On behalf of Public Safety, I am extending a warm welcome back to all of our students, faculty, and staff. As we kick off the fall semester, here are a few things to pass along from the Department:
- Over the past few weeks, there have been several incidences of graffiti around campus. As a reminder, if you witness any person(s) placing graffiti on a campus building or other structure, please contact Public Safety immediately. You should also contact Public Safety if you discover any graffiti on campus. Remember, you can report any non-emergency anonymously by calling the Crime Action Line (843)953-4998 or by filling out a Silent Witness form on our website.
- Most of you have probably seen information sent from Public Safety titled, “Timely Warning” or “Community Notification”. What exactly are these notifications and how are they different from a Cougar Alert?
- Timely Warning– an official notification of criminal activity relating to specific, enumerated crimes made to the College community, consistent with the guidelines of the Code of Federal Regulations and the Department of Education’s Clery Act.
- Community Notification– a notification which, in the interest of information and safety may be issued to the College community concerning crimes or occurrences on campus, off-campus or on public property, that are not enumerated in the Code of Federal Regulations or the Clery Act, but are considered serious enough that the release of information concerning the event is warranted.
- Cougar Alert– the College’s mass notification system used to send out information requiring immediate attention from the campus community. These alerts may range from a school closing, weather emergencies, gas leaks, or an active shooter.
- As a member of the College of Charleston community, it is important to familiarize yourself with local laws. The Charleston Police Department enforces several city ordinances on campus and in the surrounding areas.
- The Bicycle Parking Ordinance aims to keep sidewalks clear and safe by prohibiting locking bicycles to light poles, parking meters, signs, etc. Check out this interactive map to see where you can safely and legally secure your bike. You may also secure your bicycle to any bike rack on campus. The Department of Public Safety recommends using a u-lock rather than a cable or chain lock.
- The Skateboard Ordinance regulates the operation of skateboards and designates which streets you can and cannot skateboard on. You can view the restricted streets on this skateboard use map. Whether you are on a bicycle or skateboard, remember to abide all traffic laws, use appropriate hand signals, and keep to the right side of the road.
- The Noise Ordinance is in place to protect the quality of life of Charleston City’s residents and visitors. The ordinance prohibits “clamorous singing, yelling, shouting, whooping, bellowing, hollering, or other loud, obstreperous, wanton and unnecessary noises” in addition to operating a vehicle in a way that emits excessive noise. The ordinance also restricts playing loud music, specifically between the hours of 11:00pm and 7:00am.
- Public Safety is partnering with the Office of Student Life, Office of Victim Services, and Residence Life & Housing to sponsor a program entitled, Speaking of Sex. This is an “interactive and engaging program especially for college students on sexual communication & date rape.” This event will be held on August 27, 2014 at 7:00pm in the Stern Center Ballroom and is open to CofC students only. For more information, please contact Dr. Susan Payment at 843-953-2291 or payments@cofc.edu.
- As part of September’s National Campus Safety Awareness Month, Public Safety will be hosting several town hall meetings for the campus community. This is a great opportunity to meet your Public Safety officers, ask questions, and share suggestions, comments, and concerns. As always, I encourage you to actively participate in safety and security around campus, so I anticipate a good turnout! All sessions will be held in Stern Center room 206. Refreshments and snacks will be served. Below are the date and times for the town hall meetings:
- 9/09/14 3:30pm Student session
- 9/17/14 12pm Faculty session
- 9/23/14 2:30pm Staff session
- Public Safety will be holding a R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) class this fall. R.A.D. is a series of self-defense classes for women. This program will be open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Please stop by Public Safety headquarters or email RAD@cofc.edu to sign up. Below are the dates and times for the fall class:
FALL 2014
9/08 5pm- 8pm
9/10 5pm- 8pm
9/15 5pm- 8pm
9/17 5pm- 8pm
- Be social with us! If you have not already, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for departmental news, upcoming events, and other important information. If you are having trouble accessing our pages, please make sure you are signed into your social media account.
Crime Prevention Tip: Keep a written record of valuables, including descriptions and serial numbers. These are proof that the property is yours and will aid in the reporting process and recovery. You can also register your items by bringing them to Public Safety.