the PSC Board of Trustees policies and respecting the rights of each person visiting
or working at Prairie State College.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION SERVICES
PSC has various programs developed to educate students and staff regarding the impact
of substance abuse and to assist those seeking help with substance abuse issues. Some
of the programs are listed below:
Holistic Wellness sponsors Alcohol and Drug Awareness Week every October. Throughout the week, sessions are conducted on Alcohol Education, Prevention and Addiction, Drunk Driving etc.
Wellness Fair is conducted every April. This fair consists of multiple informational booths on a wide variety of health related issues including, alcohol and drug abuse, prevention and recovery resources.
Domestic Violence Awareness Week is conducted every October. During this week various sessions are held including educational sessions showing the link between domestic violence and drug/alcohol usage.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services are available to employees through the PSC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and to students through the PSC Counseling Department.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT BOARD POLICY C-9
Prairie State College shall support and protect the right of all employees and students
to work and learn in an environment free from unsolicited an unwelcome sexual overtures.
Sexual harassment is, therefore, unacceptable conduct for College employees and students
and is subject to sanctions and disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal
or expulsion. Sexual
Harassment is illegal under state and federal law. Both victims and third parties should contact the Manager of Compliance and Effectiveness to report incidents of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence. For more information visit prairiestate.edu.
DEFINITIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, AND STALKING
Sexual assault is any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or
against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the
victim is incapable of giving consent, as well as incest or statutory rape.
Domestic violence includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim.
Dating violence means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim.
Stalking is engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
REPORTING AN INCIDENT
If a student, employee or visitor has been the victim of a sexual assault, domestic
violence, dating violence, or stalking on the campus, they should immediately notify
the Prairie State Police at (708)709-7777 and an officer will be dispatched to meet
with you. If you are in immediate danger, get to a safe location and wait for an officer
to arrive. If off campus within Chicago Heights or Matteson, notify the responsible
local law enforcement agency by calling 911. Students and staff may also report the
incident to the following staff in Office of Student Services or Compliance and Effectiveness:
(708) 709-3653 | tbrewer1@prairiestate.edu
Shannon Word, Personal Counselor
(708) 709 3511 | sword@prairiestate.edu
These offices will assist a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in notifying law enforcement, (Prairie State of local police), if they elect to do so. Victims are not required to report to law enforcement in order to receive assistance from or pursue any options with the Prairie State.
WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS AND OPTIONS
Any student or employee who reports an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence,
dating violence, or stalking, whether the incident occurred on or off campus, shall
receive a written explanation of their options and rights as provided for under this
policy.
PROCEDURES VICTIMS SHOULD FOLLOW
If an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking
occurs, it is important to preserve evidence so that a successful criminal prosecution
remains an option.
A student who is a victim of a sexual assault has the option of seeking treatment at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights Illinois 708-756-1000, South Suburban in Hazel Crest 708-799-7000. If the victim wishes to access resources after normal business hours, contact Prairie State Police at 708-709-7777 and an officer will provide the necessary assistance.
Staff and visitors who are victims of sexual assault will receive the same treatment and support as mentioned above.
When possible, a victim should not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical exam – which is important both to address any health issues that may arise and for evidence collection.
Evidence of violence, such as bruising or other visible injuries, following an incident of domestic or dating violence should be documented by taking a photograph. On Campus this will be handled by the Prairie State Police or health professionals. If the event occurred off campus, the local police agency will handle the documentation. Evidence of stalking including any communication, such as written notes, voice mail or other electronic communications should be saved and not altered in any way. Provide this to the law enforcement officer who responds to your call.
Continued guidelines for assistance if you are raped or sexually assaulted:
- Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
- Try to preserve all the physical evidence. Do not wash, use the toilet, or change clothing if you can avoid it. If you do change clothes, put all clothing you were wearing at the time of the attack in a paper, not plastic, bag.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible to make sure you are physically well and to collect important evidence in the event you may later wish to take legal action.
- Contact PSC Police Department at extension 7777 or the Chicago Heights Police using 911 immediately.
- Talk with a counselor who will maintain confidentiality, help explain your options, give you information, and provide emotional support.
- Contact someone you trust to be with you and support you.
