Reporting of Criminal Offenses
All students, faculty, staff and guests of the College are asked to report emergencies and criminal activity to the Security Department or the Detroit Police Department. Once a report is made an investigation will be done. Security can be reached by dialing 8536 from any Seminary phone or dial direct at (313) 883-8536. For police emergencies call 911 for the Detroit Police. If desired, security officers will assist in the notification and reporting to the police.
Confidential Reporting
SHMS does not have procedures for voluntary, confidential reporting of crimes. Violations of the law will be referred to law enforcement agencies and when appropriate, to a member of the college administration for review. These reports are public records and under state law are subject to the Freedom of Information Act requests.
Timely Warnings
When a crime is reported to SHMS Security, either on or off campus, that represents a serious or continuing threat to students and staff, special alerts or "timely warnings" will be issued by the Director of Security. The decision to issue a timely warning will be based on the facts of the incident, nature of the crime, and threat to the Seminary community. The timely warnings can be issued by several means including:
- In-class announcements
- Posting of fliers in strategic spots on campus
- A campus-wide e-mail
- Text messaging
- Phones
- SHMS Security Web Site
- Emergency Notification System
Campus Security Authority
The Sacred Heart Major Seminary security authority and those to whom employees and students should report criminal activity are: Sacred Heart Major Seminary Security (313) 883-8500, Rector (313) 883-8501, Vice Rector (313) 883-8552, Dean of Studies (313) 883-8556, Dean of Institute for Lay Ministry (313) 883-8696, Director of Graduate Seminarians (313) 883-8500, Director of Undergraduate Seminarians (313) 883-8566.
Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs
The cooperation, personal support and involvement of students in the campus safety program are essential to its success. Students must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. The Security Department safety and security related programs are part of the information supplied by the Deans of Students. Brochures on crime prevention and personal safety are distributed to students and are readily available.
Sex Offenses
If you are the victim of a sexual assault at SHMS, your first priority should be to get to a place of safety. Victims of a sexual assault should go to the hospital for necessary medical treatment. The assault should be reported to the Detroit police in a timely manner at 911. SHMS security should be contacted also. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. Filing a police report to the police will:
- Ensure that the victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim.
- Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam).
- Assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.
The Detroit Police Department's Victims Assistance Program provides educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other forcible and non-forcible sex offenses. The contact number is (313) 833-1660. The counseling is free and there is no waiting list. The hours are 8 a.m. to midnight. SHMS does not offer on campus or off campus services. SHMS Security will assist victims in contacting the police, medical assistance and the Victim's Assistance Program. Catholic Social Services of Wayne County, through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), provides a wide-range of support services for individuals, children and adult victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse or assault. Services include:
- Outpatient counseling
- Information and Referral
- Psychiatric and psychological consultations
SHMS will change a victim's academic and living situation after an alleged sex offense, and the options for those changes if those changes are requested by the victim and are reasonably available. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any institutional disciplinary proceeding that is brought alleging a sex offense.
Sex Offenders
Registered sex offenders employed by or attending SHMS are required by law to register with the police. Sexual Offender information may be obtained by accessing the Michigan State Police Web site at www.mipsor.state.mi.us.