| Policy Title | Crime Advisory Policy |
|---|---|
| Responsible Office | Office of the Vice President for Operations |
| Policy Type | Security and Safety |
| Policy Number | 810 |
| Last Revision Date | 12/22/2022 |
The goal of a crime advisory is to provide relevant information to the campus community about serious crimes that occur off campus that the University has knowledge of.
Crime advisories are issued for crimes or other serious incidents reported to the New York State University Police at Binghamton or local police agencies and would heighten awareness of criminal activity in certain areas. Advisories will be for incidents that happen off campus and not on University property. Crimes that occur on campus will continue to follow the Clery Act reporting structure. An advisory is not to be confused with an emergency notification (B-Alert), which is made for significant emergency or dangerous situations that pose an immediate threat to the health or safety of students and employees. When an emergency notification is made, Binghamton University will not also issue a crime advisory.
After consultation with local law enforcement and town, village or city officials, an advisory may be issued for a crime occurring outside of the University’s campus. In deciding whether to issue a crime advisory, the University considers all of the facts surrounding the incident, such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts.
In the event of an incident, the decision to send an advisory will be the judgment of the chief of the New York State University Police at Binghamton and at times in conjunction with local town, village or city officials.
Types of Crimes to be Considered for Advisories
When a student is either the perpetrator or victim of one of the following crimes: Murder, negligent manslaughter, criminal sex offenses, robbery, hate crimes, serious assaults.
Advisories will be sent when crimes happen at certain locations off campus. The location of the off-campus crimes is limited to highly trafficked student areas, such as certain areas of the West Side of Binghamton, Johnson City-near the University Pharmacy building, downtown Binghamton, the areas of Vestal that have a high concentration of students living there, areas of the Vestal Parkway that have high student patronage.
Timing of Crime Advisories
The University will issue a crime advisory in light of all the facts surrounding the crime and as soon as it is determined necessary and effective in increasing awareness. Ideally, the timing of the advisory would occur within one week of the occurrence of the reported crime. The advisory would occur when classes are in session, when regular residence halls are open and not during winter or summer break.
What department or individual is responsible for issuing crime advisories?
In the event that a situation arises off campus, that, in the judgment of the chief of the New York State University Police at Binghamton or his/her designee, a crime advisory will be issued.
How are crime advisories distributed?
In most instances, crime advisories will be issued through Binghamton University’s email system to students, faculty and staff. Depending on the particular circumstances, Off Campus College Programs or New York State University Police at Binghamton may also post a message to their websites or email newsletters. What is included in a crime advisory?
The intent of a crime advisory is to enable members of the campus community to increase awareness of their surroundings in regard to personal safety. A crime advisory will include information that promotes safety and aids in the prevention or deterrence of similar crimes, such as:
- A brief statement of the incident, including time, date and place of occurrence
- A description of the suspect(s), if available
- Whether there is a possible connection to other incidents
- Other relevant information
Example below:
Community Advisory
Armed Robbery
On Friday, Feb. 4, 2013, a male undergraduate student reported to the Binghamton Police Department that he was the victim of an armed robbery at the intersection of Leroy and Beethoven streets at approximately 6:50 p.m. The victim stated that while on Leroy St. near Beethoven St. he was approached from behind and felt a hard object being placed against his lower back. The victim turned around and observed an unknown male who demanded the victim’s wallet. The offender stated to the victim that “you don’t want to get stabbed.” The victim immediately handed over his wallet to the offender who then fled the area. The victim was not injured in the robbery.
Because this incident did not occur on Binghamton University property, it is being investigated by the Binghamton Police Department. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Binghamton Police Department, Criminal Investigation Division at xxx
The Binghamton University Police Department reminds students, faculty and staff that downtown Binghamton is an urban setting and shares many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city. Community members should be vigilant while walking throughout the city and surrounding areas both during the day and at night and take appropriate precautions. If you are out after dark, try to travel in groups, use only well-lit routes or designated pathways and do not allow yourself to be distracted by phone calls or by using ear buds. Make use of shuttle buses, van service. You can learn more about the shuttles and bus service at https://www.binghamton.edu/services/transportation-and-parking/buses-and-shuttles/index.html.
