GUIDE TO CAMPUS SAFETY 2012-2013
SECTION I - ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
SECTION II - ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT
SECTION I – ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT
Introduction
Occidental College is concerned about the safety and security of all members and guests of the campus
community and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment. The College enjoys a park-like
setting; however, we are ever mindful of our location in a major metropolitan area. We realize we are not
isolated from crime and are proactive in our efforts at crime prevention.
The Campus Safety Department prepares this publication in cooperation with Student Affairs and
Residential Education to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime
Statistics Act. The full text is also located on our website http://www.oxy.edu/campus-safety. Campus
crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to the Campus Safety Department, designated
College officials, and the Los Angeles Police Department. These statistics may also include crimes that
have occurred in private residences or businesses within the Safety Escort Program zone. A printed copy
of the Guide to Campus Safety is available upon request to the Director of Campus Safety. Files related
to the Clery Report are maintained by the Director of Campus Safety and are updated annually.
Although we have been fortunate in not experiencing a significant number of serious crimes, some
incidents have taken place. To prevent such occurrences, a professionally trained Campus Safety force, a
competent Residence Education and Housing Services staff, faculty, staff, and students themselves take
responsibility for contributing to a safe environment.
The Occidental College campus consists of more than 50 academic, athletic, business and
residential structures and parking lots/structures as well as five sports fields, situated on 123 acres in the
Eagle Rock community of the City of Los Angeles. The College leases a storefront at 2106 Colorado
Blvd., Los Angeles that serves the community as the Urban Environmental Policy Institute.
Students, faculty and staff should always carry College identification when on campus. A special
ID is available to alumni for a small fee. Identification checks are required for admission to the library
and athletic facilities as well as to most campus events.
Campus Safety Officers
The Campus Safety Department provides safety, security and emergency response services for the
College 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by 14 full-time, unarmed, uniformed officers and the director
of Campus Safety. Officers are on duty patrolling the campus and are able to respond quickly to those
needing assistance. Typical patrols are carried out on foot, bicycle or in marked Campus Safety
department patrol vehicles.
The arrest powers of Campus Safety officers are found in the California Penal Code, Section 834.
All full-time Officers are registered with the California Department of Justice, Division of Consumer
Affairs as security officers and have completed as a minimum, California Penal Code 832 and 832.3
training as prescribed by P.O.S.T. specifications. Several full-time officers are graduates of police
academies. All officers have first aid/responder, CERT, CPR and proper use of PR-24 baton certification.
On-going training at least once a month is mandatory for all full-time Campus Safety officers.
Campus Safety staff is augmented by a cadre of well-trained on-call officers who assist with
College events and other special assignments. Student staff provides safety escorts and office support.
The department also employs a broad array of electronic devices including video recording, fire alarms,
intrusion alarms, card access systems and blue-light emergency phones; which are located throughout the
campus. All incoming calls to Campus Safety are electronically logged and recorded.
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A procedure is in place that allows for complaints or commendations to be filed concerning
Campus Safety officer response. Forms are available in the Campus Safety office, Human Resources and
the Student Activities Center.
Campus Safety maintains a cooperative relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department,
Northeast Division and calls upon them for support when the need arises.
Additional Campus Safety Department Services
The Campus Safety department is also responsible for providing support services tailored to meet the
needs of the Occidental College community. Some of these services are to:
 Coordinate OxyAlert, emergency operations, and disaster response efforts.
 Manage the campus parking permit and traffic regulation program.
 Investigate incident, vehicle accident and crime reports.
 Alert the community to risks of crime as warranted.
 Present crime prevention information and programs.
 Manage the Safety Escort Program (safe escorts on campus and within a 2 block radius of campus
dusk to dawn)
 Furnish security support and crowd control for College events or special projects.
 Gather, maintain and disseminate information on incidents of crime on campus and in the
surrounding neighborhood as required by law.
 Provide vehicle battery jump-starts.
 Assist with building lockouts.
 Maintain a lost and found.
 Respond to activated intrusion, security and fire alarms for the entire campus and College-owned
houses.
 Provide and maintain an ongoing commitment to training in technical and tactical topics, as well
as College policies and procedures.
 Transport sick and injured students on campus 24 hours a day
Access Policy
Occidental College, while a private college, is open and inviting and is used by community members and
others drawn to the campus for a variety of reasons. Persons with legitimate business are welcome.
However, entrance may be denied and the trespass laws invoked for persons found in or around our
buildings without legitimate reasons.
Academic and business buildings are open during regular business hours. Students must obtain
written permission to use department facilities after hours. For safety reasons, two or more students are
required to be present in any classroom, lab, computer lab or reading reference room after 10 pm. The
Mary Norton Clapp Library is open 24 hours a day, five days a week during the academic year.
All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day. For the safety of all residents and the protection of
personal property, all members of the campus community are strongly urged not to prop open any locked
door. Campus Safety officer patrols as well as the Residence Education staff frequent rounds help to
enforce the non-propping of doors in residence halls.
Also owned and maintained by the College are a fraternity house and 46 rental houses, all located
in the neighborhood adjacent to the campus.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Occidental College’s alcohol and drug policy complies with the requirements set forth by the Drug-Free
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Schools and Community Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226; final regulations published on
Aug. 16, 1990) that require the College to certify to the U.S. Department of Education by Oct. 1, 1990,
that it had adopted and implemented a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol
by its students. The alcohol and drug policy provides students with standards of conduct regarding the
unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, controlled substances and marijuana; legal sanctions
under local, state, federal law as well as university sanctions; and information regarding health risks and
treatment services for substance abuse. This alcohol and drug policy is reviewed every two years by a
committee of faculty, administrators, staff and students. The current policy is located on line at:
http://www.oxy.edu/student-handbook/general-college-policies/alcohol-and-other-drugs-policy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty with regard to the use or abuse of alcohol or other
drugs, there are resources available to provide information, assessment and treatment.
