The safety and well being of all members of our community is of great concern to American University. Many departments and employees are dedicated to keeping the campus a safe place to live and work. A safe environment, however, depends on the cooperation and involvement of individuals in safeguarding themselves and others.
This publication contains information to aid in the cooperative effort of keeping the campus safe. It contains specific information on safety and security, crime prevention, University Police operations and breadth of authority, policies relating to reporting crime, campus disciplinary procedures, and crime statistics for the most recent three-year-period. It is distributed to all students, faculty, and staff, and can be obtained online at www.american.edu/handbook/security.html or by writing to American University, Public Safety, Annual Security Report, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20016-8068. A copy can also be obtained by visiting Human Resources or Public Safety on campus. Additional security information, schedules of crime prevention classes, and monthly crime statistics are available by contacting Public Safety.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Organization and Responsibilities

The Public Safety office has primary responsibility for the security of American University. The department’s mission is to create and maintain a safe and secure environment. This includes protecting lives, securing property, and preserving peace and order. Public Safety provides a variety of safety and security related services, organized into three units: Police Services, Security Services, and Transportation Services.

University Police

Operations and Credentials

University Police operates 24-hours a day. University Police officers and personnel are commissioned law enforcement officers of the District of Columbia, and have full investigative and arrest authority on university property. This unit employs 33 uniformed patrol officers and supervisors, in addition to seven non-uniformed officers in management and specialty positions. The University Police unit manages the Communications Center, which includes supervision of our 24-hour emergency dispatch service. Six of the uniformed patrol officers are communications specialists, who work in the Communications Center, and who dispatch university police officers to all incidents and calls for service. This unit also handles lost and found.

Duties

University police protect university facilities, including academic and administrative buildings, parking lots, athletic fields, and grounds. Patrols are done by vehicle, bicycle, and on foot. Officers check in at residence hall front desks, but do not routinely patrol the buildings unless requested to do so. Safety escorts are provided at night or by special request for individuals on campus. Officers respond to all reports of crime, fire, medical, and other emergencies, and coordinate with the District of Columbia Fire and Police Departments. They lock and unlock buildings and admit authorized persons into locked areas. The University Police dispatcher coordinates all on-campus emergency and non-emergency communications and requests for service.

Police Powers

University police can issue traffic citations, which are adjudicated through Transportation Services and university disciplinary processes. As commissioned officers, they are sworn to uphold the Constitution and all laws and legal regulations for the United States and the District of Columbia. Additionally, the officers are obligated as officials of American University to enforce university rules and regulations. All police officers are required to identify persons they suspect of being perpetrators of, or witnesses to, a crime.
The university restricts access to its facilities to members of the academic community and bona fide guests. In order to uphold this policy, all students, faculty and staff are required to possess an American University ID card (Americard) and to present it when requested by a university official. Individuals who do not have legitimate reasons for being on campus or in a university building, and who refuse to comply with a request to leave, may be subject to arrest under the District of Columbia Code Section 22-3102, Unlawful Entry. By law, police officers are permitted to stop individuals suspected of criminal activity and to request their name, address, business, and destination. Anyone failing to answer these questions to the satisfaction of the officer may be detained for further investigation. Resistance to detention may result in a more serious charge. Peace officers must be mindful of their safety while performing their duties. For this reason, the law permits officers to search a person who has been detained to ensure that he or she does not possess a weapon.

