Garden City Community College
Safety and Security Annual Report
For 2002
September 17, 2003
And Security
The Student Code of Conduct, which is located in the GCCC handbook and catalog, and other appropriately published rules of conduct play an important role in the college’s commitment to provide for the safety and security of all its community members. Failure of students, faculty, staff or student organizations to comply with duly established laws or college regulations may subject violator(s) to appropriate action by college or other appropriate civil authorities. Such action might include referral to college disciplinary processes and even the possibility of arrest. Garden City Community College does not attempt to shelter students or employees from federal, state or local laws.
Garden City Community College values the health and safety of every individual on campus and expects its students to treat other persons with respect and dignity. Any behavior, which causes the sexual abuse/assault of another person, will not be tolerated, is a violation of the College’s Student Code of Conduct, and may result in sanctions ranging from probation to expulsion. Disciplinary action on the part of the College does not preclude the possibility of criminal charges against the individual. The term sexual assault as used by the College is synonymous with sexual battery (also referred to as rape). Sexual battery is a violation of state law, and defined as the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by, or union with, the sexual organ of another or the anal or vaginal penetration by another with any other object. (Kansas Statute, 21-3517). Sexual assault may take many forms including gang rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, and stranger rape. Sexual assault can occur any time of the day or night. Both men and women have been sexually assaulted by strangers, people whom they have known and trusted, and people whom they have dated.
• Get to a safe place. For your protection, call Safety & Security or the police immediately, especially if the assailant is still nearby. Safety & Security will assist you whether or not you choose to prosecute the assailant. Call a friend or family member for support or the GCCC Counseling Center is available to assist you. Also, a number of college personnel are willing and able to assist in reporting assaults to the proper authorities. • Get medical attention immediately. The primary purpose of a medical examination is to check for physical injury, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy as a result of the assault. The secondary purpose of a medical examination is to aid in the police investigation and legal proceedings.
• Don’t bathe or douche. Bathing or douching might be the first thing you want to do. But don’t, even though you may want to. You might literally be washing away valuable evidence. Wait until you have a medical examination. • Save your clothing. It is all right to change clothes, but save what you were wearing. Place each item of clothing in a separate paper bag and save for the police. Your clothing could be used as evidence for prosecution. • Reporting the incident to the Police. It is up to you, but reporting is not the same thing as prosecution. Prosecution can be determined later. To contact the Police call 911, or Safety & Security at 603. Again, college personnel are willing and able to assist you in reporting assaults to the proper authorities. If you are a victim of a sexual assault and decide not to notify Safety & Security or the police, please secure medical attention and contact any of the victim support resources listed in this publication.
Many sexual assault cases go unreported because the victim fears retaliation or possible humiliation if word gets around she/he has been the victim of a sex offense. Victims tend to feel guilty as though they did something to bring it on themselves and often keep the incident to themselves or share some of the incident with a close friend. While this might be helpful in the immediate sense, we encourage you to talk to a knowledgeable counselor about your reactions to being victimized. The various services on and off campus available to all victims of violent acts are designed to assist in overcoming the trauma of the attack and proceeding with their goals and responsibilities.
Safety and Security
Physical Plant Building
9-276-9603
GCCC Counseling Center
Library
9-276-9638
9-276-9635
9-276-9640
SW Kansas Regional Prevention Center
Student Center
624
Area Mental Health Center
9-276-7689
Family Crisis Hotline
9-275-5911
Alcohol/Drug Abuse 24 hour Help Line
9-1-800-252-6465
Alcoholics Anonymous
9-276-7011
Fernandez & Martin AOD Counselors
9-275-8880
New Chance Inc.
9-276-0840
U R O K Inc.
Outpatient Chemical Dependency
9-271-0005
Valley Hope Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center
9-1-800-544-5101
National Hotline Numbers
9-1-800-COCAINE
9-1-800-363-2287 (Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline)
9-1-800-662-HELP (directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment centers)
9-1-800-342-AIDS
9-1-800-241-9746 National Drug Abuse Hotline
9-1-800-SAY-NO-TO National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
9-1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Law Enforcement Agencies
Emergency 911
Non-emergency 9-272-3700
Emergency 911
Non-emergency 9-276-1300
What Victims of Sexual Assault Can Expect From the Safety & Security Department
It is the intent of Garden City Community College and the Safety & Security Department to insure that sexual assault victims are afforded sensitivity and maximum humane consideration.
