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Campus Safety and Security

Campus Security Statistics

In compliance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, the data for the Crime Statistics Report has been gathered from New Brunswick Theological Seminary, the Rutgers University Police Department, and local police departments.

You can access the crime statistics reported over the last three years:
NBTS New Jersey Campus Safety and Security/Crime Statistics

Information is furnished by the Office of Post-Secondary Education. If you have any questions, please contact: 

Ruth Almonte
Student Services Coordinator
New Brunswick Theological Seminary
35 Seminary Place
New Brunswick, NJ  08901
848-237-1707
ralmonte@nbts.edu

 1. Annual Security Report

New Brunswick Theological Seminary (NBTS) is the oldest protestant seminary in North America. NBTS has a campus located in New Brunswick, NJ. In New Jersey, in the heart of Rutgers University. The jewel of the seminary is the historic Sage Library.

New Brunswick Seminary is a safe place to be with approximately 150 students and 50 faculty and staff members. NBTS is concerned about the safety of all campus members and guests. This guide will provide the information needed to understand and participate in the efforts to keep the seminary campus safe.

2. Campus Security Authorities (CSA)

The Campus Security Authorities (CSA) at New Brunswick Theological Seminary are comprised of two key components: The Administrative Council  and  Facilities Management.

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is the primary official in charge of public safety at NBTS and is also a member of the Administrative Council. Her contact information is 732-247-5241 x 1703. All non-emergency questions regarding public safety should be directed to the COO.

COO hours are 9:00 am – 5:00 pm / Monday – Friday

During weekdays and Saturday morning classes the receptionist and faculty will call 911, and contact a member of the Administrative Council in case of emergency. When guests are using the building in the case of an emergency they are to call 911 and/or the Facilities Management. The Facilities Management will call a member of the Administrative Council.

Evacuation policies and procedures are available in the office of the COO and Dean of Academic Affairs, and on the website. Evacuation procedures are to be practiced annually both during the day and during evening hours. After each drill, an evaluation of the procedure is to take place by the Facilities Management to improve procedures.

3. Statement on Campus Safety Program

NBTS is concerned about the safety and welfare of all campus members and guests. It is the policy of the Seminary to take appropriate measures to identify and guard against hazards to the safety of its people and property. Each person working or studying at the Seminary is asked to be alert to hazards and emergencies. Each department head or professor shall report such hazards to the Office of Finance and Administration, and/or, if warranted, to the City Fire or Police Department.

Staff members, students, and Facilities Management, in particular, shall promptly report to the COO and the Administrative Council any unusual conditions or acts. The Facilities Management shall make intermittent inspections of the buildings to assure compliance with safety standards. The COO and the Administrative Council shall be responsible for review of accidents and measures to prevent them.

4. Geography

On Campus
– 35 Seminary Place, 21 Seminary Place, and adjacent parking lot.

Public Property
– the sidewalks and street in front of 21 Seminary Place, 35 Seminary Place, and 16 Bishop Place.

Non-Campus Property
– 17 Mine St.

New Brunswick Theological Seminary prepares a report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies surrounding our campuses. In New Brunswick, the NBPD, and Rutgers Police Department are the sources of statistics.

Each year, all enrolled students, prospective students and employees of NBTS have access to this report via the NBTS web site – nbts.edu. Current students and employees will be notified via email that the report is available. Copies of the report may also be obtained in the office of Student Services. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from the Office of Human Resources.

Crime statistics for NBTS can also be found at the U.S. Department of Education website, as well as on this page of the NBTS website (above).

5. Access Policy

All visitors should sign in at the front desk of the New Brunswick Campus and be announced before leaving the lobby. In New Brunswick, access is limited by automatic exterior door locks. The area is patrolled throughout the day and night on a random basis by both the Rutgers Police and New Brunswick Police Departments.

The Sage Library has posted hours of opening and closing. Access is limited by automatic exterior door locks.

The New Brunswick Campus is equipped with various security and safety features, a security system, and an area of rescue.

