Crime Awareness

Contents

 

The Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department prepares the annual disclosure of crime statistics report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).  The Clery Act is an act that requires colleges and universities to disclose campus crime information.  It is a federal law that applies to all institutions of higher education, which participate in federal student aid programs.  This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding BC’s main and north campuses.  The crime statistics are prepared by BC Public Safety Department to increase your awareness of programs that exist to protect the BC community’s safety and well-being.  Crime statistics for the most recent three (3) calendar year periods can be viewed at:  http://www.bellevuecollege.edu/publicsafety/reports/.

Safety on BC is a concern for the students, parents, and college employees.  BC’s administration recognizes the importance of making the Campus community aware of security on the Campus and has made this a top priority.   Each year, an e-mail notification is made to all enrolled students, faculty and staff which provides the web-site address to access for the Clery Act report.  Hard (paper) copies of the report may also be obtained at BC Public Safety Department (K100) or by calling (425) 564-2400. 

Crime Log

The Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department maintains a 60-day crime/incident log.  The log includes the nature of the crime/incident, the date and time the crime/incident was reported and when it occurred; the general location of the crime/incident; and the disposition of the complaint, if known.  Information can be temporarily withheld if there is clear and convincing evidence that release of the information would jeopardize an ongoing investigation; jeopardize the safety of an individual; cause a suspect to flee or evade detection; or result in the destruction of evidence.  Note:  The logs will not disclose the confidentiality of the victim(s) and victim information will be redacted prior to public inspection.

The 60-day crime/incident log can be viewed by the public at the BC Public Safety Department office (K100) during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, except holidays and days when the Campus is closed.  Older logs must be requested for inspection and will be made available within two business days of a request and can be viewed at K100.

Timely Warnings

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Director of Public Safety, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “timely warning” will be issued as soon as practical as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). 

Depending on the circumstances of the crime, especially in situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department may employ a variety of different mechanisms to notify the Campus (i.e., BC web-site; postings; the BC newspaper, the JibSheet; email; or other methods of communication that may be deemed appropriate.)

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to BC Public Safety Department by telephone at (425) 564-2400 or in person at K100.

Reporting Crimes/Emergencies

The Bellevue College Campus is relatively safe, with property crimes being the main concern.  Community members, students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to immediately, or in a timely manner, report incidents that may constitute an emergency crime, student code of conduct violation, or physical injury.  Remember, prompt reporting improves campus safety and security

To report a crime, emergency, or criminal activity, call the Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department at (425) 564-2400 (or x2400 from any campus office telephone).   If it is a life threatening emergency, call 9-1-1, immediately (NOTE:  campus office telephones do NOT need to dial 9 for an outside line for emergency 911 calls, it is only necessary to dial 9-1-1 to reach the emergency dispatcher), then call Public Safety.  Public Safety officers will escort the emergency response vehicles to the location of the emergency.  Emergency Call Boxes are located throughout the Campus and are connected directly to the BC Public Safety Department.

Call the BC Public Safety Department if:

Call immediately.  Do not assume that someone else has called or will call.  Provide BC Public Safety Department with accurate, detailed information to include your name, the location of the incident/emergency, the circumstances, the status of the victim(s), and a general description of what happened.  Stay on the line until the operator ends the call.  Crimes can be reported at any time of the day, seven days a week, 365 days per year.  Reports are confidential within the guidelines established by the General Education Provisions Act, the Campus Security Act, and applicable Washington State laws.

Public Safety officers will respond to reports of emergencies, crimes, or criminal activity.  Officers will complete an incident report for any crime that occurs on the BC Campus or on BC leased and owned property. 

Where to Report Crimes/Emergencies

The Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department encourages all emergencies, crimes and criminal activity to be reported directly to the Public Safety Office (K100); telephone number: (425) 564-2400; publicsafety@bellevuecollege.edu.  In some instances individuals on the Campus may choose to file a report with one of the “Campus Security Authorities.”  According to the Jeanne Clery disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), “Campus Security Authorities” include:

The function of the “Campus Security Authority” is to report to the appropriate law enforcement personnel.  Any crime report made to a “Campus Security Authority” can be immediately forwarded to the Director of BC Public Safety Department.

On BC, “Campus Security Authorities” include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Director of BC Public Safety
  • Vice President for Student Services
  • Vice President for Human Resources
  • Executive Dean of Instruction
  • Vice President of Administrative Services
  • Vice President for Equity & Pluralism
  • Athletics Director
  • Director of Disability Resource Center
  • Director of International Student Programs
  • The Office of the President
  • Director of High School Programs (Running Start)
  • Any member of the Bias Incident Response and Support Team (BIRST)
 

Note:  “Professional Counselors,” whose official responsibilities include providing mental health counseling,  when acting in that capacity for BC within the scope of his/her license or certificate, are exempt from disclosing information on crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics.  As a matter of policy, counselors are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crime on a voluntary basis for inclusion in to the annual crime statistics.

