Brunswick Community College - Department of Public Safety

Department of Public Safety

Sexual Assault Definitions and Policy

The crime of rape is legally defined by North Carolina law as forced sexual intercourse by a male on a female against her will. In North Carolina , the "force" necessary to convict for rape may be other than physical force. It may be fear, fright, or duress. Those who aid or abet a rape may be equally guilty. Under North Carolina law, forced sexual intercourse with a woman who is physically helpless, as from overuse or alcohol, or mentally handicapped/incapacitated constitutes rape.

"Acquaintance rape" and "date rape" are terms commonly used to describe forced intercourse by a male on a female he knows. His social relationship with the female does not make the act legal if he uses force and/or the act is against her will. The criminal law makes no distinction between rape by an acquaintance or rape by a stranger.

The crime of sexual offense is a sexual act by a person to either sex where the act is by force and against the will of the victim. Sexual offense does not involve intercourse but does involve other sexual acts. It is the policy of Brunswick Community College that it will make all reasonable and prudent efforts to maintain a campus environment free from an sexual assault.

A. Educational Programs Programs include publications, programs and seminars to promote awareness of sexual assault and other sex offenses.

Information is available to students and employees submitted by outside public agencies such as Hope Harbor, Brunswick County agencies, etc.

B. Reporting Procedures

All sexual assaults occurring on campus should be first reported to the Campus Police. The Campus Police will request the assistance of the Sheriff's Department. The investigation and prosecution of a rape or sexual assault is complex, requiring time and resources beyond the scope of the Campus Police. While the Campus Police will assist in every way possible, the Sheriff's Department, in accordance with the mutual aid agree - ment, will lead the investigation.

In addition to appropriate criminal charges, sexual assaults committed by students will be referred to the Vice President for Student Development for disciplinary action in accordance with the College's conduct policy. Assaults by employees will be referred to the Personnel Office. Sanctions for both include permanent removal from the College.

Campus Disciplinary Actions in Cases of Alleged Sexual Assault:

1. The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding.

2. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding alleging sexual assault.

Campus Crime Report

Colleges and universities are required to provide crime statistics relative to a number of specific categories of crimes. These categories include murder, rape, robbery, sexual assault (including both forcible and non-forcible offenses), burglary, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, liquor law violations, drug violations, weapons, and hate crimes relative to the aforementioned crimes. Statistics are published by October first of the fall semester and include the past three calendar years. They are distributed to students and employees and/or are available upon request.

Click here for Annual Crime Report Statistics

Authority

The Brunswick Community College Department of Public Safety/Police is a sanctioned, full-service law enforcement agency. Campus police officers have full power of arrest within the jurisdictional areas of the campus and adjoining streets or highways. They receive their agency commission and authority via General Statute (G.S. 74E). Campus police officers provide many services to the campus community that promote safety and security.

Campus Watch

Campus Watch is a program designed to alert the campus community that a formal process for reporting crimes and safety hazard exists on campus. Individuals can report incidents to the Campus Public Safety/Police Office in person or by phone (Ex. 330) and remain anonymous, if they desire.

Reporting Crime on Campus

All criminal acts occurring on campus should be reported to a campus police officer. An officer may be reached by dialing "0" or "555" from any campus phone. The receptionist has direct radio contact with the Campus Police. The Campus Police have direct radio contact with the 911 Center and the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department and will summon outside assistance if a need exists.

Lost and Found

Lost and found items should be checked for or turned in to the Campus Police Office located on the ground floor of the Administration/Learning Resources/Student Center (A) Building.

Weapons on Campus

It is unlawful for any person to carry, openly or concealed, any weapon on any of the Brunswick Community College sites. Exceptions are made for those students or employees whose training (such as Basic Law Enforcement Training) or job requires that a weapon be carried.

Counseling and Other Services Available to Victims

Students and employees may obtain counseling assistance or referrals through the Hope Harbor Home, Inc., the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office or the Southeastern Mental Health Center , both located at the County Complex .

Traffic and Parking Regulations

Traffic regulations of the State of North Carolina are applicable to all persons who drive a motor vehicle on the campus.

All students are required to register their vehicles and to display a current parking permit. Student parking permits may be obtained at the Campus Public Safety Office or Receptionist's Desk in Building A. Parking is permitted in designated areas. Traffic tickets will be given, and fines levied, for violation of traffic regulations, which are explained in the Student Handbook. Certain spaces in Lots A and B are for faculty/staff parking only. These areas are clearly designated by signs. Student vehicles are not permitted to park in these spaces.