Security

SFCC Home Page

SAFETY AND SECURITY

 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT/SECURITY - Campus security personnel are not law enforcement officers and do not have the authority to arrest individuals.  Law enforcement authority for the Highland's Campus is the responsibility of the Highlands County Sheriff's Department, while law enforcement at other campuses and satellite centers is the responsibility of local police.  Security personnel are responsible for the safety of personnel and the safety of buildings and their contents.  The college works directly with local law enforcement agencies to report criminal activities and incidents.

 

CRIME STATISTICS - By October 1st of each calendar year, South Florida Community College (SFCC) compiles a report which collects background information and statistics for the number of criminal offenses, hate crimes and arrests occurring on campus, in non-campus buildings and on public property adjacent to each campus which occurred during the previous calendar year.  These statistics are collected from incident reports prepared by the campus security department and local law enforcement agencies serving the appropriate campus area.  SFCC supplies crime statistics to the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education for publication on its website www.ope.ed.gov/security.  To request a copy of the most current crime statistics by mail, contact the Dean of Student Services at (863) 784-7104 or the Vice President for Administrative Services at (863) 784-7218.

 

REPORTING OF EMERGENCIES AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY - South Florida Community College has developed a set of guidelines for reporting emergencies and criminal activities.  It is important to note that each emergency situation or criminal activity has different circumstances requiring different actions.  Each action should afford the safety and security of victims and other participants.  Reporting guidelines are published in the Student Handbook, Faculty Handbook, Adjunct Faculty Handbook, Employee Handbook and Personal Safety Handbook.  Procedures for reporting information are posted throughout College classrooms and offices.

 

Criminal actions and emergencies should be reported as they occur.  Prompt reporting of all incidents or occurrences to the Security Department is encouraged to allow the department to respond as soon as possible.  In addition to completing an internal Incident Report, the Security Officer will contact the proper local law enforcement agency, if necessary, to insure an appropriate response for all reports received.  Any violations, infractions or potentially hazardous situations should be reported immediately to Security.  Evidence should be preserved for use in criminal prosecution.  In the event of a crisis, immediate danger, injury or criminal activity, the victim/witness is advised to first call the local police, fire or emergency service within the campus jurisdiction.  Procedures for reporting information are posted throughout College classrooms and offices.  Following is contact information:

 

· Highlands Campus

¨ To contact a Security Guard during regular school hours:  dial the Switchboard Operator (dial "0") and request Security or dial 453-0806.

¨ To contact a Security Guard after school hours:  dial Security at (863) 453-0806 (24 hours/day, seven days per week, year-round), or push an emergency call button (emergency buttons are located on the light poles in each parking lot area).

¨ If the emergency is severe, contact the Highlands County Sheriff's Department by dialing 911.

 

· Centers, Instructional Sites, and Other Locations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                             

                                                          

      

 

 

 

Telephone inquiries may be made to Security 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (863) 453-0806.  Visitors to the Highlands Campus may stop by the Security Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays or campus closings (refer to the Internet, current student catalog or schedule of classes for closing dates).

 

SAFETY AWARENESS PROGRAMS - The security and safety of each individual is a responsibility of all.  Reporting of unsafe conditions or criminal activities is important to the future safety of everyone at SFCC.  South Florida Community College requires student orientation programs for new students that include safety information.  Current and continuing students, along with staff, are provided with information regarding personal safety.

 

Safety Precautions:

 

All members of our campus community must remain vigilant and take some simple precautions:

¨ When leaving your vehicle, park in a well-lighted area, make sure your vehicle lights are off, keys are in your hand, and all doors are locked.

¨ Do not leave valuables in parked vehicles.

¨ When approaching a parked vehicle, check the surrounding area for strangers.

¨ Make arrangements with the Security Department for escorts, if needed.

¨ Report any suspicious incidents or individuals to Security.

¨ Report all campus crimes you see.

¨ Never leave personal property unattended on campus.

 

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT - The College is committed to providing an environment which is free from all forms of sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, public indecency, voyeurism, battery, or assault.  Anyone accused of such charges may be subject to dismissal from the College.  Victims must contact the College EA/EO Coordinators at (863) 784-7107, and they will be provided assistance and support.  Please consult the student or appropriate employee handbook for the entire policy and the procedures to follow in the event of an act of sexual misconduct.

 

SEXUAL PREDATORS - Information regarding sexual predators or offenders attending or employed by an institution of higher learning may be obtained from the local law enforcement agency or the Department of Corrections.  The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has established a hotline (1-888-FL-PREDATOR) or (1-888-357-7332) that allows the public to request information about Sexual Predators and Sex Offenders living in their communities and around the state.  Requests may be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  You may also visit the FDLE website at www.fdle.state.fl.us for sexual predator photographs and 2002 Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act.   

 

ALCOHOL/DRUG FREE CAMPUS - South Florida Community College is determined to have drug-free campuses and centers.  Illegal use and/or sale of drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated on any SFCC Campus, Center, or at any SFCC sponsored events off campus.  Students using illegal drugs will be suspended.  Students involved in the sale of illegal drugs will be expelled.  Employees who violate this policy will be disciplined up to and including dismissal from employment.  Additional information is provided at the time of admission or employment at SFCC.

 

For those who need help, South Florida Community College encourages any student or employee with an addiction problem to seek help by contacting alcohol/drug abuse & addiction treatment centers listed in the yellow pages.  Individuals may also seek confidential assistance with overcoming alcohol and/or drug problems by contacting the SFCC Counselors in Student Services or the Director of Human Resources.

 

SECURITY OF AND ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES - Normal College operations are conducted between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Friday.  Except for special events, the College is closed to students and visitors during other hours.  Staff and others wishing access to the campus at times other than normal working hours must advise Security of their location and expected time of departure.