Philosophy of Community Policing

The Community Policing Coordinator oversees community-policing efforts on campus, and facilitates an in-service University Police training program. Some of the topics covered include Community Orientated Policing Services, which involves partnership development, problem solving, and some of the history of law enforcement. Other subjects covered are CPR and First Aid, Infection Control and Tactical Communications.
University police have adopted a community-policing model, which promotes active participation between police and community members. It recognizes that crime is more effectively deterred with a teamwork approach between these parties. With effective communication between community members and officers, community members become active participants in safety practices and crime prevention.
In an effort to foster this philosophy, professional training has been provided for officers in effective communication skills. Additionally, a survey to solicit feedback on the quality of service provided to customers by university police is being implemented. This information is vital to Public Safety making changes and improvements to the quality of University Police services.
Other programs implemented by University Police are the officer liaison and bike patrol programs. These programs enable officers to communicate with campus community members more regularly, and to build relationships of mutual trust and respect.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention Coordinator manages prevention efforts on campus through community policing. Crime prevention programs and materials are developed to aid students and employees in protecting themselves, and their property. These materials and programs are actively promoted, and are made available to the university community. The Crime Prevention Coordinator also acts as liaison for Public Safety to other departments for special events on campus. This includes planning, coordinating, and implementing University Police’s participation and support for special events at the university.

Additional Roles/Other Duties

The University Police unit also conducts investigations of reported crimes. Investigations of serious campus crimes are coordinated with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). When appropriate, investigation results are presented to the U.S. Attorney for prosecution and/or through university disciplinary processes for action.
Security Services
The Security Services unit monitors and maintains the fire and intrusion alarm systems, and closed circuit television systems. Efforts in these areas prevent unauthorized access to university facilities. This unit is also responsible for access control and ID cards (Americard). As well, unit personnel conduct periodic audits to assess physical security requirements and future expansion.

Transportation Services

The Transportation Services unit provides many services important to the mission of the Public Safety office. This unit is responsible for the parking, traffic, and shuttle services for the university community, and is supported by 12 full-time and part-time staff.

Relationship with Local Law Enforcement Agencies

American University is located in upper northwest Washington, D.C., in the Second District of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The Second District precinct is located approximately 1.5 miles from campus. Public Safety maintains a close working relationship with MPD, communicating on a daily basis on items of mutual concern. MPD dispatches officers when a felony is reported; a victim requests them, or when an arrest is made. They work with the university investigator on complex or specialized cases, and provide daily reports of criminal activity in the surrounding area. MPD officials meet regularly with area campus law enforcement directors to discuss mutual concerns, coordinate programs and exchange information.

Reporting Criminal Actions and Emergencies

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors should immediately report any criminal offenses to Public Safety. Emergencies, potential criminal actions, or suspicious activities can be reported by regular telephone, emergency telephone, or in person. You may dial x3636 from any on-campus telephone. As well, 95 emergency telephones, mounted on poles with blue lights on top, are located on the grounds of the university, in garages, building lobbies, and elevators. These telephones automatically connect to the Public Safety office. Depressing the button on the box will activate the telephone connection. You can begin to speak when the dispatcher answers over the speaker. Indoor emergency telephones are located in 17 buildings, and at the residence hall front desks. The telephones are red, identified by signs, and automatically connect to the Public Safety office when the receiver is lifted. The location of an activated telephone is displayed in the Public Safety office so that officers can be dispatched to investigate, even if there is no voice communication.
Reports can also be made in person at the Public Safety building, or to uniformed university police officers on patrol throughout campus. Criminal offenses can be reported to officials at American University to include deans of academic units, and the directors and department heads of administrative units. Confidential reports can be made to officials at the Center for Psychological Learning Services (CPLS), the Student Health Center, Kay Spiritual Life Center, and the Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). There is also a crime tips hotline, TIPS (To Inform Public Safety) 885-CLUE (2583), to anonymously report information. The crimes reported to these sources are tallied by these sources and provided to Public Safety to be included in the annual disclosure crime statistics, but the reports and details of incidence remain with these sources and are strictly confidential.
When a report of an urgent situation is received, officers are dispatched to the scene to lend assistance, investigate, prepare a report, and conduct follow-up, as needed. District of Columbia fire, emergency medical, and/or police personnel are called when appropriate.