Information and Referrals:
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs:
Pasadena Council on Alcoholism
And Drug Dependency
1245 E. Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91106-1878
626-795-9127
BHC Alhambra Hospital
4619 N. Rosemead Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
800-235-5570
Al-Anon Family Group, INC.
Central Office
4936 Lankershim Blvd.
North Hollywood , CA 91601
818-760-7122
Alcoholics Anonymous
L.A. Central Office
4311 Wilshire Blvd. #104
Los Angeles , CA 90010
Main Los Angeles Office 323-936-4343
Glendale Branch 818-242-1350
Narcotics Anonymous Help Line
626-303-4156
Della Martin Center for Behavioral Sciences
At Huntington Hospital
100 W. California Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91109
800-310-9855
For further information on resources in this area, consult with the staff at Emmons Health Center
http://www.oxy.edu/emmons-health-center/psychological-services/mental-health-emergencies.
259-2657
Crime Prevention
During Orientation, students and parents are informed of services offered by Campus Safety. In addition,
they are told about crime on-campus and in the surrounding neighborhood. Crime prevention and
awareness programs are offered by various campus organizations throughout the year. A common theme
of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of
their responsibility for their own safety and the security of their belongings.
Crime Notifications:
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Numerous efforts are made to advise members of the campus community in a timely manner about
campus crime and crime-related problems. These efforts include:
 Daily Crime Log: In keeping with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, Campus Safety maintains a daily crime log that records
criminal incidents by the date reported. The log includes nature of the crime, date and time the
crime occurred, general location of the crime and the disposition of the complaint, if known. The
Daily Crime Log is available for review online at http://www.oxy.edu/campus-safety/crimereporting-clery-act/daily-crime-log or in the Campus Safety office.
 Daily Logs/Observation Reports/Incident Reports: These logs and reports are distributed to
senior administrators and selected members of the College community via email transmissions
each business day. Copies may be requested from the director of Campus Safety.
 The Annual Report: The Guide to Campus Safety is a comprehensive report which is compiled,
published, and distributed annually in compliance with the federal Clery Act. The report is
distributed to all members of the campus community and is available to potential students and
employees upon request. It is also available online at the Campus Safety Department website.
 Special Alerts/Timely Warnings: When circumstances warrant, special crime and incident alerts
are prepared and distributed via hard copy and e-mail. Other methods may be utilized on a caseby-case basis, including the distribution of fliers in targeted areas, the OxyAlert Emergency
Notification System, or on the College website.
 Oxy Alert Emergency Notification System: In the event of a major incident/emergency on
campus, this warning system is activated. A siren sounds to alert the campus of the emergency
situation and voice mail and text messages are sent to cell phones of persons who have enrolled as
well as selected desk phones.
 Crime Prevention Bulletins: Bulletins are periodically prepared and distributed to raise
awareness and encourage safety on a single topic.
 Residence Hall Presentations: Members of Campus Safety are available to attend “hall spreads”
to present crime and incident information sessions, clarify policy or discuss other crime and/or
safety related issues.
 Student Newspaper and Radio Station: The Occidental Weekly and KOXY are provided with
summaries of incidents.
How to Report a Crime/Emergency: Every member of the College community, including visitors,
are encouraged to immediately report incidents and criminal activity of which they are the victim
or which they may witness to Campus Safety by dialing 323-259-2511 or “5” from any campus
telephone. Please be prepared to describe the incident, where it occurred, and at what time. Campus
Safety treats all “reporting party” information as sensitive; there is no established anonymous tip line
reporting process in place. If there are suspects, describe the individuals’ appearance and clothing worn.
Examples include: height and weight, hair type and color, and color of clothing. The Campus Safety
department strongly discourages individuals from approaching suspects. It is best to relay the information
to Campus Safety and keep us apprised of any changes in the disposition of the crime.
When making a crime or incident report, a Campus Safety officer will meet the victim and obtain
all of the necessary information for a report and begin an investigation if necessary. When appropriate,
victims are advised to contact the LAPD to file an additional report and to notify Campus Safety with the
case number.
Crime Statistics
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal law
that requires colleges and universities to annually disclose campus crime and certain security policies.
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The crime statistics are compiled using reports made to campus security authorities. At Occidental, these
authorities include: Campus Safety, deans, coaches, Residence Education staff, advisors to the student
clubs and organizations and other campus officials. Professionals and pastoral counselors are excluded
from this requirement; but are encouraged to provide confidential information for inclusion in the campus
crime statistics collection. Statistics included reported crimes that have occurred at sorority and fraternity
houses in the neighborhood. A copy of the crime statistics is filed with the U.S. Department of Education
and is available at their web site: http://ope.ed.gov/security.
