Manhattan School of Computer Technology

The Manhattan School of Computer Technology (MSCT or School) Annual Security Report is published each year to provide information on safety and security-related services offered by the School in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

School crime, arrest and referral statistics include those reported to designated School officials (including but not limited to directors, department heads, designated staff, student services coordinators and advocates), and local law enforcement agencies.

Each year, students are provided with access to this report, which is available in the school library and in the School Director’s office. The crime statistics are also updated on the school website. Faculty and staff receive the Annual Security Report via email. All prospective students and employees are notified that they may access the report through the School’s website: manhattanschool.edu.

Timely Warnings

In the event that a situation arises either on or off School premises that, in the judgment of the School Director constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat, a School-wide “timely warning” will be issued by e-mail to students, faculty, and staff.

Depending on the particular circumstances surrounding the threat, especially in those that may pose an immediate threat to students, staff, faculty and members of the community, all active students, staff and faculty will be immediately notified.  Anyone with information that may warrant a timely warning should report the information to the School Director’s office at (718) 360-1534 ext. 103.

Reporting a Crime

Contact the School Director’s Office at (718) 360-1534 ext. 103 (non-emergencies), or dial 9-1-1 (emergencies only). Any suspicious activity or person seen in or around the School should be reported immediately to the School Director or manager on duty or to the 70^th Precinct Police Department at (718) 851-5511.

Confidential Reporting Procedures

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the School system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider reporting the incident to the School on a confidential basis. With your permission, the School Director or a designee of MSCT can file a report with the local Police Department without revealing your identity. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With such information, the School can take action without revealing the victim’s identity and provide resources for counseling, determine whether there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the School community to potential danger as well as keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students. Reports filed in this manner are counted and disclosed in the annual crimes statistics for the institution.

Crime Reporting Procedures

All members of the School community are encouraged to report crimes which occur at the School to the School Director ideally, as soon as possible, following discovery of the offense. The School Director will seek to understand the nature of the crime and the circumstances of the incident. It is important for the School Director to determine: what happened? Where it happened? When it happened? Was a weapon involved? What did the suspect look like and is he/she still a threat? In the case of a reported crime, the local Police Department will be notified.

Working Relationship with Other Law Enforcement Agencies

Manhattan School of Computer Technology has a strong and effective relationship with law enforcement agencies. Should a major crime occur at the School, the 70^th Precinct Police Department shall be asked to utilize its resources to investigate the crime.

Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures

Notification of School Emergencies: Manhattan School of Computer Technology will, without delay and upon confirmation of a significant emergency or other dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on or affecting the School, use any one or a combination of several methods to notify as many people as possible in a timely manner. However, Manhattan School of Computer Technology may delay notification in cases in which, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, they believe that immediate notification would compromise efforts to assist victims or to contain, respond to or otherwise mitigate the emergency. Manhattan School of Computer Technology will evaluate the circumstances of an event and will assign the appropriate priority based on safety considerations for life, property and environment, in that order. The notification may be initiated by the School Director, or a Staff or Faculty member, as determined by the particular circumstances.

Access Policy

Manhattan School of Computer Technology is a commuter school located in a commercial building in Brooklyn. During business hours, the School will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours, access to all facilities is by key, if issued. In the cases where the School is closed for extended periods of time, the School will admit only those with prior written approval.

Law Enforcement

Manhattan School of Computer Technology employees have the authority to ask persons for identification in order to determine whether individuals have lawful business at the School. The School Director has the authority to ask persons without lawful business at the School to leave the premises. The School Director has the authority to contact the police should individuals who have no business at the School refuse to leave the premises.

Criminal incidents are referred to the local police. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to School Administrators and the appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting will insure that the crime is investigated promptly, potential victims are warned and the crime statistics accurately reflect the crime.

General Procedures for Reporting a Crime or Emergency

Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the School Director’s office in a timely manner. To report a crime or an emergency at the School or a non-emergency matter during normal business hours, contact the School Director at (718) 360-1534, ext. 103. Someone is available at this telephone number during normal business hours to answer your call. In response to a call, the appropriate personnel will take the required action.. To report a crime or an emergency at the School after normal business hours, dial 911. To report non-emergency crimes and public safety related incidents after normal hours, contact the 70^th Precinct Police Department at (718) 851-5511.

 All incident reports are reviewed by the School Director for potential action. The School Director will investigate a report when it is deemed appropriate. If assistance is required from the Police Department or the Fire Department, the appropriate unit will be contacted. If a sexual assault or rape should occur, staff on the scene will offer the victim a wide variety of services.

Security Awareness Programs and Crime Prevention Programs

Manhattan School of Computer Technology strives to emphasize proactive measures in order to minimize the need for reactive responses. We must all take responsibility for our own safety and the safety of others. Promptly and accurately reporting any and all criminal acts, dangerous situations and suspicious behaviors greatly assists in the provision of a safe School community.