Medical Treatment
It is important to seek immediate and follow-up medical attention for several reasons:
- To assess and treat the physical injuries you may have sustained;
- To determine the risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy and take necessary preventive measures;
- To gather evidence that could aid in criminal prosecution. Physical evidence should be collected immediately, ideally within the first 24 hours. It may be collected later than this, but the quality and quantity of the evidence may be diminished.
ON AND OFF CAMPUS RESOURCES
Prairie State College, Chicago Heights and Matteson communities offer other important
resources to the victims of sexual violence which may including medical treatment,
counseling and advocacy they may wish to utilize. The PSC Title IX Coordinator (Manager,
Compliance and Effectiveness) (708) 709-3653 is available to assist any student or
employee free of charge and will help them consider their options and navigate through
any resources or recourse they elect to pursue. A victim need not make a formal report
to law enforcement to access these resources that include the following.
- Prairie State Counseling Center (708)709-3506
- Chicago Heights Police Department (708)756-6400
- The CARE Center (708)788-6759
- Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888)293-2080
- South Suburban YWCA (708)748-5672
Whether or not a student or employee reports to law enforcement and/or pursues any formal action, if they report an incident of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking Prairie State College is committed to providing a safe learning and/or working environment as possible. Upon request, the Prairie State will make any reasonable, available change to a victim’s academic and/or working situation. Students may contact Student Services (708)709-3506 for assistance, and employees may contact the Title IX Coordinator (708) 709-3653 for assistance.
If a victim reports the incident to the Prairie State Police, they will assist them in obtaining a temporary protective order through the circuit court. Prairie State is committed to ensuring that any such order is fully upheld on all institutionally owned and controlled property. Prairie State College is also committed to protecting victims from any further harm.
VICTIM CONFIDENTIALITY
Prairie State recognizes the often-sensitive nature of sexual assault, domestic violence,
dating violence, and stalking incidents. We are committed to protecting the privacy
of any individual who makes a report. Different officials and personnel are, however,
able to offer varying levels of privacy protection to victims. Reports made to law
enforcement, including if criminal prosecution is pursued, may be made public though
by law, the victim’s name cannot be released to the press. However, if a criminal
prosecution is initiated, the victim’s name, the accusation, including witnesses must
be shared with the accused.
Reports made to Prairie State officials will be kept confidential, and identifying information about the victim shall not be made public. However, general information about the crime may be distributed as a timely warning if it meets the criteria required by the Clery Act. Victim’s name and other personal information is never part of a timely warning. Information about the crime and victim will only be shared with institutional personnel as needed to investigate and effectively respond to the report. Every effort will be made to limit the scope of information shared to keep it to a minimum of detail, and only when absolutely necessary. Reports made to medical professionals, licensed mental health counselors, pastoral counselors if available, and will not be shared with any third parties except in cases of imminent danger to the victim or a third party.
HEARING RESULTS AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE AND SEX OFFENSES
College Disciplinary Action
If you have been sexually assaulted by another student or students and are considering
taking action through the college, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with the
Dean of Student Development and Campus Life or his designee. This will allow you a
chance to review the procedures should you decide to file a formal complaint through
the college’s disciplinary/judicial system. This discussion does not obligate you
to pursue official action. If you decide to take part in the college adjudication
process, you should contact the Dean of Student Development and campus life and Judicial
Affairs. Charges may either be filed directly by you or by the college on the basis
of your written statement. Such a charge would be handled in accordance with the procedures
relating to violations of the college’s Student Code of Conduct regulations. Assailants
could be subject to disciplinary action pending review by the college judicial system.
Those students found responsible for violating the code in this way could be suspended
or expelled. Under the college’s disciplinary procedures, both the accuser and the
accused are entitled to have an advisor or support person present during the hearing.
Students who allege sexual assault by another student may request a change in their
academic situation on campus after the alleged incident takes place if such changes
are reasonably available. Finally, in accordance with federal regulations, both the
accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary
proceedings alleging sexual assault. ,/p>
Education Programs
Prairie State College is committed to increasing the awareness of and prevention of
all forms of violence. All incoming students and new employees are provided with programming
and strategies intended to prevent rape, acquaintance rape, other forms of sexual
assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking before it occurs through
the changing of social norms and other approaches; that includes a clear statement
that the Prairie State of Prairie State prohibits such acts, their definitions, the
definition of consent, options for bystander intervention, information about risk
reduction, and our policies and procedures for responding to these incidents. Ongoing
prevention and awareness campaigns are also offered throughout the year. These programs
include new employee orientation and self-defense for women – taught by the Prairie
State Police.
