Security Policy

Rockford College strives to maintain a safe campus environment for students, staff and visitors. As part of that effort, the Campus Security Department, operates from the Physical Plant 24 hours a day. The objectives are as follows:

• To protect the safety of persons at Rockford College against criminal acts and accident.
• To protect property of the College and its students, staff and visitors against loss or damage from any cause.
• To enforce Rockford College rules and regulations (i.e., traffic, fire, energy conservation, natural disaster, medical emergencies) intended to protect life and property.
• To help determine and apprehend persons suspected of criminal acts or violations of College policy against community members and the College.
• To offer visitors and members of the College community assistance which promotes smooth operation of the College and projects a positive image.

The Office of Campus Security should be contacted for all emergencies by dialing extension 4060 or 0 (operator) from any campus telephone or by dialing 226-4060 from an off-campus or pay telephone.

Residence Life Staff are also available to assist you in an emergency and in contacting Campus Security.

If incidents occur where College property is damaged or the safety and welfare of people is at risk, the campus operator, in cooperation and consultation with Campus Security, will contact the appropriate emergency agency (police department, fire department or ambulance) if assistance is needed.

Security and Access to Campus Facilities

The Rockford College campus is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., except in specific instances where registered groups have received permission for the hours to be extended. Campus hours are posted at both entrances to campus.

Campus Security has sole responsibility for locking and unlocking the main exterior doors of academic and support buildings. Access to these buildings outside normal hours requires written permission of a faculty or staff member supervising the activity.

The Residence Halls are locked 24 hours a day. Students gain access to their residences with a room key or outside door key. Campus Security personnel and the residence hall staff on duty make periodic rounds to ensure that campus buildings are being secured and that safety equipment is in the proper location and functional. Students should not prop doors open and should report any such incident to their Resident Advisor and/or to Campus Security. Forcible or unauthorized entry into any building, structure, facility or room on property owned or controlled by Rockford College is forbidden. Improper use of designated exits also is forbidden. Violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including separation from the College.

Our Relationship with Local Authorities

The Rockford College Campus Security Department maintains a working relationship with the Rockford Police and Fire Departments. Campus Security and campus operators maintain telephone contact with appropriate outside emergency agencies.

Campus Security personnel are authorized to detain individuals for questioning or further action as may be determined appropriate by the Rockford Police or Fire Departments. Campus Security will assist the Rockford Police and/or Fire Department in their duties at their request.

Campus Security does not have the authority to arrest individuals, but may sign complaints with the Rockford Police Department or other authorities on behalf of the College. A written report will be made on incidents where Campus Security is called for assistance. The victim(s) will be encouraged to file a report with the Rockford Police Department or other appropriate authorities.

Campus Safety and Security

Campus safety and security are growing issues at Colleges across the country. At Rockford College, your personal safety is our prime concern. There are very few incidents of crime on the Rockford College campus because of the cooperative efforts of our Campus Security and members of the College community. With your help, we can maintain a safe environment. The purpose of this information is to educate you about safety and to help you protect yourself. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Campus Security in the Marland Physical Plant building or the staff in the Student Services Office in Burpee Center. Your input in creating a safe community is always welcome.

You Can Help Keep Our Crime Rate Low

Rockford College enjoys a low crime rate because we encourage our students to exercise safety precautions on campus as if they were in a large city with a high crime rate. As a caring community, we strive to be proactive and take measures to reduce the likelihood that an incident will occur. Below are some suggestions we encourage you to follow.

