CRIME STATISTICS (Report for 1997 year)
Federal law requires that each UCSC student and employee receive the following information pursuant to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the Campus Security Act of 1990, and the Student Assistance General Provisions, Campus Safety Act of 1994.
The UCSC Police Department and campus administration make continual efforts to reduce crime on campus, but we can all contribute to campus safety. We firmly believe that a well-informed community is served better and, as such, is safer. Please take the time to read this information and, if you have questions, contact the resources listed below for assistance.
UCSC Police Department officers are duly sworn peace officers under Section 830.2 of the California Penal Code. The officers of the department are armed and possess the same authority under the law as municipal police officers. UCSC Police Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They enforce applicable local, state, and federal laws; arrest violators; investigate and suppress crime; investigate traffic and bicycle accidents; and provide a full range of services to the community. The UCSC Police Department is computer linked to city, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, which provide access to criminal records, wanted persons, stolen property, and vehicle information. All crimes reported to the Police Department are thoroughly investigated and are referred for prosecution through the county District Attorney's Office when appropriate. Criminal matters involving university students may also be referred to the university administration for disciplinary action. Crime prevention and apprehension of those who commit crimes at the UCSC campus are the Police Department's primary goals. To achieve these goals, the Police Department works closely with UCSC's eight residential colleges and surrounding law enforcement agencies.
All crimes occurring on campus, at the Lick Observatory, or at the Long Marine Lab should be reported immediately to the UCSC Police to ensure that appropriate action is taken. The Police Department has primary jurisdiction over the University of California, Santa Cruz, campus.
To report crimes in progress or police, fire, or medical emergencies on campus, at the Lick Observatory, or at Long Marine Lab, dial 911 from any telephone, including pay phones (this will connect you directly to an emergency dispatcher). The university strongly encourages victims to report immediately all incidents and/or any suspicious activity to the Police Department at any time of the day or night. Crimes occurring off campus should be reported immediately to the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction.
At UCSC, emergencies can also be reported by using one of the campus telephones located throughout facilities and in certain parking areas. If there is a fire and no telephone is available, activate one of the fire alarms located throughout campus. Emergency telephones are located at each bus/shuttle stop. The telephones are housed in small red boxes on short posts, and have a blue light at night. They are for emergency use only, but do not hesitate to use them if you are threatened. There is no need to dial; just pick up the phone.
For non-emergency calls for assistance, call the UCSC Police Department at (831) 459-2231 (campus) or (831) 459-5955 (Lick Observatory). The UCSC Police Department is located in the H-Barn near the Receiving Barn at the base of campus.
Crimes can be averted and suspects apprehended more quickly if suspicious activity is promptly reported. If someone's behavior or the situation is disturbing, threatening, or out of the ordinary, call the UCSC Police Department. We also invite reports of physical hazards (for example, a broken stair or nonfunctioning traffic light).
The UCSC Police Department promptly publicizes any incident of criminal activity that poses a potential threat to the campus through campus Crime Alert Bulletins. Such bulletins are issued to campus and local media in Santa Cruz, and copies are posted on the bulletin boards throughout campus. See the Crime Statistics for Specified Offenses, UC Santa Cruz Campus, table for statistics concerning the occurrence of crimes reported to the Police Department.
UCSC is a large campus, situated on 2,000 acres of land with two entrances. Additionally, 3,600 acres of UCSC&endash;controlled land are part of the Lick Observatory site on Mount Hamilton, located 19 miles east of San Jose on Highway 130. During the school year, our average population is approximately 14,500 students, staff, and faculty, which makes us a small city with our own crime concerns. Regardless of the time of day or night, no matter where you are on campus, be alert and aware of your surroundings and exercise common-sense safety precautions. During the daytime (Monday through Friday) the campus and most of its buildings are open and accessible to the public. Consequently, the campus is vulnerable to thefts and related crimes during these hours. People can help to prevent theft by keeping doors and windows locked when no one is in the room and by not leaving valuables unattended. Access to the campus during the evening hours is limited to members of the campus community, their guests, and persons with verifiable business on campus. Security guards employed by the UCSC Police Department are stationed at kiosks at each campus entrance during the evening hours to screen visitors to the campus. At present, UCSC comprises eight residential colleges, each of which is patrolled by a nighttime proctor. The proctors are responsible for a variety of tasks, including security in and around the college areas and assisting students with problems related to residential life on campus.
