2015
Annual Safety and Security
Report
Atlanta Technical College
Department of Public Safety
Chief of Police Fred Hammett
The “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics
Act” formerly the Campus Security Act of 1990, requires Atlanta Technical College to
disclose to the public specific crime related information on an annual basis. In
compliance with this legislation, the college must report campus crime statistics,
campus offenses, and security measures to all students and employees by October 1 st
of each year.
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Table of Content:
Mission Statement…………………………………………………….…….3
To Report a Crime…………………………………………………….…….4
Voluntary Confidential Reporting…………………………………….……4
Security and Access ……………………………..………………….……..5
Definitions …………………………………………………………….……..5
Emergency Notification/Timely Warnings....………………………….….7
Alcohol and Drug Policies……………………………………………….…8
Sexual Assault……..……………..…………………………………….…...9
Sexual Misconduct Policy …………………………………………….…..11
VAWA…………………………………………………………………….….11
Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act……………………………………..11
Missing Persons Policy…………………………………………………….11
Crime Prevention……………………………………………………………12
Safety Escorts……………………………………………………………….12
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Atlanta Technical College
Department of Public Safety
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Atlanta Technical College Department of Public Safety
is to maintain order within prescribed state and constitutional laws while
providing qualified law enforcement services to the college campus. We
will strive to create a safe and secure learning environment, by dedicating
ourselves to raising the level of preparedness to meet the needs of today
and the challenges of tomorrow. We pledge to sustain a working
partnership with our campus community to improve the quality of life. We
will accomplish our mission by providing proactive service and encouraging
community awareness in support of the colleges mission.
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ATLANTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Campus Police office is located on the second floor of the Academic Building in
Room C2126. The telephone number for the Main Security Desk is 404-225-4730.
ATC Campus Police consist of both sworn and unsworn personnel. ATC sworn officers
are professionally trained and certified in accordance with the Georgia Peace Officer
Standards and Training Council and attend continuing, in-service training programs on a
yearly basis. The primary responsibility of ATC Police Officers is to protect the lives and
property of the faculty, staff, students and visitors on the Atlanta Technical College
campus.
AUTHORITY
20-3-72. Arrest powers of campus policemen and security personnel
The campus policemen and other security personnel of the university system who are
regular employees of the system shall have the power to make arrests for offenses
committed upon any property under the jurisdiction of the board of regents and for
offenses committed upon any public or private property within 500 yards of any property
under the jurisdiction of the board.
TO REPORT A CRIME
The safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is a top priority at Atlanta Technical
College. Campus Police Officers are responsible for completing crime and accident
reports and for responding to emergencies.
Police Officers file incident reports by their nature, date, time, general location and
disposition of the complaint. The reports are available to the public within three
business days of receiving a written request unless other circumstances dictate.
Campus police can be contacted at 404-225-4730 or by using the Emergency Call
Boxes that are strategically placed on campus. Regardless of how and where you
decide to report these incidents, it is critical for the safety of the entire college
community that you immediately report all incidents to the Atlanta Technical College
Department of Public Safety.
Voluntary Confidential Reporting
The ATC Department of Public Safety encourages anyone who is the victim of or
witness to any crime to report the incident to police immediately. Original police reports
must be released under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70, et seq.). All
reported crimes are documented and included on the daily crime log maintained by the
ATC Department of Public Safety, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of
Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This ensures that other students,
faculty and staff have the opportunity to make themselves aware of reported crimes on
campus.
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All campus officials that have interactions with students must report any crime brought
to their attention to the ATC Department of Public Safety. The victim of the crime will
make the choice to have their case investigated and/or prosecuted, with no pressure
from police or college officials. In the event that a reported crime indicates the possibility
of an on-going risk to the college and surrounding community, the ATC Department of
Public Safety will follow up and take necessary steps to clarify and communicate to
reduce.
Security and Access
The Maintenance Department maintains college buildings and grounds. This
department inspects campus facilities and makes prompt repairs. Most campus
facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in
session.
