Campus Emergency Procedures and Policies

Message from Campus Security Authority

Welcome to the United States Sports Academy’s Department of Security. It is my privilege on behalf of the Unites States Sports Academy to welcome you to our campus. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member or a guest to the United States Sports Academy, we strive to make your stay on campus a safe and pleasant experience.

We are committed to safety, security and fair and impartial treatment of all. All reports of crime or suspected criminal activity should be reported to Campus Security Authority.

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency Medical Services – 911
Academy Front Desk – 7100
Campus Security Authority – 7104 or 251-610-4615
Chair of Environmental Health & Safety Committee – 7139
Building Maintenance & Logistics – 7105
Local Police (Daphne)- 911 / 621-9100
Fire Department (Daphne) – 911 / 621-2836
Nearest Hospital (Thomas Hospital) – 928-2375
Ambulance Service – 911

Security Policies

5717 BUILDING SECURITY
The United States Sports Academy will provide building security personnel who are responsible for the overall security of the buildings, the grounds, and personnel occupying the campus buildings. The Department of Administration and Finance will be responsible for briefing the following procedures during new employee and student registration or orientation.

5717.1 PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING SECURITY
Security guards will make rounds periodically to include the various entrances/exits of the main building, the parking garage, the outside parking lot and the Eagle’s Nest. Security personnel are assigned to shifts. Security guard will record all significant events or observations in the log maintained at the security post during duty hours. The Supervisor of Building and Grounds will retain the log during non-duty hours.

5717.2 – TIMELY WARNINGS
In the event that a situation arises on campus that constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide “all staff alert” will be issued. The warning will be issued through the Academy e-mail system, as well as the emergency notification system, to students, faculty, and staff. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the Campus Security Authority may also post a notice on the campus-wide bulletin boards providing the Academy community with more immediate notification. Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report the circumstances to the Campus Security Authority by phone (ext. 7104 cell251-454-7856) or in person at office number 104.

5717.3 – REPORTING EMERGENCIES OR CRIME ON CAMPUS
All emergencies including crimes in progress, fire, and medical emergencies should be immediately reported to 911 on and off campus. To report non-emergencies or suspicious activities, call the Campus Security Authority at extension 7104 or the Chair of Environmental Health & Safety Committee at extension 7155. You may also report suspicious activity or persons to Deans, Department Heads, or Directors.

Emergency callers should be prepared with the following information:

  • Name
  • Exact location of the incident
  • Description of the scene
  • Description of any suspects
  • Description and license numbers of any involved vehicles.

5717.4 – CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITY
The United States Sports Academy Campus Security Authority has the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at the Academy. The Academy Campus Security Authority has the authority to issue parking tickets which are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty, and staff. The Campus Security Authority does not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the Daphne Police Department who has jurisdiction on the campus. The Campus Security Authority Office at the Academy maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Daphne Police Department. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to the Campus Security Authority and the Daphne Police Department. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.

5717.5 – SECURITY AWARENESS PROGRAMS
During Orientation in September and January, students are informed of services offered by the Daphne Police Department. Slide presentations outline ways to maintain personal safety and security. Students are told about crime on campus and in surrounding areas. Similar information is presented to new employees. A common theme of all awareness and crime prevention programs is to encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others. In addition to the data given at orientation, information is disseminated to students and employees through the Campus Safety Guide online at www.ussa.edu. When time is of the essence, information is released to the university through security alerts via email, as well as the Academy’s all page system.

5717.6 – CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
The Academy does not currently provide any Crime Prevention Programs on campus.

5717.7 SEXUAL ASSAULT POLICY
The United States Sports Academy (USSA) is committed to creating and maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff can work and be present in an atmosphere free from all forms of harassment, exploitation, or intimidation.

USSA has established procedures for reporting violations of University policy. All forms or attempts of sexual assault are regarded as serious offenses which may result in suspension or expulsion. Victims should seek medical treatment immediately and counseling if necessary. If assistance is needed, one should contact local Emergency Services by dialing 911. If the offense occurs on campus, campus security (ext. 7103) should be contacted immediately. Campus Security will assist with reporting the incident to the authorities, secure the area, and also contact local authorities for assistance with arranging medical transportation and evidence collection. Even if the victim does not want to report the assault to Police, they should report the incident to Campus Security so that the incident can be included in statistics and can be used to identify any patterns developing.

Definition of Sexual Assault

The definition of “sexual assault” includes, but is not limited to, forcible rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, forcible fondling, incest, or statutory rape.

Facts about Sexual Assaults

Sexual assault can happen anywhere. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Justice:

  • A sexual assault occurs every 2 minutes in America.
  • There are about 213,000 victims of sexual assault each year.
  • 60% of sexual assaults are not reported to police.
  • Approximately 2/3 of assaults are committed by someone known to the victim.

