Campus Safety Program

As the safety of College’s constituents is affected by various components associated with potential threats, specific components of the College’s comprehensive safety program have been identified through associated external regulations. The College is diligent in working toward maintaining full compliance and adherence to all related laws and regulations. Each specific component of the Comprehensive Safety Program follows the structure set forth above in administering each of the respective component programs. The following includes the components of the comprehensive safety program and respective policy and procedures for full implementation.

Safety Tips

Here are some suggestions to keep you safe while on campus at The Community College of Philadelphia:

• When working late, make sure doors are locked.
• Avoid using stairs in remote areas of the building.
• Never prop doors open.
• Keep belongings in an area that can be locked up, such as a desk or cabinet.
• Do not hold doors open for strangers when the building is closed for the evening.
• Let others know where you are when working late.
• Use the Security Escort Services provided by the Department of Safety and Security to walk you to your vehicle.
• Think of the “what ifs” and have a plan in mind.
• Do not be distracted while walking or jogging.
• Office personnel should have a plan in place for emergencies such as angry or volatile persons or domestic violation situations.
• Always roll your windows up and lock your car.
• Don’t leave valuables in plain view. Items left in the open attract thieves. Store them in the trunk if necessary.
• Engrave expensive accessories, such as car stereos and speaker systems, with your driver’s license number. This aids the police in tracing the stolen items.
• Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.
• Install an antitheft device that is highly visible, hard to defeat and renders the car inoperable.
• Drop a business card or address label in the map pockets of your doors.
• Don’t hide a spare key.
• Don’t leave important papers such a bank statements, credit card statements, and other important documents in your car.
• Photocopy your registration and insurance information and keep it in a safe place other your vehicle.
• Most importantly, be crime wise. Think of what you can do to protect your belongings ahead of time before you become a victim. Don’t become complacent.
• If you find your car has been burglarized, contact the Department of safety and Security immediately and try not to touch the vehicle. The more you touch your vehicle, the more you contaminate the crime scene.

 If you are confronted by an armed robber:

• Do not resist.
• Look at the robber but do not stare. This will enable you to provide a description to the police later.
• Assure the robber you are complying with his or her demands.
• Move slowly – avoid quick movements.
• Carry only as much cash and credit cards as you will need for the occasion.
• Take a cab to move about the city or travel in groups.
• Report any incidents to the Department of Safety and Security or if off campus to the local law enforcement authorities.

Protecting yourself against sexual assault:

• If you are being victimized by a person who is attempting to sexually assault you, take the following steps to stop the assault from progressing. Remember that the goal is survival.
• Stall for time. Figure out your options. Each situation is different. Decide if you will fight, try to talk your way out of the assault, scream, or, if necessary for your survival, submit.
• If you fight, hit hard and fast. Target the eyes and groin.
• Try to dissuade the attacker from continuing. Tell him you have a sexually transmitted disease, tell him you are menstruating, urinate, vomit, or do anything to discourage the attacker.

Protecting yourself against stalking:

• In recent years society has become more aware of the dangers of stalking. Stalking, under PA law, is repeated harassment that could or does cause the victim to feel intimidated, threatened, or frightened. While it is difficult to prevent stalking from occurring, you can take steps to prevent it from continuing.
• If you are a victim of stalking, report this to Campus Department of Safety and Security or local police department, even if you do not know if you will be filing charges.
• Gather information to help your case, such as taped recordings of threatening phone calls, license plate state and number, description of vehicle, a personal description, and a detailed listing of any contacts the stalker makes with you.
• Follow up in court. Take out court order and/or file a civil lawsuit against the stalker for damages resulting from the stalker’s behavior.
• If the stalking continues after the anti-stalking order has been sent, contact the police. No method of crime prevention is guaranteed to work 100 percent of the time. However, in taking these steps, you are removing the opportunity from would be criminals, and you will be less likely to be victimized. Be smart. Learn these steps, and make them a habit in your life.

Protect yourself from Date Rape Drugs:

• Never leave your drink unattended. Date rape drugs can be slipped into any type of drink and they are odorless.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Watch bartenders pour your drink.
• Attend parties and bars with friends who will be with you throughout the evening.
• Have a designated driver arranged before going out to a party. The designated driver doesn’t consume any alcohol or illegal substances.
• If you think your drink has been tampered with, seek medical attention right away and request the hospital conduct a toxicology test.