Our campus has over 484 buildings comprising almost 3 million square feet; another 56 buildings encompassing 122,266 square feet are at Mount Hamilton. These structures may be targeted by burglars or individuals intent on other crimes. Although almost all of these buildings can be accessed by key after business hours, many are locked and after 5 p.m. have security alarms. It is essential that staff, faculty, and students cooperate to keep facilities locked (do not prop doors open or leave doors unlocked if you enter after hours) and to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not enter campus buildings (do not open the door for individuals you do not know, protect the security of campus keys, and report immediately the loss or theft of keys).
UCSC provides residential housing to approximately 5,000 students, from apartments designed for students with children to multi-student apartment complexes and residence halls. Additionally, on-campus residential housing for faculty includes 50 rental apartments and 80 for-sale houses located at the base of campus, and 18 residential buildings on Mount Hamilton. The UCSC Police Department and Housing and Residential Life staff work closely together to create a safe, comfortable living and learning environment. Campuswide security and safety seminars are held for residents throughout the year to increase awareness of crime risks and to improve campus safety. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these training sessions and to take responsibility for their personal and community safety. To keep residents immediately informed of major crimes or threats to the campus, student housing staff promptly post all Crime Alert Bulletins. All residence facilities are accessible to residents 24 hours a day. Residents must take an active role to ensure their own security by exercising common sense and by learning and following campus security procedures. In addition, since the campus is open and visitors have various levels of access to residence halls, apartments, and houses, residents need to be alert and aware of their surroundings.
To maintain the safety and security of residence facilities, residents and visitors must ensure that entrance doors are closed and locked according to college or housing authority policies. Residents must keep their room or apartment door locked at all times, always carry their key, take precautions to protect their keys against theft or loss, and report immediately any theft or loss of their building/room keys. In addition, residents should never open their door for people they don't know, and alert residential staff and the UCSC Police Department if they notice unauthorized entry (for example, if they see someone climbing over a fence) or see suspicious activity (someone they don't know walking out of a friend's room carrying a computer).
The security of residential areas involves on-duty residential staff, college proctors, round-the-clock UCSC police patrols, and the residents themselves.
If you park on campus, lock your vehicle and consider using a steering-wheel locking device and/or auto alarm. Similarly, always lock your bicycle, even if you will be gone only a few minutes, and secure it to a fixed bike rack. Most important, if you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask any campus employee or police officer.
State law and university policy prohibit the possession or use of weapons on university property without the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority. It is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison to possess any firearm on university property, whether in a book bag, in a car, or in one's office or room. Possessing a concealed weapon or automatic weapon of any kind is illegal, whether on campus or in the community. With the exception of kitchen knives, it is also illegal to possess on campus weapons such as knives with blades longer than 2 1/2 inches, dirks, daggers, stun guns, BB-guns, air guns, metal knuckles, nunchakus, etc. (PC 12020).
If you see a gun or other weapon on university property, please alert the police immediately. If you believe that the weapon is being or is about to be used, dial 911. In other cases, report the location of the weapon and/or the individual carrying it to the UCSC Police Department at (831) 459-2231.
UCSC has one policy, the Sex Offense Policy, and two procedures, one dealing with sexual assault and one with sexual harassment, which have been joined under the heading of campus Sex Offense Policy in order to facilitate the dissemination of information and the reporting and investigation of incidents of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. The policy and procedures apply to all students, staff, and academic appointees, and to members of the off-campus community who are participating in a university-sponsored program or event.
Sexual assault, rape, and sexual harassment are violations of state and federal laws, UCSC policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and personnel policies for staff members and academic appointees.
If you have been the target of a sexual assault, including rape, you may request an administrative investigation by the Title IX/Sexual Harrassment Officer (SHO), (831) 459-2462, 109 Kerr Hall, with or without filing a police report as explained below. In addition to rape, as defined by California law, UCSC will not tolerate any nonconsensual penetration, however slight, or nonconsensual fellatio or cunnilingus, and the university will take appropriate administrative action when such are reported. A Title IX investigation is not a criminal procedure. The Title IX/SHO will not initiate an investigation without the written consent of the survivor. The Title IX/SHO treats all conversations with students, faculty, and staff with the highest level of confidentiality and will always respect a survivor's request for anonymity.