Prairie State College strictly prohibits all acts of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Incidents involving accused students will be handled by the Dean of Student Development and Campus Life and incidents involving accused employees/affiliates will be handled by the Title IX coordinator located in the Compliance and Effectiveness Office. In addition to facing criminal investigation and prosecution, students and employees may also face disciplinary action by the Prairie State. Students found responsible for having committed such a violation may face probation, suspension or permanent expulsion from Prairie State College, or other penalties as dictated by the Student Code of Conduct. The responsible student may also be ordered to have no contact with the victim and pay appropriate restitution for any loss or cost to the victim.
Staff and faculty members found responsible may face probation, suspension, or termination of employment. Vendors can be expelled from campus and prohibited from bidding on future work. Any student, staff or vendor expelled from the campus will also be criminal trespassed from the campus.
All conduct proceedings, whether the conduct is reported to have occurred on or off-campus shall provide a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution. All investigations and proceedings shall be conducted by officials who have received annual training on the nature of the types of cases they are handling and how to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. The investigation and proceedings will be conducted in a manner that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability. Investigations shall be conducted within 60 days unless there are mitigating circumstances in which case the accuser and accused shall be notified, provided an explanation for the delay, and the amount of additional time required.
Determinations shall be made within seven business days unless there are mitigating circumstances in which case the accuser and accused shall be notified, provided an explanation for the delay, and the amount of additional time required. Determination of responsibility shall be made by using the preponderance of the evidence standard (which means that it is more likely than not that the alleged misconduct occurred).In all proceedings, including any related meetings or hearings, both the accused and accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present. This includes the right to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.
Both the accused and accuser shall simultaneously be informed in writing of the outcome of the proceeding, of procedures and time-frame for appealing results of the outcome, of any change to the results that occurs prior to the time that the decision become final, and when such results become final. Disclosure of the outcome shall be made to both parties unconditionally, and each shall be free to share or not share the details with any third parties. For additional information about student conduct proceedings please consult the PSC student handbook available at http://prairiestate.edu/assets/global/security/CrimeAwareness.pdf
SEXUAL OFFENDER REGISTRATION
The Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act - 730 ILCS 150/3, requires that any student
or employee who is required by law to register as a sex offender must also register
with the PSC Police Department. PSCPD maintains a Sex Offender Registration Log listing
all employees or students who have registered as sex offenders. PSCPD also crosschecks
Illinois sex offenders who have indicated to their local registering agency, that
they are either employed at or attend PSC, to assure that they have complied with
registration requirements here at the College. This log is available for viewing in
person at the PSCPD located in Room 1103 on main campus upon request and with proper
identification.
The Illinois Sex Offender Registry can be viewed at http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/.
THE FOLLOWING UCR CATEGORIES WILL BE SEARCHED FOR OBTAINING CLERY ACT STATISTICS FOR THE ASR
Murder
UCR Code | Description |
0110 | First Degree Murder |
0120 | Voluntary Manslaughter of Unborn |
0130 | Second Degree Murder |
0141 | Involuntary Manslaughter |
0165 | Involuntary Manslaughter of Unborn |
Sex Offenses: Forcible & Non-Forcible
UCR Code | Description |
1562 | Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse |
1563 | Criminal Sexual Abuse |
1585 | All Other Sex Offenses |
0260 | Criminal Sexual Assault |
0261 | Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault |
0280 | Predatory Sexual Assault / child |
0281 | Criminal Sexual Assault with/object |
Robbery: Taking of something, presence of a victim, threat of fear, armed or not armed
UCR Code | Description |
0310 | Armed Robbery |
0320 | Robbery |
0330 | Aggravated Robbery |
Aggravated Assault/Battery
UCR Code | Description |
0510 | Aggravated Assault |
0560 | Assault |
0410 | Aggravated Battery |
0460 | Battery |
0475 | Battery of Unborn Child |
0480 | Heinous Battery |
0485 | Aggravated Battery of a Child |
0486 | Domestic Battery |
0487 | Aggravated Battery of an Unborn Child |
0495 | Aggravated Battery of a Senior Citizen |
Burglary: (do not include auto locked or unlocked, or from machines either)
UCR Code | Description |
0610 | Burglary |
0625 | Residential Burglary |
Motor Vehicle Theft
UCR Code | Description |
0910 | Motor Vehicle Theft |
Arson
UCR Code | Description |
1010 | Arson |
1025 | Aggravated Arson |
Hate Crimes
UCR Code | Description |
3965 | Hate Crime |
9735 | Initiation/ Participation of a hate crime/ incidence of bias |
Weapons
UCR Code | Description |
1380 | Unlawful Storage of Weapons |
1410 | Unlawful Use of Weapon |
1435 | Unlawful Possession of firearm |
9723 | Illegal / Unauthorized Possession of Weapons |
Drug Abuse
UCR Code | Description |
1910 | Possession of methamphetamine |
1811 | Possession of Cannabis 30 grams and Under |
1812 | Possession of Cannabis over 30 grams |
2020 | Possession of controlled substance |
2050 | Criminal Drug Conspiracy |
2040 | Delivery or possession w/intent to distribute |
