Crime Prevention

Often people contribute to crimes of opportunity by needlessly placing themselves or their property at risk. Prevention efforts can be effective in reducing the opportunities for criminal activity. The following list is a compilation of tips devoted to crime prevention:

• Do not prop open residence hall doors.
• Do not leave personal property unattended.
• Report suspicious individuals to security.
• Keep your room locked at all times.
• At night, always walk in groups of at least two.
• Stay on main walkways.
• Become familiar with locations of emergency phones.
• Remove valuables from your car and lock it.
• Engrave your valuables.
• Attend college-sponsored programs on self-defense.
• Always carry your college identification card.
• Be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you.

Residential Life and the Wellness Center offer a variety of group discussions and presentations related to safety and security awareness throughout the academic year.

If you assume responsibility for your own safety first and encourage others to do the same, the opportunities for crime are drastically reduced.

Your Role

A high percentage of campus crimes are incidents of opportunity. Often students contribute to situational crimes by needlessly placing themselves or their property at risk. Crime will occur whenever there is opportunity, but prevention efforts can be effective in reducing these opportunities. You play an essential role in crime prevention efforts. Be cautious, careful, and alert to your own safety; protect your possessions and college property.

Campus Facility Access

At Columbia College most buildings are open only when classes are in session or during regular business hours. Residence halls are always locked and residents must have their card access key to enter. Guests may enter only when accompanied by a resident.

Employees who have a key to a campus building and desire to work after hours are encouraged to contact Campus Safety to let the officers know where they are. Persons who do not have a key and need access must have an after hours pass signed by the department head or director as well as their student or employee ID card.

An authorized individual entering or leaving a locked building will not allow any unauthorized individual to enter the building. Authorized personnel may have guests with them as long as the guest stays near faculty and staff members who have an assigned key and the authorized individual assumes full responsibility for their presence. An individual entering or leaving a secured building shall be responsible for checking the door to ensure that it is latched behind them.

The theft or loss of assigned keys should be reported immediately to the person who issued you the keys. Do not lend your keys to anyone. You are solely responsible for the keys.