The Title IX/SHO will complete a fact-finding report that will be submitted to the appropriate campus officials. Sanctions for the accused may be proposed. In proven cases of sexual assault and rape, the sanction will be either suspension or dismissal from UCSC. In addition, the Title IX/SHO will ensure that appropriate actions are taken to aid the complainant, e.g., academic assistance, counseling referrals, housing assistance, permanent no contact restrictions for the accused, and protection from retaliation.
The only threshold a student must meet to receive assistance from the Title IX/SHO is if you are the target
of uninvited or unwelcome or unsolicited or unwanted conduct which is being directed at you because of your sex (male or female). The following lists some behaviors which could be construed as sexual harassment.
The investigatory procedure for sexual harassment is the same procedure discussed in the above section on sexual assault. If you have questions or just want to inquire about sexual harassment or sex discrimination; if you want to make a report or file a complaint; if you want an educational seminar for any campus group; or if you want information, advice, referrals, and/or copies of UCSC's Sex Offense Policy and Procedures for Reports of Sexual Assault(s) and Sexual Harassment or copies of the Sexual Harassment Annual Report, please contact the Title IX/SHO. Any person who is the target of a sex offense should consult with the Title IX/SHO at (831) 459-2462 to receive information about your options and to receive referrals to appropriate resources. The Title IX/SHO Web address is http://www2.ucsc.edu/title9-sh
Sexual assault is a general term which covers a range of crimes, including rape and statutory rape. Sexual assaults should be reported to the UCSC Police Department immediately. Reporting the incident allows the police to perform a thorough investigation, collect valuable evidence for criminal prosecution, and often times quickly identify and apprehend the perpetrator. If sexual assault occurs off campus, it should be reported to the police agency that has jurisdiction in the area where the crime occurred.
If you request a police response after an on-campus assault, a UCSC police officer will explain the police and medical procedures, and, with your consent, transport you to the nearest hospital where you will meet with an advocate and a specially trained nurse. Physical evidence should be collected as soon as possible, and only at a certified facility, upon request of a law enforcement agency. To preserve evidence, you should not change clothes, bathe or shower, brush your teeth or use mouthwash, comb your hair, or take other action to clean up before going to the hospital.
You should seek immediate medical attention whether or not you report the incident to the police, even if you do not feel you have been seriously injured. A medical examination is important to check for sexually transmitted diseases or other infection/injuries, or for pregnancy.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides crisis intervention counseling and support at such a traumatic time. CPS provides same day services for students who are in crisis due to rape and/or domestic or relationship violence. The staff at CPS are sensitive to the needs of survivors of rape, as well as their partners, spouses, friends, and families, and will listen with care to any concerns you may have and will provide you with information about a variety of options that are available to you. Support services provided by counseling psychologists are completely confidential, by law. (The only exceptions are specific life-threatening circumstances and child and elder safety issues.) CPS may be contacted by calling (831) 459-2628.
The Rape Prevention Education Program can provide information, advocacy, and referrals to the many resources and options available to you. However, Rape Prevention Education staff are required to make a general and anonymous incident report (without disclosing the identity of the survivor) of all campus-related rapes to the Title IX Officer. The Rape Prevention Education Program can be reached at (831) 459-2721.
California law prohibits threats or acts of violence against individuals, groups, or their property because of personal characteristics or associations. State laws similarly prohibit defacing, damaging, or destroying another's property to intimidate or interfere with his or her rights. Crimes routinely treated as misdemeanors can be felonies if committed because of bigotry. A conviction cannot be based on speech alone, unless the speech itself threatens violence against a specific individual or group and the defendant has the ability to carry out the threat.
If you are the victim of or witness a hate crime, report it as soon as possible to the police agency having jurisdiction in the area where the hate crime occurred.
To report criminal activity or misconduct by a UCSC student, staff, or faculty person that affects the health or safety of individuals on campus, call the UCSC Police Department, (831) 459-2231. University policies prohibit physical assault, including rape; threats of violence; and conduct that threatens health and safety, as well as vandalism and harassment.
