WAU-Department of Public Safety
| The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a resource and service for Washington Adventist University (WAU). WAU-DPS can perform its activities in a safe, secure, healthy and environmentally responsible manner by working with our safety partners. Our mission is to provide leadership and outstanding services that enhance the research and Christian education process by integrating excellent safety, security and sustained practices into the WAU campus culture. We provide campus security services including: emergency response, investigations, escorts, building security, fire safety inspections, as well as host a CCTV system. DPS is composed of Security Officers as well as auxiliary student officers. Our staff holds certifications in emergency management, fire and life safety inspections, Crime Victim Advocate, and Property and Evidence Specialist. WAU Security Officers have the authority to ask any individual/person for WAU identification and to determine whether the individual has lawful business at WAU. WAU-DPS Security Officers have the authority to issue parking tickets which are billed to the financial account of students, faculty and staff. Security Officers do not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the local police who have jurisdiction on campus; in the case of WAU that would be the Takoma Park Police Department. WAU-DPS maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Takoma Park Police Department and the Montgomery County Police Department. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to campus public safety department and the appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices and timely disclosure of crime statistics. These statistics are available to WAU students, employees, prospective students and prospective employees as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security policy and Crime Statistics Act. |
Security Staff
| John Cake Director of Public Safety Crime Victim Advocate 301-891-4019 jcake@wau.edu | Rodney Tyson Sergeant of Public Safety 301-891-4019 rtyson@wau.edu | George Baker Officer 301-891-4019 gbaker@wau.edu |
| Harry Childs Officer 301-891-4019 hchilds@wau.edu | Timothy Prue Officer 301-891-4019 tprue@wau.edu | Derrick Thornwell Officer 301-891-4019 dthorn@wau.edu |
| Deisy Martinez Officer 301-891-4019 dmartinez@wau.edu | Sara Andrews Officer 301-891-4019 sandrews@wau.edu | Melissa Smith Office Manager 301-891-4019 security@wau.edu |
Contact InformationDepartment of Public Safety | Office HoursMonday-Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm |
Reporting Crimes
WAU community members and visitors should report all crimes on campus immediately to the DPS or Law Enforcement agency that has jurisdiction. All reports are considered confidential.
There are several ways to report a crime: call the Security office, e-mail security (security@wau.edu), speaking with an Officer at the Security Office. You can also report to a Dean, Office Executive, Counselor, or Faculty Member.
| Emergency Takoma Park Police line 911 or non emergency tel. 301-270-1100 |
| Emergency Montgomery County Police and EMS 911 or non emergency tel. 301-565-7744 |
| Emergency WAU-DPS 301-891-4019 or 301-300-0342 |
| The Department of Public Safety is located in the General Services building #6, office GS-4, ext. 4019. Security officers can be called in case of an emergency at any time at (301) 300-0324. Security officers are on campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Campus Crime Logs are available 24/7 at the DPS office located in the General Services building #6 GS-4, 7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park Maryland. It is also available below. The University provides this information to all students and employees in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This act requires all higher education institutions to make public their campus security and fire safety policies and reported crime and fire data for the previous three years and disseminates this information to the campus community. The goal of this legislation is to help maintain a safe campus environment by increasing the awareness of crimes committed on campus, the security and fire safety policies in place and crime prevention programs available. You may view or download a pdf version of the annual security and fire reports below. For a paper copy, contact the Department of Public Safety at 301-891-4019 or stop by the Department of Public Safety Office in the General Services building during business hours. In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the WAU Office of Compliance Operations Institutional Research and Effectiveness has provided all students and employees with the 2022 Biennial Review of Drug- and Alcohol-Free Policies and Programs at Washington Adventist University. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Chief of Operations and Compliance at 301-576-0123. |
WAU Policies and Procedures
To view the different policies and procedures, click on the following links:
| Alert and Notification Policy | Campus Lockdown Procedures |
| Emergency Response Plan | General Fire Plan and Policy and Procedures |
| Missing Student Policy | Elevator Entrapment Policy |
Annual Security and Fire Reports
Each year, to be in compliance with the Clery Act, the Annual Security Report and the Annual Fire Safety Report are made available to the community. You can view these reports by clicking on the links:
WAU Crime LogsTo view the Crime Logs, click on the following links: 2014 Crime Log | To view the following documents, please click on each link: Campus Security Authority Reference Manual Crime Report Form Sexual Misconduct Report Form Disclosure of Campus Security Policies |
Takoma Park Police DepartmentCity of Takoma Park |
Lost and FoundThe Lost and Found is located in the Department of Public Safety (Building #6, GS-4). Between the hours of 9:00am to 5:30pm Monday thru Thursday and 9:00am to 12:00pm on Friday. Students, Faculty, Staff and Visitors are encouraged to inquire at the Lost and Found about lost or misplaced articles. You may inquire in person or call 301-891-4019 for more information. Correspondence can be sent to security@wau.edu. |
