Campus Safety Guide/Campus Crime Statistics

This information has been prepared to increase awareness of efforts to protect your safety and well-being as a member of the Tacoma Community College campus community. Portions are also provided in compliance with the Federal Student Right-to Know and Campus Security Act, which requires the college to distribute this information to all students and employees annually.

SECURITY

The Tacoma Community College Office of Safety and Security is located in Bldg. 18. Security has authority to enforce provisions of the Washington Administrative Code, and campus officers will respond to any incident involving crimes against property and persons on campus. The office coordinates with police agencies and fire departments in investigating crimes and responding to accidents and other medical crises. In addition, designated campus personnel qualified in first aid are available on campus.

REPORTING EMERGENCIES

In the event of an on-campus emergency, call Security at 5111 on a campus office phone or hall phone, or 253.566.5111 from an off-campus or pay telephone. If the line is busy or there is no answer, call the Tacoma Police Department at 911 from a campus office phone or 911 from off-campus or pay telephones. Emergency 911 may be reached from hall phones (there may be a 3-5 second delay -- DO NOT HANG UP!).

CRIME AWARENESS AND SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Several campus programs and services are designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security. The Human Resources Department provides an orientation for new employees. Refresher crime awareness and security training is conducted regularly in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and building safety representatives. Entering students are provided with campus security information during the college's New Student Orientation program.

Each instructor is responsible for the safe conduct of their classes and will explain any hazards that may be involved, rules to be followed and precautions to be observed. The briefings are dependent upon the nature of the class and are given in the appropriate phase of the course. Classroom instructors explain procedures to be taken in case of a fire, including the exit route from the building. Instructors in physical education courses, laboratories and shops pay particular attention to potential hazards and precautions.

The Counseling Department has numerous pamphlets that address crime prevention, safety awareness and personal safety. In addition, campus security officers routinely provide orientations to those classes or students who request the service. In accordance with provisions of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-570) and its amendments of 1989, TCC provides substance abuse education, resources, information and referrals focusing on the prevention and treatment of substance abuse. Information on the college's substance abuse program is available in the Counseling Center, Bldg. 7, 253.566.5122. This information covers the many health risks associated with the use and abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol, which include liver damage, heart disease, ulcers, brain damage, malnutrition, cancer, and damage to a developing fetus. These risks may adversely affect the learning environment, work and personal life. Information on additional resources for employees is available in the Human Resources Office, Bldg. 18, 253.566.5349.

ACCESS TO COLLEGE FACILITIES

Access to college Facilities is governed by the policies of the Board of Trustees of Tacoma Community College, Chapter VIII "College Facilities." For more information call 253.566.5152.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Violations of this policy by any student may result in disciplinary warning, reprimand, probation, suspension or expulsion. Violations by employees may result in referral for mandatory evaluation/treatment for substance abuse disorder or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. In addition, state and federal laws make possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol a crime subject to imprisonment, fine or both.

ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL DRUG POLICIES

It is the college's intent to provide a drug-free, healthful, safe and secure work environment and to comply with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 (Public Law 99-570, Title IV, Sub-Title B) and its amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226). The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in and on Tacoma Community College owned or controlled property. The use of alcohol is permitted only when a banquet permit is obtained and approval is obtained from the President or designee. The policies related to alcohol and drug use are contained in the Code of Student Right and Responsibilities and are available for staff through Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copies of the annual crime report may be requested from the TCC Security Office, Bldg. 18, 253.566.5111. The TCC Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy and student records policies are available in the office of the Associate Vice President for Student Services, Bldg. 7, 253.566.5115 or at http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesforstudents/studentpolicies.aspx

TACOMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE ANNUAL CRIME STATISTICS

These statistics are compiled by the Tacoma Community College Office of Safety and Security. More detailed information is available in the Security Office in Building 18 on the TCC campus, phone 253.566.5111 or at: http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/Search.asp.

TCC is committed to making the campus community aware of any Level 3 sex offenders who may enroll through the college. Notices are posted in public areas and on the bulletin board near the Security Office in Building 18. Information on sex offenders in the surrounding area is available on the Pierce County Sheriff's Office web page at: http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/sheriff/default.htm