• Officers will treat a victim with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity and understanding.
• Officers will act thoughtfully without prejudging or blaming a victim.
• Officers will inform a victim of services available both on and off campus.
• Officers will answer a victim’s questions at any time and will explain the criminal justice system and process.
• Officers will diligently assist any local, state and federal authority investigating the assault and will keep a victim informed on the progress of the case.
• A victim’s name and identifying information will be withheld from the public and the press, in accordance with Kansas open records laws.
What Can You Do If Someone You Know Has Been Sexually Assaulted
If you know someone who has been sexually assaulted, you can be of help. In the aftermath of a sexual assault, the victim may be experiencing fear, insecurity and frustration and may need care and support from others. You, as a friend (or spouse or family member), can play an important role by providing reassurance and support.
Allow your friend to reflect upon what has happened and the feelings experienced, but do not press for details. Let her/him set the pace. Listening is one of the best things you can do at this time. In short, be a trusted friend.
If your friend has not received medical attention, encourage her/him to do so. Know that there is a possibility the medical facility will notify the police. However, it is up to your friend to make the final decision as to whether a formal police report will be initiated.
You can be a valuable resource to your friend by seeking out and providing information that will assist in understanding available options. For example, you can let your friend know that reporting the rape and collecting evidence does not automatically lock her/him into pursuing prosecution of the offender. What it does do is assist the police in identifying the method and possible identity of the assailant. Since rapists tend to rape more than once, any information that can be provided may prevent the sexual assault of someone else.
Making the decision to report a sexual assault and to undergo the subsequent processes of evidence collection and possible judicial proceedings will be very difficult for your friend. Although it is only natural that you will want to give advice, you must avoid trying to control the situation. A sexual assault victim needs to regain control and must be allowed to make her/his own decisions.
Whatever decisions are made, your friend needs to know that she/he will not be judged, disapproved of or rejected by you. The sexual assault victim suffers a significant degree of physical and emotional trauma both during and immediately following the rape that can continue for a long time. By being patient, supportive and non-judgmental, you can provide a safe accepting climate into which your friend can release painful feelings.
Sometimes friends or family members take the sexual assault of a loved one very personally, almost as if the assault had happened to them, losing perspective and sight of the real victim. They feel resentment or anger and unleash this anger on the victim and everyone else in general. Sometimes their sense of frustration and helplessness is pitted against a powerful urge for revenge.
Do not make the mistake of discounting or ignoring your emotional responses. It is very important to realize that you too are responding to an unwanted crisis. You are trying to understand what has happened and adjust to unfamiliar realities. Therefore, do not hesitate to take advantage of support services in your community, which offer counseling for sexual assault victims and their significant others.
You may be asked to testify in judicial proceedings regarding your friend’s remarks, actions and state of mind, especially if you were one of the first people she/he approached. Jotting down a few notes may prove to be of benefit later.
Crimes of Violence and the Campus Judicial System
Because of the seriousness of the violation and the consequences to the victims of sexual assault, Garden City Community College and the Safety & Security Department are committed to providing prevention services, educational programming, procedures that encourage reporting of sexual assault incidents and support services for victims.
An individual who is harmed by a violent act committed by a student in violation of the Student Code of Conduct at Garden City Community College may receive special consideration through the office of Dean of Student Services. Acts of violence include, but are not limited to:
Sexual assault Physical assault Relationship violence Stalking and harassment Threatening to commit acts of violence against another
Victims are given options concerning how or whether to proceed with an alleged incident of violence within the student judicial process; however, the Dean of Student Services can proceed with judicial action without the victim’s consent in order to protect the safety and well being of the college community. The three options available to victims with-in the college’s student judicial process include:
1. The victim asks for an investigation to be undertaken. If the evidence indicates substantiation, conduct charges are filed against the accused student. The victim is called as a witness in a student judicial hearing.
2. The victim files a report with the Dean of Student Services and requests that a discussion takes place with the accused student about the alleged incident. Information identifying the victim will not be released during the discussion.
3. The victim files a report with the Dean of Student Services and affidavits are obtained to preserve the testimony of witnesses in the event that the victim and the college may want to pursue an action in the future. This option is provided to the victim with their understanding that in crimes of violence, especially sexual assault, timeliness is very important for the preservation of physical evidence as well as oral testimony.
