Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act
Policy for Reporting the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics
Merryfield Academy provides annual crime statistics in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. These statistics include what happened in and around Merryfield Academy premises and law enforcement agencies in areas surrounding Merryfield Academy.
Timely Warnings
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off premises, in the judgment of the Chief Operating office of the school, establishes a serious threat, a school wide – “timely warning” will be issued. Notices will be posted in each class room and hall ways. The warning will be issued through the Merryfield’s school’s Intercom system and text capability system to students, faculty and staff.
Anyone with information, which they believe may constitute the issuance of a timely warning, should report the circumstances to Merryfield Academy’s front office or to our security personnel’s at 786-973-3475 or 954-234-3934
On a yearly basis, notification will be given to all enrolled students, faculty and staff that provide the web link to access this report. Hard copies of the report may also be obtained at Merryfield front Office located at 5040 NE 13 Ave. Oakland Park, Florida 33334 or by contacting Merryfield security personnel’s at 954-234-3934. All future employees may obtain a copy from Merryfield’s front office or Merryfield security personnel.Attendees at new employee and student orientation receive a copy of this report.
Warnings and Evacuation Procedures:
Emergency Notification
It is the student or staff of Merryfield Academy to immediately notify the Security Personnel(s) upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on Merryfield Academy premises, unless issuing a notification will compromise efforts to contain the emergency.
Merryfield personnel(s) are the first responders (Merryfield Security personnel(s)) are the ones who confirm the existence of an emergency in the event or threat with a call being received through the aforementioned security personnel(s) number. However, in the event that Merryfield Security personnels are not yet at the scene of the emergency event or threat, or, confirmation may occur from local emergency responders (i.e. City/County Departments or Fire Rescue) or a member of Merryfield security personnel group.This member will notify Merryfield Security personnel /or may initiate appropriate Merryfield Automated Alert System.
Merryfield Academy Automated Alert System includes the school’s intercom, text messaging, office phone voice mail, use of social media, and web alerts.
The following criteria are evaluated to determine if activation of Merryfield Alert System is warranted and which components will be utilized:
- Type of emergency event and its impact or potential impact on life safety (death, serious injury, minor injury).
- Impact to Merryfield facility
- Potential for the emergency event to worsen or spread.
These elements will determine the urgency with which the message needs to be disseminated (minutes, hours, days) and the affected groups and audiences to be alerted. Suitable notification tools will be employed to notify Merryfield students and staff.Alert content includes the following: Merryfield Alert in beginning of message, a brief description of the incident, and actions to be taken. Depending on the system used, it can also indicate targeted populations and where to seek additional information and updates. The following individuals are authorized to determine whether an alert message should be launched:
- Security Personnel
- Chief Executive Officer
- Full testing of Merryfield Alert system components occurs at least three times a year. This testing is normally scheduled for the first Monday of the months of February, June and September. These tests are announced to staff of Merryfield Academy, key external partners, local emergency management officials.Merryfield may undergo unannounced daily testing and evacuation/fire drills
Evacuation:
The purpose of evacuation drills is to prepare building occupants for an organized evacuation in case of a fire or other emergency. Merryfield Academy, evacuation drills are used as a way to educate and train students and staff on fire safety issues specific to the building. During the drill, students and staff ‘practice’ drill procedures and familiarize themselves with the location of exits and the sound of the fire alarm. In addition to educating the occupants of the building about the evacuation procedures during the drills, the process also provides the school an additional opportunity to test the operation of fire alarm system components. Evacuation drills are conducted at least once a year and are normally unannounced. Students and Faculty be accessed at the front office or from the aforementioned security personnel’s listed.
These action procedures will include directives for individuals with disabilities and those who may be aiding them in an emergency events or threats that warrant evacuation.
Reporting crime:
To contact Merryfield security personnel, call (786-973-3475). Any suspicious activity, or person seen in the parking lots or loitering around vehicles, inside buildings should be reported to the police department. In addition, you may report a non-emergency crime to the following areas:
| 1. Administration/Merryfield front office | 954-771-4030 |
| 2. Security Personnel | 786-973-3475 |
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL, 911
Confidential Reporting Procedures
If you are the victim of a crime and are unsure if you want to pursue action with Merryfield Security personnel(s) or the criminal justice system, you may still make a confidential report. The staff or students may report the crime to the Chief Executive officer and may be told of the details of the incident in confidence. The objective of confidential reporting is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to ensure your future safety and the safety of others. With such information, Merryfield can keep accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method or assailant, and alert the campus community to potential danger.
Crime Reporting
Merryfield Academy reassures any eye witness or victim to any crime to promptly report the incident to the police. Police reports are public records under state law, Merryfield security personnel cannot hold reports of crime in confidence; however, state law protects the identity of the victims of sex crimes. Confidential reporting for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can be reported to the Victim Advocate and/or the Chief of Police, and no police report will be taken.
