Campus safety and security is everyone’s responsibility. Students, faculty, staff, visitors, and the College Police share a partnership to create a safe and conducive learning environment.

One essential ingredient of any successful crime prevention program is an informed public. Southwestern Community College District seeks to inform students, faculty, and staff members in a timely manner of any criminal activity or security problem that may pose a reasonable threat to their safety. Such information will be distributed to students through this report, newsletters, posted notices, District email, student publications, the District’s website, and through emergency and timely warning notification. The College Police Department posts crime alerts and other safety information on its website.

All students, faculty, and staff members are encouraged to remain alert and security conscious. Notify College Police of any crime or suspicious activity by calling (619)482-6380.

As part of the community-oriented policing philosophy, the College Police Department offers crime prevention and safety tips to the District’s faculty, staff, and students through presentations. Anyone interested in having an Officer speak to his or her classroom or group should contact the College Police at (619)482-6380.

All crime prevention and security awareness programs encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and that of others. Participants in these programs are asked to be alert, security-conscious and involved. For additional questions regarding crime prevention, contact the College Police Department directly at (619)482-6380.

Active Bystanders: Bystanders play a critical role in the prevention of sexual assault and relationship violence. Bystanders are individuals who observe violence or the conditions that perpetuate violence. They are not directly involved but have the choice to intervene, speak up or otherwise dissuade violence without causing additional harm or encouraging further violence.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, dial 6691 from a campus phone or call 911. This could be when a person is yelling, threatening or being physically abusive toward another. Situations involving violence or the threat of violence are emergency situations and the College Police or local law enforcement should be notified immediately.

Active Bystander Tips:

• Watch out for friends, fellow students, college employees or others. Inquire if they look like they could be in trouble or need help. Ask if they are OK. Call the College Police if in doubt.
• Confront persons who appear to be preying on others such as taking advantage of a person who is intoxicated or unable to consent. This could include attempts to seclude or separate an incapacitated victim or have sexual contact with such a person. 
• Speak up and confront others who discuss or desire to take sexual advantage of another person.
• Believe victims who disclose sexual assault, domestic or dating violence or stalking behavior.
• Report crimes, violence and threats of violence to College Police immediately. Identify what is occurring, the exact location, how many persons are involved, if any weapons are present, injuries, and descriptions of assailants and their vehicles.
• Trust your instincts. If it appears wrong or suspicious then calling the College Police or making an intervention could be the only thing that prevents a victim from being traumatized or brutalized.