Access to Campus Facilities

Access to Bellevue College (BC) is governed by Bellevue College Policies 6050 (Campus Hours of Operation); 6100 (Facilities Use); and 6130 (After Hours Building Use).

Policy 6130 states:  “As a public agency whose responsibility is to serve the educational needs of students and potential students, it is the policy of Bellevue College to ensure that college services are available and buildings are open to the public during published hours of business (see policy 6100).  The college’s public safety department is responsible for the security of the buildings and grounds of the campus.”  Policy 6100 states:  "Bellevue College District VIII is an educational institution provided and maintained by the people of the state of Washington.  The college reserves its facilities, buildings and grounds for those activities that are related to its broad educational mission.  At other times, the college facilities may be made available to other individuals and organizations."

The BC Public Safety Department is available on Campus 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.  At the end of normal business hours, Public Safety Officers will secure all the doors on the Campus.  During after-hours use, access to all College facilities is by key, if issued, or by admittance by Public Safety Officers.  Permission/approval for all after hours building use must be submitted to the BC Director of Public Safety in advance of the building use.

Unauthorized access to buildings, rooms or facilities and/or disorderly, disruptive or criminal behavior on Campus or in any College controlled facility may, at a minimum, result in the person being removed from the Campus.  Failure to leave when lawfully requested may result in charges of criminal trespass.  If a person served with a prior trespass notice reappears on campus, or if a person is found in a posted facility with no legitimate purpose, he or she is subject to immediate arrest.

Any individual or group granted permission to use college facilities shall agree in advance to abide by all college rules and regulations (Policy 6100).

BC does not have any student residences on the Campus.

Security & Safety Programs

a)  Presentations

At Bellevue College (BC), there are a series of programs offered throughout the year to students, faculty and staff that promote safety and security.  The programs are offered by BC Public Safety Department and the Bellevue Police Department.  BC Public Safety Department wants to encourage students, faculty, staff and visitors to be aware of their own responsibility for their security and the security of others.  If any department or organization would like to schedule an offered program, contact tvu@bellevuecollege.edu or (425) 564-2400.  Offered programs include, but are not limited to the following:

b)  Safety Escorts on Campus

BC Public Safety Department offers an escort program to all students, faculty and staff to and from any location on the Campus.  Call (425) 564-2400, if you are in need of a Public Safety escort. 

c)  Emergency Alerts

When time is of the essence, imperative information will be released to the Campus community through security alerts to individual classrooms/offices; cellular telephone text messages; email messages; at www.schoolreport.org ; local television and radio media; and on the Public Safety web site.

Crime Prevention

Personal Safety is a shared responsibility. You are encouraged to think and act in ways that increase your personal safety, the safety of your belongings, and the protection of your vehicle.  Below are some tips that can help you prepare yourself and your property.  This list is not meant to be an all inclusive list, but merely a list to start you thinking about your personal and property safety and security.  For more information go to:  http://www.ncpc.org/

Guard Yourself

Get Help

Guard Your Belongings

Theft Prevention

Alcohol & Drug Policies

Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, except at authorized and properly licensed functions, is prohibited.  Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department staff may be required for any events serving alcohol.  Alcoholic beverages may not be served at student club meetings or events.  See BC Policy 6150.

BC Policy 4500 states:  “Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform his/her assigned duties. Each student is expected to be in an appropriate mental and physical condition to participate fully in the learning process.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in or on Bellevue College owned or controlled property, or while conducting Bellevue College business, is prohibited. Violation of this policy will be reason for appropriate personnel action, or for mandatory evaluation/treatment for substance abuse. Any personnel actions and student violations will be processed in accordance with state regulations, bargaining unit agreements, student conduct code, or other appropriate policies of the college. Any disciplinary action for employees or students will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending upon the specific circumstances.

Bellevue College recognizes drug abuse and/or dependency to be a health, safety, and security problem. Employees needing assistance with problems related to drug or alcohol abuse are encouraged to use the State Employee Advisory Service and/or employee medical insurance plans, as appropriate. Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize employment.

The Board of Trustees of Community College District VIII recognizes alcoholism, alcohol abuse, chemical dependency, and other health and related behavioral problems as treatable conditions which repeatedly and continually interfere with an employee's ability to perform his/her job.  A college employee having these conditions will be given the same consideration and offer of assistance presently extended to employees having other illnesses.”

Additional resources include the following: 

In addition, the Student Handbook states, “[d]isciplinary action resulting from a drug-related student code violation may range from strict discipline to expulsion from the college and denial of future registration.  Students who feel they might have a problem with drug and/or alcohol abuse are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor in the Counseling Center.

Sex Offenders

Federal law, the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, 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 requires state law enforcement agencies to provide BC with a list of registered sex offenders who have indicated that they are either enrolled, intend to enroll, carries on a vocation, or is an employee.  Nothing in Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits an educational institution from disclosing information about registered sex offenders.  Bellevue College (BC) Public Safety Department maintains a list of registered sex offenders who are attending or have attended BC. 