Merryfield Academy personnel are available to answer your calls from 6am-11pm (786-973-3475). This number is available in the orientation packets and at the back of the students ID badge. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL 911. In response to a call, Merryfield will take the required action to address your needs. Non-emergency calls, such as to obtain information on reporting, victim rights and confidential reporting, may also be directed to the school’s security personnel.
(786-973-3475/954-234-3934). Merryfield security personnel work in conjunction with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
Incident reports are forwarded to the Administrative office for evaluation and possible action. Merryfield personnel will investigate a report when it is deemed suitable. Further information obtained via the investigation also will be forwarded to the Administrative office for review. All occurrences will be evaluated and investigated on an individual basis. If there is a potentially dangerous threat to Merryfield Academy, appropriate warnings will be given through the appropriate means.
Crimes should be reported to the Merryfield security personnel to ensure inclusion in the annual crime statistics and to aid in providing timely warning notices to the community, when appropriate.
Missing Persons Procedures
The proper personnel should be contacted no later than 24 hours after the time the student is determined missing. This person will be the emergency contact designated.
If a student does not return to class after a break and is thought to be missing, Merryfield security Personnel should be contacted. Merryfield security will make contact with the said student and make the determination of whether the student has been missing and for how long. Should the student be determined to be missing for 24 hours or more, the designated individual(s) listed on the student’s contact records along with the police department will be notified.
Sexual Assaults
Merryfield Academy upholds a sexual harassment free environment and will ensure that any sexual assault victims are afforded compassionate consideration. Our security personnel(s) are trained individuals with specialized training in the investigation of sex crimes.Areas discussed are Merryfield Academy mission and policy, sensitivity to the needs and feelings of the victim, support resources, and investigative methods.
*Merryfield Academy will treat you with courtesy, compassion, respect and empathy.
*Merryfield security personnel will act thoughtfully, without prejudging or placing blame, will consider each case seriously regardless of your gender, and will thoroughly investigate each case.
*The department will notify you of services offered on and off Merryfield Academy premises.
*Pertinent information such as name and ascertaining information will be withheld from the public and press in agreement with the Florida Public Records Law.
Often times sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim is familiar with or knows. Stranger assaults do happen, but not nearly as frequently as an assault by an acquaintance. Since legislation passed in 2007, victims will no longer be required to report a sexual battery in order to have a forensic sexual assault exam that is paid for by victim compensation. Victims now have an official right to have a supporter present during the exam. In order for police to collect evidence of the assault, it is best if you do not bathe, shower, douche, brush your teeth, urinate, defecate, change, or launder clothing or bedding. Clothing and/or bedding may be taken as evidence. You will receive a physical exam, and pictures will be taken as evidence.
If you wish assistance in notifying Merryfield Academy’s security or other law enforcement agencies about a sexual battery or other crime, you may contact the school directly at (954) 771-4030. You may report a sexual assault confidentially to Merryfield students delegates and still receive assistance.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911 or Merryfield security Personnel at 786-973-3475
Policy
Merryfield officials and students conduct an annual safety tour of the campus.
Campus Police Authority and Jurisdiction
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office have complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on Merryfield’s school premises and areas immediately adjacent to the school.
Major offenses may involve joint investigative efforts with other local and state law enforcement agencies. The prosecution of all criminal offenses, both felony and misdemeanor, are conducted at county, state and federal court levels.
Crime Prevention Programs
At orientations during the course of the year, students and their parents are offered information on police services, property safety, personal safety and sexual assault prevention by members of Merryfield security personnel(s) Department. Similar information is presented to all new employees. Crime prevention programs and sexual assault prevention programs are offered on a continual basis during the year by law enforcement officials and other on campus groups. Programs address topics as theft, personal safety, relationship and domestic violence, cyber stalking and stalking, bias-based crimes, traffic safety, sexual assault and other important crime avoidance topics. In addition to these programs, Merryfield Academy created Safety Month, a month of activities at Merryfield Academy in which the school devotes specific attention to issues related to safety and security.
Crime victims frequently experience a myriad of feelings. The Victim Advocate Unit in Fort Lauderdale services program offers resources and referrals to assist victims in managing and understanding the emotions and physical reactions. Victims often need help changing from victim to survivor.
Sometimes victims are reluctant to report crimes or are not sure whether what occurred is a crime.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL 911 or Victim Advocate Unit 954-765-4133
Sex Offender Registration Information in Fort Lauderdale and Oakland Park and surrounding areas.
