Williamstown Police Department

Prospect Dorm Incident Statement

November 22, 2011

The Williamstown Police Department continues to aggressively work in identifying the responsible person(s) who were responsible for the ghastly racial writing on the fourth floor of Prospect.

Sergeant Scott McGowan the department’s full-time investigator has been working closely and tirelessly with Williams College Director of Safety & Security David Boyer. Both Williams College and the Williamstown Police Department have conducted interviews with individuals concerning this illegal matter.

The Williamstown Police Department has also been in contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Massachusetts Office. The F.B.I. has also opened a file on this case and is providing assistance to the department.

At this time, the identity of the responsible person(s) is not known and The Williamstown Police Department continues to ask for the public’s assistance in this matter. If anyone has any information concerning this investigation, they are asked to contact the Williamstown Police Department. All information can remain anonymous including the identity of the person providing the information.

Sergeant Scott E. McGowan
Williamstown Police Department
31 North Street
Williamstown, MA 01267
t/ 413.458.5733 x20
f/ 413.458.4100

Faculty and Staff Parking During the Stetson-Sawyer Project

We began several years ago to implement a plan to provide sufficient parking throughout the Stetson-Sawyer project. The first step was to make available to faculty and staff the following lots: north of Goodrich House, north of Dodd House, and between Parsons and Hubbell. (View parking maps) We next added the lot north of Hollander Hall and the one north of Mason House.

We’ve also worked out a neighborly arrangement with Saints Patrick and Raphael Parish in which the college will maintain their parking lot and most of its spaces will be available for vehicles that have a faculty/staff parking sticker. To accommodate the parish’s needs, those spaces will be available to faculty and staff weekdays from 8:45 to 6:30. (A mass is held there weekday mornings at 8:30.) Judging by the number of cars in the lower chapel lot on most days, college use of the church lot is likely to be low, but we’ve made this arrangement to be sure we’re covered.

Questions about parking can be directed to Campus Safety and Security at x4444.

To see more detailed information and plans for the new building and updates on the project’s progress, go to http://library.williams.edu/newlibrary/.

• If you witness or are a victim of crime call 9-1-1 and x4444 immediately.
• Report suspicious activity or persons to Campus Safety at x4444.
• Remember that crimes often occur in clusters so if you report immediately you might prevent the next crime from happening.
• Campus Safety urges all students to lock their rooms if away and especially when sleeping. Secure valuables inside locked rooms. Valuable items should not be left in the common areas or unlocked rooms when no one is present.
• Locking rooms and securing valuables may be the greatest deterrent to crime on campus.
• Students should not allow strangers into the residences. College employees wear identification. If you are unsure about the person call Campus Safety at x4444.
• Respect the card access system and do not prop open doors or tamper with the system.
• Do not allow friends to use your College ID card. Pick up a Visitor Identification Pass (VIP) from Campus Safety during regular business hours Monday through Friday. A $20.00 deposit is required and is refundable when the visitor pass is returned to CSS.
• Protect your property and use the free engraving service offered by Campus Safety. Engraving is available during business hours Monday through Friday. Campus Safety can also provide information to help you inventory and record your valuable items.

In addition, Campus Safety received reports of Breaking and Entering at two College residences; one on Stetson Court and the other on Chapin Court. The Williamstown Police are investigating those incidents.

It is very important for everyone to safeguard items and not leave valuable items unattended. Please lock your doors when you are not in your rooms, homes or offices. Please report suspicious activity or persons.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Campus Safety and Security, x4444 or the Williamstown Police, 458-5733. If you have any information about the thefts please contact CSS or WPD or use the anonymous tipline located on this website.

In the past, we have seen an increase of theft reports over the Homecoming Weekend. If you have valuables (laptops, CDs, DVDs, Ipods, X-Boxes, etc) in your common spaces, please remove them and secure them in your room. Keep your room locked. Report anyone who appears suspicious to Campus Safety & Security at x4444.

Don’t become a victim. We want everyone to enjoy all of the Homecoming events that have been scheduled. Take the necessary precautions to prevent crimes of opportunity from occurring in your residences. Thank you.