Victims of violence whose cases are handled by the Dean of Student Services will be provided the following to the extent feasible:
• freedom from intimidation and harassment on campus after the reporting of an alleged incident including, but not limited to,
reassignment of classes and class schedules • information describing both the criminal and campus judicial processes; • information concerning the status of the case as it proceeds through the student judicial process; • information concerning the availability of counseling and medical services as well as academic assistance aimed at retaining the victim as a member of the college community; • treatment in a dignified and compassionate manner by representatives of the college community; • ability to remain present throughout the evidentary portion of the judicial hearing; • presence of a person who agrees to accompany the victim throughout any investigation or campus judicial proceeding for the purpose of providing support; • with a licensed health care professional’s recommendation, in cases of sexual assault/abuse or relationship violence, the ability to testify from another room provided that it does not interfere with the accused student’s right to question the accuser or a witness. • ability to submit proposed questions for all witnesses in advance of the hearing with the understanding that the hearing officer/chair will determine the appropriate questions to be asked; • exclusion of previous, unrelated sexual behavior from the student judicial hearing. • submission of a written impact statement to be considered during sanctioning, if the charged student is found responsible; and • creation of a sensitive environment for the victim throughout the campus judicial process
In all cases processed through the College’s judicial system, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding, and both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of the disciplinary proceeding.
A student adjudicated responsible for violations of the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to sanctions commensurate with the offenses and any aggravating and mitigating circumstances, which may include one or more of the following sanctions:
1. Reprimand
2. Conduct probation
3. Loss of College privileges
4. Suspension
5. Expulsion
6. Restitution for College property
For more information about the rights of the victim, rights of the accused, and the judicial process of Garden City Community College, refer to GCCC catalog and student handbooks.
Victim Assistance Agencies
If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, it is important that you contact agencies that can help you resolve the matter. Listed below are some agencies that may be able to assist you:
Safety and Security GCCC Counseling Center
Physical Plant Building Library
603 638
635
SW Kansas Regional Prevention Center 640
Student Center
624
Area Mental Health Center Family Crisis Hotline
620-276-7689 620-275-5911
Alcohol/Drug Abuse 24 hour Help Line Alcoholics Anonymous
620-276-7011
Fernandez & Martin AOD Counselors New Chance Inc.
620-275-8880 620-276-0840
U R O K Inc. Valley Hope Alcohol & Drug Treatment Outpatient Chemical Dependency Center 620-271-0005 1-800-544-5101
National Hotline Numbers
1-800-COCAINE
1-800-363-2287 (Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline)
1-800-662-HELP (directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment centers)
1-800-342-AIDS
1-800-241-9746 National Drug Abuse Hotline
1-800-SAY-NO-TO National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Abuse
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Law Enforcement Agencies
Finney County Sheriff’s Department
Emergency 911
Non-emergency 620 -272-3700
Emergency 911
Non-emergency 620-276-1300
Controlled Substances
The use, possession and distribution on GCCC property of beverages containing alcohol are prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in disciplinary action, including separation from the college and/or prosecution.
Garden City Community College does not condone the medically unsupervised use, possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of drugs that are illegal, that may involve medical or psychological hazards to an individual or that may lead to interference with the rights or privileges of others. When such activity occurs on campus, the college will initiate appropriate measures, which may include disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
The use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription and other drugs pose a serious threat to the physical and mental well being of college students, faculty, staff, visitors, and guests of the college. The College is committed to providing accurate information and educational programs to prevent such use of drugs.
Firearms
No student shall possess, or use or threaten to use: • any weapon described and defined in K.S.A. 21-4201, as amended from time to time, and any other weapons, including but not limited to pellet guns; • any explosives, including but not limited to dynamite, nitroglycerin or any other combustible, blasting caps, fireworks, fire-bombs, grenades, plastic charges or devices intended for detonation purposes, and/or any other similar devices or compounds used for detonation or blasting; on any college-owned or operated property or at any college-sponsored event either on or off campus.
Students who violate this policy are subject to suspension from the college with loss of all credit for the current semester and no refund of tuition and fees for the semester, as well as permanent prohibition from future enrollment or participation in college or college-sponsored activities.
