Fitchburg State University showcased its cross-departmental partnership between the University Police Department (UPD) and Title IX Operations during a statewide panel discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 3, hosted by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE).
The event brought together more than 100 higher education public safety and compliance leaders from across the Commonwealth to examine successful strategies for campus safety and survivor support.
The discussion, titled "Working Relationship Between Title IX & Campus Police/Public Safety Departments," was moderated by Amanda Robbins, Campus Safety Advisor for the Massachusetts DHE. The panel featured joint leadership presentations from Fitchburg State University, Salem State University, and MassBay Community College, focusing on operational synergies, concurrent investigation protocols, and trauma-informed practices.
Representing Fitchburg State were Rebecca Newell, Director of Equal Opportunity & Institutional Compliance, and Michael Cloutier, University Police Chief. Together, they outlined how Fitchburg State has built an integrated, communication-first relationship between law enforcement and institutional compliance.
"Our approach is grounded in three things: clearly defined roles, open communication, and a shared commitment to supporting our campus community," said Newell, who was recently appointed Fitchburg State’s new Executive Director of Personnel Services, effective Monday, Nov. 30. "Regardless of which office first receives a report, if the allegations may involve a crime or a policy violation, we notify one another. Equally important, we provide consistent information to reporting parties about their rights, options, and resources using a shared trauma-informed approach."
Fitchburg State’s current approach originated through joint oversight of Clery Act compliance and has since expanded into proactive campus-wide programming. Notably, Fitchburg State became one of the first institutions nationwide in NASPA’s Culture of Respect program to appoint a senior police officer — Captain Richard Nelson — as co-lead alongside Title IX leadership to strengthen campus sexual violence prevention and policy development.
Chief Cloutier, who is set to receive the Gov. Paul Cellucci Award for Leadership and Mentoring in State Government, emphasized that while the two offices operate under distinct legal mandates, standards of proof, and privacy parameters, mutual respect and advance planning ensure seamless support for students and staff.
"We do not claim to operate a model program, but our presence reflects a strong, cooperative relationship built on trust and shared goals," said Chief Cloutier. “We welcome this opportunity to gain insights from others.”
The panel agreed that there is a need to establish protocols before they need them. Understanding, appreciating, and respecting each department's distinct function makes both departments stronger and ultimately better serves our campus.
“I think we all know that our relationships and trust is a key to a lot of the work that we do in both of our collective roles, and we need to build that trust and strengthen those relationships with work that we do on a daily basis,” said Cloutier.
Key takeaways shared by Fitchburg State during the panel for higher education institutions seeking to strengthen departmental alignment included:
- Leveraging Clery Act reporting requirements as an initial foundation for trust and regular communication.
- Clearly defining information-sharing parameters, timelines, and documentation procedures before active cases arise.
- Utilizing warm handoffs between University Police and Title IX staff to assist individuals seeking harassment prevention orders, law enforcement reports, or confidential support.
- Partnering on campus safety training, de-escalation programs, tabling events, search committees, and campus CARE teams.
The panel concluded with an open Q&A session addressing common operational challenges, privacy expectations, and cross-departmental strategy.
For more information about Fitchburg State University Police or Title IX & Equal Opportunity Operations, visit fitchburgstate.edu.