Reporting Sex-Related Offenses

In reporting a case of sexual assault, you have several options:

Go to the hospital for an exam. If you choose to report the assault for criminal prosecution at the hospital, hospital officials will call a member of the MPD Sex Offense Squad to collect appropriate evidence. Do not shower or bathe before this exam. Bring with you in a plastic bag any clothes or articles you were wearing when the assault occurred. A Residential Life staff member or staff member from Public Safety can help you arrange transportation to the hospital.
Receive counseling or a counseling referral from the Center for Psychological and Learning Services (CPLS).
Receive medical attention at the Student Health Center (SHC). The SHC can provide testing for sexually transmitted diseases and other services; however, the SHC cannot collect evidence for MPD in preparation for possible criminal prosecution. It is therefore important that you go to the hospital if you believe that there is a possibility that you may press criminal charges.
Report the assault to local authorities (MPD) and request that charges be filed.
Report the assault to campus authorities (Public Safety, Residential Life and Housing Services, the Dean of Students Office, the Center for Psychological and Learning Services, or the Faculty Staff Assistance Program).
File charges through the university’s internal judicial system, Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services. You may file charges at the university in addition to charges you may have filed through the court system (criminal/civil).
Call outside sources such as D.C. Rape Crisis Center.
Call friends or family to assist you.
Receive assistance regarding academic matters or living arrangements that may be affected by your situation.

Victims of sex-related offenses are strongly encouraged to report such crimes to the Public Safety office. Public Safety will provide assistance with filing a university incident report. A female or male officer, as appropriate, may handle an intake interview. The Office of Student Services staff is also available to help in filing reports.
The following services are available to victims regardless of whether the crime occurred on or off campus:
The victim, upon request, will be transported to the Student Health Center and/or Sibley Memorial or Suburban hospitals for medical assistance.
Psychological counseling is made available through the university Center for Psychological and Learning Services (CPLS), Faculty Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), and/or the D. C. Rape Crisis Center.
Public Safety will notify the victim of the option to change his/her academic and living arrangements. This office will assist with changes, if requested by the victim, and if facilities are reasonably available.
The victim is informed of his/her option to notify MPD or other appropriate law enforcement authorities. Public Safety will provide assistance in notifying local authorities, if requested by the victim.
The victim is informed of his/her option to file charges with the University Conduct Council or other appropriate disciplinary bodies. Assistance with filing these charges is made available to the victim.
The victim will be advised of the importance of preserving evidence for the proof of a criminal offense. The decision of the victim to pursue or not pursue with some course of criminal or civil action in these incidents is honored and respected.

Resources

Sexual Assault Information Line (202) 885-2000
D.C. Rape Crisis Center Hotline (202) 333-RAPE
Dean of Students Office x3300
Emergencies on-campus x3636 off-campus 911
MPD Sex Offense Squad (202) 727-4151
MPD Second District Headquarters (202) 282-0070
Center for Psychological and Learning Services x3370
Sibley Memorial Hospital Emergency Room (202) 537-4080
Suburban Hospital Emergency Room (301) 896-3880

Conduct Council Hearing Procedures

In cases of alleged sex offense(s), the case will be referred for a disciplinary hearing. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of the disciplinary proceeding. Specifically, both parties will be informed of the university’s final determination with regard to the alleged sex offense(s) and any sanction that is imposed against the accused.

University Sanctions for Sex-Related Offenses

Students found guilty of sex-related offense(s) through the University Conduct Council are given sanctions that are implemented by the Dean of Students in accordance with university policies. There are no automatic sanctions for particular offenses. The University Conduct Council evaluates cases individually and applies sanctions consonant with the severity of the offense(s). However, in reviewing precedent, students should be aware that the predictable consequences for sex-related offenses are suspension or dismissal from the university.

Access to Facilities

American University has an open environment that allows individuals to move freely around the campus. This open environment makes all members of the university community responsible for immediately reporting suspicious activities to university police. Individuals challenged by university police officers for suspicious activity are required to identify themselves and present student, employee, or other identification, as requested.

