Security

Contact Information

Department of Public Safety
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park, MD  20912
Building #6
Office Phone: 301-891-4019
Officer on Duty Phone: 301-300-0342
E-mail: security@wau.edu

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Closed for Chapel on Wednesdays (11am-1pm)

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.

WAU Crime Logs

To view the Crime Logs, click on the following links:

2014 Crime Log
2015 Crime Log
2016 Crime Log
2017 Crime Log
2018 Crime Log
2019 Crime Log
2020 Crime Log
2021 Crime Log
2022 Crime Log
2023 Crime Log

Takoma Park Police Department

City of Takoma Park
7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland
Tel. 301-270-1100 (Non-Emergency) / 911 (Emergency)
E-mail: police@takomaparkmd.gov

Outside Crime Reports

To view the Crime Reports from outside agencies, click on the following links:
2013 Annual Report-Takoma Park Police
2014 Maryland Uniform Crime Report
2013 Montgomery County Department of Police Year End Report
2014 Montgomery County Crime Report
2013 Fire Deaths in Maryland
2014 Annual Report – Takoma Park Police
2014 Annual Pursuit Report – Montgomery County Police Department
2019 Annual Report on Crime & Safety – Montgomery County Police Department

Crime Prevention

Active Shooter Event: Quick Reference Guide
Crime Prevention and Awareness information
Operation ID information
Crime Prevention – Adventist Risk Management
WAU Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention for Campuses

Lost and Found

The 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.

Lost and Found Policy

Parking Management Division

Parking 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 Permits

If you are a student and you need a parking permit, you will need to do the following:

1. Make sure you have registered the car online first (at the myWAU website: log in, click on My Registration, then Vehicle Registration, fill out the information, then click “Save.”
2. When you come in to the Security Office to get your parking permit, you need to bring your car registration, car insurance card, financial clearance papers, your driver’s license, and your WAU ID.
3. If you are missing any of the above items, you will not be able to get your WAU parking sticker.

WAU Student/Faculty/Staff ID’s

Guide 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.

WAU Staff Special Access Parking Verification Form

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.
Campus (ITS) Alert* is an emergency notification system that utilizes automatic technology to call phones, send text messages and/or emails to individuals who have registered for the service through the University my.wau.edu portal or through a proxy procedure.

WAU Alert and Notification Policy

Mass Notification Messages Log 2015
Mass Notification Messages Log 2016
Mass Notification Messages Log 2017
Mass Notification Messages Log 2018
Mass Notification Messages Log 2019
Mass Notification Messages Log 2020

Campus Lockdown Drill Log 2015

WAU-Fire Drill Log

2014 Fire Drill Log
2015 Fire Drill Log
2016 Fire Drill Log
2017 Fire Drill Log
2018 Fire Drill Log
2019 Fire Drill Log
2020 Fire Drill Log
2020 Fire Drill Log
2021 Fire Drill Log
2022 Fire Drill Log
2023 Fire Drill Log

WAU-Fire Log

2014 WAU Fire Log
2015 WAU Fire Log
2016 WAU Fire Log
2017 WAU Fire Log
2018 WAU Fire Log
2019 WAU Fire Log
2020 WAU Fire Log
2021 WAU Fire Log
2022 WAU Fire Log

WAU-Fire Watch Log

2015 WAU Fire Watch Log
2016 WAU Fire Watch Log
2017 WAU Fire Watch Log
2018 WAU Fire Watch Log
2019 WAU Fire Watch Log
2020 WAU Fire Watch Log
2021 WAU Fire Watch Log
2022 WAU Fire Watch Log

WAU-Hot Work Permit Log

2015 Hot Work Permit Log
2016 Hot Work Permit Log
2017 Hot Work Permit Log
2018 Hot Work Permit Log
2019 Hot Work Permit Log
2020 Hot Work Permit Log
2021 Hot Work Permit Log
2022 Hot Work Permit Log
2023 Hot Work Permit Log

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.
Click on the following link to access the Special Events Checklist form
Click on the following link to access the Montgomery County Special Events form
Click on the following link to access the Campus Special Event Management policy
Code Interpretation/Policy: Permits for Tents
Temporary Food Event Polices and Procedures
Temporary Food Event Permit
Fire Safety Plan: Tents

Dating and Domestic Violence Information:

Dating Violence Fact Sheet

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 –

• A current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim,
• A person with whom the victim shares a child in common,
• A person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner,
• A person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies [under VAWA], or
• Any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.”

“Dating violence” means “violence committed by a person –

• Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
• Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:
  • The length of the relationship;
  • The type of relationship; and
  • The frequency of interaction between persons involved in the relationship.”

“Stalking” means “engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to –

• Fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
• Suffer substantial emotional distress.”

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:

• • Manage all services and personnel working under the department’s Support Operations section to include but not limited to Evidence Collection and Victim’s and Witness Advocating
  • Providing information on reporting procedures to both on and off campus agencies,
  • Processing reactions to the crime and listening to feeling and concerns
  • Addressing specific issues related to personal safety on and off campus
  • Coordinate with outside resources concerning a change in living arrangements
  • Attending appointment and/or hearing meetings with the victim
  • Contacting others on behalf of the victim with their permission (Dept. Liaison Services)
  • Provide assistance to Command Staff with above listed Support Operations services
  • Manage property room, the collection and storage of evidence
  • Receive lost/found items and manage the storage, follow up, and return of those items
  • Coordinate with campus Mental Health/Counseling departments to provide assistance, information, and counseling for victims and witness of crime or traumatic events.
  • Manage any other services or personnel assigned by the Director to be under the supervision of the Support Operations section.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness

In 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
SAMHSA
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Maryland Department of Health

OFFICE OF CRIME VICTIM/WITNESS ADVOCATE

The 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.

Crime Victim Witness Program

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.

MCASA
Click on the following links to access Crime Victim rights and Crime Victim resources information:

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners/Forensic Nurse Examiners (SAFE/FNE) Program

In 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.

SAFE Programs in Maryland

Title IX Coordinator (Sexual Misconduct Investigator)

The Title IX Coordinator for the University is:
John Cake, Director of Campus Safety and Security
Phone: 301-891-4019
Email: jcake@wau.edu

Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.
A student should contact the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s) in order to:
– seek information or training about students’ rights and courses of action available to resolve reports or complaints that involve potential sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct,
– file a complaint or make a report of sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct,
– notify the College of an incident or policy or procedure that may raise potential Title IX concerns,
– get information about available resources (including confidential resources) and support services relating to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, and
– ask questions about the College’s policies and procedures related to sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct.

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/
Register your phone number and zip code and you will receive an automated notification call when an offender moves into your zip code.

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.
From the web site, click on “MD” and follow instructions for registration:http://www.alertxpress.com/
The National Sex Offender Registry website can be reached at http://www.nsopr.gov/

Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services
Victim Assistance and Sexual Assault Program (VASAP)
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/BHCS/VASAP/VASAPIndex.html

For immediate assistance, call:
240-777-1355 weekdays
240-777-4357 24-hour crisis line
240-777-1347 TTY
240-777-1329 FAX

Contact us by email at vasap@montgomerycountymd.gov
Rape, Abuse &  Incest National Network (RAINN)
Hotline: 1-800-656-4673