Students bringing firearms to campus must check them in at the Residential Life office.
Alcoholic Beverages
The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the Garden City Community College community is at all times subject to the alcoholic beverage laws of the State of Kansas, the city of Garden City, and the county of Finney, KS. No student shall consume, possess or provide to a minor any alcoholic beverages, beer and/or wine, on any college owned or operated facility or at any college-sponsored event either on or off campus.
Off-Campus Conduct and the Campus Judicial
System
When a student violates city, state or federal law by an offense committed off campus that is not associated with a college activity, the disciplinary authority of the college will not be used merely to duplicate the penalty awarded for such an act under applicable ordinances and laws.
The College will take disciplinary action against a student for such an off-campus offense only when it is required by law to do so or when the nature of the offense is such that in the judgment of the Dean of Student Services, the continued presence of the student on campus is likely to interfere with the educational process or the orderly operation of the College; or the continued presence of the student on campus is likely to endanger the health, safety, or welfare of the College community. If the Dean of Student Services determines that disciplinary action is warranted, the Dean of Student Services shall so notify the student in accordance with established procedures. The action of the College with respect to any such off-campus conduct shall be made independently of any off-campus authority.
Personal Safety Reminders
• Practice being aware of your surroundings and of the behavior of the people around you. Follow your intuition; trust your feelings about a situation. • Be aware of your feelings when you are faced with situations in which you do not feel relaxed or in charge. If you feel uncomfortable, act on it. • Be aware that alcohol and drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization. • Be able to identify your sexual limits; it’s your body, and no one has the right to force or pressure you to do anything you do not want to do. • In general, the more information you have about a person, a situation, and your own feelings and reactions, the safer you will feel.
Study/Workplace Safety
• Practice the buddy system: when working after hours let others know where you are, what time you plan to return and how to reach you and what route you will take. • When studying or working late, make sure doors are locked. Avoid using stairs in remote sections of a building. • Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time. • Don’t leave your purse, backpack, briefcase or laptop computer unattended or unoccupied. If possible, always secure valuables in a locked cabinet or drawer. Avoid leaving valuables on or beneath a desk. • Report suspicious persons and/or activity to safety and security.
Protect Yourself from Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault
• Never leave your drink unattended. Because they are colorless and odorless, drugs used in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault can be slipped into any type of beverage. • Do not accept drinks from anyone but a bartender or server. • Try to attend bars or parties with a group of friends, arranging beforehand to watch each other’s drinks. • If you think your drink has been tampered with, seek medical attention immediately and request the hospital conduct toxicology testing.
Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information
Incarceration may remove a sex offender from the streets but it does nothing to prevent the offender from committing another crime when released. The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted October 28, 2000, went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.
The State of Kansas maintains a system for making certain Registry information on sex offenders publicly available by means of the Internet. The web site address for security this related information is: www.accesskansas.com
Procedures for Reporting Emergencies or Crime On-Campus
All emergency situations involving: 1. A crime in progress 2. A medical emergency 3. A fire should be immediately reported to 911. All campus phones, and including any pay phones my be used to dial 9-1-1 at no charge.
As an added security measure, “Blue Light” non-dial outdoor emergency telephones are located at strategic points on campus. These phones are easily identified by the word “Emergency” and their distinctive blue lights. When the button is pushed the caller is in immediate contact with the local Police Department dispatcher. In addition to providing voice contact with a security dispatcher, the dispatcher is also able to pinpoint the caller’s location. These phones are for emergency use only.
To report any non-emergency incident occurring on campus, call the Safety and Security Department at 603, or come by the Safety and Security Department located in the Physical Plant Building.
When calling for either emergency or non-emergency service, be prepared to: 1. Clearly identify yourself 2. State where you are calling from 3. State briefly, the nature of your call If possible, stay on the line unless otherwise advised by the dispatcher. The dispatcher will summon safety and security, or the appropriate police, fire, and/or medical service.
Members of the college community are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and suspicious activity to the Safety and Security Department or appropriate police agency in a prompt and timely manner.
Crime Statistics Location Definitions
Crime statistics are broken down geographically according to the following categories: total campus non-campus building or property, and public property. The following definitions apply to these geographic categories:
Campus: (1) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution’s educational purposes, including residence halls; and (2) Any building or proper-ty that is within or reasonably contiguous to the area identified in paragraph (1) of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).
