Campus Safety and Security

Emergency Numbers

Morningside Campus: 99 (campus phones) or (212) 854-5555

Health Sciences Campus: 7-7979 (campus phones) or (212) 305-7979

New York Police Department: 93-911 (campus phones) or 911

Columbia University Security Offices

Security at Columbia

At Columbia University, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority. Columbia's campus and its environs are reasonably safe and relatively crime free for an urban university. Departments in the University help to keep the campus safe and secure, but a truly safe campus can be achieved only through the cooperation of all students, faculty, and staff. This statement is a part of the University's effort to ensure that this cooperative effort is effective. We hope that you will read it carefully and use the information to help make your Columbia experience a safe one for yourself and others on the University campus.

Columbia University is located in New York City, one of the most important and dynamic social, cultural, and educational centers of the world. Students and employees at Columbia have the opportunity to visit and partake of the city's varied cultural institutions, but please be aware that, like any other of the world's major metropolitan centers, New York City requires care and caution when you explore its many riches and attractions.

The University consists of a main campus located in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan and a Health Sciences campus located in the Washington Heights area. The University maintains two research facilities off campus: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY, and Nevis Physics Laboratories in Irvington, NY. In addition to a physical fitness center located on the Morningside campus, there are also athletic facilities at Baker Field (West 218th Street and Broadway) and at the Health Sciences campus. Enrollment at Columbia University is approximately 19,500 students (graduate and undergraduate); its staff and faculty number approximately 9,000.

Campus Security

Both Columbia University and Barnard College employ their own uniformed security officers to patrol the campuses and surrounding areas 24 hours a day.

Security officers are responsible for a wide range of safety services which include responding to accidents, medical or fire emergencies, and requests for assistance; investigating and preparing incident reports (including reports of criminal activity); and coordinating police response functions. While neither Columbia nor contract security personnel are sworn law enforcement officers, they do receive regular in-service training covering the arrest powers of nonpolice personnel and the New York State Penal and Criminal Procedural Law. There is also a heavy emphasis on human relations and sensitivity training.

Any student or University employee can report potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus by simply dialing special emergency numbers any time of the day or night.

Campus Access

A variety of security measures are in place to ensure the safest possible environment both in and around Columbia University buildings.

At the Morningside campus, gate security officers are posted at West 116th Street and Broadway, West 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, and West 119th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Two ìsafe corridorî areas are monitored by video cameras on the Morningside campus: West 114th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, and the corner of West 113th Street and Broadway. On the Health Sciences campus, portions of West 168th Street and Haven Avenue also form a ìsafe corridor.î Emergency call boxes located throughout the Morningside and Health Sciences campuses communicate directly with their respective security operations desks. The boxes are painted a bright yellow for easy recognition. Motorized and foot patrols, coordinated with neighborhood security organizations as well as the security departments of Barnard College, Teachers College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and other affiliated institutions, patrol all campuses and their environs.

The Security Department provides 24-hour access control to the undergraduate residence halls through a combination of proprietary and contract security officers and specially trained student attendants. Access control is supplemented by an on-line computerized card access system linked to student identification cards. Security measures vary at graduate dormitories and University Apartment Housing (UAH) buildings.

The Office of Institutional Real Estate manages over 6,000 University-owned residential units, most of which are used to provide convenient and affordable housing for full-time faculty, students, and staff. The majority of these units are located in the area from West 109th to West 125th Street between Morningside and Riverside Parks in the area known as Morningside Heights. Some units are located on Haven Avenue between 169th and 173rd Streets and are used primarily to house students enrolled at the Health Sciences campus. These buildings are managed and operated by University employees. Superintendents reside either in, or in close proximity to, the buildings.

At selected academic buildings, a card access and alarm monitoring system, with video support monitored 24 hours a day, has been installed at the security operations desk. On the Health Sciences campus, valid Columbia University or Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center identification badges are required for entry into the Physicians and Surgeons Building, Black Building, Georgian Residence, Hammer Health Sciences Center, Bard Hall, Bard-Haven Towers, 80 Haven Avenue, and 154 Haven Avenue.

The Security Department maintains an excellent liaison with the local police precincts, including cooperating in crime prevention strategies and an exchange of information whenever crimes are committed. The police also help to maintain a safer campus by providing extra coverage for special events that attract large crowds.

Off-campus student organizations recognized by the University are monitored by both the Security Department and local police precincts who provide patrol coverage and record any criminal activity at these locations. The Security Department checks daily with the precincts regarding any police presence at these locations.

Crime Prevention and Investigation

Crime prevention is a high priority in the Security Department. Living in a large city requires students and employees to practice sound crime prevention techniques when walking at night, riding the subway, safeguarding property, or the like. A Security Department Assistant Director of Investigations follows up on all reports of criminal activity; the reports are prepared by Security personnel by contacting the complainant to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted. Where appropriate, police referrals are made by this manager.