6. Reporting Criminal Offenses

Individuals who witness or become the victim of a crime on or near the New Brunswick Theological Seminary Campus are expected to contact the New Brunswick Police Department by dialing 911. They should also notify the COO at 732-247-5241 or any member of the Administrative Council as soon as possible. A Crime Report Form will be filed and given to the Dean of Students who enters the appropriate statistics for the seminary’s annual crime reports. A criminal act should be reported to a CSA immediately. Individuals are strongly encouraged to report complaints to the appropriate police department by dialing 911.

Any violation of campus regulations should be reported immediately to a member of the Administrative Council. The person contacted will notify the other members of Administrative Council. On-campus members of Administrative Council will report to the scene and will remain until no longer needed. Council members on the scene will determine whether emergency care is warranted, in which case 911 should be called.

7. The Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 USC § 1092(f)) is a federal law that requires all public and private post-secondary educational institutions participating in federal student aid programs to disclose information about crime on and around their campus. NBTS is required to:

  • Publish an annual report every year by October 1 that contains three years of campus crime and fire safety statistics and certain campus security policy statements;
  • Disclose crime statistics for the campus, public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus, and certain non-campus facilities and remote classrooms. The statistics must be gathered from campus police or security, local law enforcement, and other Seminary officials who have “significant responsibility for student and campus activities”;
  • Provide “timely warning” notices of those crimes that have occurred and pose an ongoing “threat to students and employees”;
  • Implement emergency notification procedures if there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees on campus;

8. Emergency Notification and Timely Warning

In the event that a situation arises, either on or off campus, that, in the judgment of the Administrative Council constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a campus wide or segmented Public Safety Advisory will be issued. The warning will be issued through the SMS/Text communication system to students, faculty, and staff. Dangerous conditions reported to NBTS from the New Brunswick area will be communicated to the Administrative Council via the NBPD Nixle system.

    • Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, the COO or other Administrative Council member will also issue an emergency notification through SMS/Text. The only reason the institution would not immediately issue a notification for a confirmed emergency or dangerous situation is if doing so will compromise efforts to:
    • Assist a victim, contain the emergency, Respond to the emergency, or otherwise mitigate the emergency by agreeing to a request of local law enforcement or fire department officials.
    • The notification can be communicated via the NBTS website, campus email, and SMS/text. Students are automatically enrolled in the SMS/Text system, and are given the option to opt-out.

  • Timely warnings will be issued when a crime that has already occurred, but represents an ongoing threat, takes place. The warning will be issued as soon as the pertinent information is available and will be initiated by a member of the Administrative Council.

 

9. Reporting Sexual Assault

Policy
New Brunswick Theological Seminary will not tolerate or condone any instance of sexual misconduct rape, acquaintance rape, other forcible or non-forcible sex offences, or harassment within its community. Complaints filed with the Seminary will be reported to the New Brunswick Police Department. The Student Handbook also delineates the rights of both the accuser and the accused. Anyone ultimately found guilty of these charges will be subject to appropriate sanctions. In addition, the Seminary will assist in the prosecution of criminal actions filed against alleged violators.

Every member of the faculty, administration, and staff of New Brunswick Theological Seminary, acting in his or her capacity as an employee of the Seminary, is obligated to immediately report to a CSA any incident of sexual assault, rape, or other forcible sexual offense against any member of the Seminary community upon learning of the incident. Even when the individual requests confidentiality of the incident, the employee has a responsibility to report it.

While endeavoring to protect the confidentiality of victims filing sexual assault reports, the Seminary may have an obligation to investigate and report incidents to the appropriate police department. Therefore, victims should understand that, in those instances, the Seminary will not be able to maintain the victim’s confidentiality as police reports are a matter of public record. In such circumstances, information regarding the incident may be disclosed, as necessary to persons other than the one(s) to whom the complaint is made, including the accused. Victims should also understand that the Seminary’s ability to respond and/or refer the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities may be hindered to the extent the victim wishes to remain anonymous and/or to refrain from any pursuit of disciplinary action or investigation.

Definitions
What is Unlawful Sexual Abuse?
All sex offense crimes punishable by law, which includes rape, sodomy, sexual assault, forcible touching, and facilitating a sex offense with a drug.

Rape
If a person engages in non-consensual sexual intercourse due to physical force, coercion, or threat, actual or implied, the act is considered rape in New Jersey. A person who is mentally incapacitated, asleep, physically helpless due to alcohol or drug consumption, or under the age of 17, is unable to consent. Regardless of the circumstances, sexual intercourse following a spoken “no” or any other expression of refusal or hesitation, even without further resistance of any kind, is rape – a felony crime in New Jersey.

