Campus Security Authority
What Does a Campus Security Authority Do?
The function of a campus security authority (CSA) is to report to the official or office designated by the institution to collect crime report information, such as the campus police or security department, those allegations of Clery Act crimes that he or she receives. CSA's are responsible for reporting allegations of Clery Act crimes that are reported to them in their capacity as a CSA. This means that CSA's are not responsible for investigating or reporting incidents that they overhear students talking about in a hallway conversation; that a classmate or student mentions during an in-class discussion; that a victim mentions during a speech, workshop, or any other form of group presentation; or that the CSA otherwise learns about in an indirect manner.
What Shouldn’t a Campus Security Authority Do?
A campus security authority is not responsible for determining authoritatively whether a crime took place - that is the function of law enforcement personnel. A CSA should not try to apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime. That too is the responsibility of law enforcement. It’s also not a CSA’s responsibility to try and convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so.
Who is a Campus Security Authority?
- All members of a campus police or security department.
- Individuals responsible for security. Examples include but are not limited to student of professional employees that control or monitor access to a campus property, contract or event security, or those who provide safety escorts around campus.
- Anyone the institution specifically designates as a Campus Security Authority.
- Officials of the institution with significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings.
Am I a Campus Security Authority?
If you are unclear whether or not you are a Campus Security Authority, reach out to the University Clery Coordinator at clery@westga.edu.
How Do I Report a Crime as a CSA?
To report an incident to the institution, you can contact the UWG Police Department to file a report. Alternatively, you can submit the report via the Campus Security Authority Disclosure Form. Please include all the information you can as this will help ensure the crime is counted correctly for inclusion in the yearly crime statistics. The identity of those involved are not needed to ensure your duty as a CSA has been met and the report has been submitted to the institution.
Interested in learning more about the responsibilities of a CSA? Watch our video below.