How to Comply with the Clery Act Training Course

The Clery Act is a federal law requiring federally funded U.S. colleges to disclose crime and safety information annually by October 1st. Enacted in 1990 and strengthened by subsequent acts, including the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA), the Clery Act mandates transparency regarding campus safety policies and procedures. Compliance is monitored by the U.S. Department of Education, and violations can result in significant fines and other penalties.

Institutions must publish an Annual Security Report (ASR) detailing crime statistics, security policies, and procedures for reporting Clery crimes. The report includes policies on campus security, crime prevention, emergency response, and procedures for handling incidents such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Clery Act also requires the recording of crimes in specific locations known as Clery Geography, encompassing on-campus, non-campus buildings, and public property.

The Clery Act emphasizes data-driven decision-making through the collection of crime statistics using the FBI's National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). This integration supports community policing and ensures institutions maintain a safe environment for students and staff. The law also outlines procedures for filing Clery complaints, which can be submitted anonymously and have no statute of limitations, ensuring ongoing accountability and protection for campus communities.