Level I


The vast majority of registered sex offenders are classified as Level 1 offenders. They are considered at low risk to re-offend. These individuals may be first time offenders and they are usually known by their victims. They normally have not exhibited predatory type characteristics and most have successfully participated or are participating in approved treatment programs. Many are first time offenders. Level I offenders MAY NOT be the subject of general public notification. Washington State Law strictly limits public disclosure of all Level I Registered Sex Offender information. Information shall be shared with other law enforcement agencies and, upon request, relevant, necessary and accurate information may be disclosed to any victim or witness to the offense and to any individual community member who lives near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found. Level I offenders MAY NOT be the subject of general public notification.

Level II


Level 2 offenders have a moderate risk of re-offending. They generally have more than one victim and the abuse may be long term. These offenders usually groom their victims and may use threats to commit their crimes; they have a higher likelihood of re-offending than the Level 1 offenders. They are considered a higher risk to re-offend, because of the nature of their previous crime(s) and lifestyle (drug and alcohol abuse and other criminal activity). Some have refused to participate or failed to complete approved treatment programs. Typically these individuals do not appreciate the damage they have done to their victims.

Washington state law prohibits the Public Disclosure of Level II Registered Sex Offenders except under specific criteria. Level II notifications including relevant, necessary and accurate information may be disclosed to public and private schools, child day care centers, family day care providers, businesses and organizations that serve primarily children, women or vulnerable adults, and neighbors and community groups near the residence where the offender resides, expects to reside, or is regularly found. Level II offenders MAY NOT be the subject of general public notification.

Level III


Level 3 offenders are the greatest risk to the community. Most are predatory, have other violent crime convictions, refused treatment and are known substance abusers. Community notification is the most extensive.

Washington state law permits notifications about Level III offenders that include relevant, accurate and necessary information. This information MAY BE disclosed to the public at large.

BC Policy 1600 states:  “Pursuant to RCW 4.24.550, Bellevue College is authorized to release relevant and necessary information regarding sex offenders to the public when release of the information is necessary for public protection. This notification shall be in accordance with applicable state law and shall be in such a manner that maintains safety without creating excessive anxiety among students and staff.

The extent of public disclosure of relevant and necessary information shall be directly related to:

Immunity: Public employees and/or public agencies are immune from civil liability for damages for any discretionary decisions or release of relevant and necessary information, unless it is shown that the employee or agency acted with gross negligence or in bad faith (RCW 4.24.550).

Sexual Assault

Bellevue College (BC) is committed to providing an environment conducive to the pursuit of education and knowledge.  Conduct constituting a sexual offense, whether forcible or non-forcible, such as rape, assault, forcible fondling or sexual harassment, is not tolerated.  College disciplinary action, criminal prosecution and civil suits are all options available to victims of sexual assault.  When sexual assault occurs in the workplace, it may result in a variety of disciplinary actions, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination from BC.  In cases involving an alleged sexual offense, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing.  Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding as a result of an alleged sexual assault.

The Washington State Criminal Code (RCW 9A) defines rape as engaging in sexual intercourse with another person:

A)   by forcible compulsion; or

B)   when the victim is incapable of consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated (e.g., when the victim has consumed alcohol and/or other drugs, either voluntarily or involuntarily); or

C)   when the victim does not consent to sexual intercourse with the perpetrator and such lack of consent was expressed by the victim’s words or conduct.

In some instances the victim may know the assailant (“acquaintance rape”) and often does not realize the incident meets the legal definition of rape. The definition of sexual assault is not limited to rape, and may include other acts as defined in RCW 9A. A sexual assault may involve any unwanted touching with a sexual motivation. Acquaintance rape may fall into any of the following categories: First or second degree rape, Class A felonies punishable under the Washington State Criminal Code by up to life in prison and/or a $50,000 fine; third degree, Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Evidence Preservation

If a sexual offense should occur, the victim should take the following actions:

• Go to a safe place.

• Call the BC Public Safety Department if the incident occurred on campus; call the local police if the incident occurred off campus. The BC Public Safety Department will notify the local police of the incident.

• The BC Public Safety Department or the police will contact counseling and victim’s advocate services.

• Contact a friend or family member.

• Do not shower, bathe, or douche.

• Do not urinate, if possible.

• Do not eat, drink liquids, smoke or brush teeth if oral contact took place.

• Keep the clothes worn during the offense. If clothes are changed, place clothes in paper bag (evidence deteriorates in plastic).

• Get prompt medical attention.

• Do not destroy the physical evidence that may be found in the area of the crime. The victim should not clean or straighten until the police have had an opportunity to collect evidence.

• Tell someone all details remembered about the assault.

• Write down all details remembered as soon as possible.

Following an incident, victims are encouraged to make a report to BC Public Safety Department at (425) 564-2400 or in K100 or to contact the local police. This action does not obligate prosecution, but it does make legal action possible if the decision to prosecute is made at a later date. The earlier an incident is reported, the easier it is to collect valuable evidence. 

Students who may have been the victim of a sexual assault are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor in the Counseling Center.  Additional resources include the following: 

Other Resources: