With the campus quieting down, here are a few things to pass along from Public Safety:
- Earlier this month, the Department of Public Safety released a Timely Warning in reference to a motor vehicle theft that occurred on campus. Although there is no way to eliminate crime, there are several risk reduction strategies you may choose to adopt. Never leave the vehicle running while unattended. Be sure to park in well-lit areas and avoid leaving valuable property inside your vehicle. Most importantly, always lock your vehicle. Trends in auto thefts indicate that over half of vehicles stolen are left unlocked at the time of theft.
- If you are a student, faculty, or staff member who will be on campus over the summer, it is imperative that your bicycle is registered with Public Safety. We are approaching the beginning phases of the annual summer bicycle removal, and must determine which bicycles have been abandoned. By registering your bicycle, we are able to contact you if needed, and the bike will be accounted for. Bicycles may be registered at Public Safety at any time, free of charge. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at (843)953-4980.
- The Department of Public Safety offers an on-campus escort system that is available 24 hours days, seven days a week for your safety. To utilize this service, please contact the Public Safety Dispatch at (843) 953-5609 and request an officer escort you to your destination. Note: This service is primarily intended for on-campus travel. Safety escorts can only be guaranteed for on- campus requests. Off-campus requests will be done at the discretion of the shift supervisor. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe please call us.
- Note: This service is primarily intended for on-campus travel. Safety escorts can only be guaranteed for on- campus requests. Off-campus requests will be done at the discretion of the shift supervisor. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, please call us.
- South Carolina Hurricane Awareness Week is quickly approaching. According to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states in the nation to be impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. As we are in the midst of hurricane season, please be sure to stay educated on proper hurricane preparedness. You can pick up a copy of the Charleston County Hurricane Preparedness Guide at Public Safety headquarters, or visit the South Carolina Emergency Management Division website. Anyone with questions, please contact Randy Beaver, Director of Environmental Health and Safety.
- Please ensure that your contact information is up to date for the Cougar Alert system. You can access the Cougar Alert system by going to MyCharleston. More information on the steps to updating your information can be found here.
- 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:
Avoid storing spare house keys in your vehicle. If your car is left unlocked or broken into, the suspect will then have access to your home. Documents such as vehicle insurance and registration contain your address, thus leading the suspect to your living quarters. Leaving a house key in the vehicle could prompt a secondary crime.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Take Care and Be Safe,
PSO Madeline M. Sloan
Crime Prevention Specialist
Department of Public Safety
Office of the President
89 St. Philip Street
Charleston, SC 29424
(843)953-5609
