As part of our efforts to facilitate safety on campus, it occasionally becomes necessary for Union College Campus Safety officers to stop members of the College community and ask for information. Being stopped by an officer does not mean you are suspected of a crime. To assist Campus Safety in promoting a safe and secure environment, all members of the College community are responsible for presenting their identification if it is requested.
What are my responsibilities?
As a student at Union College, you are expected to abide by New York state law and to follow Union College policy. Union College Campus Safety officers are authorized to enforce state laws and college rules and regulations.We anticipate that you will have positive experiences when dealing with Union College officers, however, we feel it is helpful for you to have suggested procedures to follow.
At Union College, there is a policy within the Student Conduct Code that covers interaction with officers, including the responsibility you have to present your identification when it is requested by a college official, including campus or public safety officers. If you do not present your identification when requested by an officer, you can be charged a violation of the Student Conduct Code and subject to disciplinary action.
Violation - failure to comply with the proper requests of College officials, including members of the Campus Safety Department, acting in performance of their duties, or to identify oneself or produce an identification card to these officials when asked, or to cooperate in an official investigation.
What should I expect if stopped by an officer?
Remember that the first few seconds of your encounter with an officer may very well set the tone for the interaction. You can expect:
- To be treated courteously.
- The officer to identify himself/herself when being questioned.
- The questioning to be as brief as possible.
- The officer to provide an explanation for the stop. However, it is important to remember that this explanation may occur at any time during the encounter.
If you are stopped by any officer, you should:
- Remain calm and respectful.
- Do not run or walk away from the officer.
- Comply with the officer’s directives and identify yourself by presenting college identification.
- Note the name of the officer(s) you had contact with.
Being stopped by an officer does not necessarily mean you are suspected of a crime. Try to recognize that the officer has a responsibility to protect the rights and safety of all persons and may be responding as a result of a call made by a concerned community member. Maintain your composure and wait for the right opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Compliments / Complaints?
The Campus Safety Department offers a variety of methods which community members may use to submit feedback about their interactions with Campus Safety officers. If you feel you were mistreated, have a question about your interaction, or wish to share a compliment about an officer, this process is for you.
It is important to remember that during an encounter with an officer is not the most appropriate time to attempt to address your dissatisfaction with the officer or the situation.
It is the policy of Union College Campus Safety to accept and investigate ALL complaints / inquiries against the department, or its employees. Complaints / inquiries and compliments are accepted in any form, including campus mail, telephone, e-mail or online at http://www.union.edu/Safety/Campus_Safety/ using the Feedback link.