Safety Tips
Preventing Theft
Most crimes reported to the Campus Police Department involve property rather than personal danger. You can minimize your chances of becoming a victim by following these common sense safety tips.
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Lock-Up your car when on campus.
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Keep valuables out of sight.
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Lock your purse in a drawer in your office, and lock your office door even if you are only stepping down the hall or teaching a class.
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Don't leave property unattended. It takes a thief only seconds to take your valuables. Many of the reported thefts have occurred when the victim was nearby.
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Identify your belongings. Put your name or other identifying marks somewhere in your textbooks. Engrave items that might interest a thief -- anything that is portable and valuable. Marking valuables is a proven way to discourage theft.
An engraver is available for marking personal property by contacting the Campus Police Department at 592-4911.
Walking the Campus
The Spartanburg Community College campus is active well into the evening hours due to the popularity of afternoon and evening classes with many students. The campus is well lit and the campus police and security officers make regular patrols during the evening hours to insure the safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Below are safety tips for evening students:
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Stay alert and don't be distracted! Be aware of your surroundings.
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Trust your instincts. Leave an area if you are uncomfortable.
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Walk facing traffic and walk only in areas that are well lit.
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Walk with friends or classmates whenever possible.
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Become familiar with the location of campus phones and call boxes.
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If you are uneasy about walking to your car after dark, call the Campus Police Department or Security and request an escort. They will be glad to assist you. (592-4911)
Car Problems
Campus police and security officers can assist students in need of minor road services. If your car needs to be jump-started the officer can help. Campus officers can pump up a flat tire. (Sorry, no flat tires can be changed, and officers cannot leave campus to assist). We will no longer be able to perform lockout service on your vehicle, but will assist you with contacting a qualified locksmith of your choice.
Access to Campus Facilities
After the last class of each day, campus buildings are locked. Students will not be allowed into buildings after hours without the faculty or staff member responsible for that area present to accompany the student. Entry will only be allowed after showing identification and signing the after hours log.
Crime Prevention
Spartanburg Community College's Campus Police Department offers programs dealing with crime prevention and safety. Information is provided to new students at orientation sessions and through college publications. Presentations on specific topics are made on request. Campus police officers are prepared to speak to students and faculty groups about safety issues. Program topics include campus crime, drugs, driving under the influence, criminal sexual conduct, self-defense and vehicle security. Videotapes are available upon request.
Drug & Alcohol Policy
Spartanburg Community College enforces a strong anti-drug and alcohol policy to prevent the illegal use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol on campus. A complete drug and alcohol policy is distributed to new students each semester. Copies are available at all times from Student Services or the Campus Police Department. Alcohol beverage consumption by anyone on campus is prohibited. Public displays of drunkenness or driving under the influence may be dealt with by referral for assessment in addition to any possible criminal prosecution. For further details, please refer to Spartanburg Technical Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Policy on Sexual Assault
Spartanburg Community College is dedicated to maintaining a campus environment that actively discourages and condemns violence of any kind. The College does not tolerate or ignore acts of sexual violence. A student charged with sexual assault on or off campus can be prosecuted under criminal statutes and disciplined under the College's code of student conduct. Campus prosecution may proceed with or without prosecution by local, state or federal authorities. Possible campus penalties include, but are not limited to, written reprimand, probation, conditional probation, definite suspension and indefinite suspension.
Reporting Sexual Assaults
Spartanburg Community College encourages students to report any incident of sexual assault on campus immediately to the Campus Police Department at (592-4911) or the vice-president of student affairs office at (592-4817 or 592-4806). These offices can also assist a student who is the victim of an assault off campus.
Campus Roadways and Parking Lots
All roadways and parking areas on the Spartanburg Community College campus are under the jurisdiction of the College's Campus Police Department. Enforcement of all state laws regarding highway safety is a primary responsibility and commitment of the Campus Police Department. The campus wide speed limit for roadways is 25 miles per hour. Parking areas are available for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Parking is only allowed in marked spaces. Accessible parking spaces are also provided convenient to each building.