In addition, the Student Judicial Affairs Office, in coordination with the college administrative officers, handles certain misconduct matters that may be resolved either by voluntary resolution or by formal hearing. If a formal hearing is held, the complainant and the accused may each choose to attend or not attend the hearing, and each may choose to be accompanied by an adviser. Both complainant and accused are notified of the final decision and sanctions imposed, if any. Disciplinary sanctions issued through formal resolution depend on the seriousness of the policy violation and may include warnings, fines, probation, community service, suspension, or dismissal from the university. The phone number for the Student Judicial Affairs Office is (831) 459-4447.
UCSC staff or faculty members may be subject to disciplinary action under applicable personnel policies or collective bargaining agreements. Report faculty misconduct to the faculty member's department chair, or to Staff Human Resources at (831) 459-2009 if the person is a staff member.
The Ombudsman's Office is an impartial, confidential, neutral complaint handler and resource available to all members of the UCSC campus community. The office assists the UCSC community in achieving the informal resolution of complaints and conflicts which stem from UCSC policies, procedures, practices and intracampus relationships. Ombudsman's staff conduct informal, impartial investigations regarding such issues as university policies, procedures, error, delay, etc. The office seeks to resolve problems and recommends changes to policies and procedures in a consultative manner. Services also include providing information on campus resources, policies, procedures, and referrals. The office is not involved in formal grievance or disciplinary processes and cannot set aside any university policy or rule. The Ombudsman's staff work in confidence to resolve problems for any member of the campus community. The office seeks fair and equitable solutions to problems using the principles of informality, impartiality, independence, and confidentiality. Using a one-to-one collaborative approach, the staff maintain a neutral role when listening to and providing options to resolve concerns. The office operates independently of administrative authorities and protects the privacy of all contacts and communications to the office. When appropriate, Ombudsman's staff encourage direct interaction between involved parties and support individual responsibility for resolution. The Ombudsman and assistant Ombudsman can be reached at (831) 459-2073. The Ombudsman's Office is located at 473/474 McHenry Library.
The UCSC Police Department supports a proactive crime prevention program that works closely with members of the community to make UCSC a safer place to work, live, and learn. Officers give presentations on topics such as personal safety, vehicle and residential security, and office and equipment security. Brochures and literature on crime prevention and personal safety are available at the UCSC Police Department. The Police Department also works closely with the campus's Rape Prevention Education Program coordinator in disseminating information about personal safety and recent crime trends. The coordinator sponsors self-defense and personal-safety workshops and many other crime awareness programs. All incidents of criminal or suspicious activity that pose a potential threat to the campus are immediately published in Crime Alert Bulletins distributed campuswide. During the nighttime hours after the campus shuttle service ceases operation, UCSC police officers are available to provide on-campus transportation to any member of the campus community requesting it.
Providing security to the campus community is a continuous process of reevaluating existing policies, facilities, and practices so that they conform to the changing needs of the community. To supplement efforts of the UCSC Police Department, several committees/procedures exist or are developed on an as-needed basis to evaluate practices and make security recommendations. Together with university administration and the Police Department, these committees strive to make UCSC a safer place in which to live and learn.
The Student Safety and Security Education Committee is composed of safety and security experts from the campus staff. It exists to investigate and recommend improvements in safety practices and conditions on campus, and to educate the UCSC community in these areas. Student input is greatly valued by the committee. Student, staff, and faculty can address concerns to the committee via e-mail at: ssec@cats.ucsc.edu
Awareness of the reality of rape has grown immensely over the past decade. UCSC Rape Prevention Education was created in 1979 as a pioneering venture to raise awareness of rape; to provide comprehensive educational resources for the campus community; and to offer quality support services for anyone who has ever been raped as well as their family, friends, and loved ones if requested.
Specific educational programs include: multimedia presentations for new students on preventing acquaintance rape; guest lectures in academic classes; peer-led evening workshops on growing up male and female; feature film series; and a wide variety of specialized workshops ranging from body image and the media to assertiveness for personal safety. A comprehensive reference library is available for class papers and research. Rape Prevention Education prepares and widely distributes numerous educational brochures and other publications addressing current issues in rape awareness and prevention. Opportunities exist for volunteer and peer education work.