Crime prevention lectures concerning personal property and safety are presented to various groups and campus organizations. During Orientation Week, members of the Security Department begin this educational process by presenting crime prevention information to incoming students. Throughout the year, the Security Operations Desk offers a variety of literature on specific ways to safeguard one's property and person. Safety and security information and training are continuously provided to students, staff, and faculty through bulletins, crime alerts, and a free newsletter published by the Security Department.

An escort service operates seven days a week during the school year from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. During these hours, a call on the Morningside campus to (212) 854-SAFE (7233) will provide you with an escort to your destination within the campus area. (From 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., a door-to-door van service is available.) Throughout the year, if you need an escort before 8 p.m. or after 3 a.m., call Security at (212) 854-2798. The Health Sciences campus provides an escort service within the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center area through the Security Department. A shuttle service is also available during stated hours within the Morningside Heights area and between the Morningside and Health Sciences campuses.

Security Advisory Committees, consisting of faculty, staff, students, and senior administrators, meet on a regular basis to discuss safety and security issues. In addition, walks are arranged through the entire campus to review lighting and other environmental factors affecting safety. Security input is also provided by the Institutional Real Estate staff, the University Residence Halls staff, the Office of the Assistant Dean for Residence Life, and the Undergraduate Dormitory Council. An Assistant Director of Security serves as an ongoing liaison with these organizations.

The Facilities Management Department maintains University buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. The Security Department, through patrols of buildings, informs Facilities Management of potential safety and security hazards such as broken windows and locks. On the Morningside campus, the Facilities Management Department is located in B-230 East Campus with 24-hour telephone coverage at (212) 854-2275. On the Health Sciences campus, they may be reached at the basement level of 650 West 168th Street, (212) 305-7367 (weekday business hours) or after business hours, weekends, and holidays at (212) 305-8100.

Crime Statistics

The Security Department maintains statistics for reported campus crimes. The following charts reflect those statistics. Please note that beginning January 1, 1993, the Security Department has maintained statistics for forcible and nonforcible sex offenses.

This information is published in compliance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, as amended.

During the above period of time, there were no weapons arrests and no arrests for liquor law or drug abuse violations at any campus. None of the crimes or violations reported manifest evidence of prejudice based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.

As this bulletin went to press, statistics for 1999 were not yet available. For the most up-to-date crime statistics, please consult FACETS, the University student handbook (http://www.columbia.edu/cu/facets/).

Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct: Rape and Other Sex Offenses

Columbia University believes that sexual assault of any type is unacceptable, especially within the University environment, and strongly supports all efforts to eliminate its occurrence and to discipline offenders.

If you or someone you know has recently been raped or sexually assaulted, consult the list of services and resources below.

In a campus setting, sexual assault often occurs when one or both parties are intoxicated from alcohol or other drugs, or in connection with group activities where unanticipated social pressures may develop. Therefore, it is important to understand that intercourse or other sexual activity with a person unable to give free and full consent (e.g., because of intoxication, substance abuse, or intimidation) may constitute sexual assault or rape. Furthermore, the offender's use of a mind-altering substance does not in any way diminish his or her responsibility for abusive behavior.

Sexual assault refers to rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and other nonconsensual sex offenses that are serious crimes under New York State law. Rape is an act of unwelcome penile/vaginal penetration, however slight, by forcible compulsion. Other sexual offenses under New York State law involve unwelcome physical contact with a person's genitals, buttocks, or breasts. In all cases, the force need not be overtly violent: the threat of force that places a person in fear of physical injury or kidnapping may be sufficient. A number of sexual offenses under New York State law involve nonforcible sexual, anal, or oral intercourse with someone under the age of seventeen. The severity of the offense depends in part on the ages of the parties. Criminal penalties in New York State for all such acts vary according to the circumstances, but can include prison sentences of up to twenty-five years.

Disciplinary action for sex offenses by Columbia students is conducted through the University's mechanism of Dean's Discipline. This mechanism is initiated by a complaint to the victim's dean of students or dean for student affairs. After a complaint is lodged, the dean of the school in which the accused is enrolled will conduct an investigation and hearing to determine culpability and the appropriate sanction, if any. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to have others present during such proceedings, and both the accused and the accuser are informed of the outcome of such proceedings. Anyone may file a charge against a Columbia student.