Non-Campus building or property: (1) Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or (2) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution’s educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.
Public Property: All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.
Safety Definitions of Crimes for Use in Classifying Criminal Offenses
Murder - The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another. Manslaughter - The killing of another person through negligence. Forcible Sex Offenses - Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent. Forcible sex offenses include: Forcible Rape - The carnal knowledge of a person, forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her temporary permanent mental or physical incapacity (or because of his/her youth). Forcible Sodomy - Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary permanent mental or physical incapacity. Sexual Assault with an Object - The use of an object or instrument to unlawfully penetrate, however slight, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person, forcibly and/or against that person’s will or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary permanent mental or physical incapacity. Forcible Fondling - The touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification, forcibly and/or against the person’s will; or not forcibly or against the person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent because of his/her youth or because of his/her temporary permanent mental or physical incapacity. Non-forcible Sex Offenses - Unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse. Non-forcible sex offenses include: Incest - Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. Statutory Rape - Non-forcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent. Robbery - The taking, or attempting to take, anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody or care of another person by force or threat of force or violence, and/or by putting the victim in fear. Aggravated Assault - An unlawful attack by one person upon another where either the offender displays a weapon, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration or loss of consciousness. Burglary - The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft. Motor Vehicle Theft - The theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle. Arson -To unlawfully and intentionally damage, or attempt to damage, any real or personal property by fire or incendiary device. Liquor Law Violations - The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possessing or use of intoxicating alcoholic beverages. Drug Related violations (Sale and Possession) - The unlawful cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, purchase, possession, transportation or importation of any controlled drug or narcotic sub-stance. Or, the unlawful manufacture, sale, purchase, possession or transportation of equipment or devices used for preparing and/or taking drugs or narcotics (drug paraphernalia). Weapon Law Violations - The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices or other deadly weapons.
Please refer to the attached Excel report for the list of crimes reported by the Safety and Security Department.
Crime Prevention Services
The Crime Prevention function is based upon the dual concepts of elimination or minimizing criminal opportunities, whenever possible, and encouraging students and staff to be responsible for their own safety and security as well as that of others. The following is a listing of crime prevention programs and projects designed to inform students and staff about campus security, safety practices, and the prevention of crimes: Awareness Presentations: Speakers are available to speak to your group or department about sexual assault, theft prevention, violent crimes, alcohol and drugs, personal safety, emergency preparedness, and other safety topics. Printed Materials: Brochures, posters, and other printed materials about crime prevention are distributed throughout the campus. Security Survey: Conducts visual inspections of grounds and buildings and submit written reports outlining the results of these inspections and the recommended improvements. Crime Alert Notices: When circumstances warrant, Crime Alert Notices are released by the department to alert the college community of crimes reported to Safety & Security or local police to aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.
Scheduled Crime Prevention Programs: College skills classes usually offered 5 to 6 times a year, Red Ribbon Week and First Year Dorm Students meetings which highlight personal safety, property safety and rape awareness information.
The Safety & Security Department
The Garden City Community College Safety and Security Department, located in the Physical Plant Building, is an integral part of the college’s dedication to developing and maintaining a safe and secure campus through the cooperative efforts of many college departments.
Charged with ensuring safety and security for Garden City Community College, the department strives to fulfill its responsibility to each member of the college community by providing quality services that will assist you in making the time you spend here safe and enjoyable.
The department provides a full range of services including, but not limited to, responding to crimes committed on campus, providing crime prevention services/programs, enforcing traffic laws and maintaining crowd for campus special events. The department maintains close liaision with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in implementing and coordinating campus security and law enforcement operations.
Authority and Jurisdiction of Safety and Security
The Safety and Security Department was established under the authority of K.S.A. 72- 8222. In summary, the board of education of any school district or the board of trustees of any community college may employ school security officers and may designate any one or more of such school security officers as a school law enforcement officer, to aid and supplement law enforcement agencies of this state and of the community in which the school district or community college is located. The protective function of school security officers and school law enforcement officers shall extend to all school property and the protection of students, teachers, and other employees together with the property of such persons on or in any school or college property or areas adjacent thereto, or while attending or located at the site of any school or community college-sponsored function. While engaged in the protective functions specified in this section, each school security officer and each school law enforcement officer shall possess and exercise all general law enforcement powers, rights, privileges, protections and immunities in every county in which there is located any part of the territory of the school district or community college.
