Campus Security Authority

Any individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses. These groups are resident assistants, SWAT team members and student academic mentors.

Definition

Campus Security Authority (CSA) is a Clery specific term that encompasses four groups of individuals and organizations associated with an institution:

  1. A campus police department or a campus security department of an institution.
  2. Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g., an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance into institutional property). Include individuals who provide security at a campus parking kiosk, monitor access into a campus facility, act as event security or escort students around campus after dark
  3. Any individual or organization specified in an institution's statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses. These groups are resident assistants, SWAT team members and student academic mentors.
  4. An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution. These groups are Public Safety officers and members of Athletics and the Student Affairs Division.

The College has a responsibility to notify the campus community about any crimes which pose a current ongoing threat. CSAs are therefore obligated by law to promptly report crimes to Public Safety.

If You Are a CSA

All CSAs should report allegations of Clery Act crimes that he or she believes were made in good faith. Even if you are not sure whether an ongoing threat exists, immediately contact Public Safety at 610-328-8333 or in person at the Benjamin West House. This is the form you should use to make a report.

A CSA is not responsible for determining authoritatively whether a crime took place; that is the function of law enforcement personnel. A CSA should not try to apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime. That, too, is the responsibility of law enforcement. It is also not a CSA's responsibility to try and convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so.

Please watch the CSA Training Video.

If you have any questions about your responsibilities as a CSA, please contact Director of Public Safety Michael J. Hill at 610-328-8067.