Parking Management DivisionParking and Traffic Regulations Brochure WAU IDs and parking permits are obtained at the Office of Public Safety. The Public Safety Department also operates a lost and found service; distributes free pamphlets about campus parking, security, fire and safety; and provides security escort services on campus. | Parking PermitsIf you are a student and you need a parking permit, you will need to do the following:
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WAU Student/Faculty/Staff ID’sGuide to obtaining WAU ID’s and Parking Permits brochure If you are a student, before you can get your WAU ID, you need to have been financially cleared first. Then you need to bring the clearance papers to the Security Office when you want to get your ID. Students, faculty and staff must register their vehicles with the Office of Safety and Security in order to park on the WAU campus. Fill out the form online, then proceed to the Office of Safety and Security, GS-4, to pick up your permit. There is a $50.00 annual fee for students. You must obey all of the traffic laws and parking signs. Vehicles must be in operable condition with current state registration and insurance. A permit does not guarantee parking space. Vehicles found in violation of any of the above requirements are subject to ticketing, booting and or towing and impoundment or any of the previous combinations, at the owner’s expense. A brochure about WAU parking and traffic regulations is available from the Office of Safety and Security. The Office of Safety and Security hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, however campus security is available 7 days a week 24 hours a day, to respond to emergencies, and other inquiries: 301-891-4019. |
Emergency Alert Notification System:It is the policy of Washington Adventist University Department of Public Safety and Campus Information Technology to alert the campus community to certain crimes and safety/security issues occurring on campus, or in the immediate vicinity of the campus. Generally, this area will include the streets adjacent and/or adjoining campus property. However, nothing in this policy is intended to prevent notifications about incidents occurring outside of this area when they are likely to have a significant impact on members of the university community.
WAU Alert and Notification Policy Mass Notification Messages Log 2015 |
OUTSIDE AGENCIES EMERGENCY ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS
To receive up-to-date and live crime alerts, follow the links below and subscribe:
| Montgomery County Alert System https://www.alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/usersetlocation.php | Takoma Park Alert System http://www.takomaparkmd.gov/alert |
| Prince George’s County Alert System http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/794/Alert-Prince-Georges | DC Police Alert System http://hsema.dc.gov/page/alertdc |
WAU-DPS Fire Safety Division
The Fire Safety Division (part of the Public Safety Department) is responsible for managing the University’s compliance with the County and State Fire Prevention Codes and other applicable fire safety laws and standards; providing fire safety education and training; investigating all fires that occur on WAU property; and performing fire and life safety inspections. Life safety is the primary objective of the fire safety program. WAU-DPS is not a government code enforcement power under local and state jurisdictions, but has Certified Fire Inspector and Certified Fire Investigator who applies and enforces the Montgomery County Fire Safety Code and Maryland State Fire Prevention Code. Programs include: monthly fire exit drills (residential halls); fire safety education for students, faculty, and staff; fire inspections of campus buildings; public assembly events; emergency procedure planning and training; fire data analysis; code consultation; general fire safety issue consultation, coordination and issuance of required permits; and fire/arson investigations. Life safety systems (fire alarms, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, and generators) are serviced by WAU-Department of Facility Services (DFS) who manages the operations and maintenance of the Life Safety Systems. To report problems call the DFS Information Desk at (301) 891-4161 or 301-801-7201. Note: Fire Report Logs and 2018 and 2019 Annual Fire Report are available. A copy is available at DPS Office General Services building # 6 GS-4, 7600 Flower Ave, Takoma Park, Maryland. Please review and check the following Policies by clicking on each link:
| Annual Fire Reports (see under “Annual Security and Fire Reports”) | WAU General Fire Plan and Policy and Procedure |
| Hot Work Permit | Training Portable Fire Extinguishers |
| Confined Space Work Permit | Confined Space Policy |
| Fire Watch Procedures and Fire Watch Log form | WAU Chemical Hygiene Plan |
Fire Emergency Telephone No:
Fire Department (Montgomery County Fire and Rescue) Tel. 911
WAU-DSS- Fire Safety Division: Tel. 301-891-4019
Fire Safety Awareness
UL Campus Fire Facts
WAU-DPS Environmental/Occupational Health and Safety Division
The WAU-DPS Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Division promotes and supports a safe and healthy work environment at the WAU campus by providing leadership, program development, and training and compliance assistance for faculty, staff and employees. Our services include outreach and consultation services for hazard identification, assessment and control; training; development of safe work practices; PPE recommendations; project planning review and accident and injury prevention. Our staff includes professionals with expertise in the areas of Laboratory Safety, Occupational Safety, Indoor Air Quality, and Regulatory Requirements. Please review and check the following Policies: Facility Asbestos Management Plan, and Facility Lead Management Plan, and Air Quality Complaint Program.