Behavioral Facts
The rapist is always responsible for having committed the rape. Regardless of the victims’ appearance, behavior, judgment, or previous actions, the victim is not responsible for the rape or sexual abuse. Studies indicate that nearly 90 percent of college women who are raped know their assailant(s). Rape by someone the victim knows is particularly traumatic because their trust in others and in their own judgment may have been shattered.

Other Sex Offenses
Generally, a sexual offense, including sexual assault, is committed when a man or woman is forced or coerced, either through physical or psychological means, to engage in any form of sexual contact. It is also a sexual assault when one participant is unable to consent to the sexual conduct, due to intoxication, unconsciousness, or other disabling condition, or age. The Penal Law also makes it a crime to forcibly touch or grab the sexual parts of another.

Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. It occurs in relationships of power and control (faculty/student, staff/student, employer/employee) and arises in one of two ways:
In quid pro quo situations, the aggressor uses his or her position as leverage to extort sexual contact from the victim in return for a promotion, a good grade, or even job security.
In hostile environment claims, the victim is subjected to unwelcome sexual advances that are so severe or pervasive that they create a hostile, offensive working or learning environment. Sexual harassment also exists between peers (student/student, faculty/faculty). Acts of harassment can range from verbal suggestion or innuendo to offensive physical contact. This includes sexual remarks, joking, sexual propositioning, pinching, grabbing, or fondling. Where physical abuse is involved, victims may pursue the aggressor in a criminal action. Victims of sexual harassment can take civil actions against employers and/or educational institutions, which may result in money damages.

Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment are against the law and against the NBTS Code of Conduct. Individuals found guilty of violating these policies will be suspended or expelled from this institution. Details are available in the Student Handbook under Procedures for Resolving Complaints of Sexual Misconduct.

The Federal Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights
Survivors shall be notified of their options to notify law enforcement.
Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present.
Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic situations.

Disclosure to Alleged Victims of Crimes of Violence or Non-Forcible Sex Offenses
New Brunswick Theological Seminary will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense the results of any disciplinary hearing conducted by the Seminary against the student, staff or faculty who is the alleged violator of the crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the Seminary will provide the results of the disciplinary hearing to the victim’s next of kin, if so requested.

Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking

NBTS prohibits the crimes of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as those terms are defined for purposes of the Clery Act;

Dating Violence

Dating violence is defined as violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on the reporting party’s statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship. For the purposes of this definition dating violence includes, but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is defined as a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed:  by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim;  by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common;  by a person who is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or intimate partner; by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred; by 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 in which the crime of violence occurred.

Stalking

Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:  fear for the person’s safety or the safety of others; or suffer substantial emotional distress.

Bystander intervention

To RECOGNIZE that non-consensual sex is sexual assault.

To IDENTIFY situations in which sexual assault may occur.

To INTERVENE in situations where consent has not or cannot be given.

To CREATE an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.

 

At NBTS, we want everyone to be a positive, active bystander and intervene when necessary to change the possible outcome of a potentially harmful situation.  Researchers have suggested that in order to be a positive, active bystander, there are a series of steps individuals must take. (Burn 2009). These steps are:

  1. Notice the event
  2. Identify it as one where intervention is needed
  3. Take responsibility for the intervention
  4. Decide how to help
  5. Act to intervene

It is important to remember that:

  • Sexual violence is a community issue
  • There are many ways that we can intervene in situations
  • Doing nothing is not an option
  • We need to talk about and practice being positive, active bystanders

Information on Risk Reductions

  • Understand what resources are available in the event you feel unsafe or need assistance.
  • Be mindful of your surroundings and who you are with. IF you are going out- know your location.
  • Be proactive: talk with your friends about your plans and intentions so that if something changes from the plan, they will know to check in with you.
  • Trust your gut: if you feel as if you are in a bad situation, trust your instincts. Try to find a way to leave the situation. Consider calling or texting a trusted friend or make up an excuse to leave.
  • If you are walking or staying late in a building at a time you feel vulnerable, let someone know where you are or ask someone to be with you. Do not hesitate to call the appropriate Police Department on your campus to let them know where you will be and what time you anticipate leaving or if you need an escort.
  • Create a safety plan. If you are concerned for your ongoing safety, it can be worthwhile to create a safety plan. Safety planning is about finding ways to be safe in the present while planning for your future safety as well.
  • Be an active and engaged bystander. This means being a good friend and stranger. If you see someone that is in a risky situation, help them.

