Sonoma State University

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2017 Campus Safety Plan

Availability, Location, and Methods to Summon Law Enforcement Assistance

The Sonoma State University Police Department is located on campus at 1801 East Cotati Avenue, Verdot Village, Rohnert Park, CA and provides law enforcement services 24 hours a day to our community. Police Dispatch can be reached directly 24 hours a day by phone at 707-664-4444. The peace officers of Sonoma State University have state-wide police authority and jurisdiction per Penal Code 830.2 and Education Code 89560, and are vested with law enforcement powers and responsibilities, identical to the local police or sheriff departments in your home community.

Crime Reporting

The entire campus community is strongly encouraged to report any and all known or suspected incidents of criminal activity on campus to the University Police Department as soon as possible. When calling Sonoma State University Police always:

  • Give your name, telephone number, and location.
  • Give clear and accurate information.
  • Be prepared to supply suspect and vehicle description, and direction of travel.
  • DON’T HANG UP! Follow the instructions of the dispatcher.

By Telephone

  • Emergency: 9-1-1
  • Non-emergency 707-664-4444

In Person

  • Sonoma State University Police at the south end of Verdot village across from parking Lot ‘D’ and the Student Center.

Emergency Blue Light Call Stations

A 9-1-1, 24-hour, button activated, emergency telephone system will put you in contact with emergency personnel for any emergency need. There are 35 call stations located throughout campus, including the residential community.

Special Safeguards for Facilities or Activities

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

All campus facilities are key or key-card accessed, and most are open daily for scheduled campus community use.  Campus key control and distribution is a function of Seawolf Services and Facilities Services. To provide for the security of campus facilities, University Police enforces Educational Code 89031 & Housing Policies. Campus facility access may be revoked per Penal Code 626.

Security Considerations Used in Maintenance of Campus Facilities

Regular inspections and security surveys of campus indoor/outdoor lighting, shrubbery and walkways are conducted. The University participates in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design concepts for planning and improvements on campus.

Special Event Safety Planning

Preparation for large events on campus involves the creation of Incident Action Plans according to the Standardized Emergency Management System and in collaboration with mutual aid agencies and contracted safety personnel.

New Student Orientations

University Police personnel provide personal safety tips and emergency contact information to new students on a regular basis. Students are informed of policies, voluntary confidential crime reporting procedures, and safety programs through regular outreach through email, social media, and tabling at events throughout the academic year.

New Employee Orientations

The offices of Safety & Risk Management and Human Resources present safety policies and procedures to new employees by in-person orientations. Employees are informed of injury and illness prevention, workplace violence prevention, confidential victim/survivor counseling services, safety programs, and voluntary confidential crime reporting procedures.

Actions in the Last 18 Months to Increase Safety

  • Hired one police officer to bring the department to full patrol staffing levels
  • Deployed a bicycle patrol team to patrol campus and provide enhanced patrol capabilities and maximize community outreach opportunities  
  • Performed a comprehensive lighting and safety survey with multiple departments
  • Assigned an officer to serve as the community outreach coordinator to coordinate outreach, education and safety presentations
  • Conducted training and educational programs in the area of emergency management, personal safety, and crime prevention; this included the refreshment of emergency supplies, campus wide active shooter incident training, and training of University personnel on emergency response and continuity of operations

Safety Initiatives During the Next 24 Months

  • Implement "Coffee with a Chief" program to enhance relationships with the community and provide opportunities for students to meet the Police Chief and officers, share concerns, and share ideas to enhance policing and safety on campus.
  • Implement a crime prevention assessment form to provide officers with a standardized template for assessing campus areas to improve safety and prevent crime
  • Implement a streamlined campus emergency blue light call station test and repair process to assist in maintaining a fully functional fleet of call stations
  • Continue to explore more efficient, effective campus lighting

California State University, Sonoma Statistical Report 2016

The report is a separate and distinct report from the Annual Security Report required under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act). The report can be found at https://www.sonoma.edu/annual-campus-security-report.

The statistics were compiled using the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program definitions, occurring on campus, and in compliance with California State Education Code, Chapter 16, of the Donahue Higher Education Act, Section 67380.

2016 Statistics (California Education Code 67380(a)(1)(a))

Occurrences and/or arrests for

On Campus

Part I violent crimes*

6

Hate crimes

0

Noncriminal acts of hate violence

0

Theft

79

Destruction of property

16

Illegal Drugs

23

Alcohol intoxication

11

* Part 1 violent crimes include willful homicide, rape, robbery, and aggrivated assault.

Occurrences and/or arrests for

Systemwide

Hate Crimes

16

Noncriminal acts of hate violence

1