WAU-DPS: Closed Circuit Television (CCTV):The WAU-DPS, under the support of the DFS, is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the campus community by integrating the best practices of private Public Safety with state-of-the-art technology. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan using state-of-the-art technology is closed circuit television (CCTV). The purpose of CCTV monitoring of public areas by Public Safety personnel is to deter crime and to assist the Public Safety Department in protecting the safety and property of the University community. Any diversion of security technologies and personnel for other purposes (e.g., CCTV monitoring of political or religious activities, or employee and/or student evaluations) would undermine the acceptability of these resources for critical safety goals and is therefore prohibited by this program. Video monitoring for security purposes will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. Personnel involved in video monitoring will be appropriately trained and continuously supervised in the responsible use of this technology. Violations of the Code of Procedures for video policy referenced in this policy will result in disciplinary action consistent with the rules and regulations governing employees of the University. Information obtained through video monitoring will be used exclusively for security and law enforcement purposes. Information obtained through video monitoring will only be released when authorized by the Director of Public Safety and appropriate administrative personnel according to the procedures established. |
WAU-DPS-Security Operation Center (future):WAU-DPS will soon have a Security Operation Center (SOC) to enhance proactive security patrols on and the WAU-DPS CCTV security and security communication systems (Pelco System and Andover Continuum software program), door monitoring status, access control, motion monitoring, fire alarm monitoring, glass break monitoring, security central intercom system, wireless communication and its staff: CCTV Specialist actively monitor live and recorded digital video from more than 100 CCTV cameras strategically placed on the campus. All cameras which are monitored and recorded 24/7, are in common areas. While the majority of cameras are in exterior locations a number are installed in interior spaces. Our Security Specialist provides proactive and reactive service designs to both prevent crime and respond to crimes that occurred in our campus jurisdiction, they have the capability to communicate with our security patrol to respond to any situation that required the safety and security officer attention. They also are responsible of the maintenance and inspection of all the electronic systems in the department. Our CCTV Specialist reviews and retrieves digital video by request of a safety and security officer investigating a crime or incidents. Based on a combination of proactive and reactive services, CCTV Specialist responsibilities will also monitor all fire alarms on campus buildings. |
WAU-DPS Emergency Response and Emergency Management Division:WAU has adopted the National Incident Management System (NIMS) for all of its emergency and non-emergency events. The adoptions of NIMS will improve the WAU response to emergencies and Hazards. In cases of significant emergency or danger situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of any member of WAU community on campus. WAU policies and procedures provide for WAU-DPS to notify the campus community. Notification will be made for immediate threats to the health or safety when such an emergency is confirmed. WAU-DPS will first determine that such an emergency does exist. The highest ranking university department Director on duty is tasked with determining, on a case-by-case basis, whether a situation exists that requires an emergency notification. This determination is based on the size, scope facts and serious of the incident and the threat of life, health or safety of the circumstances. All segments of the campus community are alerts as appropriate warning. Notification are sent without delay, unless such a message will, in the university Public Communication Officer judgment of WAU, compromise the effort to deal with the emergency or assist a victim. A follow up information will be issued thereafter. WAU Emergency Response Plan (ERP) / Emergency Operation Plan (EOP) identify the campus emergency planning, organization and response policies and procedures. The ERP/EOP is available under (click) WAU-Emergency Response Plan. WAU-DPS officers and the University Administrators use the ERP/EOP to address emergencies and critical incidents that affect WAU Campus. Here is a link for the Emergency Response Plan Overview Sheet. |
| 2013 Maryland Emergency Preparedness Program Strategic Plan | Montgomery County: Home Guide to Emergency Preparedness |
| 2018 Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan | Preparing for Emergencies |
Below is a link for information about the flu, information and other helpful articles.
