FAQs

• How is the decision to issue a timely warning made?
  Upon receipt of a report of a Clery crime on Clery Geography, the Clery Director and Chief of Police (or management designee) will confer to analyze the known pertinent facts to determine whether they constitute a serious or ongoing threat to the Campus community.

   

  If a CSA report includes;

   

  1) a Clery crime

  2) on Clery Geography and

  3) a discernible serious or ongoing threat, a timely warning will be issued expeditiously by the CSUSM Office of Communications.

   

  In the absence of any of these three elements, no timely warning will be issued.

  Each reported incident is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. All known factors shall be considered in the case-by-case analysis to determine whether a timely warning should be issued. No single factor should govern the decision regarding the issuance of a timely warning.

   

  The case-by-case analysis will involve reviewing relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following, if known:

   

  • The timing of the report: shortly after the occurrence of the crime vs. days or weeks after the occurrence of the crime, i.e., a "cold report"
  • Physical injury to the victim
  • Use of weapons
  • Forced entry used and/or tools used in commission of the crime
  • A suspect arrested or incapacitated by injury
  • A suspect that is identified or otherwise can be located by law enforcement
  • A suspect that is out of the area
  • A victim who fears for their safety from the suspect
  • A clear modus operandi and/or pre-planning indicated
  • Multiple suspects(s) involved
  • A pattern of similar crimes established
  • The possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts, such as gathering evidence and/or apprehend suspect(s), if a warning was issued
• What information is included in a timely warning?

  The contents of a timely warning are outlined in the CSU Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act Policy and include:

  When a timely warning is issued it shall be entitled "Timely Warning Crime Bulletin" and contain the following:

  1. A statement that reads, "This Timely Warning Bulletin is being issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, and the purpose is to provide preventative information to the Campus community to aid members from becoming the victim of a similar crime."
  2. Identify the Clery reportable crime that occurred (i.e., rape, burglary, motor vehicle theft, arson, etc.)
  3. The date, time, and location the crime occurred.
  4. The date the Timely Warning Bulletin is issued.
  5. Description of the suspect when deemed appropriate, and if there is sufficient detail. Only include a description of the suspect when the descriptors provided by the reporting party could reasonably lead to conclusive identification of the perpetrator(s)
  6. At least three preventative tips or points of information specifically related to the circumstances of the crime which occurred that could help others from becoming the victim of a similar crime.
  7. The phone number of UPD and a statement encouraging community members to report all information about crimes to UPD.
  8. If appropriate, the phone number of support services
• Why are some details, such as the exact location or a suspect description, sometimes omitted from a timely warning?

  Timely warnings provide information that can help members of the campus community protect themselves from a serious or ongoing threat. Because warnings are issued expeditiously, some details may not yet be known.

  A warning must identify the location of the crime, but shall not include, under any circumstances, the name of the victim or location details so specific- such as an address, residence hall room number or floor, that would or likely could identify the victim of the crimes of sexual violence, rape, dating or domestic violence or stalking.

  A suspect description is included only when appropriate, if there is sufficient detail, and could reasonably lead to conclusive identification of the perpetrator(s).

• Does a timely warning mean that campus crime has suddenly increased?

  A timely warning is not, by itself, an indication of an increase or pattern in crime. It means that a reported Clery crime occurred within CSUSM’s Clery geography and has been determined to present a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community at that moment in time.  The warning is intended to provide information to help community members take appropriate safety precautions. Clery timely warnings are never intended to provide ongoing case updates.

  The CSUSM University Police Department encourages accurate and prompt reporting of crimes and takes all such reports seriously. Coming forward after experiencing a crime, especially sexual violence, can be incredibly difficult. We want students to know that when they seek help, they will be heard, supported and connected with resources and options.

  Sexual violence is often underreported (AAU Campus Climate Survey, 2019). As awareness grows and students become more familiar with their options, we may receive additional reports. A higher number of reports does not necessarily mean that more incidents are occurring; it may also reflect that students know where to turn and feel able to come forward and seek help.

• Why is the campus issuing a timely warning instead of someone being arrested?

  Issuing a timely warning and making an arrest are separate actions. A timely warning is issued to help the campus community take safety precautions when a report of a Clery crime, occurring in Clery geography, poses a serious or ongoing threat at that moment in time. At the time a warning is issued, an investigation is still underway; a suspect may not have been identified or located, or there may not yet be sufficient evidence to make an arrest. 

  Privacy, confidentiality, and due process requirements may also limit what the university can disclose. A timely warning does not mean that law enforcement or the university is not taking other actions. In higher education, victims of crime have multiple avenues to report crimes. Those multiple avenues offer varying resources and options for resolution, and it is the survivor's right to choose the resolution best for them. Whether that includes a criminal investigation or an administrative investigation, the institution will follow law and policy. Just because the public may not see or hear about it, does not mean something is not happening.

• Can I unsubscribe from Timely Warning emails?

  The Clery Act requires colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to issue timely warnings to the campus community regarding any Clery-reportable crimes that represent a serious or continuing threat to students and employees. Timely warnings will be distributed as quickly as possible in a manner that will likely reach the entire campus community.

  You cannot unsubscribe or opt out of campuswide emails and notifications.

  If you are triggered by a timely warning, counseling services are available for students at Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS). To schedule an appointment with a mental health counselor, please call (760) 750-4915 or go to visit the SHCS website. SHCS is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and can provide virtual and in-person services. For after-hours support, call (760) 750-4915 and press 2 to speak to a mental health crisis counselor.

  Confidential sexual violence advocacy services are available for faculty, staff, and students. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a CSUSM Advocate, please email advocates@csusm.edu or call 760-750-4915. To talk with someone after hours, please call 24/7 Center for Community Solutions Crisis Line at 888-385-4657. Please check our community resource list.