A Columbia student who is found to have committed rape, sexual assault, or any other sex offense, either forcible or nonforcible, is subject to disciplinary action, which can include admonition, deprivation of certain privileges, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

On February 25, 2000, the University Senate adopted a Sexual Misconduct Policy and Disciplinary Procedure that can be used as an alternative to Dean's Discipline. The Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to all students in all schools of the University. The Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Misconduct applies to these same students, with the exception of the Law School, but including the students of Teachers College and Barnard College. The policy prohibits sexual misconduct by any student. A comprehensive program to educate students, faculty, and administrators about the issue of sexual misconduct has also been developed. Copies of the policy and procedure are available from the Office of the Dean of Students of every school. Students can also find further information in Appendix E of FACETS, the University student handbook.

Columbia and the community offer a variety of counseling resources to survivors of sexual assault. The Counseling and Psychological Service of the Morningside Health Service is staffed with professional counselors, many of whom have received specific training in sexual assault crisis intervention and counseling. St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, near the Morningside campus, and Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center provide specialized Rape Intervention and Rape Crisis services, including medical attention, emotional support, and, if desired, assistance with evidence collection, police reporting, and prosecution. Mt. Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals in Manhattan provide similar services. Most facilities include bilingual staff. See the listing of resources below under Emergency Support Services for Sexual Assault.

Although rape and sexual assault are never the fault of the victim, the University urges you to be aware of your personal safety at all times. Read and study the Security information provided in FACETS and in other publications available at Security, and be aware of the effects of alcohol and other drugs and the dynamics of social gatherings.

If You Are the Victim of Sexual Assault

Your safety and well-being are of paramount importance. Contact Security, the Police Department, your dean's office, the Columbia-Barnard Rape Crisis Center, a medical treatment facility, or any trusted friend, adviser, or faculty member as soon as possible. If someone you know has been assaulted, provide reassurance and support while such contact is made.

It is important that a person who has been recently assaulted receive prompt medical attention to ensure him/herself that he/she is medically well. Because physical injury is not always noticeable at first, it is important to receive a medical examination and treatment as soon as possible. These may include pelvic and rectal exams, screening and/or treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy prevention. The examination may also include the collection of medical evidence for use in prosecution, if the victim chooses. Without such evidence, which is collected only at hospitals, criminal charges may be difficult to substantiate. For this reason, victims/survivors should not bathe, douche, or change clothes before seeking medical treatment if the rape occurred within the previous 72 hours.

The University urges you to consider contacting the New York City Police Department to report the assault and to file criminal charges against your assailant. Security personnel will assist you and accompany you through the process. Although the University strongly encourages you to consider pressing criminal charges, the choice is yours.

Victims/survivors of sexual assault may seek alternative University housing and class arrangements, and the University is required to provide them if they are reasonably available. The dean of students or dean for student affairs will arrange these accommodations. Generally, alternative University housing is available within 24 hours; alternative class arrangements depend on scheduling considerations and the availability of equivalent courses.

Emergency Support Services for Sexual Assault

Security Services

Columbia's security services are available 24 hours a day. The office is able to arrange emergency transportation.

Morningside Heights (24 hours): 99 or (212) 854-5555

Barnard College (day): (212) 854-3362

Barnard College (night): (212) 854-3684

Health Sciences (24 hours): (212) 305-7979

Health Services

Morningside Campus

Health Service (day): (212) 854-3187

Women's Health Center (day): (212) 854-4499

After-Hours Doctor-on-Call (night): (212) 415-0120

Health Sciences Campus

Health Service (day): (212) 305-3400

After-Hours Doctor-on-Call (night): (212) 305-5549

Barnard College

Health Services (day): (212) 854-2091

After-Hours Doctor-on-Call (night): (212) 666-5838

Counseling and Psychological Services

Morningside Campus (day only): (212) 854-2468

Barnard (day only): (212) 854-2091

Health Sciences Campus (day only): (212) 305-3400

Other Columbia-Affiliated Support Services

Columbia Undergraduate Deans of Students (24 hours): Contact your R.A. or Residence Hall Director.

Barnard Residence Life Staff (24 hours): Contact your building front desk.

Columbia-Barnard Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center (24 hours): (212) 854-HELP or
(212) 854-WALK

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Crime Victims Treatment Center (day): (212) 523-4728

St. Luke's-Roosevelt Emergency: (212) 523-3335

Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center VICTIMS/Rape Crisis Services (day): (212) 305-9060

Other Support Services

Mt. Sinai Rape Crisis Intervention Program (day): (212) 241-5461

Bellevue Hospital Crime Victims Program: (212) 562-3755

Victim Services Agency (day): (212) 874-0724; (24 hours) 577-7777

Samaritan Hotline (24 hours): (212) 673-3000

Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours): (800) 942-6906; NYC: (800) 621-HOPE (4673)

Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (24 hours): (212) 807-0197

New York Police Department

New York City Police Department Emergency (24 hours): 911

NYPD Special Victims Squad: (212) 694-3010

NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline (information and advice): (212) 267-RAPE (7273) A female police officer will answer, or is available if you wish.

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