Excellent, free self-defense classes are offered each quarter. In addition, Rape Prevention Education works with other campus units to ensure that the environment is as safe as possible. Fortunately the UCSC campus physical environment has been relatively safe and reported rapes or attempted rapes by strangers are rare. Rape Prevention Education is located in the back wing of the Student Health Center. For more information call (831) 459-2721.
The HIV Prevention Program exists to provide the UCSC community with information, training, and safer-sex supplies. In addition to engaging the campus in national health advocacy campaigns (AIDS Walk, World AIDS Day, National Latex Week, etc.) peer educators provide tools to lower or prevent individuals' risk of exposure to HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). Interactive workshops and academic classes are held throughout the year. Safer-sex supplies are available for discount prices at the Condom Co-op. Confidential HIV Testing is available at Student Health Services; the office is located in Room 157 of Student Health Center For more information, call (831) 459-4679.
The UCSC Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Abuse Prevention Program is an on-campus resource for students with concerns about AOD use in their own life or in their community. The AOD program's mission is to empower students to make responsible and healthy lifestyle choices by communicating the realities, misperceptions, and secondary effects of AOD use. Services include individual support and referral, peer education, academic classes, staff training, and a resource library.
The program provides ongoing training and workshops for students and staff, a Peer Education Program, and sponsors a wide variety of alcohol- and other drug-free social events. It also offers a resource center with books, videos, and audiotapes on a diverse range of substance abuse issues.
In addition, residential and other college staff members may refer students to this office for assessment as a result of policy violations. The program provides a Community Solutions Workshop that can be a follow-up to the assessment when appropriate.
Assistance is also available to any student who is experiencing problems as a result of substance use/abuse or who is
in recovery and who wishes to have a referral for further education or treatment. The program is located in Room 153 of the Student Health Center. For more information, contact the AOD program at (831) 459-4866.
The university makes every effort to maintain the campus community and workplaces free from illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs (AOD). Manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession,
or use of alcohol and controlled substances by university students and employees on university property, at official university functions, or on university business is prohibited except as permitted by law, university policy, and campus regulation. Students violating these policies are subject to disciplinary action; such disciplinary action may include referral to alcohol awareness classes sponsored by AOD programs and participation in educational and informational events on campus with a focus on promoting healthy alternatives to use and consumption of alcohol and other drugs. For students living on campus and found responsible for violating campus alcohol and drug policies, sanctions can range from mandatory room relocations, loss of housing, and forfeiture of future housing privileges. All students found responsible for alcohol and drug violations may be subject to university warning, probation, suspension, or dismissal. Students may also be subject to prosecution, in addition to campus disciplinary action, and be required to participate in treatment programs.
Employees shall not use illegal substances or abuse legal substances in a manner that impedes performance of assigned tasks. University employees working on a federal contract or grant must abide by this policy as a condition of employment and shall notify the university within five days if convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace or while on university business. Employees violating these policies may be subject to corrective action, including dismissal, under applicable university policies and labor contracts, and may be referred for criminal prosecution and/or required to participate in an employee support program or appropriate treatment program. For further information regarding the UCSC AOD policies, employees should contact the personnel analyst assigned to their unit. Copies of the act and regulations are available from the UCSC Police Department and the Benefits Office.
There is a separate AOD policy for UCSC students which is published in the Rule Book, available through the Student Judicial Affairs Office, located at 205 Hahn.
The Rule Book is also posted at: http://www.2.ucsc.eduljudicial/rulebook/
Under federal law, the manufacture, sale, or distribution of all Schedule I and II illicit drugs or "counterfeit" substances (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, PCP, LED, Fentanyl, and all mixtures containing such substances, as well as "counterfeit" substances purported to be Schedule I or II illicit drugs), is a felony with penalties for first offenses ranging from five years to life (20 years to life if death or serious injury is involved) and fines of up to $4 million for offenses by individuals ($10 million for other than individuals).
Federal law also prohibits trafficking in marijuana, hashish, and mixtures containing such substances. For first offenses, maximum penalties range from five years to life (20 years to life if death or serious injury is involved) and fines of up to $4 million for offenses by individuals ($10 million for other than individuals). Penalties vary depending upon the quantity of drugs involved. For second offenses, penalties range from 10 years to life (not less than life if death or serious injury is involved) and fines of up to $8 million for individuals ($20 million for other than individuals).
