CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITIES (CSA)

Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) are individuals and organizations at the University who, because of their function for the University, have an obligation under the Clery Act to notify the University of alleged Clery Act Crimes that are reported to them in good faith, or alleged Clery Act Crimes that they may personally witness.

  • Although every institution wants its campus community to report criminal incidents to law enforcement, WCU knows this does not always happen. A student who is a victim of a crime may report it to someone other than the campus police.
  • Under the Clery Act, a crime is “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a campus security authority, the institution’s police department or campus safety office, or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, third party, or even the offender.
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WHO IS A CSA? 

The Department of Public Safety determines who is and who is not a CSA based upon the definitions below and the functions of a position on campus, not position title. Individuals typically fall under one of the following categories:

  1. A member of a campus police/security department. Example: University Police and Police Safety
  2. Individuals responsible for campus security in some capacity but not members of a campus police/security department. Example: an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance to University property.
  3. People or offices that are not members of a campus police/security department but are identified in policy as individuals to which students and employees can report criminal offenses to them or their office.  Examples of such places at WCU are: The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI), Residence Life and Housing, and the Office of Student Conduct.
  4. An official of an institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings.  Other examples of Campus Security Authorities at WCU are Athletic administrators, coaches, athletic Trainers, summer sports camp staff, Faculty advisors to student organizations, Resident Assistants, and Directors of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

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.

WHO IS NOT A CSA?

  • When acting within the scope of the official responsibilities, Pastoral Counselors and Professional Counselors are not CSAs.  
  • Individuals who do not have significant responsibility for student and campus activities are not CSAs. Examples: faculty members not responsible for student and campus activities beyond the classroom, and clerical or cafeteria staff. Maintenance and custodial workers are generally not considered Campus Security Authorities.

CSA REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES

If a Campus Security Authority receives information of an alleged Clery Act crime or personally witnesses an alleged Clery Act Crime they should report the crime directly to the University Police by calling 911 or 610-436-3311.

Please note that it is NOT the role of the CSA to investigate the allegation to determine whether the crime occurred and/or confront or apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime. That is the role of law enforcement.  Neither is it the CSA’s responsibility to try and convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so.

If you have questions regarding whether you are or are not a CSA please contact the Clery Compliance Officer at 610-436-3512 or clery@wcupa.edu.

DON'T DOUBT, WRITE THE REPORT OUT!!