CRIME STATISTICS
Atlanta Technical College reports statistics on the following crimes and offenses
annually:
• Criminal Homicide – murder and non-negligent and negligent manslaughter.
• Forcible or Non-forcible Sex Offenses – A forcible sex offense is any sexual act
directed against another person, forcible and/or against that person’s will or not forcible
or against that person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent (such as
when the victim is intoxicated). Non-forcible sex offenses are acts of “unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.” This definition encompasses incest or statutory rape.
• Robbery – the taking or attempting to take anything of value from the control, custody,
or care of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting
the victim in fear.
• Aggravated Assault – an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose
of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. Usually, this offense occurs by the use of
a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
• Burglary – the unlawful entry (breaking and entering) into a building or other structure
with the intent to commit a felony or theft.
• Arson – willful or malicious burning or an attempt to burn a dwelling house, public
building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or personal property.
• Motor Vehicle Theft – the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.
• On-campus Arrests for Alcohol, Drug, and Illegal Weapon Violations.
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• Certain Referrals for Campus Disciplinary Actions for Alcohol, Drug, or Illegal
Weapon Violations – If these referrals are included in the report as an arrest, the
college does not need to report the referral under this category.
• Hate Crimes – crimes that fall into the above list, crimes involving bodily injury, or
crimes reported to campus security or local police. Atlanta Technical College must
report hate crimes by category of prejudice—race, gender, religion, sexual orientation,
ethnicity, or disability—as part of the campus crime statistics.
• Domestic Violence – The term ‘‘domestic violence’’ includes felony or misdemeanor
crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the
victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is
cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by
a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family
violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against
an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or
family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
• Dating Violence – The term ‘‘dating violence’’ means violence committed by a
person—
(A) Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic
or intimate nature with the victim; and
(B) Where the existence of such a relationship shall be
determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
(i) The length of the relationship
(ii) The type of relationship
(iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship
• Sexual Assault – means any nonconsensual sexual act prescribed by federal, tribal,
or state law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.
• Stalking – The term ‘‘stalking’’ means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a
specific person that would cause a reasonable person to—
(A) Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
(B) Suffers substantial emotional distress
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Furthermore, Atlanta Technical College must provide the following geographic
breakdown of the crime statistics:
• On campus;
• In a non-campus building or on non-campus property;
• On non-campus public property including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, or parking
facilities that are within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the
campus
EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Atlanta Technical College utilizes the Everbridge Emergency Notification System to alert
students, faculty and staff via emails and texts in emergency situations. The college
also utilizes the online campus alert system to notify the campus community of
emergencies via web page banners.
How it Works
Everbridge Mass Notification enables users to send notifications to individuals or groups
using lists, locations, and visual intelligence. This comprehensive notification system
keeps everyone informed before, during and after all events whether emergency or nonemergency.
How do I Sign-Up?
You're already signed up! If you are a staff member or registered student, you may have
already received a confirmation message from the emergency notification system
asking you to verify your personal information. There is nothing that you need to do to
sign up; you only need to make certain your contact information is accurate. It is
strongly recommended that you DO NOT opt out of this feature so that you have official
campus information in the event of an emergency.
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ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICIES
No student may engage in the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of
illicit drugs or alcohol on the property of Atlanta Technical College or as part of any of its
sponsored activities. This policy has been developed in concert with the federal DrugFree Schools and Communities Act and incorporates the statutory mandates required
under the state Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990.
Such unlawful activity may be considered sufficient grounds for serious punitive action,
including expulsion. Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense
involving alcohol or the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana,
controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall be immediate
suspension and denial of further state and/or federal funds from the date of conviction.
Specifically in the case of a drug-related offense, the student shall minimally be
suspended for the remainder of the quarter and forfeit all academic credits for that
period.
Atlanta Technical College shall notify the appropriate state/federal funding agency
within ten days after receiving notice of the conviction. Within thirty days of notification
of conviction, Atlanta Technical College shall with respect to any student so convicted:
1. Take additional appropriate action against such student up to and including
expulsion, as it deems necessary.