For illegal trafficking in medically useful drugs, maximum prison sentences for first offenses range up to five years, and 10 years for second offenses.
Anabolic steroids are controlled substances, and distribution or possession with intent to distribute carries a sentence of up to six years and a $250,000 fine.
Federal law prohibits possession of controlled substances, with prison sentences up to one year and fines up to $100,000 for first offenses, imprisonment up to two years and fines up to $250,000 for second offenses. Special sentencing provisions apply for possession of crack cocaine, including imprisonment of five to 20 years and fines up to $250,000 for first offenses, depending upon the amount possessed.
Persons convicted of possession or distribution of controlled substances can be barred from receiving benefits from all federal programs (except long-term drug treatment programs), including contracts, professional and commercial licenses, and student grants and loans. Health care providers are barred from receiving federal insurance payments upon conviction of a criminal offense involving distribution or dispensing of controlled substances.
Property, including vehicles, vessels, aircraft, money, securities, or other item of value used in, intended for use in, or traceable to transactions that involve controlled substances in violation of federal law, is subject to forfeiture to the government.
Finally, noncitizens convicted of violating any state, federal, or foreign law or regulation are subject to deportation and exclusion from entry to the United States.
No person may sell, furnish, give, or cause to be sold, furnished, or given away, any alcoholic beverage to a person under age 21 or to any obviously intoxicated person. It is against the law to furnish alcohol to minors. Any person who furnishes alcohol, or causes to be furnished, to a minor shall be punishable by a fine of $1,000 no part of which shall be suspended, and the person shall be required to perform not less than 24 hours of community service when the person is not employed and not attending school. No person under age 21 may purchase alcoholic beverages or possess alcoholic beverages on any street or highway or in any place open to public view. It is illegal to sell alcohol without a valid liquor license or permit. It is unlawful for any person to drink while driving, to have an open container of alcohol in a moving vehicle, or to drive under the influence of alcohol (intoxication is presumed at blood alcohol levels of .08 percent or higher, but may be found with levels under .08 percent). It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years who has a blood alcohol screening test of .01 percent or greater, as measured by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test, to drive a vehicle. It is also illegal to operate a bicycle while intoxicated.
Penalties for a first drunk driving offense include attending an alcohol/drug program, fines up to $1,538, up to six months in jail, and driver's license suspension up to one year. Second offenses are punishable by fines up to $1,808, imprisonment up to one year, driver's license suspension up to 30 months, and/or a required drug/alcohol program up to 30 months. Third and fourth offenses carry similar sanctions, plus three- and four-year revocations of driver's license, respectively. Driving privileges are suspended for six months for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol test, for two years if there is a prior offense within seven years, and for three years with three or more offenses within seven years.
Penalties for any alcohol-related driving offense when the driver is under 21 will result in a one-year suspension of driver's license. Refusal to submit to or failure to complete a preliminary alcohol screening or other chemical test will also result in a one-year suspension for a first offense. A second offense within seven years of driving under the influence, including such a charge reduced to reckless driving or vehicular manslaughter, or a violation of Section 23140 VC, which resulted in a conviction, or separate administrative determination that the driver had an ABC of .01 percent or more, or refused a test, will result in a two-year revocation. Three or more offenses within seven years of any combination of the above violations, convictions, or separate administrative determinations will result in a three-year revocation.
Under California law, first offenses involving the sale or possession for sale of amphetamines, barbiturates, codeine, cocaine, Demerol, heroin, LSD, mescaline, methadone, methamphetamine, morphine, PCP, peyote, Quaalude, psilocybin, and marijuana are felonies carrying prison terms of seven years or more. Manufacture of illegal drugs may result in prison terms of 20 years or more. Penalties are more severe for offenses involving manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs by convicted felons and for distribution within 1,000 feet of a school or university, within 100 feet of a recreational facility, to anyone in prison or jail, to anyone under 18 by anyone over 18, or to a pregnant woman. Personal property may be seized if it contains drugs or was used in a drug transaction. The illegal possession of most of these drugs is also a felony (marijuana may be a felony or misdemeanor depending upon the amount involved), carrying maximum prison sentences of up to seven years.
