Welcome to the Campus Security Authority

Dear Campus Security Authority:

You have been designated as a Campus Security Authority (CSA) under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act). Your role is an important part of Governors State University’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment and ensuring that members of our university community have access to timely and accurate information about campus safety.

Your primary responsibility is to promptly share any information reported to you with the Department of Public Safety.

As a CSA, you may receive reports from students, employees, visitors, or other members of the University community concerning crimes or incidents that may be reportable under the Clery Act. You are not responsible for investigating crimes or determining whether a crime occurred.

As a designated CSA, you are expected to:

Recognize and understand your role as a Campus Security Authority.
Listen carefully and respectfully when an individual reports an incident.
Document and promptly report information concerning Clery-reportable crimes to the Department of Public Safety.
Provide as much accurate information as possible, including the date, time, location, nature of the incident, and any known information about the individuals involved.
Understand that you should not conduct your own investigation or attempt to determine whether an incident meets the legal definition of a Clery crime.
Inform individuals who report incidents that they have the option to contact the Department of Public Safety or local law enforcement.
Maintain appropriate privacy and confidentiality when receiving information. CSAs should not promise complete confidentiality when reporting information that may require a Clery response.

When in Doubt – Report It

One of the most important principles of your CSA responsibilities is to remember: When in doubt, report the information.

You do not need to determine whether an incident is ultimately included in the University’s Clery statistics. The Department of Public Safety and appropriate University officials will review the information and make the necessary determinations.

A report should be made to the Department of Public Safety even when the person reporting the incident to you does not want to contact law enforcement, when the incident occurred off campus, or when you are uncertain whether the incident qualifies as a Clery-reportable crime. The University will determine whether the information falls within the University’s Clery reporting responsibilities.

Immediate Safety Concerns

If someone is experiencing an emergency, is in immediate danger, or requires medical assistance, contact emergency services and/or Governors State University Department of Public Safety immediately by calling 9-1-1.

CSA reporting responsibilities do not replace the need to respond to an immediate safety or emergency situation.

CSA Training

Governors State University will provide CSA training to assist you in understanding:

The purpose and requirements of the Clery Act.
Who qualifies as a Campus Security Authority.
Clery-reportable crimes and geographic locations.
How to complete and submit a CSA crime report with the Department of Public Safety.
Confidentiality and privacy considerations.
Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and hazing reporting requirements.
Your responsibilities as a member of the GovState campus community.

Your participation in required CSA training is an important component of the University’s Clery compliance program. Check your email for details about how to complete the training.

Thank You for Your Service

Thank you for accepting this important responsibility and for helping us maintain a campus environment where safety, awareness, and accountability remain a shared responsibility.

Welcome to the Governors State University Campus Security Authority Team. We appreciate your partnership and commitment to the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Sincerely,

James R. McGee
Chief of Police & Executive Director of Public Safety
Governors State University
Department of Public Safety