Understanding the Clery Report

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (PDF), is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies. All public and private institutions of postsecondary education participating in federal student aid programs are subject to it.

The Clery Act was signed into law in 1990 as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. It was supported by Howard & Connie Clery after their daughter Jeanne was murdered at Lehigh University in 1986. They also founded the non-profit Security On Campus, Inc. in 1987. Amendments to the Act in 1998 renamed it in memory of Jeanne Clery.

Annual Report

Schools have to publish an annual report every year by October 1st that contains 3 years’ worth of campus crime statistics and certain security policy statements including sexual assault policies which assure basic victims' rights, the law enforcement authority of campus police and where students should go to report crimes. The report is to be made available automatically to all current students and employees while prospective students and employees are to be notified of its existence and afforded an opportunity to request a copy.

Crime Statistics

Each school must disclose crime statistics for the campus, unobstructed public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus, and certain non-campus facilities including Greek housing and remote classrooms. The statistics must be gathered from campus police or security, local law enforcement, and other school officials who have “significant responsibility for student and campus activities” such as student judicial affairs directors. Professional mental health and religious counselors are exempt from reporting obligations, but may refer patients to a confidential reporting system.

Crimes are reported in the following seven (7) major categories, with several sub-categories:

1. Criminal Homicide broken down by
   1. Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter and
   2. Negligent manslaughter
2. Sex Offenses broken down by
   1. Forcible Sex Offenses (includes rape) and
   2. Nonforcible Sex Offenses
3. Robbery
4. Aggravated Assault
5. Burglary
6. Motor Vehicle Theft; and
7. Arson.

Schools are also required to report the following three types of incidents if they result in either an arrest or disciplinary referral:

1. Liquor Law Violations
2. Drug Law Violations
3. Illegal Weapons Possession

Gettysburg College takes seriously the responsibility to report crimes. To access the most recent copy of Gettysburg College Clery Report, please click on the link below.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (PDF)

For more information about the Clery report, please contact Campus Safety at 717-337-6911.

All Clery information was gathered from Security on Campus, Inc.