Crime Reporting - Public Information
The department believes that dissemination of information is the key to educating our college community about the occurrence of crime on campus. For this reason the department prepares a daily crime log that details the nature, the date, time, location, and disposition of crimes that occur on campus. This information is located at the office of the Physical Plant Building. The department also provides through various media, a “timely notice” of crimes reported to campus or local police to aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.
For those crimes occurring at off-campus locations owned and/or controlled by the college, the department obtains timely reports from those agencies of all crime activity at those locations and statistics are compiled for review and distribution.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
• Be alert and conscious of your surroundings. • Always behave in a predictable manner when walking near motor vehicle traffic. Motor vehicle traffic may not expect or see you. • Use sidewalks when provided. If there are no sidewalks walk facing traffic. • When out at night, wear white or light color clothing. • Watch for oversized vehicles turning with a wide radius.
Safety Tips for Vehicle Operators
• Always yield to pedestrians. • Watch your “blind spot” for other traffic, such as bicycles and pedestrians over tak ing you when making right turns. • Always stop for pedestrians in cross walks. • Always behave in a predictable manner and use turn signals. Other traffic may not always see your or recognize your intentions. • Oversized vehicles must watch for bicycles and pedestrians and other traffic when turning.
Traffic and parking enforcement is a high priority function of the Safety and Security Department. Our campus is open to considerable amounts of vehicular traffic flow each day.
While violations of parking regulations are not considered as serious crimes, the importance of good traffic control and the volume of traffic violations on our campus require close attention. The philosophy toward good traffic and parking control adopted by our department is one of prevention of injuries and a reduction of overall crisis intervention, such as those resulting from traffic accidents.
Motorcycles on Campus
Any person operating a motorcycle is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the responsibilities of the driver of any other vehicle. Kansas’s law does not require all motorcyclists to wear helmets but the Safety and Security Department strongly advises the use of safety equipment while riding.
Pedestrian Right of Way
Walking is the primary mode of transportation around the campus of Garden City Community College. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Pedestrians must use crosswalks where adjacent intersections are present. Pedestrians must yield to vehicles when crossing any-where other than marked crosswalk or inter-section.
Bicycle Security Information
• Park and lock your bicycle in well-lighted areas. • Secure your bicycle to a bicycle rack with a quality hardened steel “U” type lock. Always lock your bicycle by putting the U-lock through the bike’s frame, a wheel, and the rack. This is especially important if your bicycle has quick-release tires. • If you have quick-release wheels, remove the front wheel and place it next to the rear wheel. Then put the U-lock through both wheels, the frame and the bicycle rack. • Avoid putting a U-lock through only one wheel. The wheel can be removed, and the frame and the remaining wheel can easily be stolen. • Place the lock on your bicycle with the key mechanism facing the ground. This will make it less likely for the mechanism to fail as a result of exposure to the weather and harder for a thief to tamper with. • Avoid using a cable lock, locking your bicycle to itself, or leaving it parked in the same place for a long period of time. • Avoid blocking building entrances, ramps, handicap areas with your bicycle.
Preventing Auto Theft
• Don’t make your car an easy target for a thief. On average it takes less than 30 seconds to steal a car. Give a thief an inch and he will take your car for miles. Here are some simple tips to make it harder for the thieves. • Always lock your car, close the windows and take the keys. • Never leave valuables in sight. Thieves are attracted not only by your car but also its contents. • Never leave your car running and unoccupied, even for just a minute. • Park in well lighted areas. The light will help make a thief more noticeable. • Drop a business card into your door panels. This may make your car more easily identifiable to law enforcement. • Use high visibility theft deterrent such as a steering wheel lock or security alarm.