• Take the best-lighted route to your destination.
• Never walk alone; walk in pairs or small groups. Call the Student Escort Service or Campus Security for an escort, if you prefer.
• Have your keys out. Be prepared to enter your vehicle, residence hall or academic building when you arrive at your destination. Many victims are caught while they search for keys. Report to Physical Plant burned-out lights, buildings where doors are propped open and areas which need to have the brush and trees trimmed so these can be taken care of in a timely manner.
• Report suspicious individuals or circumstances to Campus Security and/or a College official immediately. We will have the situation checked out.
• If you are followed onto campus, drive directly to Physical Plant and seek immediate assistance from Campus Security.
• Always lock your residence hall room and/or vehicle. If your door is unlocked or has been tampered with, contact Campus Security before you enter the room or vehicle.
• Do not give your name, residence, or telephone number to people you do not know well.
• Never go to help someone you don't know until you have a "buddy" to assist you. You never know what the person calling for help may do.
• Always trust your instinct. Listen to your gut feelings. They are almost always right! Use your eyes, your ears and then your feet. If you are being pursued, run to an area where other people are-a classroom when classes are in session, the cafeteria, a residence hall, etc.

Crime Statistics

Statistical information about crime at Rockford College from the U.S. Dept. of Education.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Accident and Injury Reports

When someone has an accident or is injured on campus, Campus Security (226-4060) should be contacted. It is imperative that an ACCIDENT/INJURY REPORT be completed immediately and forwarded to Lang Center and the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration. The form should be completed even if no medical attention is sought.

Coordination of Disaster Operations

Coordination of disaster operations will be from Physical Plant. The Director of Physical Plant serves as disaster director, assisted by the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Fire Regulations

In the event of a fire alarm, instructors are responsible for evacuating classrooms. They should direct students to the nearest exit and go with them to a distance of at least 100 feet from the building. No one may return to the building until directed to do so by campus security.

In the event of a fire alarm in the residence halls, students should follow the fire evacuation procedures as posted on the back of each residence hall door.
Anyone discovering a fire should pull the nearest fire alarm, notify the campus operator of its location, use the fire extinguisher if the fire is not out of control and carry out evacuation procedures. When help arrives notify these personnel of the location of fire.

ALL members of the College community and any guests on campus are required to evacuate when the fire alarm sounds. Windows and doors should be closed. Fire-fighting equipment is to be used only as necessary. Abuse or misuse must be reported to the Director of Physical Plant immediately so that it may be restored to useful condition without delay.

Reporting of False Emergencies

The intentional false report of a bomb, fire, or other emergency condition in any College facility or on property controlled by the College is prohibited. The maximum sanctions available under this Code shall be considered in disciplinary action against violators.

Alteration or Misuse of Emergency/Safety Equipment

The alteration or misuse of any fire fighting equipment; safety equipment; protective devices, including security cars and Physical Plant equipment designed for such purpose; or other emergency devices is prohibited.

Severe Weather Warning Procedures

In the event that the National Weather Service issues a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM or a TORNADO WARNING, the campus community will be notified of the warning by Campus Security.

Non-Residential and Classroom Buildings

Individuals should move to the lowest possible level, away from windows and doors, when alerted to do so. Interior hallways and bathrooms are the safest areas.
• Starr Science Building - Move to Peterson Auditorium or the Small Science Auditorium.
• Scarborough Hall - Move to the restrooms located by Severson Auditorium.
• Seaver Physical Education Building - Move to the Men' s locker room.
• Clark Arts Center - Move to the Green Room.
• Colman Library - Move to the lower level.
• Fisher Memorial Chapel - Move to the inner sanctuary.
• Lang Center - Move to interior restrooms.
• Marland Physical Plant - Move to the women's restroom.
• Burpee Center - Move to the lower level.

Residence Halls

The operator will contact the Resident advisor and Senior staff member on call.
• Cummings Complex - The laundry room and the hallway from the Living Center to Barnes Hall and the first floor hallway in Talcott Hall.
• Johnson Complex - In the middle part of the first floor hallway with the doors to each room/suite closed, or in the first floor common area bathroom.
• Kent Complex - In the middle portion of the first floor hallway with the doors to each room/suite closed, or in the first floor common area bathroom.
• McGaw Hall - The stairwell on the lowest possible level, or the vending area, study lounge and bathrooms on first floor.