Grounds

Access to the grounds is generally not controlled. The outside athletic facilities and adjacent unlit areas are closed at dark. Individuals observed displaying suspicious behavior or suspected of unlawful acts will be questioned by university police officers.

Academic/Administrative Buildings

Buildings are open during regular business and class hours. Instructional facilities are generally open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week, while classes are in session. There are three areas scheduled for 24-hour use: Ward Reading Room, Anderson and Mary Graydon Computer Labs. Additionally, other areas may be open for 24-hour use during exam periods, or for other special needs. University police lock and unlock exterior building entrances in accordance with the building’s schedule. Only individuals with valid identification and written authorization are admitted to locked buildings and areas.

Residence Halls

Residence Halls are locked 24-hours a day and are controlled by an electronic access control system. Residents and visitors enter through the main entrance only. Residents use a magnetic access card to open the building door. Visitors are granted entry by the front desk staff and must be escorted by a resident. The front desk is staffed 24-hours a day. University personnel and maintenance staff check-in at the front desk.
While the university makes every effort to prevent access by uninvited visitors, it is necessary that residents also take an active role to prevent this. Strangers should be reported to the hall staff, and doors should not be held open for non-residents to enter. Residents are held responsible for the actions of their guests. Students are also encouraged to lock their doors at all times.

Alarms and Closed Circuit Cameras

Limited areas in academic and administrative buildings are connected to intrusion alarms that report to a central monitoring station in the Public Safety office. Systems are currently located in several 24-hour areas on campus. Upgrades and expansions of these systems are planned for and installed annually. All residence hall exterior doors are alarmed. These alarms are monitored by Public Safety and sound a local siren.

Maintenance

The Physical Plant Operations office maintains university facilities with safety and security in mind. University police officers report broken doors, windows, locks, lights, and other hazards by calling x2-FIX (2349) to reach our university Information Center. These items receive expedited maintenance action. Public Safety personnel complete inspections of campus facilities to assess potential risks and make recommendations for improvement.

Off-Campus Student Organizations

The University does not currently recognize any off-campus student organizations and therefore does not monitor such off-campus activity.

Crime Prevention

Public Safety maintains a comprehensive crime prevention program. Working with the Office of Student Services and other units, Public Safety develops and monitors procedures and programs to promote safety and security. Each member of Public Safety promotes crime prevention throughout the university community. Public Safety’s proactive stance on crime prevention is part of its basic philosophy. A university police liaison program was developed because of our community policing efforts. University police officers are assigned to residence halls where they become active members of the hall community. They conduct programs, answer questions about safety and security, respond to inquiries about Public Safety’s role on campus, and encourage residents to become active members in the university community in relation to safety issues.

Educational Programs

A wide variety of crime prevention education programs are available to students and employees. Some of these programs are:

Campus groups are encouraged to sponsor these programs to increase attendance and to bring together individuals who have common concerns. Programs are presented to new students at orientation and (unless noted) last one to one and half-hours. These programs are promoted to Residence Assistants to be offered in the residence halls. They are also promoted to university employees. They are designed to address specific needs of the audience and focus on taking personal responsibility for individual safety, how to avoid unsafe situations, and Public Safety services. Individuals interested in the educational programs should contact Public Safety at x2529.
The Student Health Center, The Office of Student Services, and Residential Life and Housing Services offer related programs on acquaintance rape, alcohol, relationships, and self-defense.
Campus groups are encouraged to sponsor these programs to increase attendance and to bring together individuals who have common concerns. Programs are presented to new students at orientation and (unless noted) last one to one and half-hours. These programs are promoted to Residence Assistants to be offered in the residence halls. They are also promoted to university employees. They are designed to address specific needs of the audience and focus on taking personal responsibility for individual safety, how to avoid unsafe situations, and Public Safety services. Individuals interested in the educational programs should contact Public Safety at x2529.
The Student Health Center, The Office of Student Services, and Residential Life and Housing Services offer related programs on acquaintance rape, alcohol, relationships, and self-defense.