2. Provide such student with a description of any drug or alcohol counseling treatment,
rehabilitation or re-entry programs that are available for such purposes by a federal,
state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.
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EMERGENCY CALL BOXES
Emergency call boxes are strategically located thought-out the campus for use during
emergencies. By pressing the red button on the call box, you will be connected directly
with a call taker. Your location will be automatically identified for the call taker, and an
ATC officer will be dispatched to your location. Location of call boxes is as follows:
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North parking lot
West parking lot
Behind the Library
Between Child Care and Allied Health
WEAPONS POLICY
Except for ATC campus police, it is unlawful for any person to carry, possess, or have
under control, any weapon at or in an Atlanta Technical College building, school
function, or on college property or on a bus or other transportation furnished by the
college. This is strictly enforced, and all violators will be prosecuted.
According to GA Code 16-11-127.1 the term “weapon” means and includes any pistol,
revolver, rifle, shotgun, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any
kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, and any other knife
having a blade of three or more inches, straight-end razor, spring stick, metal knucks,
blackjack, or any failing instrument consisting of two (2) or more rigid parts connected in
such a way as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chuck, or
fighting chain, throwing star, or oriental dart, or any weapon of like kind.
SEXUAL ASSAULT / PREVENTION AND RESPONSE
Atlanta Technical College is engaged in preventing and responding to sexual assaults,
dating or domestic violence, and stalking. These crimes are not tolerated on our
campus and are a violation of the Student Code of Conduct as well as state law.
It is important for all students, faculty, and staff members to know where to turn for help
and what to do if they or someone they know becomes the victim of domestic violence,
dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Whether the assailants are strangers,
acquaintances, close friends, or dates, everyone needs to know how to get necessary
treatment, counseling, and other services. Domestic violence, dating violence, stalking,
and sexual assault are criminal offenses subject to prosecution under the law. These
acts are also violations of the Student Conduct Code.
Studies show that “acquaintance rape” occurs more frequently among college-age
students than among any other group. This form of rape is one of the most
unrecognized and under-reported crimes because few people identify it as a crime
punishable by law.
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Reducing Risk
Steps to take to reduce your risk of being a victim of sex crimes include:
• Consider your alternatives if confronted by a rapist. Practice possible responses to
situations so that you can recall them, even under the stress of a real encounter.
Realizing that you could be a victim is the first step in self-protection.
• Use awareness and common sense to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
• Participate in a self-defense training class.
• Avoid using mood-altering chemicals such as drugs and alcohol. Studies have shown
that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs contributes to increased incidences of
date rape.
• Be assertive about your needs and rights. Reinforce your verbal “no” with physical
resistance, unless you feel this will further endanger you. Tell your assailant that he or
she is committing a sexual act to which you do not consent and that he or she is
breaking the law.
If You Are A Victim
You need to remember to take the following steps if someone attacks you:
• Be aware of your capabilities and limitations. Your judgment and thinking will be your
best weapons.
• Evaluate the situation for possible avenues of escape.
• Your first concern should be for your safety and survival. Use your judgment to do
what is necessary to save your life. That may mean making a scene and drawing
attention to yourself so that the assailant leaves. It may buy you enough time to escape.
This action may mean fighting back. It may mean not physically resisting.
• If you choose not to physically resist the attack, it does not mean that you have asked
to be raped. It means that you did what you needed to do to survive.
• Remember—there is no one “right” way to respond. The person under attack is the
best judge of which options will work well in that situation.
If someone assaults or attempts to assault you or someone you know, you should take
the following steps:
• Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
• Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not bathe, douche, use the toilet, or change
clothing.
• If the attack occurred on campus, contact the Campus Police (404-225-4730). If the
attack occurred off campus, immediately contact a local law enforcement agency by
dialing 911.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible to determine the presence of physical injury,
sexually transmittable diseases, or pregnancy. Medical personnel can also obtain
evidence to assist in criminal prosecution.