Reporting a Sexual Assault

The victim of a sexual offense should:

  1. Go to a safe location and call 911.
  2. Report the incident to the proper authorities and pursue criminal charges.
  3. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, including the collection and preservation of evidence that is crucial to pursuing criminal prosecution.
  4. If the offense occurs on campus, report the assault to the campus security. USSA Security Authorities will assist in reporting to police and obtaining medical treatment.

Preservation of Evidence of a Sexual Assault

After a sexual assault, it is very important that the victim receive a medical examination. The victim should seek medical attention and have a “rape kit” done. Preserving the evidence from the assault is important. Even if the victim does not wish to file a police report or is certain he or she will not prosecute, evidence should be preserved so the victim has the opportunity to change his or her mind.

The following list of instructions is offered regarding the preservation of evidence:

  • Do not change clothes until you have received medical attention. If the clothes are changed, those worn during the assault should be placed in a paper bag and taken along to the examination.
  • Do not touch anything the suspect may have touched.
  • Do not bathe (or shower) until you have received medical attention.
  • While waiting for medical and law enforcement assistance, try to make mental notes of the incident.

Surviving Sexual Assault

The survivor of a sexual assault is urged to seek counseling shortly after the sexual assault has occurred. You can obtain help at the following:

The Rape Crisis Center provides assistance throughout this dire situation. Connect with the center through the Crisis Line, 251-473-7273 (RAPE), and they will begin to help you through a confusing and traumatic time. Whether you need help immediately following the incident or if you are still healing from long-lasting emotional scars, the Rape Crisis Center is equipped and experienced to connect you with the police, offer counseling and extend their hand to you throughout this event and its aftermath. http://www.rapecrisismobile.org/.

Victims of sexual assault may receive free confidential 24 hour counseling by calling RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) hotline number 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Trained counselors are available at the aforementioned numbers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. RAINN can also be reached through e-mail, at info@rainn.org. However, crisis counseling is not available through e-mail. The e-mail address is intended solely for questions or comments. You can also visit the RAINN Web site at http://www.rainn.org.

Campus Safety Policies

Sexual assaults violate the standards of conduct expected of every member in the USSA community. Sexual assault is a criminal act, which subjects the perpetrator to criminal and civil penalties under state and federal law. In all cases, USSA will abide by and cooperate with local, state and federal sanctions. USSA disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion depending on the seriousness of the situation. USSA will apply the preponderance of the evidence standard when investigating these matters.

Change of Academic Situation

USSA will change a victim’s academic or employment situation after a sex offense or alleged sex offense, if those changes are requested and are reasonably available.
Procedures for Campus Disciplinary Action in Cases of an Alleged Sex Offense
The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. In addition, both the accuser and the accused must be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense.

Sex Offender Registry

Sex offender information is available at http://www.icrimewatch.net/?AgencyID=53992

Domestic Violence Plan

Any incident of alleged domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking incidents reported to Campus Security Authorities will be referred to local police for investigation unless the victim refuses to report to police.

In accordance with section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994,
“Domestic violence” means a “felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by-

  • a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim,
  • a person with whom the victim shares a child in common,
  • a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner,
  • a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies (under VAWA), or
  • 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” means “violence committed by a person-
  • who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
  • where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
    • o the length of the relationship
    • o the type of relationship
    • o the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.”
  • “Stalking” means “engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to-
  • fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
  • suffer substantial emotional distress.”

2042.25 – Weapons Policy

The Academy prohibits the possession or use of firearms or weapons of any type on the Academy’s premises. The definition of weapons shall include all types of firearms (regardless of size) knives (other than small pocket knives with a blade length of three inches or less), mace, and pyrotechnic devices (e.g., fireworks). Infractions will be considered and evaluated on a case-by-case basis as a student disciplinary matter. The Academy reserves the right to deny admission or continued attendance to a student whose actions are contrary to the policies and procedures of the Academy. Punishment for a weapons infraction may include suspension for a semester or immediate expulsion.

Student Conduct Section). The Academy reserves the right to deny admission, or continued attendance to a student whose actions are contrary to policies and procedures of the Academy. Punishment for a weapons infraction may include suspension for a semester or immediate expulsion. Infractions by faculty or staff may result in disciplinary action including immediate termination of employment.

5717.3.6 – THREAT/ACT OF VIOLENCE

Active Shooter

  • Call 911; give them as much information as possible:
  • Your name and location (building department or area)
  • What the intruder is doing; is he armed?
  • If possible you or a coworker should also call the Front Desk, Ext. 7100 and ask the receptionist to call Campus Security, Ext. 7104 and alert the building.
  • RUN: If/when it is safe to do so, leave the area.
  • HIDE: If the intruder is blocking the exit, lock and barricade yourself and others in a nearby room; preferably one that affords the opportunity for escape or rescue if necessary. If you can, take shelter behind or under prominent barriers such as a desk or filing cabinets. Turn off all cell phones. Be very quiet.
  • FIGHT: If you cannot safely leave the area, and there is no other option, use anything in your area as a weapon – a fire extinguisher, a chair – to attack.

