Campus Police issued a “crime alert” on March 26 at 2:30 p.m. to all students, staff and faculty on campus, detailing a suspected crime.
Because the crime occurred off campus, the Dayton Police Department had jurisdiction. It was found that the victim had “personal issues” with her attacker, and the Dayton Police Department found no crime had occurred, according to Charles Gift, Sinclair director of public safety and chief of police. Campus Police released another crime alert notifying the students, staff and faculty of that development.
Sinclair is required by law to release information about crime to the Department of Education under the “Jeanne Cleary Act”, according to Gift. Murders, negligent manslaughter, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses including statutory rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft and arson must be reported. Any suspected hate crime or drug abuse violations must also be reported.
“It also requires us, any time a serious crime occurs, that we report it to the students, staff and faculty,” Gift said.
This alert was only the second issued since January of 2010.
Gift also said that students are not permitted to carry weaponry of any kind, but he did suggest that a whistle is a good idea, because it can draw attention in the event of a crime. Students, staff or faculty who have been a victim of a crime should immediately notify police.
Sinclair Community College’s Campus Police can be reached at 512-2700 or by utilizing one of the “blue light” terminals that can be found throughout campus, including the parking garage. Chief Gift said the 37 total “blue lights” are a hotline to Campus Police.
- Escorts. Campus Police said “escorts are available 24 hours a day to anyone on campus going to class or their vehicle. Contact Campus Police at (937) 512-2700 to arrange for an escort.” They also recommend navigating campus in groups.
- Suspicious Activity. Campus Police requests that any student, staff or faculty member that sees someone acting suspiciously on campus notify police immediately to investigate. Chief Gift said that someone will always be available to take the call and an officer will always investigate.
- Be Aware. Keeping track of personal belongings while on campus is the most effective way to fight theft, according to Gift. Don’t leave any items unattended at any time. Lt. Scott Fowler provided some suggestions: “Staying aware of your surroundings is the best way of avoiding any type of potential problems. Don’t look down and keep your head up when you walk. Make eye contact with anyone passing you. If the unfortunate occurs and a crime does occur, it should be immediately reported to Campus Police who will investigate the incident and initiate the required legal actions.”
- Give a Tip. Students, staff or faculty that want to anonymously notify police of an issue can give a tip to Campus Police. Fowler said that “[the tip line] is a great way to inform Sinclair Police of potential safety hazards on campus, or just had that feeling that an incident was “just nothing” or “it just didn’t seem important at the time.” The tip line is at http://police.sinclair.edu.
- Locking Doors. Staff and faculty are reminded to always lock their office door, even if just out for a minute. Students, staff and faculty are also reminded to always lock car doors and roll up windows.