• Sex crimes can cause psychological after-effects. Counseling is a good idea, whether
or not you think you need it. Remember, sex crimes are never the victim’s fault.
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SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
Atlanta Technical College will not tolerate any sexual misconduct, domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or other forms of sexual misconduct. Offenders
are subject to criminal prosecution and to the appropriate campus adjudication process.
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2013
(VAWA)
On March 7, 2014, President Barrack Obama signed the Violence Against Women
Reauthorization Act of 2013, which, among other provisions, amended Section 485 (F)
of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), otherwise known as the
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act .
The Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to comply with certain campus
safety and security related requirements as a condition of participating in the Federal
student Financial Aid Programs authorized by Title IV of the HEA. Notably, VAWA
amended the Clery Act to require institutions to compile statistics for incidents of
domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and to include certain
policies, procedures and programs pertaining to these incidents in their annual security
reports.
REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION
This information is made available on the website for the Georgia Bureau of
Investigation at www.gbi.georgia.gov
CAMPUS SEX CRIMES PREVENTION ACT
The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act amended the Jacob Wetterling Crimes against
Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to require certain convicted sex
offenders to notify states of each institution of higher education at which the individual is
a student or employee. The act also requires states to make such information available
promptly to law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction of the location of the
applicable institutions of higher education. The act also specifies that local law
enforcement officials must enter this information into appropriate state records or data
systems. The act also requires institutions to notify the campus community where they
can obtain from law enforcement agencies’ information concerning registered sex
offenders.
MISSING PERSONS POLICY
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for Atlanta Technical College to
respond to and assist with reports of missing individuals from the college campus.
Upon notification that a person is or may be missing, ATC Police will give full
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consideration and devotion to the report, including careful recording of factual
circumstances surrounding the disappearance.
All contact information collected for the purpose of locating missing students shall
remain confidential and will not be disclosed outside of the realm of a missing student
investigation.
CRIME PREVENTION
All members of the campus share responsibility for ensuring their personal safety and
securing their personal property. Atlanta Technical College places a priority on safety
and security through its commitment to providing a safe and secure environment. The
majority of crimes occurring on college campuses across the United States are
preventable crimes of opportunity.
Following these safety tips helps reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime:
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
Be aware of your surroundings; stay alert and do not get distracted
Carry a minimal number of belongings
Keep emergency money for transportation
Have your keys in your hand when approaching your vehicle
Remove all visible valuables from your vehicle
Lock your room or office when you leave
Keep records of your electronic devices, i.e., serial number, model, etc.
Install a tracking device on your laptop
CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Atlanta Technical College Police Town Hall meetings are designed to inform students,
faculty and staff about campus security procedures and practices. The Town Hall
meetings encourage students, faculty and staff to be responsible for their own security
and the security of others.
Campus Police conduct monthly sessions for students as well as employees on
Emergency Awareness and Security Topics.
Remember “IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”.
SAFETY ESCORTS
Students, faculty or staff who would like safety escorts during night hours from classes
to their vehicles should contact Atlanta Technical College Campus Police at 404-2254732.
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2015 Atlanta Technical College Crime Statistics
Criminal Offenses
On-Campus
Criminal Offenses
2012
2013
2014
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
4
3
1
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter
0
0
0
Negligent manslaughter
0
0
0
Forcible sex offenses
0
0
0
Non-forcible sex offense
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
Aggravated assault
0
0
0
Burglary
Weapons, Alcohol and Drugs
Illegal Weapons Possessions
2
2
2
Drug Law Violations
1
0
1
Liquor Law Violations
0
0
0
VAWA of 2013
Domestic Violence
0
0
1
Dating Violence
0
0
0
Sexual Assault
0
0
1
Stalking
0
0
0
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter
Negligent manslaughter
Forcible sex offenses
Non-forcible sex offense
Robbery
Aggravated assault
Burglary
Motor vehicle theft
Arson
Off-Campus Criminal
Offenses
2012
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2013
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2014
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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