General
Campus
Residence
Halls
Off Campus
Property *
Adj. Public
Property
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Rape0/0
forceable/nonforceable
Robbery
0
0/4
0/0
0/0
0/4
0
0
8
8
Aggravated
Assault
Burglarybuilding
Burglary-auto
0
0
0
1
1
2
2
0
2
6
4
0
0
14
18
Grand Theft –
larceny
Grand Theft
Auto
Arson
5
2
0
7
14
0
0
0
18
18
0
0
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
0
0
2009:
Category
Murder
Manslaughter
Total Reported
Arrests:
Liquor Law
Drug Law
Weapons Law
Violations:
Alcohol
Policy
Drug Policy
Weapons
Policy
69
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
392
0
97
489
0
122
0
0
122
0
1
0
0
1
5
* Includes: 2-sorority, 1-fraternity, and 42 College-owned rental houses
2010:
Category
Murder
General
Campus*
-0-
Residence
Halls
-0-
Off Campus
Property **
-0-
Adj. Public
Property***
-0-
Total
-0-
Manslaughter
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Rape7/0
forceable/nonforceable
Robbery
-0-
3/0
0/0
2/0
9/0
-0-
-0-
6
6
Aggravated
Assault
Burglarybuilding
Burglary-auto
1
0
-0-
3
4
15
9
4
19
38
4
-0-
1
12
17
Grand Theft –
larceny
Grand Theft
Auto
Arson
3
-0-
-0-
-0-
3
1
-0-
-0-
8
9
1
1
-0-
-0-
1
Hate Crimes
3-vandalism
Bias:
(2)sexual
orientation
(1) race
2-vandalism
Bias:
(2)sexual
orientation
-0-
1-assault
4
Bias: (1)sexual
orientation/race
Total Reported
Violations
Alcohol
Policy
Drug Policy
91
389
362
26
7
422
147
141
-0-
6
153
Weapons
-0-0-0N/A
-0Policy
False Fire
-0-0N/A
Alarms
*2010 statistics reflect a change in location reporting categories. The general campus
category includes all crime on campus including residence halls; residence hall statistics
are a subset of the general campus numbers.
**includes: 2-sorority, 1-fraternity, and 46 College-owned rental houses
***includes crimes that occur within the Safety Escort Zone
2011:
Category
General
Campus
Residence
Halls
Off Campus
Property *
Adj. Public
Property
Total
6
Murder
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Manslaughter
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Rape7/0
forceable/nonforceable
Robbery
1
7/0
1/0
5/0
13/0
-0-
-0-
1
2
Aggravated
Assault
Burglarybuilding
Burglary-auto
2
1
-0-
1
3
32
12
-0-
4
36
7
-0-
-0-
4
11
Grand Theft –
larceny
Grand Theft
Auto
Arson
2
-0-
-0-
10
12
1
-0-
-0-
10
11
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Hate Crimes
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Total Reported
Arrests
Liquor Law
Arrests
Drug Law
Arrests
Weapons Law
Arrests
Violations
Alcohol
Policy
Drug Policy
88
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
242
212
12
10
264
125
97
7
7
139
Weapons
-0-0-0-0-0Policy
False Fire
-04
-0-04
Alarms***
The general campus category includes all crime on campus including residence halls;
residence hall statistics are a subset of the general campus numbers.
* Includes: 2-sorority, 1-fraternity, and 42 College-owned rental houses
***Includes intentional & nuisance fire alarm system activations.
The Urban Environmental Policy Institute, located at 2106 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, is a leased storefront location operated by Occidental College. There were no occurrences of crime required to be reported
by the Clery at this location.
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Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans
In the wake of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, the College instituted a standing committee on emergency
preparedness that has been meeting monthly ever since. The committee is chaired by the vice president
for administration and includes the vice president for student affairs/ dean of students; the vice president
of academic affairs/ dean of the college; the vice president of finance and planning; the vice president of
information resources; associate vice president for finance and controller; associate vice president
hospitality services; associate vice president facilities management; faculty council president; chief
technology officer; assistant dean of housing and residential services; assistant dean of student
development and student life; the directors of campus safety; communications; health and counseling
center; human resources; networking, operations and systems; risk management; the College’s
environmental health and safety manager and three students.
One of the more important conclusions coming out of the Virginia Tech tragedy was the need for
timely mass communication to the campus community and constituencies outside of campus in the event
of an emergency. The committee identified both an audible siren type system and a rapid multi-faceted
email and voice mail messaging system for use on campus and for notifying constituencies off campus.
Text messaging capability has recently been added.
Only the Director and Lieutenant of Campus Safety or designees are authorized to activate the
emergency notification system. The emergency notification system, OxyAlert, is tested twice a year –
once in the fall semester in conjunction with the Great California Shakeout drill and once in the spring
semester.
The Campus Safety department and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety joined together
to compile an emergency procedures flip-chart style handbook that describes many emergency situations
and courses of action including evacuation plans. The handbook is updated every other year and
distributed to all offices and residence halls and posted in hallways and gathering areas on campus.
Additional copies are available through Campus Safety.
After the Northridge earthquake in 1994, the need was recognized for an out-of-state telephone
message to keep family and friends of Occidental apprised of the status of the College after a natural
disaster or other emergency. The message is updated as the situation demands. It plays twice for the
caller, then automatically disconnects. The number is 1-866-961-3300. Share it with your family and
friends. Information will also be posted on the College website as necessary.
Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan
The Emergency Operations Plan is the foundation and guide for response by administration, faculty, staff
and students of Occidental College to a disaster that might occur on or near campus. The purpose is to
protect life, property, and the environment and to maintain the function of the College following a
disaster. The intent is to make the plan flexible, so the details of specific incidents will dictate the level
and type of response. However, the framework of the response organization, including establishing an
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), On- Scene Response and Policy Group will remain the same. The
complete Emergency Operations Plan, “Common Sense Advice for Earthquakes” and a disaster
preparedness checklist are available on the Campus Safety website.
Disaster preparation and response drills occur each year. Occidental College participates in the
Great California Shake Out Drill held each year in October as well as a campus-wide drill in the spring.
Regular, unannounced fire drills that stress safe evacuation, assembly and accountability are held in the
residence halls. Documentation of the drills are kept in the EH&S Office and Campus Safety. Should a
drill be called while you are on campus, please respond with a serious attitude. Your contribution will
help make the training exercise more realistic and meaningful and help your overall preparedness.
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Pandemic Plan
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have warned that
there is a high risk of the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus becoming the next major human influenza
pandemic.
Because most natural and man-made disasters tend to be site-specific, traditional
emergency/disaster response and recovery plans focus on damage to property, equipment, and machinery.
