Safety & Security
Crime Awareness and Campus Security
In 1990, the United States Congress enacted 20 U.S.C. 1092, “The Student
Right to Know and Campus Security Act.” The Act require s
each institution of higher education to prepare, publish and distribute to all
students and employees an annual security report by October 1,
which contains:
- statements of various College policies and procedures regarding campus security measures.
- a statement about where to obtain information on registered sex offenders who may be enrolled or employed by the college.
- statistical reports identifying the occurrence of specific criminal offenses and the number of arrests for those crimes occurring on college campuses.
Safety is maintained through the promotion of basic respect for individual
rights and personal property at all campuses. The responsibility for creating
a secure environment is shared by the entire College community—students,
faculty and staff .
Delaware County Community College provides this information to fulfill its legal obligation, as well as to help maintain a safe and secure campus environment. The report contains valuable information that you are encouraged to read .
Any questions about the contents of this report or campus security in general may be directed to the Security Office at 610-359-5303.
Introduction
The main campus of Delaware County Community College is situated on a 123 -
acre suburban location off Route 252 between Media and Newtown
Square in Marple Township, Pennsylvania. Major satellite campuses are the Malin
Road Center, Exton Center, Southeast Center and the Chester County Campus.
DCCC complies with federal, state and local laws including, but not limited
to, those which regulate the possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages,
illegal
drugs and weapons, sexual assault, destruction of College equipment and buildings,
theft, gambling and disorderly conduct. All of these items are forbidden.
Department of Safety and Security
Located on the main campus in Marple Township, the Department of Security and Safety coordinates all security activities. The Main Campus Security and Safety Department personnel consist of twelve uniformed college security officers, one Security/Safety Senior Lead Officer,one part-time and two full time operators/dispatchers and a Security Director. A contracted security company provides reception, special event assistance and regular security staff assistance when vacancies may occur. The department provides security services 24 hours per day, seven days a week at the Marple Main campus. A security officer is on duty at the Malin Road Center, Southeast Center, Exton center and Downingtown Campus during operational hours. All DCCC officers are certified in CPR/AED . The College Health Center on the Main Campus has a nurse on duty until 9 p.m. when classes are in session. Injured or disabled persons requiring medical treatment are transported to Riddle Memorial or Springfield Hospitals by Marple ambulance.
Security/Safety Department Scope of Authority
The Safety and Security Department is not a police agency. Its authority is the same as any other private citizen. Security officers do not have the authority to make arrests. Security officers who have valid Pennsylvania State Act 235 certification can detain persons observed committing criminal offenses until the local police arrive. Security officers are not permitted to carry or use weapons of any kind.
Working Relationship with Local Law Enforcement Authorities
The working relationship with local police departments is limited to the reporting of crimes and information sharing. The working relationship with the Pennsylvania State Police is limited to an annual report submitted by the College for inclusion in the Pennsylvania state publication, Annual Uniform Crime Report. Crime statistic information is requested on a monthly basis from the various police departments with respect to crimes that may have occurred on public property contiguous to DCCC sites. Letters are sent annually to the appropriate police departments with jurisdiction over College sites. Police departments are not mandated to provide crime statistic information to the College.
Security/Safety Assistance and Escort Services
DCCC ’s Department of Security and Safety provides on campus escorts, upon request, at locations where security officers are present. Security/Safety officers at all campuses will also assist individuals who have locked themselves out of their vehicle and those who may need a battery jump.
Plant Operations
Buildings and grounds are maintained with consideration given to safety and
security. Parking areas are well lit and repairs are made promptly. The Plant
Operations Department investigates all reports that might affect the safety
and security of the campus and repairs deficiencies efficiently.
Environmental, Safety and Health Committee
The purpose of the ESH Committee is to promote a safe educational environment for the College community. The committee, which meets on a monthly basis, is composed of representatives from the faculty, support staff and administration. General safety conditions, concerns and procedures are reviewed to enhance overall campus safety. Injury reports are reviewed to identify contributing factors that can be reduced or eliminated, preventing future injuries.
Communication
The College maintains an extensive communication network to inform students of issues, events and policy changes. The network for students consists of the weekly Student Information Service (SIS) bulletin, the Student Handbook, Television Information System (TVIS), student information bulletin boards, college web site www.dccc.edu and informational programs that deal with topics such as, but not limited to, alcohol and illegal drug use, date rape, etc. The communication network for employees includes a weekly newsletter, special “E” letters to all employees, employee bulletin boards and the college web site . The Safety and Security Department provides safety and security tips for publication in the weekly student and employee newsletters.