Public Safety
The Public Safety Department is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the Sarah Lawrence Community. Public Safety officers are trained, certified, and registered in compliance with the New York State Security Act of 1992.They must obey and enforce the laws and regulations of the Federal government, New York State, the City of Yonkers and Sarah Lawrence College.The Public Safety officers do not carry weapons and do not have arrest powers above that of a private citizen.The College works closely with state and local police agencies/authorities where appropriate. The Public Safety Department utilizes various methods including the College Web site to advise students about security procedures and updates. Public Safety alerts and advisories are sent in the form of e-mails to all students via their SLC accounts. In addition, at the beginning of each academic year, the director of public safety gives a security and safety orientation to all incoming first-year and transfer students.
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges to publish an annual security report that includes campus crime statistics for the past three years and specific campus security policy disclosures.The complete Sarah Lawrence College security report can be found here. The Advisory Committee on Campus Safety will provide, upon request, a hard copy of all campus crime statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education. If an individual requires such a copy, s/he should call the director of public safety at (914) 395-2384. The copy will be sent free of charge within 10 days of the request. Sarah Lawrence College’s crime statistics and those of other U.S. colleges can also be found at the United States Department of Education’sWeb site: ope.ed.gov/security.
Emergency Notification
In case of school closings, delayed openings, or a crisis on campus, the College uses an external notification system that sends an e-mail, text message, and voice mail. Students are required to sign up with this system and to keep his/her information current.
Emergency Response Plan
The current emergency response plan is on the College Web site on the Public Safety and Security page. All members of the community should familiarize themselves with the plan.
Sarah Lawrence College is an open campus; sometimes uninvited people who do not have legitimate business here have access to the campus. In order to protect everyone:
- Students must carry their SLC ID cards at all times and show them to Public Safety officers or other College officials upon request.
- Students are asked to take normal security precautions including locking room doors and refusing to admit strangers to their residence hall and/or rooms.
- Students must register their guests at Westlands Desk regardless of their relation to the student or how long they will be on campus. All guests must show a picture ID with a current address, or two non-photo IDs showing the same address, to obtain a guest pass. Guests will be asked by Public Safety officers to show their pass. A guest must be accompanied by her/his student host at all times while on campus. Cars of guests must be registered with Campus Facilities.
- Do not bring expensive jewelry or equipment to the College.
- Duplication of keys by a locksmith is prohibited. Unauthorized keys will be confiscated.
- Windows of ground-floor houses must be locked whenever you are not in your room.When in your room, use a “Charlie Bar.” Operations and Facilities will provide ground-floor residents, free of charge, a “Charlie Bar” for use upon request.
- Dial x2385 or x2209 (always covered) for assistance and advice concerning any security matter.
- If you must walk alone after dark from one part of campus to another (especially the more isolated parts), you may call x2209 to arrange for an escort or ride through Public Safety or the student shuttle.
- Emergency telephones are installed at various locations around the campus for emergency use. These telephones are clearly marked with a blue light and are painted white for easy identification. These phones are linked directly to Public Safety. As you walk around campus, note the locations of these phones.
- Never give a student’s housing location to a stranger. Refer all guests to Westlands Desk.
- For everyone’s safety, all deliveries for students from outside vendors must be made to Westlands Desk. Please make sure the vendor has your name and campus phone number (your campus extension or personal phone number). Do not give the vendor your campus address.Westlands Desk will contact you when the food or item is delivered. If Public Safety discovers a delivery person on campus, they will escort him/her to Westlands Desk and remind the merchant that deliveries must be made to Westlands.
- Never prop open exterior doors of residence halls.
Please see the Public Safety section of the College’s Web site for more information.
Advisory Committee
In accordance with New York State law, the College will appoint an Advisory Committee on Campus Safety. The committee reviews campus security policies and procedures and makes recommendations for their improvement.The committee shall specifically review current policies and procedures for the following:
- Educating the campus community, including Public Safety personnel and those who advise or supervise students, about sexual assault
- Educating the campus community about personal safety and crime prevention
- Reporting sexual assaults and dealing with victims during investigations
- Referring complaints to appropriate authorities
- Counseling victims
- Responding to inquiries from concerned persons
The committee shall report, in writing, to the president its findings and recommendations at least once each academic year.The report will be available upon request.