 

10. Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

The health and safety of all our students, faculty, administration, staff, and visitors is of paramount concern at New Brunswick Theological Seminary. While the likelihood of a major emergency situation is remote, NBTS recognizes the critical importance of being prepared and has designed policies and procedures that seeks to ensure the security of the Seminary community in the event of a crisis.

Safety Training
On an annual basis, NBTS will conduct general campus safety training with the local campus police.

The Seminary’s policies and procedures are in place to effectively prepare for and respond to several different types of incidents that may occur. In the event of an emergency, our first goal is the safety of everyone, so please pay special attention to all the available safety information.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

Fire and Other Disasters:
In the event of evacuation the following steps should be taken:
The President will organize an Emergency Response Team comprised of Administrative Council members and others as necessary.
The Emergency Response Team will ensure that everyone on campus is notified of evacuation via the emergency notification system.
Affected buildings should be cleared immediately, using appropriate evacuation routes.
Make sure all known visitors and disabled individuals are assisted. The elevator is not to be used in case of a fire. See posted signs for evacuation routes.
Teaching faculty should take class rosters outside, verify all students are present, and report results to an Administrative Council member. Classes will assemble on the far side of parking lot away from buildings (or in Sage Library as directed)
Supervisors will assemble employees on the far side of parking lot away from the buildings (or in Sage Library as directed).
Close the door and see that everyone is out of the class or work area.
Do not allow anyone to stop and pick up personal belongings.
The Network Administrator will retrieve digital files in the safest manner possible before leaving the building if required.
Use the nearest exit and do not enter any barricaded areas.
The President (or designee) will give the “all-clear” to return after all areas have been reported safe.

Sheltering in Place
How to “Shelter-in-Place” No matter where you are, the basic steps of shelter-in-place will generally remain the same. Should the need ever arise, follow these steps, unless instructed otherwise by local emergency personnel:
If you are inside, stay where you are. Collect any emergency shelter-in-place supplies and a telephone to be used in case of emergency. If you are outdoors, proceed into the closest building quickly or follow instructions from emergency personnel on the scene.
Locate a room to shelter inside. It should be:

  • An interior room;
  • Above ground level; and
  • Without windows or with the least number of windows. If there is a large group of people inside a particular building, several rooms maybe necessary

Shut and lock all windows (tighter seal) and close exterior doors.
Turn off air conditioners, heaters, and fans.
Close vents to ventilation systems as you are able. (Facilities staff will turn off ventilation as quickly as possible.)
Make a list of the people with you and ask someone (Admin Council member, faculty, or other staff) to call the list in to NBPD so they know where you are sheltering. If only students are present, one of the students should call in the list to the NBPD.
Turn on a radio or TV and listen for further instructions.
Make yourself comfortable.

Active Shooter

  • Be aware of your environment and any possible dangers
  • Take note of the two nearest exits
  • If you are in an office, stay there and secure the door
  • Attempt to take the active shooter down as a last resort

HOW TO RESPOND WHEN AN ACTIVE SHOOTER IS IN YOUR VICINITY

1. RUN • Have an escape route and plan in mind • Leave your belongings behind • Keep your hands visible

2. HIDE • Hide in an area out of the shooter’s view • Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors • Silence your cell phone and/or any other devices

3. FIGHT • As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger • Attempt to incapacitate the shooter • Act with physical aggression and throw items at the active shooter

CALL 911 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO

WHEN LAW ENFORCEMENT ARRIVES

  • Remain calm and follow instructions
  • Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets)
  • Raise hands and spread fingers
  • Keep hands visible at all times
  • Avoid quick movements toward officers such as holding on to them for safety
  • Avoid pointing, screaming or yelling
  • Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating

INFORMATION YOU SHOULD PROVIDE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OR 911 OPERATOR

  • Location of the active shooter
  • Number of shooters
  • Physical description of shooters
  • Number and type of weapons held by shooters
  • Number of potential victims at the location

Watch this video to see how to respond in an active shooter situation.
 “Options for Consideration Active Shooter Training Video.”
Produced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

11. Drugs and Alcohol Policy

Students and employees of New Brunswick Seminary are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol in the workplace or classroom, or reporting to work or attending class under the influence of alcohol or unlawful controlled substances.