Education and Counseling Programs

Educational programs and counseling options are available to students and employees at AU. The Student Health Center and Human Resources sponsor a wide variety of substance abuse education programs. The Center for Psychological and Learning Services and the Human Resources office have treatment and counseling options available for individuals and groups.

Crime Prevention Boards and Postings

Crime prevention boards are located: inside the lobbies of Butler building, Bender Library, Glover-Tunlaw Apartments, Federal building, Mary Graydon Center, Hurst building, McKinley building, Ward building, Asbury building, the Sports Center, the Washington College of Law, and Brandywine building. They are also located outside at the main shuttle depot and at the Nebraska parking lot. These boards are used to post campus monthly crime statistics, crime alerts, crime prevention tips, and other information. Display tables are exhibited at various campus events throughout the year. These displays contain information regarding Public Safety services and crime prevention programs. Crime prevention literature is also distributed at these exhibits.

Preventing Sexual Assault

Programs in the prevention of sexual assault are offered regularly through the Office of Student Services and by Public Safety to students, faculty, and staff. Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD), a physical defense course for women offered by Public Safety, teaches rape prevention and practical self-defense techniques. There are also programs on dating violence and acquaintance rape offered by the Office of Student Services.

Crime Alerts

Crime Alerts are written and posted to inform the campus community of crimes considered a threat to other students and employees. These reports are generated by crimes that are reported to University Police or local law enforcement agencies. The alerts are provided to students and employees in a timely manner so that they can aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.

Crime Log

Public Safety maintains a crime log, which is written in an easily understood format and records all crimes reported to University Police. The log describes the nature, date, time, and general location of each crime and the disposition of the complaint, if known. The log is maintained for the most recent 60-day period and is open to public inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, unless the university is closed. Entries or updates are made to the log within two business days after the information becomes available. There are times, however, when information may be withheld from the log. If there is clear and convincing evidence that the release of such information would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or result in the destruction of evidence, the information may be withheld until that damage is no longer likely to occur.

Escort Service

University police escort individuals walking on campus at night. To arrange for an escort, call x2527, or use an emergency telephone.

UNIVERSITY POLICY

Alcohol Policy

The possession and/or use of intoxicants, other than beer or wine as specified below, are prohibited at all university functions and facilities, including those leased or owned by organizations of American University.
Consumption of alcohol is prohibited on university property except as authorized under this policy.
Possession and/or consumption of alcohol are strictly limited to persons of legal drinking age.
Alcohol is prohibited in university residence halls and in the public areas of the Glover-Tunlaw apartments.
The sale and consumption of beer and wine in Mary Graydon Center is limited to the Tavern. Beer and wine may be served, under limited circumstances, in other areas of Mary Graydon Center and in the Washington College of Law dining area in conjunction with university-approved special events.
Beer and wine may be served for special events in other campus facilities with the approval of the President, Provost, or appropriate Vice President, subject to compliance with special liquor license requirements.
Alcohol is prohibited at open-air events on campus.
One-price, all-you-can-drink arrangements are prohibited at university-approved events.
Bring-Your-Own-Beverage (BYOB) is prohibited at university-approved events.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages must be available at events where alcohol is served.
University funds may be used for the purchase of alcohol in conjunction with university-approved events. The purchase and consumption of alcohol must have approval of the president, provost, or appropriate vice president. If an outside vendor is used, a certificate of insurance form indicating a minimum of $1 million in liquor liability coverage must accompany the alcohol approval form.
An alcohol license will be required for any function open to the public in which alcohol is sold or an admission fee is assessed in any form. Information on how to obtain a license is available from the Office of Special Events.
Alcohol approval forms are available in each vice president’s office. Insurance certificates are available through the Office of Finance and Treasurer, and a two-day turn around is required. All contracts and certificates of insurance must be forwarded to the Office of Finance and Treasurer for review and approval before any university event.