AOD abuse can cause extremely serious health and behavioral problems, including short- and long-term effects upon the body and mind. The physiological and psychological responses differ according to the chemical ingested, and although chronic health problems are associated with long-term substance abuse, acute and traumatic reactions can occur from one-time and moderate use.
The health risks associated with each of the five major classifications of controlled substances are summarized below. In general, however, alcohol and drugs are toxic to the body's systems. In addition, contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use, and mixing drugs, or using "counterfeit" substances, can also be lethal. Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV or AIDS, rape, unwanted pregnancies, injuries, accidents, and violence can result from alcohol or drug use. In addition, AOD abuse impairs learning ability and performance.
Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, which, in the case of drugs such as cocaine, can be triggered by first-time use. Long-lasting health effects of drugs and alcohol may include disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, blood vessel leaks in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells and permanent memory loss, infertility, impotence, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary (lung) damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in miscarriage, fetal damage, and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, developmental difficulties, and infant death.
In the United States, 20 percent of adult males and 10 percent of adult females are heavy drinkers, consuming an average of two or more drinks per day. Long-term abuse of alcohol results in ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, and associated cancers of the digestive tract, head, neck, and lungs. Chronic heavy consumption can lead to stroke, heart disease, hypertension, anemia, lowered resistance to infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, impotence, and infertility. Episodic binge drinking can cause toxic reactions leading to death when large amounts are combined with other drugs. The most common negative health consequences from occasional drinking are trauma-related (accidents and violence) and involve both the drinker and nondrinking victims.
These drugs include narcotics (e.g., opium, heroin, morphine, codeine, and synthetic opiates) and sedative-hypnotics and antianxiety medications (e.g., Nembutal, Seconal, Quaalude, Miltown, Equanil); all are central nervous system depressants that slow down physical and psychological responses. The most serious risk is toxic reaction, or overdose, which causes death when respiratory, cardiac, and circulatory systems slow down and cease to function. Sedatives and antianxiety drugs can cause temporary psychosis, hallucinations, paranoid delusions, interference with short-term memory, impaired judgment and motor performance, increased angry outbursts, and permanent neurological damage.
These drugs include amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cocaine. They stimulate the central and peripheral nervous systems and the cardiovascular system, resulting in excitation, interference with sleep patterns, and decreased appetite. Health risks include drug-induced psychiatric disturbances. Cocaine and derivatives can also cause increased heart rate leading to cardiac fibrillation, heart attack, respiratory arrest, and death; cocaine and other stimulants can cause strokes, destruction of nasal tissue, bronchitis, and skin ulcers.
These drugs include mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, PCP, MDMA (Ecstasy), and STP and involve health risks such as panic reactions, flashbacks, toxic reactions (overdose), hallucinations, and death. Psychological states induced can include paranoia and psychosis. PCP users often become violent and oblivious to pain, leading to serious injuries to themselves and others.
This drug simultaneously creates physical symptoms akin to both depressants (relaxation, sleepiness) and stimulants (increased respiratory and heart rates). Chronic use results in respiratory difficulties, bronchitis, abnormal heart rhythms, decreased fertility, increased rate of chromosomal breakage, and acute memory impairment. Episodic use can cause panic reactions, flashbacks, temporary psychosis, and toxic reactions. Some of the most serious consequences of marijuana use result when decreased judgment, impaired perceptions and motor functions, and inability to carry out multistep tasks lead to motor vehicle crashes and other trauma.
Many campus and community resources are available, as well as emergency and assistance agencies (public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit). These include:
The University of California, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The university also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the university's student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Office of Student Affairs, (408) 459-4446. Inquiries regarding the university's affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and nondiscrimination policies for employment may be directed to the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office, (408) 459-2686, or by e-mail to valsims@cats.ucsc.edu. Inquiries concerning Section 504 or the Americans with Disabilities Act may be addressed to the director, Disability Resource Center, (408) 459-2089 (voice); (408) 459-4806 (TTY); or by e-mail to disable@cats.ucsc.edu. If you need disability-related accommodation in order to access information contained in this publication, please call (408) 459-2231.
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