The greatest operational issue in a pandemic-type event will be the effects of absenteeism. The focus of
the College Pandemic Plan is to prepare the Occidental campus to respond to a pandemic and a potential
curtailment of activities, and return to normal operations as quickly as possible.
It is expected that a pandemic will have worldwide impact with an unpredictable timeline,
comprising multiple events or waves and spreading quickly from one urban area to another. Major
disruptions are likely for healthcare, transportation, infrastructure, education, suppliers, and other public
services. Higher education will be among the industries most severely impacted because of risks resulting
from international travel by students, faculty, and staff, and because our campuses are open and accessible
to the local community at large.
Once a pandemic virus emerges, it is too late to begin planning or begin collaboration. While no
organization will be immune from the effects of a global pandemic, we are presented with the opportunity
to plan ahead and develop our response in a caring, compassionate and prudent manner, and continue the
delivery of essential services that will allow Occidental to continue its mission of education. The complete
College Pandemic Plan is available at http://www.oxy.edu/campus-safety/emergency-preparationsresponse-plans/pandemic-plan.
Facilities Management Support
The Facilities Management Department maintains the College buildings and grounds with a concern for
safety and security. FM staff inspect campus facilities regularly, promptly make repairs affecting safety
and security, and respond to reports of potential safety hazards, such as lights out and broken windows
and locks. Campus Safety officers assist other FM personnel by reporting potential safety and security
hazards.
Contractors and service providers must wear identifying badges when working on campus. They
must check in and out with the Facilities Management department whenever they come to campus. A
number of safety and security-related projects are accomplished each year through the College’s Major
Remodel and Repair Program. Facilities Management may be called directly (323-259-2651) to report
any safety or security hazard.
The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) manager is the point of contact for compliance
issues and works with administration, faculty, staff, students and loss control representatives to develop
and implement environmental health and safety programs. EH&S is responsible for the maintenance of
fire/life safety systems and oversees construction projects involving these systems. EH&S also manages
hazardous materials, hazardous waste removal, asbestos and lead paint abatement, and underground
storage tank regulation issues.
Gambling Policy
A summary of the National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations pertaining to gambling is given to
all student athletes. NCAA rules prohibit sports gambling of any kind. In addition to student-athletes,
this rule applies to coaches, support staff, equipment managers, student managers, athletic administrators,
athletic trainers, student trainers and secretarial support.
Harassment Policy
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It is the policy of the College to provide a work and academic environment free of unlawful harassment
and retaliation. Unlawful harassment is defined as severe and/or persistent conduct in any form based on
sex, race, color, age, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic
protected by state or federal laws, as well as all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation that creates
hostile or intimidating environment that is likely to interfere significantly with an individual’s work or
education, or affect adversely an individual’s living conditions. The complete College harassment policy
can be found at http://www.oxy.edu/student-handbook/general-college-policies/harassment-policy.
Missing Student Policy
If a member of the Occidental College community has reason to believe that a student is missing, all
possible efforts are made to locate the student to determine his or her state of health and well being
through collaboration of the Campus Safety department, the department of Student Affairs and the
missing student’s family and friends. If not located within 24 hours, appropriate family members,
associates, or a College official will make an official missing person report to the law enforcement agency
with jurisdiction. Campus Safety will cooperate with, aid, and assist the primary investigative agency in
all ways prescribed by law.
Parking and Traffic Regulations
Everyone operating a vehicle on campus is required to obtain a parking permit and to comply with the
Occidental College parking and traffic regulations and the California Vehicle Code. Failure to follow the
regulations will result in citations and fines. Continued abuse will lead to “booting” and/or towing of your
vehicle and loss of the privilege to drive or park on campus. Copies of the current parking regulations are
available at the Campus Safety office.
In addition, because of the concern for safety and liability issues, the riding of skateboards,
rollerblades, skates, and other devices not considered to be vehicles according to Section 670 of the
California Vehicle Code is prohibited anywhere on campus. Failure to comply will result in citations,
fines, and confiscation of the device.
Auto theft is a problem nationally as well as an occasional problem on campus. Take action to
safeguard your vehicle:
 Lock all doors and windows after parking.
 Secure your car with an electronic alarm, kill switch, or steering wheel-locking device.
 Store your valuables out of sight.
 If you park your car, but don’t use it regularly, check on it daily.
Personal Responsibility
The cooperation, involvement and personal support of students, faculty, and staff in any campus safety
program are crucial to the success of that program. Everyone must assume responsibility for their own
personal safety and security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common-sense precautions.
The student’s awareness of their environment and their surroundings is a good place to start. Please
observe the following precautions on campus:
 Never prop open exterior doors to residence halls. Meet visitors at the door.
 Residents should always escort all guests in residence halls. Report strangers in your hall to
Campus Safety.
 Report any harassing or obscene phone calls to Campus Safety at once.
 Keep residence hall room doors locked, even if you leave for only a short time.
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





Carry your ID and keys at all times.
Walk in groups of three or more or use the safety escort program after dark.
Lock your car at all times; store valuables out of sight.
Report suspicious-looking individuals, including door-to-door salespersons or survey-takers,
promptly to Campus Safety
Do not leave valuables such as backpacks, purses, or laptop computers unattended in public areas.
Do not loan your room key/access card to anyone, even friends.
Safety Escort Program
Campus Safety recognizes that you may be uncomfortable walking across campus after dark. With this in
mind, a safety escort program has been developed as an alternative to walking alone after dark. Safety
escorts are provided by student escort drivers and Campus Safety officers.
Safety Escort drivers follow a prescribed route that has been established for maximum efficiency
and service. The route includes on campus stops as well as off-campus stops at the Intercultural
Community Center, 1601 Campus Road, and sorority and fraternity houses. Schedules are available in
each residence hall, Johnson Student Center, the Library and the Campus Safety office. The safety escort
service is available dusk to dawn, seven days a week during the academic year.