The university reserves the right to amend these policies as it sees fit in accordance with the law and/or community standards.
Questions regarding the Alcohol Policy should be directed to the Office of the Vice President of Student Services, x3310, or the Office of the Provost, x2127.

Drug Policy

Possession and/or use of illicit drugs and unauthorized controlled substances is contrary to university policy and in violation of federal and District of Columbia laws. The university prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, distribution and/or sale of illegal drugs and illegal paraphernalia. Students at the university using or otherwise involved with drugs in violation of the Student Conduct Code and/or the university Housing Agreement are subject to university disciplinary action, in addition to any action taken by local or federal law enforcement authorities.
Questions regarding the Drug Policy should be directed to the Dean of Students Office, x3300, 408 Butler Pavilion.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement Authorities

The university cooperates fully with law enforcement authorities. Violations of the Code of Conduct or Residence Hall Regulations, which are also violations of federal or local law, may be referred to external enforcement. In such situations, cases may proceed concurrently at the university and in the criminal justice system.
University Sanctions for Violating Alcohol and Drug Policies
Students found responsible through the Conduct Council for violating the Code of Conduct are given sanctions. These sanctions are implemented by the dean of students in accordance with university policies. There are no automatic sanctions for particular offenses; the Conduct Council evaluates cases individually and applies sanctions consonant with the severity of the offense. However, in reviewing precedent, the predictable consequences for drug and alcohol related offenses are:

Alcohol Violations

A. First time minor violations may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, a letter of warning, censure, and community restitution hours.
B. Second time minor violations may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, an alcohol education program, community restitution hours, and disciplinary probation for specified period. (Also, see Parental Notification policy).
C. Repeated violations of the alcohol policy may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, a letter of warning, censure, community restitution hours, disciplinary probation for a specified period, removal from the residence halls, Suspension, or dismissal.
D. Drunk driving on campus.
Students, faculty, or staff may be stopped by Public Safety officers for traffic violations on campus. If, during such a stop, the officer believes the person is intoxicated, the officer may conduct a field sobriety test and make an arrest. Refer to District of Columbia Crimes and Penalties Ñ Alcohol, listed below.

Drug Violations

A. First time sale, distribution, use, or possession of illegal drugs may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, disciplinary probation, denial of visiting privileges in the residence halls, a drug education program, and removal from the residence halls permanently or for a specified period.
Second time sale, distribution, use, or possession of illegal drugs may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, removal from the residence halls permanently, suspension or dismissal from the university, and recommended attendance at a private drug treatment program (depending upon the situation).
Local/Federal Laws
The following is a brief summary of District of Columbia and federal laws pertaining to alcohol and drugs. This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change. The law constantly evolves and is subject to different interpretations.

District of Columbia Crimes and Penalties - Alcohol

Persons Under 21 Possession and Consumption

Crime 1: No person under 21 years of age may consume, purchase, and attempt to purchase, or otherwise possess alcohol.
Crime 2: no person may falsely represent his/her age, possess, or present fraudulent identification for the purpose of procuring alcohol. Penalties: considered a misdemeanor and fined not more than $300; failure to pay the fine will result in a jail term of not more than 30 days.
These penalties are in addition to the penalties for crimes 1 and 2 listed immediately below.
Penalties for Crimes 1 and 2: First violation, driving privileges suspended for 90 days; second violation, driving privileges suspended for 180 days; third violation and each subsequent violation, driving privileges suspended for one year.

Crime 3: No person may purchase alcohol for the purpose of delivering it to another person who is under 21 years of age.
Crime 4: No person who is not an ABC license holder may make available alcohol to any person under 21 years of age, except when necessary for the person under 21 years of age to perform lawful employment responsibilities (e.g. waiters and waitresses).