Substance Abuse Prevention Policy
Students and employees of New Brunswick Seminary are strictly prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances on the campus or as part of any Seminary activity.

Facilities specializing in drug abuse and addiction treatment are available by searching for, “Drug Abuse and Addiction – Information and Treatment.” The Seminary encourages students and employees seeking drug abuse and addiction treatment to consult with their advisors or supervisors respectively for help selecting an appropriate treatment facility. There are also a number of self-help and constituency groups that provide drug abuse and addiction information and referral services:

CATHOLIC CHARITIES
Phone: (732) 257-6100
www.ccdom.org
DAMON HOUSE, INC
Phone: (732) 828-3988
www.damonhouse.org

JOURNEY TO WELLNESS INC.
Phone: (732) 709-7440
www.treatmentnj.net

PRINCETON HOUSE
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (North Brunswick)
Phone: (732) 729-3600
www.princetonhcs.org

CORNER HOUSE
Phone: (609) 924-8018
www.cornerhousenj.org

FAMILY SERVICES BUREAU OF NEWARK
Phone: (973) 412-2056
www.newcommunity.org

KENNEDY HEALTH SYSTEM PROGRAM
Phone: (800) 528-3425
www.kennedyhealth.org

Phoenix House
Phone: 1(800) 378-4435
www.phoenixhouse.org

Other helpful contacts:

Primary Psychiatric Screening Center
University Behavioral Healthcare
671 Hoes Lane
Piscataway, NJ 08855
Phone: (732) 235-5700

Suicide Prevention Helpline
(908) 232-2880
National Suicide Prevention Helpline
(800) 273-8255

This information is made available to all incoming students and staff members. Reminders will be sent out at the beginning of each semester via email.

12. Hate Crimes

As per federal requirement, “institutions must include by geographic location and by category of prejudice, any of the (above reported) offenses, and any other crime involving bodily injury reported to local police agencies or to a “campus security authority” that manifests evidence that the victim was intentionally selected because of the perpetrator’s bias.” The categories of bias include: actual or perceived race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, and disability. The following crimes are indicated on the Clery crime statistics report:
Criminal Homicide
Sexual Assault Offenses
Non-Forcible Sex Offenses
Robbery
Aggravated Assault
Burglary Motor Vehicle Theft Arson
Domestic Violence
Dating Violence
Stalking

Hate Crimes-A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offenders’ bias. “Bias” is a preformed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnicity/national origin. These include all the crimes listed above and the following:
Larceny/Theft
Other Violations
Liquor Law Violations
Drug Abuse Violations
Weapons Law Violations

13. Campus Safety Tips

Stay alert and attuned to people and circumstances around you.
Avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs. Persons under the influence are much more likely to be the victims of a serious crime.
Immediately notify the local Police Department by dialing 911 of any person or activity that arouses your suspicion.
Avoid isolation. After dark, walk with others. Use well-lit paths.
Do not prop open any building doors.
Do not leave property unattended or unprotected.
Familiarize yourself with the campus so you can walk confidently and purposefully to your destination.
Don’t carry valuables with you, but do keep a whistle handy in case you ever need to attract attention.
Always lock your parked car, keep all personal belongings in the trunk, and be sure your car keys are on a different ring from your home keys. While anti-theft equipment is not infallible, one or more will foil most amateurs and delay or deter most professionals.

14. In Case of Fire: *ALERT ALL OCCUPANTS* *EVACUATE THE BUILDING* CALL 911.

Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
President of the Seminary – Micah McCreary – 732-247-5241
Dean of Academic Affairs – Beth Tanner – 732-247-5241
Chief Operations Officer – Amanda Bruehl – 848-237-1703
Student Services Coordinator – Ruth Almonte – 848-237-1707
Facilities Manager – Paul Kuhn – 732-585-6725

 

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