Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)

Who are CSUMB’s CSAs? 

Certain staff and faculty positions are designated as CSAs. 

What is the function of a CSA?

What does a Campus Security Authority do?

The function of a Campus Security Authority is to report to the official or office designated by the institution to collect crime report information, such as the campus police or security department, those allegations of Clery Act crimes that he or she receives. CSAs are responsible for reporting allegations of Clery Act crimes that are reported to them in their capacity as CSAs. This means that CSAs are not responsible for investigating or reporting incidents that they overhear students talking about in a hallway conversation; that a classmate or student mentions during an in-class discussion; that a victim mentions during a speech, workshop or any other form of group presentation; or that the CSA otherwise learns about in an indirect manner.

What shouldn’t a Campus Security Authority do?

With the exception of sworn University Police Department personnel, a campus security authority is not responsible for determining authoritatively whether a crime took place and should not try to apprehend the alleged perpetrator of the crime.

It’s also not a CSA’s responsibility to try and convince a victim to contact law enforcement if the victim chooses not to do so. ASK them, don't convince.

Crimes mandated to report

The Clery Act defines specific crimes as mandated to report:

• Criminal Offenses — Criminal Homicide, including Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter, and Manslaughter by Negligence; Sexual Assault, including Rape, Fondling, Incest and Statutory Rape; Robbery; Aggravated Assault; Burglary; Motor Vehicle Theft; and Arson.
• Hate Crimes — Any of the above-mentioned offenses, and any incidents of Larceny-Theft, Simple Assault, Intimidation, or Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property that were motivated by bias;
• VAWA Offenses — Any incidents of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking; and
• Arrests and Referrals for Disciplinary Action for Weapons — Carrying, Possessing, Etc. Law Violations, Drug Abuse Violations and Liquor Law Violations.

Per the California Education Code, Chapter 15.5, of the Donahoe Higher Education Act, Section 67380, CSAs are also required to report theft (not just bias-related incidents), destruction of property (not just bias-related incidents), alcohol intoxication (i.e., public alcohol or drug intoxication to the extent where a person is unable to care for themselves or others, or interferes with, obstructs or prevents the free use of any street, sidewalk or other public way), and noncriminal acts of hate violence.

If a CSA is in doubt as to whether a crime is reportable, please err on the side of reporting the matter.

Reports can be made by anyone, including students, faculty, staff, otherwise affiliated, local community members, visitors and otherwise non-affiliated. California State University encourages all members of the CSUMB community to contact the University Police Department when they have been the victim of or have witnessed criminal actions.

Training information for CSAs

CSAs will be notified of their designation and assigned training by the Clery Director annually.

CSA training is primarily conducted via Sumtotal. CSAs that are assigned to the Sumtotal training module will receive notification of their training from training@csumb.edu. 

Specialty departments that require customized CSA training (e.g., University Police Department) and have received said training in-person prior to COVID-19 will be receiving virtual training until further notice and will be notified of their assignment from training@csumb.edu. 

Please contact the training administrator at clerycompliance@csumb.edu or 831-582-3154 for any questions.