Penalties for Crimes 3, 4: $1,000 fine, and a maximum jail term of 180 days.
Drivers Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Crime 5: No individual shall, when the individual’s blood contains 10% or more, by weight, of alcohol (or when .48 micrograms or more of alcohol are contained in 1 milliliter of his breath, consisting of substantially alveolar air), or defendant’s urine contains .13% or more, by weight of alcohol, or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or any combination thereof, operate or be in physical control of a vehicle in the District. No individual under 21 years of age shall, when the individual’s blood, breath, or urine contains any measurable amount of alcohol, operate or be in physical control of any vehicle in the District.

Penalties for Crime 5: First violation (unless the individual has been convicted for a violation of Crime 6 below), a maximum fine of $300 and a maximum jail term of 90 days; second violation, or for the first offense following a previous conviction for crime 6 below, within a 15-year period, a minimum fine of $2,000 but not more than $15,000 and/or maximum jail term of one year.

Crime 6: No individual shall, while the individual’s ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by the consumption of intoxicating liquor, operate or be in physical control of any vehicle in the District.

Penalties for Crime 6: First violation, unless the individual has a previous conviction of Crime 5, a minimum fine of $200 but not more than $300 and a maximum jail term of 30 days; second violation, or upon the first conviction following a previous conviction for Crime 5, within a 15-year period, a minimum fine of $300 but not more than $500 and a maximum jail term of 90 days; third violation or any subsequent offense, or for the second offense following a previous conviction of Crime 5, within a 15-year period, a minimum fine of $ 1,000 but not more than $5,000 and a maximum jail term of one year.

District of Columbia Crimes and Penalties - Drugs

It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally to manufacture, distribute, or possess, with intent to manufacture or distribute, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia. A conviction under local laws may result in imprisonment, a fine, or both. The length of prison term and the amount of the fine depend upon the particular type of controlled substance(s) involved. Maximum penalties include 30-year jail terms and/or $500,000 fines. Subsequent convictions and violations involving distribution to minors carry increased penalties, up to twice the usual sanctions.

Federal Drug Crimes and Penalties

Federal law of controlled substances prohibits possession, use, distribution, manufacture or dispensing. Federal sanctions for drug felonies may include: first violation, a minimum fine of $1,000 but not more than $100,000 and a maximum jail term of one year. Second violation, a minimum fine of $2,500 but not more than $250,000 and/or a minimum jail term of 15 days, but not more than two years. Third or subsequent violation, a minimum fine of $5,000 but not more than $250,000 and/or minimum jail term of 90 days, but not more than three years.

Federal penalties for illegal possession of a controlled substance include: first violation, a minimum fine of $1,000 but not more than $100,000 and a maximum jail term of one year. Second violation, a minimum fine of $2,500 but not more than $250,000 and/or minimum jail term of 15 days, but not more than two years. Third or subsequent violation, a minimum fine of $5,000 but not more than $250,000 and/or a minimum jail term of 90 days, but not more than three years.
Federal penalties have special sentencing provisions for the possession of crack cocaine: a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or a minimum five years jail term, but not more than 20 years if it is a first conviction and the amount of crack cocaine possessed exceeds 5 grams; second crack cocaine conviction, and the amount possessed exceeds 3 grams; third conviction and the amount possessed exceeds 1 gram.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties

Updated information about federal drug trafficking penalties for most drugs can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/concern/abuse/contents.htm

Crime Reporting Definitions:

Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Forcible Sex Offenses: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent:

A. Forcible Rape - The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth).

B. Forcible Sodomy - Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

C. Sexual Assault With An Object - The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity.

D. Forcible Fondling - The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or, not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary or permanent mental incapacity.

Non-Forcible Sex Offenses: Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse.

A. Incest - Non-forcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.

B. Statutory Rape - Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.

Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm. Simple assaults are excluded.

