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CSA Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a Campus Security Authority (CSA)?

CSAs are individuals designated by the federal Clery Act and identified by ISU as individuals whose job position or function fits one or more of the following statements.

  • A campus security department of an institution
  • Any individual or individuals responsible for campus security but do not constitute a campus security department (e.g., an individual responsible for monitoring the entrance into institutional property)
  • Any individual or organization specified by the institution as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses
  • An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution

Examples of CSAs include: 

  • Advisors to student groups and clubs
  • Athletic coaches and trainers
  • Housing staff (Resident Assistants, Building Managers, etc.)
  • Professional staff in Student Affairs and Human Resources
  • Public Safety officers and staff 

Who is not a CSA?

Individuals employed by ISU that do not meet one of the positions or functions above. Examples include: 

  • Faculty members who do not have any additional responsibility for student and campus activity beyond the traditional classroom and instructional activities
  • Clerical or cafeteria staff

What if I don't want to be a CSA?

If your job function involves a significant responsibility for student and campus activities, you are a CSA per federal law and must follow the requirements for CSAs.

What are my responsibilities?

You are responsible for 

  1. Completing mandatory annual training as provided by ISU
  2. Reporting criminal incidents that occur on property owned or controlled by ISU as soon as they are reported to you
  3. Responding to the request for crime statistics each semester

What crimes do I need to report?

While the Clery Act lists specific crimes for the University to track and report annually, ISU has determined that CSAs should report ANY and ALL alleged, actual, or potential crimes.

If you are unsure whether an incident is a crime - report it! Remember: CSAs are not responsible for determining whether a crime actually took place and may not seek to apprehend any perpetrator(s).

When and how do I report a crime?

You should report a crime as soon as it is reported to you. If the situation requires immediate police, fire, or medical services, call 911 immediately and then call Public Safety at (208) 282-2515. If the situation is not an emergency, call Public Safety or fill out the online CSA Incident Reporting Form as soon as possible. You can also report a crime in person at the following locations: 

  • Public Safety building at 625 E Humbolt in Pocatello
  • Room 102 of the Bennion Student Union at 1784 Science Center Drive in Idaho Falls
  • Room 672 of the Meridian Health Science Center at 1311 E Central Drive in Meridian

It is important to forward the information to Public Safety as soon as possible so officials can determine if an alert should be issued to warn the campus community of a dangerous situation.

I think a crime was already reported to Public Safety and/or the police. Do I still need to report it?

Yes. Please fill out the online CSA Incident Reporting Form, even if you believe the crime has already been reported.

If someone reports an incident to me in confidence, do I still have to report it?

Yes. Any criminal incident that occurs on University-owned or controlled property must be recorded on the Crime and Fire Log and reviewed for inclusion as a statistic in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. You can report "anonymously," i.e., without revealing the victim's identity, but must still report the nature of the incident, the time it occurred, and the location to ensure accurate statistics.

Suppose you are a recognized pastoral or licensed/certified professional counselor, functioning within that capacity at the University. In that case, you do not have to report crimes that you become aware of under the Clery Act. However, if you have another role at ISU that qualifies as a CSA position and your roles cannot be separated, you are considered a CSA and obligated to report crimes of which you are aware.

How often will I need to go through training?

You will be required to attend training once each calendar year.

How do I get training on being a CSA?

To acquaint and assist you with your duties, ISU has created an in-person training (also available via Zoom) for all CSAs. Please get in touch with ISU's Clery Compliance Coordinator at clery@isu.edu or (208) 282-2850 for more information.