Protect Yourself While Running
Running is a fun activity that benefits the mind and the body. When you jog, run or walk remember and practice these simple safety precautions: • Run in familiar areas. • Avoid running at night. If you must run at night, wear reflective materials. The ability of others to see you at night is directly related to the amount of reflective and light color material you wear. • Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted, dark streets and over grown trails. Run clear of parked cars and bushes. • Always carry identification or write your name, telephone number, and blood type on the inside of your running shoe. If necessary, include important medical information. • Always run with a partner. • Always remain aware of your surroundings. Stay alert. The more aware you are the less vulnerable you become. • Be confident. Look directly at others and be observant. Most criminals select a victim who acts timid, frightened or unsure. • Don’t wear headsets. Use your ears to be more aware of your surroundings. • Trust your feelings. If an area feels bad or a person makes you uneasy, listen to your feelings and get away. • Carry a whistle or noisemaker. If you are harassed or bothered use the noisemaker to attract attention.
Security at College Facilities
Access to College Facilities
College facilities are well maintained, and safety and security concerns are given a high priority. Many cultural and athletic events held in college facilities are open to the public. Other facilities such as the bookstore, library and cafeterias are likewise open to the public. Access to academic and administrative facilities on campus is generally limited to students, employees and visitors for the purpose of study, work, teaching and conducting other college business. Only those who have demonstrated a need are issued keys to a building.
Landscaping and Lighting
Landscaping and out door lighting on campus are designed for safety and security. Sidewalks are designed to provide well-traveled, lighted routes from parking areas to buildings and from building to building. Landscape personnel trim shrubs from walkways and building entrances to enhance lighting and visibility. All campus walkways are inspected to insure adequate lighting. Burned-out lights are promptly replaced. As needs are identified, new sidewalks are installed. New streetlights and pedestrian walkway lights are added as new parking areas and walkways are developed, or as roadways are changed.
Security at Off-Campus Residences
Off-campus apartment complexes, townhouses/ condominium communities, and other multi-family dwellings pose unique problems. Because of the temporary nature of many residents of rent/lease property, you need to make an extra effort to be aware of your surroundings. This includes knowledge of what measures your landlord has taken on behalf of your safety.
Garden City Community College accepts no responsibility for the safety or conditions of properties rented/leased by its students. The College expressly disclaims giving any guarantees, warranties or any other representations that the properties are safe or recommended. The College does not approve or recommend to students or others any off-campus rental properties listed. Students living off-campus must make their own individual and personal choices with regard to the selection of living accommodations.
Consumer Information for Garden City Community College
Garden City Community College is committed to providing important information to its students, faculty, and staff. Consistent with this commitment, and pursuant to the College’s notice and reporting obligations under various laws, information concerning the following topics may be obtained at the following web sites:
Requirements for admission to Garden City Community College, the academic programs available, policies for payment and refunds of fees: http://www.gcccks.edu.
Financial assistance available to Garden City Community College students, including the availability of federal aid and policies concerning loan repayment upon withdrawal from the College: http://www.gcccks.edu.
Garden City Community College’s policies regarding confidential student records pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: http://www.gcccks.edu.
Garden City Community College’s Access Services for students with disabilities: http:// www.gcccks.edu.
Anti-Harassment
Garden City Community College establishes the following conduct guidelines consistent with federal and state laws or regulations in order to ensure that employees and students of the college shall be allowed to function in an atmosphere which is free from harassment on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, color, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, disability, physical handicap or other protected group status.
Prohibiting Harassment
Harassment of any student or staff member on the basis of sex shall be considered a violation of college policy. Conduct involving unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature shall be considered to constitute sexual harassment.
Prohibited is any behavior that represents repeated or unwanted sexual attention that is made a condition of reward or penalty. In determining whether alleged behavior constitutes sexual harassment, the College will examine the record as a whole and all aspects or circumstances, such as the nature of sexual advances and the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.
Students or employees, who feel they have been a victim of sexual harassment, should contact the Dean of Student Services, the Director of Physical Plant, the Director of Human Resources, the President or his designee. They will be advised of their rights and policies and procedures of the grievance process. They will also be advised of external resources and the option for notifying local campus security and local law enforcement authorities.
Campus educational programs are available through the Student Services Department, and short-term counseling is available through the Counseling Center, Library. All of these policies and procedures are maintained to be in compliance with the Higher Education Amendment of 1992, Section 485(F)
Handling Obscene or Harassing Phone Calls
A telephone call is considered obscene or harassing if it is received at a location where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy and the caller makes repeated calls or makes any comment, request, suggestion, or proposal which is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, vulgar, or indecent. If you receive harassing or obscene phone calls: • Report obscene or harassing phone calls to the Safety and Security Department and request an officer to respond to your location. • Pay attention to any background noises, the caller’s sex, accent, speech pattern, or anything else to aid in identification. • Keep a log of calls received. Include the date, time and details of the call. • If calls are recorded on voicemail, save the recording.