2160 | Sale/Delivery of Drug paraphernalia |
2170 | Possession of Drug Equipment |
2220 | Illegal possession by a minor |
2420 | Driving Under the influence – drug |
9404 | Suicide / Drugs |
9721 | Use of Possession of controlled substance |
9953 | Drug Paraphernalia |
9909 | Minor in possession of alcohol |
Drug Arrests: (based off the above UCR’s used for Drug Abuse)
Liquor Law Violations
UCR Code | Description |
2210 | Sales of Liquor to minor / drunkard |
2410 | Driving Under the Influence - Alcohol |
2430 | Illegal Transportation |
9909 | Minor in possession of alcohol |
9722 | Use / possession / distribution of alcohol |
CRIME DEFINITIONS
- 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.
- Forcible 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.
- Forcible Rape: The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any bodypart or object or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent ofthe victim. NOTE: This definition encompasses acts of sodomy and sexual assault with anobject.
- Forcible Sodomy: Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/oragainst that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Sexual Assault with an Object: The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Forcible 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 his/her age or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity. Non-Forcible Sex Offenses: Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse.
- Incest: Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
- Statutory Rape: Non-forcible 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, violence and/or causing the victim 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 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 which could or probably would result in a serious potential injury if the crime were successfully completed.
- Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or a felony, breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny, housebreaking, safecracking and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
- Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. (Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access even though the vehicles are later abandoned, including joy riding.)
- 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, etc.
- 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; all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)
- 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).
- Illegal Weapons Law Possession: 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; all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.
- 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. The existence of such a 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.
- Dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or threat of such abuse.
- Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence:
- A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:
- By a current or former spouse or intimate partner of 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 a partner
- By a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred, or
- By any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred.
Stalking:
- Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:
- Fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or Stalking (contd.)
- Suffer substantial emotional distress
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.
Substantial emotional distress means significant mental suffering or anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional treatment or counseling.
Reasonable person means a reasonable under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the victim.
Bystander intervention means safe and positive options that may be carried out by an individual or individuals to prevent harm or intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Bystander intervention includes, recognizing situations of potential harm, understanding institutional structures and cultural conditions that facilitate violence, overcoming barriers to intervening, identifying safe and effective intervention options, and taking action to intervene.
HATE CRIME DEFINITIONS
Hate Crimes: A criminal offense committed against a person or property which is motivated,
in whole or part, by the offender’s bias. Bias is a preformed negative opinion or
attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, gender, gender identity, religion,
disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity/national origin.
Prairie State College is required to report statistics for bias-related (hate) crimes by the type of bias as defined below for the following classifications: murder/non-negligent manslaughter, sex offenses (forcible and non-forcible), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation and destruction/damage/vandalism of property.
Larceny-Theft: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another. Constructive possession is the condition in which a person does not have physical custody or possession, but is in a position to exercise dominion or control over a thing.
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: 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.
If a hate crime occurs where there is an incident involving intimidation, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, larceny-theft or simple assault, the law requires that the statistic be reported as a hate crime even though there is no requirement to report the crime classification in any of the Clery Crime Definitions.
Criminal Homicide
- Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another. NOTE: Deaths caused by negligence, attempts to kill, assaults to kill, suicides, accidental deaths, and justifiable homicides are excluded.
- 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.
Under the Clery Act, the administration of a date rape drug in an unsuccessful attempt to incapacitate and sexually assault the victim, and investigation determines that the perpetrator’s attempt was to commit a sex offense, is a sexual assault.
