Campus Security Authority (CSA) are individuals and organizations at the College who, because of their function for the College, have an obligation under the Clery Act to notify the College of alleged Clery Act Crimes that are reported to them in good faith, or alleged Clery Act Crimes that they may personally witness.
In "good faith" means there is a reasonable basis for believing that the information is not simply rumor or hearsay. That is, there is little or no reason to doubt the validity of the information. Under the Clery Act, a crime is "reported" when it is brought to the attention of a campus security authority or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, other third party or even the offender. It doesn’t matter whether or not the individuals involved in the crime, or reporting the crime, are associated with the College.
Who is a CSA?
These individuals typically fall under one of the following categories:
- A member of a campus public safety department.
- Individuals having responsibility for campus security in some capacity but are not members of a campus police/public safety department. Example: an individual who is responsible for monitoring the entrance to college property.
- People or offices that are not members of a campus police/security department, but where policy directs individuals to report criminal offenses to them or their office. Examples: Title IX Office, Office of Student Conduct.
- Officials having significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings. Examples: Athletic Directors, Athletic Coaches, Faculty advisors to student organizations, Resident Assistants
Who is not a CSA?
When acting within the scope of the official responsibilities, Pastoral Counselors and Professional Counselors are not CSAs. Individuals who do not have significant responsibility for student and campus activities are not CSAs. Examples: faculty members not responsible for student and campus activities beyond the classroom, and clerical or cafeteria staff.
CSA Reporting Responsibilities
If a Campus Security Authority receives information of alleged Clery Act crime and believes it was provided in good faith, or personally witnesses an alleged Clery Act Crime, he or she should report the crime directly to the Public Safety Department or via the See It, Report It, Stop It online reporting form.
The Campus Security Authority can refer to the Clery Reportable Offenses page (link to page 5) to assist in determining if the alleged crime is a Clery Act crime, as well as the Clery Act Geography page (link to page 6) to determine if it occurred in a Clery reportable location.
Please note that it is NOT the role of the CSA to investigate the allegation in an attempt to determine whether the crime occurred and/or confront or apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime. That is the role of law enforcement.
How To Access The Campus Security Authority (CSA) Training
Persons designated by the College as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) are required to complete Clery Act Training. Clery Act Training includes the history of the Clery Act, Clery Act requirements, and reporting responsibilities of the CSA.
Clery Act Training is available online trough NCCGo on the Public Safety page.