The safety escort program is not a taxi service, it is a safety escort, not meant to meet an
individual’s routine transportation needs. To request a safety escort call 323-259-2599.
Regulations:
 Safety Escorts will not be extended beyond our boundaries.
 Safety Escorts will not be provided to or from local businesses.
 Safety Escorts will not be provided to disorderly or abusive passengers.
Off-campus established boundaries:
West from the Campus to Eagle Rock Blvd.
North from the Campus to Las Colinas
East from the Campus to Avenue 50
South from the Campus to York Blvd.
Sex Offender Registry/Access to Related Information
Incarceration may remove a sex offender from the streets, but it does nothing to prevent the offender from
committing another crime when released.
The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act went into effect October 2002. The law
requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law
enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained.
It also specifies offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice to each institution of
higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student. As
the Campus Safety Department is not a law enforcement agency, the registration process must be
conducted at the City of Los Angeles Police Department.
In the state of California, convicted sex offenders must register with their local law enforcement
agencies. Megan’s Law allows the public to access the registry. It also authorizes local law enforcement
to notify the public about high-risk and serious sex offenders who reside in, are employed in, or frequent
the community.
Locally, the sex offender registry may be accessed for free at the Los Angeles Police Department,
Northeast Station, 3353 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles. For more information, visit
www.meagaslaw.ca.gov.
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Sexual Misconduct Policy
Occidental College is committed to maintaining a learning, living, and working environment free from
sexual assault. “Sexual assault” is defined by the Education Code Section 94385 as including rape, forced
sodomy, forced oral copulation, rape by a foreign object, sexual battery, or threat of sexual assault.
Sexual assault will not be tolerated.
The sexual misconduct policy describes the College’s policy toward sexual harassment, sexual
assault, and zero-tolerance policy towards rape. It also provides guidance for survivors of sexual assault,
outlines the College’s disciplinary response to alleged incidents of sexual misconduct, and identifies the
relevant organizations within the College responsible for managing the policy and programs associated
with it. Occidental’s policy complies with relevant state and federal statutes and can be found online at
http://www.oxy.edu/student-handbook/general-college-policies/sexual-misconduct-policy-students.
Occidental College is a community of faculty, students, administrators, and staff dedicated to the purposes
of teaching, scholarship, and service. The College is committed to providing equal opportunity in
education and employment and will not tolerate sexual harassment. To fulfill this commitment, the
College must maintain an environment in which individuals are judged and rewarded solely on the basis
of relevant factors such as ability, prior experience and accomplishments, effort, and performance. The
environment also must be one in which all employees and students can pursue their work and education
free from coercion, intimidation, and exploitation. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that
undermines the community the College seeks to maintain. The College is dedicated to bringing about an
end to sexual harassment by providing education, informal assistance in resolving situations, and, where
appropriate, a formal complaint process that includes disciplinary procedures.
Student Housing Information
Occidental houses approximately 1,600 students in 13 residence halls. All entrances to residence halls are
locked 24 hours a day. To gain access, visitors must notify their hosts of their arrival from exterior
telephones located at the entrance of each residence hall. Three professional staff community directors
supervise six graduate assistants and resident advisors assigned to each residence hall. Professional
residence life staff are on duty 24 hours a day. Safety and security issues are included as part of resident
advisor staff’s thorough training each year.
All student rooms are equipped with smoke detectors that are inspected on a regular basis. All
residence halls have local building fire alarm systems. Exception: Bell-Young, Erdman, Newcomb,
Rangeview, and Wylie halls have installed fire alarm sprinkler systems which are monitored by an outside
company that alerts both the local fire department and the Campus Safety department when activated.
The Campus Safety department conducts “surprise” fire drills in all residence halls at least once each
term. Evacuation results are evaluated after each drill.
The use of fire alarm systems and fire-fighting equipment without the existence of an actual fire is
a violation of California Penal Code 148.4. Triggering a false fire alarm could result in misdemeanor
charges, including a citation and severe disciplinary action.
Types of housing and the policies for room assignments, roommate selection, and roommate
dispute resolution and guest access are described in the Student Handbook.
During the winter break, all residence halls rooms are secured. Students requiring housing at that
time must make prior arrangements with the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services. Exterior
locks to each building are temporarily changed during the winter and summer breaks to increase security
of the facilities. Additional information about student housing can be found at:
http://www.oxy.edu/residential-education-housing-services.
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Timely Warnings
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Director of
Campus Safety or designee, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning”
will be issued. Depending of the severity of the situation, the warning may trigger activation of all or part
of the OxyAlert system; a multi-layered approach using siren, voice mail, email, text messaging and
website notifications. Students enroll in OxyAlert during clearance at the start of each semester; faculty,
staff, and administrators enroll at the MyOxy section of the College website.
Weapons Policy
The possession, storage or use of firearms, explosives of any type (including fireworks), chemicals or
weapons of any sort is not permitted any place on campus. This includes hunting bows and arrows and
hunting knives. The term “weapon” means firearms, explosives, metal knuckles, knives with blades more
than 3 inches long, or any other instrument identified as a weapon in published College policies. Any item
that is furnished as a weapon in will be treated as a violation of College policy; items include, but are not
limited to use of a fake or toy gun, brandishing a pocket knife, or a hand held under clothing to simulate a
weapon.
Whistle Alert Program
In 1991, the Whistle Alert Program was established at Occidental College. All entering students receive
whistles in the fall and spring. Administrators, faculty and staff receive whistles upon request.
Participants are urged to put a whistle on their key chain and carry it with them wherever they go. By
carrying a whistle and agreeing to use the whistle only in cases of emergency and to report the sound of a
blown whistle to the Campus Safety emergency line (323-259-2511) participants of the Campus Safety
Whistle Alert Program join in partnership to support a safer campus.