Information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained by visiting https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/sops/search.jsf
and accessing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offenders database. Sexual offenders are required to register in the state of Florida, Merryfield Academy is to be provided with notice if an offender is employed or is a student.
Crime Statistics
The following link provides the tables for the crime statistics: for both the City of Fort Lauderdale and the City of Oakland Park
http://www.city-data.com/crime/crime-Oakland-Park-Florida.html
All students will be given a copy of this policy at orientation.
http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/fort-lauderdale/crime/
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Toll-free number 1-888-357-7332 for TTY Accessibility 1-877-414-7234
Additional Resources provided to students and Staff in crisis
Telephone Index listing all agencies and programs alphabetically:
A Missing Child | 954-763-1288 |
Agency for Workforce UI office | 800-204-2418 |
Alcoholic Anonymous | 954-462-0265 |
BARC(see Broward Addiction Recovery CTR) | 954-765-4200 |
Bay view Center for Mental health | 954-888-7999 |
Start Program | 954-966-4442 |
Fast-track | 954-518-4072 |
Community Action Agency | 954-357-5025 |
Family Counseling | 754-322-3153 |
Student Support Services | 754-322-3153 |
Suicide Prevention | 754-321-2564 |
Senior and Disabled Passes | 954-357-6788 |
Specialty Care center | 954-463-7313 |
Broward Outreach Centers | 954-926-7417/954-979-6365 |
Community Action Agency | 954-357-5025 |
Walk-In Mobile Crisis Response Team | 954-463-0911 |
Narcotics Anonymous | 888-524-1777 |
Sexual Assault Treatment Center | 954-357-5775 |
Victim Advocate Unit | 954-765-4133 |
Truancy Intervention Program | 954-831-8592 |
Students and staff can visit the Administrative office for additional resources if needed
VAWA Violence Against Women Act
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law enacted in 1994 to improve the criminal justice and community-based responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The reauthorization of VAWA (2000, 2005, and 2013), VAWA’s SaVE Act along with Jeanne Clery Act, have worked together to improve the safety of college campuses and enhance the outlook for abuse victims.
Merryfield Academy Violence against Woman Policy
Merryfield Academy is committed to maintaining a safe and secure work and academic environment, free of any form of sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. A violation of the Violence against Women Act shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the School.
Sexual Violence defined
Relationship Violence
Relationship Violence includes Domestic Violence and Dating Violence. Domestic violence consists of abusive behavior that is used by an intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over the intimate party and can take the form of assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member. Dating violence is violence committed by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the victim. Whether there was such a relationship will be gauged by its length, type, and frequency of interaction.
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is defined as non-consensual, oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by or union with the sexual organ of another or by any other object. It also includes non-consensual sexual touching (fondling) or intentional contact with the breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals.
Stalking
Stalking is a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her, his, or others’ safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking includes the concept of cyber-stalking, a particular form of stalking in which electronic media such as the internet, social networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices or forms of contact are used.
Consent
Consent is defined as intelligent, knowing, and voluntary agreement to engage in specific activity and shall not be construed to include submission obtained by force, intimidation, threat, blackmail, extortion, or any other method of coercion. Giving in is not the same as giving consent.
How to recognize and Avoid Abusive Behavior Such As:
• Frequent yelling directed at a partner
• Blaming partner for own faults
• Name calling
• Consistently accusing partner of infidelity
• Kicking, holding, slapping, or scratching
• Use of verbal/abusive comments
• Forcible sex
Safe and Positive options for Bystander Intervention
OFFER SUPPORT if you suspect that the person is being abused or has been sexually assaulted or stalked.
SPEAK OUT against all forms of sexual violence.
BE AN ADVOCATE for preventing sexual violence.
MODEL the behavior that values respect for others and promotes positive pro-social behavior.
What to do if confronted?
If you have been subjected to sexual violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking:
1. Get to a safe place
2. Report the situation to someone in a position of authority or the police department immediately
3. Preserve all evidence of the offense
4. Request assistance for personal safety
5. Obtain order of protection or a no contact order
6. Take advantage of the services available through the University, i.e., Counseling Center, Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP), Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
7. Request to speak anonymously with a member of SART or submit an anonymous report through ’Cane Watch
The following offices are available to assist you:
Contact Phone
Sexual Assault Treatment Center
Family Counseling
School Director’s Office/Administration
Security Personnel 954-357-5775
754-322-3153
954-771-4030
786-973-3475
Sexual Assault Response Team
Chris Wallace 786-973-3475
Gregg Docktor 954-771-4030
Office of financial Aid 954-771-4030
How to file a Complaint
Merryfield Academy provides two avenues for filing a complaint: an informal (verbal) procedure and a formal (written) procedure which can be done directly to the school’s Director, Administrative/Professional Employees and Faculty.
