The NCC Department of Public Safety is committed to communicating with our campus community as quickly as possible during an emergency. The Clery Act requires two types of notifications: Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications.
Timely Warnings
Timely Warnings are issued when certain crimes are reported that occurred within NCC’s Clery Act Geography and are considered a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. Generally, these are crimes that have already occurred and the issuance of the Timely Warning provides information so that the campus community can take steps to protect themselves from being a victim of a similar crime.
Timely Warnings are typically issued for the following:
- Major incidents of arson;
- Aggravated assault;
- Murder/Non-Negligent Manslaughter;
- Robbery; involving force or violence (cases including pick pocketing and purse snatching will typically not result in the issuance of a Timely Warning Notice, but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis)
- A string of burglaries; or motor vehicle theft; that occur in reasonably close proximity to one another;
- Sexual assault;
- Other Clery Act crimes as deemed necessary.
The decision to issue a Timely Warning is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the facts surrounding the Clery Act crime, including, but not limited to such factors as: the nature of the crime, the serious or continuing threat to the campus community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts.
Timely Warnings can be sent to all students, faculty, and staff in various ways, including text messages, push notifications, emails, desktop computer takeovers, and digital information boards.
Information which may be contained in a Timely Warning includes:
- A succinct description of the incident and type of crime including location, date, and time of occurrence;
- A physical description of the suspect including gender, age, height, weight, hair color, etc., and race if available and accompanied by other descriptive characteristics;
- A description of an apparent connection to previous incidents if applicable;
- Sex of the victim, if relevant;
- Injuries sustained by the victim;
- Notice to the campus community to use caution and provide safety tips;
- Other relevant information such as weapons involved.
In order to protect the privacy of the victim, NCC does not release the identity of the reporter to ensure their safety and integrity.
Emergency Notifications
An Emergency Notification has a wider focus than a Timely Warning and is issued for any significant emergency or dangerous situation occurring on campus that involves a confirmed immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees. Examples of situations that may warrant an Emergency Notification include an active shooter, fires, bomb threats, natural disasters, etc. These are incidents that are in progress and the Emergency Notification provides immediate life-saving information and instructions during an active emergency.
Emergency Notifications can be sent to all students, faculty, and staff in various ways, including text messages, push notifications, emails and desktop computer takeovers.
Campus Safety Advisory
Campus Safety Advisories are developed and distributed to the community for security and safety related incidents that do not meet the legal standards for the distribution of a Timely Warning or Notification.
Examples of such incidents and situations include:
- A crime or pattern of crimes that are not one of the 15 reportable Clery crimes (ex. a pattern of larcenies or vandalism cases);
- A crime that occurs outside of the NCC Clery Geography (the decision to issue a Campus Safety Advisory for an off campus crime will made on a case-by-case basis depending on an assessment of various factors which include but are not limited to: the nature of the crime, the exact location, the time of the incident, the local police response and guidance to campus officials and the potential direct effect on the campus community);
- A minor security or safety concern (mulch fires caused by cigarettes, etc.);
- Facilities-related issues that may cause a disruption to one or more campuses.
Campus Safety Advisories are generally distributed via email or text.
