BHSU SECURITY

Black Hills State University Annual Jeanne Clery Report and Annual Fire Safety Report

Welcome to Black Hills State University. This report is prepared for members of the BHSU community as well as those who are considering studying, living, and working at BHSU. The information outlined in this report includes campus crime statistics and critical campus safety information such as policies, crime prevention, crime reporting, and resources to aid you in living and learning on a college campus. Our philosophy is to work with you to provide information and resources to create an environment conducive to and supportive of students’ academic and personal success. 

The BHSU Public Safety Department is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and city law as well as university regulations and policies. Public Safety oversees all BHSU property, including parking lots and streets.

Public Safety officers work to ensure campus safety while working cooperatively with the Spearfish Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. All officers rely on BHSU and Spearfish community members to report any suspicious activity, crimes being committed, and crimes in progress. To make these reports, please call Public Safety at 605.641.6988 or 9.911 for emergencies from an on-campus phone.

Jeanne Clery Report Background

This University report complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, and Campus Security Authorities. A Campus Security Authority is recognized under federal policy, as an individual responsible for appropriately communicating potential Clery incidents. At BHSU, individuals with responsibility for campus security who are not directly affiliated with the Department of Public Safety include officials with significant knowledge and/or oversight of student events and activities, and campus life. These include but are not limited to officials in student services such as housing, programming, and conduct. When acting in a pastoral or professional counselor capacity, the official may not be considered a campus security authority.
The Dean of Students serves as the primary resource on educational efforts and programs. Campus crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those reports to Public Safety officers, designated campus officials, and other local law enforcement agencies. Annual notification is made via email to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff. It provides the website address from which to access this report. A paper copy may be obtained at Public Safety, located in the lower level of Woodburn Hall in the Student Success Center, or by request at 605.642.6297.

BHSU Public Safety and Police Enforcement on Campus

The Black Hills State University Department of Public Safety assists local law enforcement in the enforcement of local, state, and federal laws. Additionally, Public Safety Officers enforce university regulations and policies. BHSU Public Safety oversees all BHSU property, including parking lots and streets.

BHSU Public Safety officers work closely with local, state, and federal police agencies and have direct radio communication with the Spearfish Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, SD Highway Patrol, fire, ambulance, and other emergency agencies.

In coordination with local law enforcement agencies, and student and student organizations, off-campus criminal activity is monitored and recorded. This information is provided to the BHSU Public Safety Office and then is provided to the Dean of Students for any action or follow-up that may be required.

In instances where policy infractions may violate the Student Code of Conduct, BHSU Public Safety will refer the incident directly to the Dean of Students for any action or follow-up that may be required for a campus conduct response.

BHSU Emergency Response Plan

BHSU Emergency Procedures

Campus Map

Crime Prevention

Whether you are a victim of or witness to a crime, you have the responsibility to promptly and accurately report the crime. If a crime occurs on or around the BHSU campus, report it immediately to BHSU Public Safety. Crimes occurring off-campus should be reported to the Spearfish Police Department; BHSU Public Safety personnel can assist you in this process.

Emergency Procedures

Crimes in progress and crimes that have occurred should be reported by dialing 9.911 on the BHSU campus or 911 when off-campus or from a cell phone. When victims or witnesses call to report a crime/incident, the following information is helpful for investigation:

• • A brief description of what occurred
  • Where and when the incident occurred
  • Any injuries sustained during the incident
  • Whether or not a weapon was used or visible
  • When and where the suspect was last seen
  • A physical description of the suspect(s) 

Non-Emergency Procedures

For non-emergency assistance, please call BHSU Public Safety at 605.642.6297. BHSU Public Safety is located in the lower level of Woodburn Hall in the Student Success Center. While individuals are encouraged to report crimes to the police, individuals may seek support and assistance with reporting from the Dean of Students Office, Human Resources, Counseling Center, and Student Health Services, among other university staff members, prepared to provide such guidance for reporting crimes on or near campus.

Confidential Reporting of a Crime

If you are the victim of or witness to a crime and do not want to pursue action within the Black Hills State University conduct system and/or the criminal justice system, you may opt to make a confidential report. 

Alcohol and Drug Policy

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the South Dakota Board of Regents strictly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by its students or employees while on property controlled by the Board or while participating in activities or employments sponsored by it. Therefore, the BHSU campus has been designated alcohol and drug-free; only under certain circumstances is the consumption of such substances permitted.
The manufacture, sale, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by BHSU Public Safety. Violators are subject to disciplinary action within the University and/or criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. 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. It is also a violation of BHSU policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior University approval. Organizations or groups found in violation of alcohol and other substance policies, or state or federal laws, may be subject to sanctions by the University.

BHSU Employee Drug & Alcohol Policy  

BHSU Parental Notification of Drug & Alcohol Violations

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits colleges and universities to inform parents of drug and alcohol policy violations committed by their students. Black Hills State University personnel understand that parents are partners in responding to issues of substance abuse. Thus, it is BHSU policy to notify parents or guardians of their student's alcohol and/or drug policy violation if the student is less than 21 years of age and not emancipated, and the violation occurred as follows:

1. Parental notification may occur when it is determined that the student has committed a second violation of the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) Alcohol/Drug Policy; that the violation resulted in at minimum an imposition of disciplinary probation; and that the violation was (a) committed while on property owned or controlled by BHSU or another BOR institution; or (b) committed during travel sponsored by a department, college, or recognized student organization of BHSU or any other BOR institution; or (c) committed while attending an event sponsored by a BHSU department, college, or recognized student organization or that of any other BOR institution.
   
   
2. Violation of the Board of Regents Alcohol/Drug Policy by the student while enrolled at another institution under the control of the BOR shall be considered a violation of this policy.
   
   
3. The Dean of Students will determine, in each instance, whether parental notification will be made.  In the event the Dean determines that parent notification is appropriate, notification of a parent or guardian shall be made in writing and mailed to the home address on record. Students whose parents will be notified consequent of a conduct process may view a template of the notification letter in the Dean of Students' office.
   
   
4. Records of parent notification under this policy will be maintained by the Dean of Students or as s/he may otherwise designate.
   
   
5. In addition to the foregoing, BHSU policy provides for parental notification of drug or alcohol violation or misuse without prior notice to the student in circumstances where action has been or will be taken to protect the safety of the student or other individuals.

Federal Trafficking Penalties

BHSU Tailgating Policy 

Living and Academic Accommodations for Victims of Violent Crimes

Victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes have the right to request a change in their living accommodations and academic environment. Such requests should be made to the Dean of Students Office at 605.642.6590. Every effort will be made to accommodate these requests.

Sexual Assault Policy and Procedure  

Criminal Activity Off-Campus

The Dean of Students maintains a close working relationship with the Spearfish Police Department if violations of federal, state, or local laws surface off-campus.

Registered Sex Offenders

South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation

Registered Sex Offenders can be identified by contacting the local law enforcement officials in our host municipality. If you would like information regarding registered sex offenders who are actively enrolled or employed at Black Hills State University, contact the Spearfish Police Department at 605.642-1300 or the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at 605.578-2230. They will advise you regarding the information you may obtain and their guidelines for obtaining the information.

Not all sex offenders who may be attending or employed at BHSU reside in Spearfish or Lawrence County. Be sure to indicate to the local law enforcement agency you contact that you are either a current or prospective student or employee at BHSU and that you want to review the listing for this institution. Law enforcement personnel will respond by directing you to the correct information.