Campus Security Report
2007-2008

Somerset County Vocational-Technical School District
North Bridge Street and Vogt Drive
Bridgewater, New Jersey  08807
908-526-8900
www.scti.org

Campus Security
Somerset County Vocational-Technical School District’s Security Department seeks to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all those using its facilities.  There are several ways to access security: dial 908-361-4709; directly visit the security office located in the high school building adjacent to the high school main office; contact the switchboard operator by dialing “0” during business hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; contact the Technical Institute Administrators in the main office of the Technology Institute building during evening hours 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Members of the security department are present during the hours 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.  The buildings are locked after the last class is dismissed and the custodial staff members have completed their duties.  The buildings are armed with an integrated security system after 2:00 a.m. on weekdays and throughout the weekend.

Safety is everyone’s job, on school grounds and off.  Anyone knowing of an unsafe condition, a crime or an emergency situation at the Vocational-Technical School should report it immediately to the SCVTS Security Department.  The security department will provide prompt and courteous assistance and will contact appropriate law enforcement or emergency agencies if needed.

Campus Access
Individuals may have access to campus buildings only during hours of regular operation.  Special permission to be present in an SCVTS facility at any other time must be obtained from Michael Maddaluna, the Superintendent of Schools or his designee.  The security staff is part of the building and grounds department which consists of twelve employees and a supervisor.  Security guards patrol the campus and answer calls between 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., Monday through Friday throughout the year.  On weekends the campus is closed and locked, except for special classes or events for which there is always at least one staff member on duty.  Security guards are not armed and are not empowered to arrest but work closely with the Bridgewater Police Department.  The guards utilize cell phones with the school administration.

In accordance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, all students and employees will receive updated security information annually. Student applicants and enrolled students will receive information on safety policies and procedures.

Tips For Your Safety:

• When walking or jogging, go with someone.
• Stay away from isolated areas.
• Try to stay near lighted areas.
• Hold your purse tightly and close to your body.

If You Are Being Followed:

• Change direction or cross the street.
• Keep looking back.
• Go to a well-lighted area.  Enter a building or go where there are people.
• Notice and remember as much as possible about the person following you.
• Call security or local law enforcement as soon as possible.

If You Are Working Late:

• Keep your office door locked.
• Lock all doors behind you when entering or exiting at night.
• Call security for an escort when leaving.

If You Are Held Up:

• Do not resist.
• Notify security or local police immediately.
• Attempt to remember a good description of the suspect, including age, sex, height, weight, clothing and speech.

Where You Live:

• Keep your doors locked day and night.
• Do not let strangers into your house.
• Do not leave a door open for someone planning to come back.

Protect Personal And School Property:

• Lock your door when you leave for the day.
• Engrave expensive equipment with an identification number.
• Do not store your purse in an unlocked desk.
• Do not leave expensive personal belongings in your office.
• Do not leave your belongings (books, backpacks, clothes, etc.) unattended in libraries, hallways, gym or classrooms.

In A Car:

• Keep doors locked while driving.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers.
• Check the back seat before getting into a car.

Protect Your Car:

• Always lock your car and take your keys.
• Lock your valuables in the trunk.
• Park in well lighted areas.

Substance Awareness
The Somerset County Vocational-Technical School District offers a variety of services involving substance abuse assistance programs for students and employees.  The Linkages substance awareness component provides comprehensive substance abuse education, prevention and intervention services.  The services are available to all students of the Somerset County Vocational-Technical School District.  This includes the high school, Technology Institute, Twilight and TOPS programs.  The Linkages offices are located near the high school main office and can be reached at extension 7284.

Students can be referred by parents, teachers and administrators or by themselves.  Upon referral, any combination of the following services may be given:

• Assessment and referral for urine drug screening
• Individual/group counseling
• Referral to appropriate and accessible treatment in the community
• CORE team intervention
• Individual or group prevention program
• Referral to a self-help group
• Family support/intervention and case management

Employees can take advantage of the Somerset County Vocational-Technical School’s Employee Assistance program by dialing 800-531-0200 to set up an appointment with a counselor.

Sexual Assault
Sex offenses, whether forcible or non forcible, violate criminal law and school regulations.  Any reported violation will be treated swiftly through legal avenues and/or the established school disciplinary procedures as defined in the Student/Parent Handbook.  In reporting a sex offense, initial contact should be made to the Bridgewater Police Department as soon as possible.  Students may notify the school’s main office staff and they will notify the police.  To obtain information concerning registered sex offenders, contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7000. 

Sexual Harassment
Any student or staff member who wishes to file a complaint of sexual or other harassment by any staff member or student can contact the building principal, teacher and guidance counselor or call the Affirmative Action Officer at extension 7225.  For harassment complaint procedures and to obtain a form, see the Student/Parent Handbook and/or employee grievance procedures.

Mental Health Counseling For Victims Of Sex Offenses
A school-based mental health clinician is available for all students who are victims of sexual offenses.  Services include:

• On campus crisis intervention counseling
• Appropriate referral to other professional services as recommended by the mental health clinician
• Psycho-education class presentations and workshops on campus which educate students about sexual offenses and prevention

School Statistics
The Vocational-Technical School crime statistics reflect the number of on campus offenses reported and/or known to school officials.

Listed below is the number of arrests or people referred for campus disciplinary action for liquor law, drug abuse, weapons possession and bias motivated violations which occurred on school grounds during the past three years.