During enrollment, students are informed of the School crime statistics by an Admission Representative and referred to the MSCT website to read the Annual Security Report. Students are also provided with information on how to report crimes. The same information is presented to new employees by their supervisors.

All students and employees are directed to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, at https://www.nsvrc.org/publications/webinars, to partake in a webinar to promote the prevention and awareness of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Sex Offenses, Domestic and Dating Violence, and Stalking

Manhattan School of Computer Technology’s has the following policy on Preventing and Addressing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.

In accordance with federal law, Manhattan School of Computer Technology does not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender in its educational programs and employment. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex/gender discrimination and are violations of criminal law and School Policy.

Manhattan School of Computer Technology will not tolerate domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or other forms of sexual misconduct. Offenders will be subject to appropriate internal investigative processes, disciplinary actions and/or criminal proceedings.  Manhattan School of Computer Technology’s intent is to promote an environment at the School which is safe and secure for all students and employees.

Reporting Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking

Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking should get to a place of safety immediately and should obtain necessary medical treatment at once. Victims should report the incident to the police as soon as possible since time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation.

Victims should also immediately report such incidents to the School Director. Sexual assaults, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking occurring outside of School premises should be reported to local law enforcement by calling 911. Manhattan School of Computer Technology personnel will assist the victim in notifying local authorities and receiving the necessary medical treatments. Filing a police report provides the opportunity for the collection of evidence and assures the victim access to confidential counseling.

Persons wishing to file a complaint of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking will be directed (and, whenever possible, escorted) to the office of the School Director, which is primarily responsible for supervising the School’s investigations into these complaints. In cases involving sexual assault, the Local Police Departments will be contacted upon the accuser’s request and generally will lead any criminal investigation. All complaints will be treated confidentially consistent with applicable legal requirements and customary law enforcement practices.

In order to remedy any hostile environment, sexual harassment complaints will be investigated by the School Director and those found to have violated the School’s policy will be disciplined Manhattan School of Computer Technology will protect the identity of persons who report having been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual and relationship violence. If you are an individual who witnesses behavior or conditions that perpetuate violence, immediately dial 911.

Affirmative Consent Law

Manhattan School of Computer Technology acknowledges affirmative consent as a standard in the determination of whether consent was given by both parties to sexual activity. “Affirmative consent means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, should never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent.

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

The School provides education about sexual assaults and date rape through community resources. Students and employees can call the Safe Horizon Rape & Sexual Assault Hotline at (212) 227-3000 for additional referrals, or to find a rape crisis center in their area. Literature on date rape education and sexual assault materials are available through the School Director’s Office at (718) 360-1534. Filing a police report will not subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers or school staff. Filing a police report will:

• Ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests;
• Provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later; and
• Assure that the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

When a sexual assault victim contacts a School official, a representative from the School Director’s office will also be notified. The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system. A representative from the School will guide the victim through the available options and support the victim in his or her decision. Various counseling options are available from the school through the School Director’s Office.

Sex Offender Registration

The State establishes a website as the official internet public access to the sex offender registration computerized database. In New York, the website is https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/  and the national registry website is https://www.nsopw.gov/  These website addresses will be provided to students upon request.  Registry information provided under this section shall be used only for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, screening of current or prospective employees, volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy

In accordance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, Manhattan School of Computer Technology prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcoholic beverages by students on its property or as part of any of its activities. Any student who is involved in the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol is subject to expulsion from School and referral for prosecution for violations of applicable local, state, and/or federal laws. Students are encouraged to seek help for any substance abuse issues, by contacting the School Director or designee. Conversations are held in strict confidence.

Student and Employees

Students and employees are prohibited from unlawfully manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, possessing, or using a controlled substance or alcohol anywhere on School property including the grounds, parking areas, within the building(s), or while participating in school-related activities outside of the School premises. Students or employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion or termination of employment.

In compliance with the law, Manhattan School of Computer Technology will use its best efforts to maintain a drug and alcohol free school and work place through implementation of the preceding Policy and will establish and maintain a drug and alcohol free awareness program.

Health Risks

The abuse of alcohol and the use of illicit drugs are known to be detrimental to one’s psychological wellbeing and are associated with a wide variety of health risks. Among known risks are severe weight loss, malnutrition, physical and mental dependence, changes in the reproductive system, damage to the lungs, liver, brain, and even death. Secondary health risks include an increased risk of injury by accident or violence.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Website (www.drugabuse.gov) provides information on all aspects of drug abuse, particularly the effects of drugs on the brain and body, prevention of drug use among children and adolescents, the latest research on treatment for addiction, and statistics on of the prevalence of drug abuse in the United States. The website allows visitors to print or order publications, public service announcements, posters, science education materials, research reports and fact sheets on specific drugs or classes of drugs, and the NIDA NOTES newsletter.