SECTION II – ANNUAL FIRE SAFETY REPORT
Introduction
In August 2008 the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) became Public Law 110-315. It amends
the Higher Education Act (HEA) to include new reporting requirements for all institutions of higher
education beginning with the 2009 calendar year. A major component for institutions that maintain oncampus student housing is publishing an Annual Fire Safety Report, keeping fire statistics, and
maintaining a fire log.
Fire Safety
There are several elements to fire safety in the residence halls of Occidental College including: building
fire detection and suppressions systems, training, regular fire drills, mandatory evacuations for any fire
alarm activations, fire safety and fire reporting policies.
Buildings are equipped with fire detection systems including smoke and heat detectors. All student rooms
are equipped with smoke detectors that are on building power with a battery backup in case of power
outages. Building fire alarm devices are supervised and report a trouble signal to the panel should any
device be damaged or removed. Fire doors are kept open with magnetic door holders until the fire alarm
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system is activated, at which time they release, close and latch, limiting the spread of smoke and fire.
This system is effective in preventing fire doors from being propped open.
Some residence halls are equipped with whole building or partial fire sprinkler systems. A few buildings
are equipped with kitchen hood fire suppression systems. Building specific fire safety equipment is listed
in Appendix A: Fire Detection & Suppression Systems – 200, 2010, AND 2011 and below:
Newcomb Hall - Newcomb Hall has a fully automated fire sprinkler system. The fire alarm system is
monitored 24/7 by an outside contractor. Smoke detectors in student room air circulation soffits
report to the building fire alarm system. Additional room smoke detectors are local only and do not
report to the fire alarm panel. The emergency lighting system operates off of an inverter and battery
bank.
Erdman Hall - Erdman Hall has a fully automated fire sprinkler system. The fire alarm system is
monitored 24/7 by an outside contractor. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not
report to the building fire alarm panel. The emergency lighting system operates off of an inverter and
battery bank.
Chilcott Hall - Chilcott Hall has a partial fire sprinkler system that covers the basement area and the
trash chute. There is a wet standpipe system with fire hoses on each floor. The building fire alarm
system is local only. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the fire
alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Haines Hall - Haines Hall has a building fire alarm system that is local only. Smoke detectors in
student rooms are local only and do not report to the building fire alarm panel. All student rooms
have mini horns. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Eileen Norris Hall (“E.Norris”) - Eileen Norris Hall has a building fire alarm system that is local
only. There is a wet standpipe system with fire hoses in each quad. Smoke detectors in student rooms
are local only and do not report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery
powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Stearns Hall - Stearns Hall has a partial fire sprinkler system that covers the trash chutes and trash
receiving rooms. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the fire alarm
panel. There is a wet standpipe system with several fire hoses on each floor. Emergency lighting is
supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Braun Hall - Braun Hall has a partial fire sprinkler system that covers the trash chute and storage
rooms on the 1st floor. There is a wet standpipe system with fire hoses on each floor. The fire alarm
system is local only. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the fire
alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Stewart–Cleland Hall (“Stewie”) - Stewart-Cleland Hall has a partial fire sprinkler system that
covers the trash chutes and the basement floor. There is a wet standpipe system with fire hoses on
each floor. The fire alarm system is local only. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and
do not report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye
lights and exit signs.
Pauley Hall - Pauley Hall has a partial fire sprinkler system that covers the trash chute and several
storage rooms on the 1st floor. There is a wet standpipe system with fire hoses on each floor. The fire
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alarm system is local only. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the
fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Bell-Young Hall (“B-Y”) - Bell-Young Hall has a fully automated fire sprinkler system. The fire
alarm system is monitored 24/7by an outside contractor. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local
only and do not report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by an emergency
generator, which is regularly tested, and is shared with Wylie Hall.
Wylie Hall - Wylie Hall has a fully automated fire sprinkler system. The fire alarm system is
monitored 24/7 by an outside contractor. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not
report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by an emergency generator, which is
regularly tested, and shared with Bell-Young.
Rangeview Residence Hall - Rangeview Residence Hall has a fully automated fire sprinkler system.
The warming kitchen is supplied with an automatic fire suppression system in the hood above the
stove. The fire alarm system is monitored 24/7 by an outside contractor. Smoke detectors in student
rooms are local only and do not report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by an
emergency generator, which is regularly tested.
The Berkus House (1601 Campus Road) - The Berkus House has a fire alarm system that is local
only. There is an automatic fire suppression system installed in the hood above the kitchen stove.
Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the fire alarm panel. Emergency
lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
4909 Rangeveiw (SAE House) - The SAE House has a fire alarm system that is local only. There is
a sprinkler system that covers the basement. There is an automatic fire suppression system in the
hood above the stove. Smoke detectors in student rooms are local only and do not report to the fire
alarm panel. Emergency lighting is supplied by battery powered bug-eye lights and exit signs.
Evacuation Procedures:
Upon activation of the residence hall fire alarm system all students and their guests must exit the building
out the nearest safe exit and proceed to an assembly point, check-in, and receive further instructions from
staff or Campus Safety. Residence Education staff is trained to assist in the sign-in and accountability of
all students on the residence hall roster. Campus Safety Officers assist in the evacuation process and
verify that all students have safely evacuated. Students get an evacuation procedure for residence halls as
part of their orientation package. Practice drills help reinforce good evacuation behavior and present an
opportunity to ask questions.
Policies
For the health and safety of all members of the community, students are expected to comply with all fire
and safety regulations required by the College or applicable local, state and federal law. Fire drills are
held throughout the year. Instructions for the evacuation of the halls in the event of a fire or emergency
are on hall bulletin boards. Use of fire alarms and fire-fighting equipment without the existence of an
actual fire is a violation of California Penal Code 148.4. Triggering a false fire alarm could result in
misdemeanor charges, fines, and/or severe disciplinary action.
