How to Report a Crime

How To Report A Crime

Reporting a Crime

The following actions should be taken by the victim or a witness to sexual misconduct or violence:

1. Preserve evidence as may be necessary as proof of criminal activity or to obtain an appropriate order of protection.
2. Call the Rape Care Hotline at (888) 264-RAPE (toll free) or (888) THE WCMC (888-843-9262) 24-hour Crisis Hot Line.
3. Report the alleged offense as soon as possible to an Official with Authority:
   • Associate Vice President, Human Resources: 732-224-2234
   • Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Engagement: 732-224-2695
   • Vice President of Student Affairs: 732-224-2215
   • Director, Student Conduct and Compliance: 732-224-2253

While the college encourages victims to report the incident to local or campus law enforcement to access all of the legal protections available, there is NO requirement to do so. Filing a report does not necessarily require a victim to prosecute the crime.

Investigating Allegations

As soon as a complaint is filed, the college will perform an impartial and reliable investigation. Opportunity will be provided for both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator to present witnesses and evidence. Both parties will be provided with the opportunity to be accompanied by an advisor of their choice.

In a protracted case, the college will take interim measures and make reasonable accommodations to protect the complainant.

The evidentiary standard used in resolving the complaint will be a “preponderance of the evidence,” which means that the investigation finds that sexual misconduct or violence more likely than not occurred. In the event of a crime or for obtaining and/or enforcing a no-contact order or an order of protection or restraining order, alleged victims are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office on campus 732-224-2222.

Written notice of the outcome of the complaint will be issued to the complainant and the alleged perpetrator concurrently. The notice will include any substantiated findings and appeal procedures.

More detailed information can be found in Brookdale’s Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Appeal Procedure, which is disseminated to students each semester, and Brookdale’s Code of Ethics and the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, which is disseminated to employees each year.

Confidentiality

While the College encourages the alleged victim to report the incident to local or campus law enforcement to access all of the legal protections available, there is NO requirement to do so. Filing a report does necessarily require a victim to prosecute the crime.

College employees receiving reports of incidents of sexual misconduct or sexual violence must submit the information to the Title IX Officer or the Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Engagement. Counselors are required to adhere to N.J.A.C 13:34-8.3 regarding “Confidentiality” and may be exempt from reporting the crime if functioning within the scope of his/her license or certification.

If there is a clear and present danger to the health or safety of the victim and/or others, the counselor has a duty to notify the appropriate college official. The victim reporting an incident will be advised by the Title IX Coordinator or designee not to file a formal complaint but will be provided with assistance as needed.

If the victim wishes to pursue a complaint, the substance and outcome are to remain confidential and will only be shared with the alleged perpetrator, complainant, and those directly involved in the investigation. Any violation of the confidentiality of the substance and/or outcome will be subject to disciplinary action.

The college is required under federal law (the Clery Act) to report incidents of sexual misconduct and violence, but will not identify any victim in the report.