Other Federal Resources

• Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), DHHS

Phone: (301) 443-9110 https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/prevention

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), DHHS Phone: (404) 639-3534 Phone: (800) 311-3435 (toll-free)

www.cdc.gov

• Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Phone: (800) 872-5327 (toll-free) ed.gov
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Phone: (202) 307-1000 dea.gov

Local, State & Federal Legal Sanctions

In addition to Manhattan School of Computer Technology policies, students and employees are subject to Federal and State laws which provide for fines and/or imprisonment for the unlawful possession, sale, or distribution of drugs and alcohol. The fines and/or imprisonment may vary according to the type and amount of substance involved, the offender’s past record for such offenses, and a variety of other factors.

Legal Sanctions – Laws Governing Alcohol

The State of New York sets 21 as the minimum age to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. A violation of any law regarding alcohol is also a violation of the School’s Code of Conduct and will be treated as a separate disciplinary matter by the School.

Definitions of Criminal Offenses

Crime definitions from the uniform Crime Reporting Handbook and the National Incident-Based Reporting System Edition of the Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook and terms used in the School SAVE Act:

Murder

The willful (non-negligent) killing of a human being by another.

Manslaughter

The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Sex Offense (Forcible)

Any sexual act directed against another person without the other person’s consent. (Includes attempts)

1. Sexual intercourse (penetration–however slight)
2. Sodomy (penetration, however slight)
3. Oral copulation (vaginal, anal)
4. Rape with a foreign object (penetration vaginal or anal–however slight)
5. Sexual battery (the touching of the intimate parts [sexual organ, anus, groin, or buttocks of any person, or the breast of a female] of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification)

Sex Offense (Non-forcible)

Any unlawful, but consensual sex act with another person. (Includes attempts)

1. Incest (sexual intercourse between persons who are related to one another within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited)
2. Statutory rape (intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent–18yrs).

Robbery

The taking of personal property in the possession of another, from his/her immediate presence, and against his/her will, accomplished by means of force or fear. (Includes attempts)

Aggravated Assault

An unlawful assault upon the person of another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. (Includes attempts, and whether or not an injury occurred.)

Burglary

The unlawful entry (or attempt to enter) into a defined structure with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. (Excludes vehicle burglary)

Motor Vehicle Theft

The taking of a motor vehicle (as defined) without the consent of the owner with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the owner of the vehicle. (Includes attempts)

Arson

The willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn (w/o the intent to defraud) a dwelling, house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, or personal property of another. (Includes attempts)

Drug/Narcotic Violations

The unlawful possession, sale, use, transportation, cultivation, manufacturing, maintaining an unlawful place. (Drug/narcotic violations referred for School disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code need not be reported to the police department.)

Alcohol Violations

The unlawful possession, sale, transportation, manufacturing, furnishing alcohol to a minor (under 21 years), or maintaining an unlawful drinking place. (Alcohol violations referred for School disciplinary action under the Student Conduct Code need not be reported to the police department.)

Weapons Violation

The unlawful possession or control of any firearm, deadly weapon, (including nunchakus or billy club) illegal knife or explosive device while on the property of the Manhattan School of Computer Technology.

Domestic Violence

Felony or Misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Dating Violence

Violence committed by a person A) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: length of the relationship, the type of relationship, the frequency of interactions between the persons involved in the relationship.

Stalking

Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to: A) fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or B) suffer substantial emotional distress.

Sexual Assault

Any unlawful, but consensual sex act with another person. (Includes attempts)

1. Incest (sexual intercourse between persons who are related to one another within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited)
2. Statutory rape (intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent–18yrs).

Hate Crime

A criminal act involving one/more of the listed crimes which was motivated by bias against any person or group of persons, or the property of any person or group of persons because of the ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability of the person or group, or bias based upon the perception that the person or group has one or more of those characteristics.

Hate Incident

Any noncriminal act motivated by bias against any person or group of persons, or the property of any person or group of persons because of the ethnicity, race, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability of the person or group, or bias based upon the perception that the person or group has one or more of those characteristics.

Simple Assault

An unlawful physical attack by one person upon another where neither the offender displays a weapon, nor the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration or loss of consciousness.

Intimidation

To unlawfully place another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm through the use of threatening words and/or other conduct, but without displaying a weapon or subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property (Except “Arson”)

To willfully or maliciously destroy, damage, deface, or otherwise injure real or personal property without the consent of the owner or the person having custody or control of it.

Larceny/Theft

The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another

Campus Safety and Security Crime Statistics Report

Manhattan School of Computer Technology OPE ID: 03193300