Burglary: Unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or a theft. Attempted forcible entry is included.

Motor Vehicle Theft: The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is self-propelled and runs on the surface and not on rails. Motorboats, construction equipment, airplanes, and farming equipment are specifically excluded from this category.

Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Negligent Manslaughter: The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Liquor Law Violations: The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.)

Drug Law Violations:Violations of State and local laws relating to the unlawful possession, sale, use, growing, manufacturing, and making of narcotic drugs. The relevant substances include opium or cocaine and their derivatives (morphine, heroin, codeine); marijuana; synthetic narcotics (Demerol, methadone); and dangerous non-narcotic drugs (barbiturates, Benzedrine).

Illegal Weapons Possession: The violation of laws or ordinances dealing with weapon offenses, regulatory in nature, such as: manufacture, sale, or possession of deadly weapons; carrying deadly weapons, concealed or openly; furnishing deadly weapons to minors; aliens possessing deadly weapons; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned.

Crime Prevention Tips

In the residence halls:

Students should attend the regularly scheduled crime prevention seminars held in the residence halls. These seminars, sponsored by Public Safety and Residential Life and Housing Services, are conducted on a variety of subjects and could help students avoid becoming victims of crime.

Room doors should be locked at all times, whether the room is occupied or not. Many victims of theft have been out of their rooms for only minutes or were across the hall in a friend’s room.

Propped doors also increase vulnerability to crime. If an interior or exterior door is found propped open, students should call an RA or close the door.

Cash, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables should be locked in a drawer or trunk. Students should take these valuables with them during school breaks. Clothing or other property should not be left unattended in lounges or laundry rooms.

Operation Identification, a program offered by Public Safety in cooperation with D.C. Metropolitan Police, involves marking items of value with an ID number, thereby allowing police to trace recovered property to the owner.

Students should register their bicycles with Public Safety (in cooperation with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department). Students should also lock their bicycles with high-security locks.

Suspicious incidents, activities, or persons should be reported to hall staff and to University Police (x3636). Instant crime reporting, or reporting (crime or suspicious behavior) as soon as possible is essential in keeping campus crime down, and in assisting university police in keeping the campus safe. University police stress that one should never hesitate or feel reluctant to contact them with any suspicion regarding their own or someone else’s safety.

In general:

Be aware of your surroundings. Travel in groups at night whenever possible, especially when walking. Use lighted walkways and thoroughfares, even if it means going out of your way. Walk briskly, with your head up, and with assurance. Do not walk in brush-covered areas or against buildings. Do not wear dangling jewelry when traveling into the city. Keep purses, backpacks, and money belts close to the body, and do not leave them unattended. Do not struggle if someone attempts to take your purse, backpack, or money belt.

Park vehicles in a well-lighted and populated area. If this is impossible, scan the area before getting into or out of your vehicle. Know your surroundings! When getting into your vehicle, do so briskly, quickly, and confidently. Avoid becoming too absorbed with the task at hand, such as keeping your head down at the key lock, occupying yourself with bags, books, or keys; this will prevent you from becoming a target for crime. Keep keys in hand to avoid unnecessary delay upon reaching your car. Plan ahead, always, even if you are late or in a rush.

Travel by way of the university shuttle whenever possible. Shuttle service is offered to Tenleytown Metro Station, Glover-Tunlaw Apartments, and the Tenley Campus. Student sponsored shuttle service (AUTO) offers various runs to other locations.

If you are a victim of a crime, seek assistance in the nearest building or other occupied area. TELEPHONE POLICE at 911, if the incident occurs off campus. TELEPHONE PUBLIC SAFETY at x3636, if the event occurs on campus.

American University provides equal opportunity for all qualified persons in its educational program and activities. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, and political affiliation, source of income, veteran status or physical handicap. The policy of equal opportunity applies to every aspect of the operations and activities of the University generally, and includes admission and employment.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action university.