Preparation of the Annual Security Report
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act the College is required to compile and publish a yearly report that discloses certain timely and annual information about campus crime statistics and policies.
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Act, Sussex County Community College has designated the Director of Campus Safety, Security & Campus Operations as the responsible party for preparing and distributing the Annual Security Report (ASR) to all employees and students by October 1st of each year. In addition, the Director of Campus Safety, Security & Campus Operations shall also be responsible for ensuring compliance with the U.S. Department of Education by filing the required crime statistics as outlined in the Higher Education Act, section #485. The Director shall also complete any required Campus Safety and Security Self- Assessment Survey that may be required by the State of New Jersey Department of Education.
The Director of Campus Safety, Security & Campus Operations, along with other campus security authorities, compile statistics and essential policy components necessary for campus security. The sources of these statistics are compiled using both on campus records and contact with local law enforcement agencies for statistical data for crimes and other incidence’s occurring on SCCC property.
The following properties shall be included within the report:
Emergency Operations Plan
In addition, the Director of Campus Safety, Security & Campus Operations shall also be responsible for ensuring a complete and updated version of the college’s Emergency Operations Plan is submitted to the College Board of Trustees for approval and that a memorandum of record, signed by the College President, that certifies the governing board of Sussex County Community College adopted the institutional Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), is filed annually with the NJ Department of Education.
The Director shall be required to comply with any changes and/or additions that may occur to the above mandates.
Sussex County Community College prohibits weapons possession of any kind on any College owned or controlled property. Prohibition includes the carrying or possession of a firearm, weapon, or unlawful device as defined by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1, and other objects/weapons as further described herein, while on Sussex County Community College property[1]. This policy is applicable to all faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
Note: This prohibition does not extend to active law enforcement, retired law enforcement, or others who are in compliance with N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3g. Those officers/agents who are not on duty should make efforts to conceal and/or prevent public display of a weapon so as not to cause public alarm.
Definitions
Firearm - any firearm whether operable or inoperable as defined by the New Jersey Criminal Code or any facsimile thereof, including, but not limited to paintball guns, BB guns, air soft guns, or any device that propels a projectile of any kind as defined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3; 2C:39-4 and 2C:39-5.
Explosive or Destructive Device - as defined in New Jersey Criminal Code, N.J.S.A. 2C:38-3. Any explosive compound/material defined in the New Jersey Criminal Code; or, any hoax device or replica of a destructive device.
Weapon (all others) - Any operable or inoperable object (or reasonable facsimile thereof) referenced in the New Jersey Criminal Code, including but not limited to any knife or edged weapon with a blade of three or more inches in length, any impact-type instrument (e.g., club, nun chuck, etc.), any electrical discharge weapon (e.g. stun gun or Taser) Please refer to definitions as per N.J.S.A. 2C:39-1.
Exceptions - Any person employed by the college (e.g., faculty, maintenance staff, security, contractor) authorized by the President or his/her designee to have in his/her possession for use as part of any activity conducted at the college workplace a device which would otherwise be prohibited by this policy.
[1] Property is defined as including, but not limited to; buildings, grounds, roadways, and parking areas. Public Safety Training Academy – This policy does not apply, when in conflict with lawful and approved activities occurring at the PSTA.
Note of deference: Any changes or additions to the laws of the State of New Jersey that affect this policy shall prevail in place.
Introduction: In an effort to reinforce the safety and security of the campus community certain qualified staff members may be approved and directed to carry a firearm on any and all SCCC properties, at the discretion of the college president or designee.
Rationale: With the increase[1] of catastrophic violent crime at institutions of higher education and other public and private areas abroad, Sussex County Community College recognizes the potential for increased casualties associated with timed response by law enforcement. It is the college’s intent to mitigate loss and or prevent these type of incidents through immediate intervention by trained and qualified personnel of Sussex County Community College. The New Jersey retired law enforcement officer permit to carry a handgun law was enacted to help make our streets and communities safer. SCCC shall authorize intercession by qualified employees when there exists an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death, and there is an immediate need to act for the protection of life.
The Board of Trustees empowers the College President to approve and provide a written authorization for a law enforcement officer who retired in good standing (RPO), and is an employee of Sussex County Community College, to possess and carry a handgun in any campus building or grounds during his/her workday. The retired police officer (RPO) must have and maintain a valid permit to carry a handgun issued pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:58-4, to possess a handgun in this capacity during his/her workday provided the employee meets the exception to N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b.) outlined in N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(l.). Any authorization will only be for the time period the New Jersey State Police issued identification card is valid.
Eligible Employees
The college employee who is authorized shall be assigned in a position that serves the college in the capacity of safety and security. Those positions shall include, but may not be limited to the following: Director of Campus Safety, Security & Campus Operations, Evening Supervisor, Security Concierge, & Security Officer. This staff member must provide the College President, upon request, documentation supporting compliance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(l.)., including but not limited to, a copy of the identification card issued by the Superintendent of the State Police permitting the retired officer to carry a handgun in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2C:39-6(l.)4) and any associated training and qualification records. The College President may request additional proofs of capacities and capabilities from the RPO. In addition, the College President may also wish to review these documents with the local Chief of Police or his/her designee. The RPO must also have a valid Security Officer Registration Act (SORA) license issued by the New Jersey State Police.
Written Authorization Required
Upon such approval, the College President shall provide written authorization to the staff member along with any conditions on the authority to carry a handgun on campus property as required by the State of New Jersey. N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b.)
Notification to Law Enforcement Jurisdictions
Upon approval by the College President, the College President or designee shall notify any and all law enforcement authorities within the jurisdictions associated, of any person or persons who will be authorized to carry a firearm on college property. This shall include basic pedigree information and current photo. Employees so authorized must also carry photographic identification indicating their authorization as required by New Jersey State law.
Maintenance of Valid Permit
The college shall reimburse or satisfy any associated costs for the maintenance of the RPO’s permit to carry and SORA license, including but not limited to, permit to carry fees and ammunition and equipment costs associated with required semi-annual qualifications. In addition, the college shall facilitate and make available any training and qualifications required by the State of New Jersey. This may include utilization and coordination of training at the college’s Public Safety Training Academy or other appropriate facilities as needed. If the college cannot fulfill the obligation of facilitating training and maintenance, then the RPO shall be reimbursed for any and all associated expenses identified as required to maintain current valid permit to carry and Security Officer Registration Act.
Training and Equipment Requirements
The RPO shall make him/herself available for required training associated with the permit to carry, including firearms qualification and use of force training, as well as SORA training and certification. In addition to semiannual qualification with a handgun, the retired officer must be thoroughly familiar with N.J.S.A. 2C:3-1 et. seq. of the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice which codifies the justified use of deadly force by a civilian.
The RPO shall provide their own firearm and holster that must conform to the restrictions set forth in the state’s handgun qualification course. The college reserves the right to further restrict and/or dictate the type of equipment and attire to be utilized while acting in the RPO capacity. It should also be noted that, as civilians, retired officers cannot legally carry hollow-point ammunition or utilize high-capacity ammunition magazines (capable of holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition) in the handgun they are carrying.
[1] A Study of Active Shooter Incidents in the United States Between 2000 and 2013 - U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Note of deference: Any changes or additions to the laws of the State of New Jersey that affect this policy shall prevail in place.