All residents must evacuate the residence hall or house in the event a fire alarm is activated, whether for
the purpose of a drill or in the case of an actual fire. Residents and their guests must meet at their hall’s
15
designated meeting spot to check-in and to receive further instruction from a staff member. Students who
fail to comply with this policy will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and are subject to fines
from Campus Safety. A fine of up to $500 may be assessed for any person who does not exit a building
during a fire alarm.
Portable fire extinguishers and fire hoses are installed for resident protection. Only trained residents
should use this equipment. Residence Education and Housing Services staff are trained in the use of fire
extinguishers and proper emergency call procedures as part of a thorough training program each year.
Smoke detectors are present in individual rooms and common areas of each residence hall. Smoke
detectors are potential life saving devices. To ensure they are used appropriately and serve their designed
function, residents are prohibited from covering, dismantling, removing batteries, suspending objects
from or tampering with detectors. Residents who are found responsible for misusing smoke detectors will
be charged for repair and/or replacement costs and face disciplinary action. Please report any problems
with smoke detectors to Residence Education and Housing Services staff, Facilities Management or
Campus Safety immediately.
Fire doors are not to be propped open or blocked, and exits, hallways or stairwells may not be blocked.
Students may decorate their residence hall rooms with posters and similar decorations as long as they do
not cause damage to the room, are not considered a fire hazard and do not violate any Occidental College
and Residence Education and Housing Services policies.
Stoves & ovens in warming kitchens must not be left unattended while in use.
Prohibited Items in Student Rooms
All policies regarding use of electrical appliances are subject to change and approval by Residence
Education and Housing Services in consultation with Facilities Management, based on actual usage and
limitations of electrical capabilities within each residence hall. The following are strictly prohibited, for
legal or safety reasons:






No smoke-generating machinery is permitted in and around the residence halls (including during
special events and programs) because of the possibility of triggering false alarms
Gasoline (kerosene, etc)-powered machinery such as motorcycles or mopeds and any other
combustible items including combustible engines, flammable liquids, non-electric lanterns,
portable barbeque grills, and large combustible decorations.
Candles, incense, oil burners, and other similar items requiring an open flame for use are
prohibited from the on-campus housing facilities.
Natural trees and evergreens.
No use of more than three strands of lights on a single extension cord to avoid overloading outlets.
Possession or use of electrical appliances with heating elements or high energy consumption, such
as hot plates, electric coffee pots, immersion heaters, popcorn poppers, crock pots, electrical
heaters, electric frying pans, electric woks, stoves, toaster ovens, air conditioners, torchiere style
halogen lamps, ultra-violet sun lamps or any other appliance which uses over 800 watts of
electricity (with the exception of hair dryers), and/or any appliance that does not meet current UL
specifications.
16






Possession of refrigerators over 3.3 cubic feet (with the exception of Microfridges), Refrigerators
must be one per room. Refrigerators must have a grounding prong (3 prongs) on a heavy-duty cord
and may not be placed in closets.
Extension cords longer than 10 feet. Multiple cords and outlets. Approved extension cords must
not be placed under rugs or tacked/stapled to the walls. Power strips with surge protectors are
permitted. Equipment that repeatedly overloads electrical circuits will be removed.
Possession/use of waterbeds.
Possession of any type of upholstered furniture or mattresses not provided by the College which
do not meet Fire Code CAL 133 or CAL 117. Each piece must be suitably labeled and written
notice of compliance is required.
Hanging anything outside windows or on the residence hall facades, or placing anything on
outside window ledges and balconies, or hanging anything on or from interior room ceiling,
sprinklers, or fire detectors. Exceptions may be made with the approval of the Assistant Dean for
Residence Life and Housing Services.
Satellite dishes, radio/television antennas.
Fire Safety Education & Training Programs
Residence Education and Housing Services staff receives safety training which includes fire safety
awareness, emergency response and disaster preparedness. They learn how and when to use a fire
extinguisher and fire hose, how to report a fire or other emergency, Emergency Operations Plan review
with use of event documentation forms, and residence hall fire prevention. Hands-on training includes
use of a portable extinguisher on a pan fire. The United Educators video “Dorm Fire Safety” and/or “Get
Out & Stay Alive” are shown.
Academic & Administrative departments have one or more Disaster Preparation Department Contacts
who also get training on fire safety and use of extinguishers and fire hoses.
Fire Reporting
All fires on campus, even if already extinguished and regardless of size, should be reported. Federal law
requires the college to report on an annual basis all fires which occur in student housing.
Persons to which individuals should report that a fire has occurred include
 Director of Campus Safety Director or Campus Safety Officers
 Director of Risk Management
 Environmental Health & Safety Manager
 Others as deemed necessary
Future Improvements of Fire Safety:
1. Adding fire sprinklers to the remainder of the residence halls. Currently this occurs with large
remodel projects.
2. Continued and additional training of employees and students.
3. Continued evacuation exercises using the mass notification systems.
Fire Statistics:
RESIDENCE HALL FIRE STATISTICS - 2009
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ResHall
Building
Date Fire
Occurred
Cause of Fire
# of
Injuries
# of
Deaths
Property Value
of Fire Damage
None
None
None
None
None
None
RESIDENCE HALL FIRE STATISTICS - 2010
ResHall
Building
Date Fire
Occurred
Cause of Fire
# of
Injuries
# of
Deaths
Property Value
of Fire Damage
StewartCleland
4/25/2010
Burning towels in stairwell
-Arson
None
None
No building
damage
RESIDENCE HALL FIRE STATISTICS - 2011
ResHall
Building
Date Fire
Occurred
Cause of Fire
# of
Injuries
# of
Deaths
Property Value
of Fire Damage
None
None
None
0
0
None
Appendix A: Fire Detection & Suppression Systems
OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE - RESIDENCE HALL
FIRE DETECTION & SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
FIRE SPRINKLER,
SUPPRESSION, & WET
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS
Fire Drills Conducted
2009/2010/2011
Building
Building
Fire Alarm
Room
Detection
Monitored
Sprinkler
Newcomb
Hall
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sprinklers - whole
building
3
Yes
3
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sprinklers - whole
building
2
Erdman Hall
2
18
Chilcott Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
Partial
Sprinklers - partial covering
basement & trash chute. Wet
Standpipe
Haines Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
No
None
Eileen Norris
- North
Yes
Yes
Local
No
Wet Standpipe
Eileen Norris
- South
Yes
Yes
Local
No
Braun Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
Partial
Wet Standpipe
Sprinklers - partial,
covering storage rooms
& trash chute
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
2
StewartCleland Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
Partial
Pauley Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
Partial
Sprinklers - partial covering
basement & trash chutes.
Wet standpipe.
Sprinklers - partial, covering
storage rooms & trash chute.
Wet standpipe.
Bell-Young
Hall
3
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sprinklers - whole
building
2
Yes
2
2
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3
2
2
2
Stearns Hall
Yes
Yes
Local
Partial
Sprinklers - whole
building
Sprinklers - partial,
covering trash chutes &
boiler room
2
Wylie Hall
2
2
2
Partial
Sprinklers - partial, covering
the basement. Kitchen hood
fire suppresion system.
2
2
No
Kitchen hood fire
suppression system.
2
2
Yes
Sprinklers - whole building.
Warming kitchen hood fire
suppression system
4909
Rangeview
Berkus
House (1601
Campus
Road)
RangeView
Residence
Hall
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Local
Yes
2
2
Monitoring is done by an outside company that calls the Los Angeles City Fire Department if there is an
alarm. Campus Safety is also called to assist in the evacuation & to escort emergency response vehicles to
the site of the emergency. Response time is fast with 3 fire stations located within 2.5 miles of campus & a
forth within 4.5 miles.
Room smoke detectors are not directly tied to the building fire alarm system. This helps prevent frequent
false alarms that could desensitize residents to respond to alarms. They are dual powered by 120V & battery
backup.
Acknowledgments
This Guide to Campus Safety has been written to provide you with useful information about safety,
security and fire policies and practices at Occidental College. It is our hope you will read it and keep it as
a resource and handy reference. The information can also be found through the Campus Safety
department web site.
The information in the Guide to Campus Safety has been compiled using a variety of Occidental College
resources, including:
 Occidental College Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
 ARMS/Omnis Statistical Reporting System
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Campus Safety department mission statement, policies, procedures and protocols
Facilities Management department mission statement
Environmental Health and Safety mission statement
Office of Residence Education and Housing Services
Office of the Dean of Students
Occidental College Sexual Misconduct Policy
Occidental College Harassment Policy
Occidental College Student Handbook
Student Affairs Policies and Procedures
Stay safe,
Hollis B. Nieto, Director
Campus Safety Department
323-259-2598
hnieto@oxy.edu
Bruce Steele, Environmental Health & Safety Manager
Facilities Management Department
323-259-2933
bruce@oxy.edu
TO BE PRINTED INSIDE FRONT COVER OF GUIDE…..
Campus Safety Department Mission Statement
Occidental College Campus Safety exists to serve its campus community with respect, fairness and
integrity. The diversity of people our campus represents is valued and service to meet the needs of all
with equal dedication is promoted. Campus Safety is committed to the prevention of crime, protection of
life and property, the preservation of peace, good order, and safety to the students, employees, and guests
of the College.
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With community service as a foundation, Campus Safety is dedicated to goals which enhance the quality
of life on campus. Solutions which foster a sense of security in the College community are sought. The
trust of those served by Campus Safety is nurtured; holding each Officer to the highest level of
performance and integrity.
Campus Safety is responsible for the protection of life and property, to maintain peace, to promote
proactive crime prevention through education, provide services to the Campus community, and to enforce
various administrative, traffic, and parking regulations.
To fulfill this mission, Campus Safety supervision is dedicated to providing a quality work environment
and the development of its Officers through continued training and supportive leadership. Achievement
of this mission requires continuous training of Safety Officers, frequent re-evaluation of performance, and
patrol enforcement techniques and strategies.
Environmental Health and Safety Mission Statement
The mission of Environmental Health and Safety is to maintain a safe and healthful facility for students,
employees and visitors; to write and implement environmental health and safety programs that keep the
College in compliance with federal, state and local regulations; to maintain open communication channels
for safety related problems in both facilities and job procedures and promote timely correction for those
problems.
TO BE PRINTED INSIDE BACK COVER OF GUIDE…
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CAMPUS SAFETY:
Emergencies x2511 or “5” from campus phone
323-259-2511 from off campus phone
Service
x2599 from campus phone
323-259-2599 from off campus phone
Director
x2598 from campus phone
323-259-2598 from off campus phone
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EMMONS HEALTH & COUNSELING CENTER: x2657 from campus phone
323-259-2657 from off campus phone
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY: x2933 from campus phone
323-259-2933 from off campus phone
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:
x2651 from campus phone
323-259-2651 from off campus phone.
FIRE, PARAMEDICS and/or POLICE
9-911 from campus phone
911 from off campus phone *
* If you call 911 from a cell phone, it is important you give the operator your location. Unlike when you
call from home, 911 operators cannot automatically determine the location of most calls placed from cell
phones.
If you call 911 directly, be certain you call Campus Safety at x2511 or 323-259-2511. A Campus Safety
officer will meet the emergency provider at the main entrance of the campus and escort them to your
location.
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