Administration of a date rape drug in which intent cannot be proven is an Aggravated Assault.
- 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. NOTE: This definition encompasses acts of sodomy and sexual assault with an object.
- Fondling: The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or, not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.
- Statutory Rape: The non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent. For the State of Illinois the age of consent is 17 years. Illinois allows 0 years age difference between two participating persons to whom the section applies.
- Incest: The non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
- 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: The 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 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 which could or probably would result in a serious potential injury if the crime were successfully completed. Aggravated assault includes poisoning (date rape drug, etc.)
- Burglary: The unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. For reporting purposes this definition includes: unlawful entry with intent to commit a larceny or a felony; breaking and entering with intent to commit a larceny; housebreaking; safecracking; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.(Classify as motor vehicle theft all cases where automobiles are taken by persons not having lawful access, even though the vehicles are later abandoned – including joy riding).
- 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.
- Hate Crimes: A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property which
is motivated in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias. Bias is a preformed negative
opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, gender, religion,
disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin, or gender identity.
- Race: A preformed negative attitude toward a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics (e.g., color of skin, eyes, and/or hair; facial features, etc.) genetically transmitted by descent and heredity, which distinguish them as a distinct division of humankind (e.g., Asians, blacks, whites).
- Gender: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons because those persons are male or female.
- Religion: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who share the same religious beliefs regarding the origin and purpose of the universe and the existence or nonexistence of a supreme being (e.g., Catholics, Jews, Protestants, atheists).
- Disability: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their physical or mental impairments/challenges, whether such disability is temporary or permanent, congenital or acquired by heredity, accident, injury, advanced age or illness.
- Sexual Orientation: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their sexual attraction toward, and responsiveness to, members of their own sex or members of the opposite sex (e.g., gays, lesbians, heterosexuals).
- Ethnicity: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of people whose members identify with each other, through a common heritage, often consisting of a common language, common culture (often including a shared religion) and/or ideology that stresses common ancestry. The concept of ethnicity differs from the closely related term race in that “race” refers to grouping based mostly upon biological criteria, while “ethnicity” also encompasses additional cultural factors. National Origin: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons of the same race or national origin who share common or similar traits, languages, customs and traditions (e.g., Arabs, Hispanics).
- Gender Identity: A preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a person or group of persons based on their actual or perceived gender identity (e.g., transgender or gender non-conforming individuals). For the purposes of the Clery Act, hate crimes include any offense in the following group that is motivated by bias.
FBI UCR General and Hate Crimes include
- Murder and Non-negligent manslaughter
- Forcible sex offenses
- Non-forcible sex offenses
- Robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Burglary
- Motor vehicle theft
- Arson
- Larceny/Theft
- Simple Assault
- Intimidation
- Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property area of the compliance document.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Evacuation drills are a key element of the Prairie State College Emergency Operations
Plan. Planning, training, and drills are the best insurance for protecting everyone
on campus, and your safety is one of our highest priorities.
Emergency Evacuation Areas (for assistance with evacuation)
Emergency Evacuation Areas are located in the north/east and south/east towers of
the second, third, and fourth floors, and are marked with signs reading, "Emergency
Evacuation Area." In the event of an emergency, each Emergency Evacuation Area is
equipped with Emergency Evacuation Devices to assist students, faculty, or staff members
with mobility concerns.
People with Mobility Issues
In the event of a fire or other unforeseen emergency, it is imperative to have evacuation
information in place for assisting people in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.
In view of this, please read the following information carefully.
The College owns six EvacuChairs, two for each floor of the main building. These specially-equipped chairs transport people across flat ground or maneuver down any stairway and are easy to use. Each chair is concealed in a beige metal cabinet, located next to a stairway in the following places:
- 2nd Floor
NE side - near Room 2150
SE side - near Room 2106 - 3rd Floor
NE side - near Room 3136
SE side - near Room 3290 - 4th Floor
NE side - near Room 4130
SE side - near Room 4285
Each EvacuChair site also has a hanging sign denoting “Emergency Evacuation Area.”
In the event of a fire or other emergency, anyone in a wheelchair or with a mobility issue should go immediately to one of the EvacuChair sites and stay there. This is where emergency personnel will look for them. Please assist in directing anyone to one of these sites.