http://www.flu.gov/planning-preparedness/business/index.html
Dating and Domestic Violence Information:WAU Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking and Domestic Violence Policy Dating or domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is a pattern of ongoing power and control by one dating partner over another. Examples of dating or domestic violence include threatening a partner or their family, coercing them into doing something they don’t want to do, constantly belittling them, controlling what they can and cannot do, deciding who they can go out with and when, isolating them from friends and family, controlling their finances and access to resources, or physically hitting, kicking, punching, slapping, or scratching. Dating and domestic violence can also include sexual violence or stalking. Domestic violence can happen to people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and religions. It occurs in both heterosexual and LGBTQ relationships. While it is important to remember that we all have different cultural practices, beliefs, and experiences that shape our view of what intimate relationships look like, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. No one deserves to be abused. Abuse is never the victim’s fault! If you have been the victim of dating or domestic violence, you are not alone. Help is available. Please see the links to the right for resources and for more information about dating and domestic violence. The HEA defines the new crime categories of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in accordance with section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 as follows: “Domestic violence” means a “felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by –
“Dating violence” means “violence committed by a person –
“Stalking” means “engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to –
An additional service is provided by DPS-Department of Public Safety. We have services of a Victim Advocate (Support Operations Specialist), and the description is as follows:
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Drug and Alcohol AwarenessIn accordance with Education Article 11-1204, a “Heroin and Opioid Addiction and Prevention Policy” is being drafted. The policy will outline that incoming full-time students will have access to in-person or online heroin and opioid addiction and prevention awareness training, incoming part-time students will have access to resources that alert and education students regarding heroin and opioid addiction, training for campus security or other designated personnel on how to recognize the symptoms of an opioid overdose, procedures for the administration of naloxone or other overdose-reversing medications, and proper follow-up emergency procedures. For additional information, click on the following links: Opioid Epidemic Resources |
OFFICE OF CRIME VICTIM/WITNESS ADVOCATEThe policy of the WAU-Public Safety Department (DPS) is to treat all victims/witnesses in a respectful, responsive, and compassionate manner that reflects the Department’s recognition of the trauma of victimization. A member’s interaction with the victim/witness of a crime shall not contribute additional and full confidentiality. WAU-DPS Victim Assistance Package – the WAU-DPS Victim Assistance Package permits DPS to meet its legal obligation to provide notification of the financial assistance available to victims/witnesses of violent crime. The package includes a CVCP brochure and application, and is delivered to the crime victim.
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Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners/Forensic Nurse Examiners (SAFE/FNE) ProgramIn Maryland, Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) work within a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program in a hospital to complete medical forensic examinations, treat victims for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and address pregnancy concerns. When FNEs conduct an exam after a sexual assault, the evidence is collected with accuracy and precision, which leads to an increase in cases that will be prosecuted; therefore, more perpetrators will be held accountable and punished for their crimes. Where they exist, SAFE programs have made a profound difference in the quality of care provided to sexual assault victims. FNEs offer victims prompt, compassionate care and comprehensive forensic evidence collection. In addition to helping preserve the victim’s dignity and reduce psychological trauma, SAFE programs are enhancing evidence collection for more effective investigations and better prosecution. Particularly in non-stranger sexual assaults, which are the majority of sex crimes, thorough documentation of evidence that helps to corroborate a victim’s account of an assault by establishing lack of consent has led to more successful prosecutions. Note that the Federal VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) 2005 Reauthorization indicates that a victim of sexual assault may obtain a forensic exam free of charge even if they have not chosen to report the crime to law enforcement or participate in a criminal justice investigation. |
Title IX Coordinator (Sexual Misconduct Investigator)The Title IX Coordinator for the University is: Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. For more information, visit: Title IX: Know Your Rights |
MARYLAND SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY:1. The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (CSPA) provides for the tracking of convicted sex offender at, or employed by, higher education institution. This act is an amendment to the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against and Sexually Children and Sexually Violent Offender Act. 2. Under the law, state and local law enforcement agencies must provide college and universities in their jurisdiction with a list of registered sex offenders who have indicated that they are enrolled, employed by or working at the institution. A list of all registered sex offenders in Maryland, including registrants employed or enrolled at Maryland Institution of Higher Education, is available from the state Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. 3. The Maryland State Sex Offender Registry website offers several methods of searching for registered sex offenders, including a mapping system to find offenders within a specified distance from any address. Offender information, including a photograph and address is posted on the website. To access the Sex Offender Registry go to: http://www.socem.info/ Maryland Sex Offender Alert Line: 866-559-8017 Register on the web to be notified by e-mail, telephone or fax when a registered sex offender moves into your zip code area. Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services For immediate assistance, call: Contact us by email at vasap@montgomerycountymd.gov |
WAU Protection of Minors on Campus
Washington Adventist University (“WAU”) is committed to the safety of all individuals in its community. Particularly, though, WAU has concern for those who are potentially vulnerable, including, but not limited to, minor children, who require special attention and protection. This Protection of Minors on Campus Policy establishes guidelines for those in the WAU community who may work or interact with individuals under eighteen (18) years of age, with the goal of promoting the safety and well-being of minors. Please check the following Policies and Guidelines: Protection of Minors on Campus, Code of Conduct for Interaction with Minors, Youth Camp Guidelines and Youth Camp Release of Reliability.
Washington Adventist University Campus Map