Suspicious Individual on Campus

  • Call the Front Desk, Ext. 7100 and Campus Security, Ext. 7104. Alert them to the individual. Report the area and the behavior.
  • If you feel threatened and it is safe to do so, quietly leave your area. Alert others nearby, but do so quietly.
  • If the intruder is blocking the exit, then lock yourself in your office; barricade the door. Hide behind prominent barriers such as filing cabinets and desks.

Harassing/Obscene Telephone Calls or Emails

It is the Academy’s policy to prohibit the sending of obscene or harassing messages by any member of the Academy community. This policy includes messages sent by telephone, email, or any other telecommunications or electronic medium. The sending of such messages is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment in the case of an employee, or expulsion in the case of a student.

In addition, the sending of such messages may constitute a crime under federal or state law, or both, punishable by imprisonment and/or fine. The Academy’s policy is to refer incidents involving the sending of such messages to the appropriate authorities when the judgement of the responsible Academy personnel deems it appropriate to do so.

The best way to handle such telephone calls is to simply hang up without a response. If the calls continue or are threatening, contact Campus Security, Ext. 7104 and the Department of Administration & Finance.

  • Provide as much information as possible
  • Your name and extension number
  • The incoming telephone number (provided by Caller ID and Incoming Call Log)
  • Date and time of the calls
  • Content of the calls
  • If harassing or obscene messages are left on voicemail, do not delete. Save them as evidence.

Bomb Threat

  • If the threat is received by phone, evacuate the building immediately. Pull the nearest fire alarm to notify all personnel.
  • Call 911 by cell phone.
  • Personnel should remain out of the building until given the all clear.
  • If you find an item you suspect may be a bomb, do NOT touch it or attempt to move it. Leave the area, evacuate the building and call 911.

Kidnaping/Hostage/Extortion Situation

If a telephone call is received regarding a kidnapping/hostage situation,

  • Keep the caller on the line as long as possible
  • Listen carefully so you can provide as much information as possible to law enforcement.
  • Write down instructions
  • Call 911 and Campus Security, Ext. 7104.

If you, or a fellow employee, are taken hostage:

  • Cooperate with the person; make no sudden movements.
  • If you can alert other employees in the area to the situation. If you can, call the Front Desk, Ext. 7100 or Campus Security, Ext. 7104.
  • Try to remain calm.
  • Do what you can to avoid getting into a vehicle with the kidnapper.

5717.3.4 – WEATHER EMERGENCIES

Weather Emergencies

Tornadoes

  • Campus Security will monitor the approach and severity of the weather.
  • If the weather service issues a severe weather or tornado warning for the area, Security will notify the ERACs who, in turn, will notify employees/students in respective areas.
  • Personnel should move to the preplanned shelter:
  • Basement (parking garage or lower level Fitness Center)
  • Avoid the lobby, stay away from windows.
  • If available, take flashlights and cell phones to the shelter.
  • Remain in the shelter until given an all-clear.
  • ERACs should reconvene with their respective departments to ensure everyone is safe.

Hurricanes

The Academy’s full Hurricane Action Plan can be found in Policy 5811. Since advance notice is always given in the event of a hurricane, no emergency evacuation plan from the Academy campus is in place. Instead, the Administrative Manual outlines all procedures to be followed before, during, and after the storm.

Employees will be notified either in person (during the normal work week) or by a telephone calling chain (during a weekend) if the Academy will be closed due to the approach of a hurricane. If an employee is not contacted by his/her supervisor, that employee must contact the supervisor or call the Academy’s emergency number for instructions.

Before leaving the building in the event of a storm, the following must be done:

  • Occupants of exterior offices are to clear desks of all items.
  • Items on window ledges or on the credenza close to the windows should be removed.
  • Computers and peripheral equipment should be covered with plastic sheeting, provided by Logistics.
  • In the event Logistics asks that the equipment be removed from an office, the employee should tag each item with office number and user name. Logistics will then remove such to a secure area.
  • All office blinds should be closed and all office doors are to remain unlocked.
  • All desks in exterior offices should be covered with plastic sheeting.
  • All chairs should be moved to interior walls.

Faculty and staff should follow storm predictions on local radio and television stations or on the internet. Employees are required to contact the Academy’s emergency number twice daily (between 0600 to 0900 and 1700 to 2000 – 6 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.) to stay informed of the Academy’s operating status.

  • Local number: 251/445-0333
  • Toll-free number: 877/898-3002

In the event that telephone service is disrupted, each employee must ensure they stay informed of Academy status provided through other communication resources, such as internet, radio, and/or television.

Employees will be recalled to work following a hurricane as soon as feasible.