Reporting to Police for Criminal Conduct; Effect of Criminal Charges or Criminal Investigation

In an emergency situation, FPU community members should call 9-1-1. FPU encourages all members of its community who believe they are the victim of criminal behavior (including, but not limited to, criminal sexual violence) to report the conduct to the police even if significant time has passed since the incident. All members of the FPU community may seek assistance in reporting a crime of sexual violence to law enforcement by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.

Complainants under this policy also may choose not to notify law enforcement. Regardless of whether a Complainant chooses to make a report to law enforcement, the Complainant may still file a Complaint under this policy. Additionally, regardless of whether the alleged misconduct rises to the level of a criminal offense, FPU encourages all community members to report alleged discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or sexual violence to FPU.

The procedures outlined in this Policy are separate from any criminal process or investigation. Because the requirements and standards for finding a violation of criminal law are different from the standards under this Policy, criminal investigations, reports or verdicts may be different from the outcomes under this Policy. The University may share information and coordinate investigation efforts with law enforcement when necessary or appropriate. A delay resulting from such coordination is good cause for extending the timelines to complete the process. Any such delay will be communicated and documented to the Complainant and Respondent.

State, federal, and local government agencies are responsible for criminal prosecution. The University has no authority or responsibility for the criminal prosecution of any matter, even if the University helps someone to file a report of criminal conduct or receives a report of a complaint under this policy that may rise to the level of criminal conduct.