Protect Yourself While Using An Automated Teller
• Avoid using an ATM when by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around. • Avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose an ATM location that is well lighted and does not have tall bushes nearby. • When you arrive at an ATM, look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop. Either use an ATM at a different location or come back later. • Have your access card and any other documents you need ready when you approach and ATM. While you are fumbling with a wallet or purse, you are easy game for a thief. • While using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business. • Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen. Shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body. • When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, and then leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash. • As you leave be alert for anything or anyone who appears suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area where others are present and call the police.
Personal Safety and the Internet
“Meeting” people on the Internet as correspondents is very easy; discerning real information about these new acquaintances is more difficult. No matter if you are meeting people through commercial dial-up services, commercial or free chat lines, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels, online dating services, newsgroups, or in other ways, you should be aware of the possible dangers of interaction when conversations turn in a personal direction. Here are some basic personal safety tips you should consider whenever participating in Internet communication, particularly of a personal nature. • Avoid giving out personal information such as your home address or telephone number to people you met on the net. • Exercise caution when agreeing to meet anyone in person whom you’ve met on the net. Before you arrange any such meeting, attempt to verify, through a third party whom you know and trust, the true identity of this person. If you choose to arrange a meeting, make it on YOUR terms: • Meet in as public a place as possible. • Arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting. • Bring a friend along for security; consider a “double-date” the first few times. • Set your conditions for the encounter, and don’t let your new friend change them. • Limit meetings to public places until you are comfortable with the other person and certain of whom they are and what they want from the relationship.
Campus Security: We’re Here For You
The Garden City Community College Safety and Security Department was established to provide protection and service to the college community. We are committed to the prevention of crime and the protection of life and property; the preservation of peace, order and safety; the enforcement of laws and ordinances; and the safeguarding of constitutional guarantees.
Safety and security are both personal and shared responsibilities. Garden City Community College has an array of services in place to promote an environment that is as crime-free as possible. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these services and take advantage of them to help make your educational experience at Garden City Community College as enjoyable and crime-free as possible
We also encourage you to contact the Safety and Security Department at 620-276-9603, for additional information on available programs and services.
Jack B. Rutherford
Director of Physical Plant
Safety and Security It’s a Shared Responsibility
Garden City Community College’s campus is located on 138 acres within the city of Garden City, with a population of more than 30,000. Included on this campus are 13 buildings for academic, administrative, and recreational use.
Garden City Community College recognizes the importance for an institution of higher learning to develop and maintain a safe and secure environment in which the academic and social pursuits of its members can be fully realized.
The college has the utmost concern for the success of each student and strives to give each student maximum freedom to live his/her life free from outside interference. With this freedom, however, comes the responsibility of becoming an active participant in the exercise of personal safety. No community’s security plan can attain maximum effectiveness unless everyone contributes to making it work. Safety and security are both personal as well as shared responsibilities. Only by accepting this responsibility can members of the college community maintain a safe and secure academic environment.
This report is provided to you as part of the department’s commitment to safety and security on campus and satisfies all of the requirements of the Jeanne Clery Act, formerly the federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. It is filled with information about a variety of security services and programs available to you as members of the college community. We hope that you will become familiar with this information and find the programs useful.
Please Let Us Know!
If you see an unsafe condition on campus such as a burned out streetlight, pothole in the road, uneven sidewalk or any other condition that could jeopardize someone’s safety, please call the Safety and Security Department at 620-276-9603.
If you have any suggestions regarding the safety and security of campus facilities please call the Director of Physical Plant at 620-275-3210.
Let’s work together for a safe campus!
Checklist for Sexual Assault Victims
The following checklist is designed as a guide only. If a victim approaches you and you feel uncomfortable dealing with the report, encourage the victim to talk with a college counselor or other person you trust.
1. ALWAYS maintain confidentiality.
2. Know what your options and resources are. Call the counselor’s office to provide guidance if you need assistance.
3. Be supportive, empathetic and really listen.
a. The victim may talk about other problems unrelated to the assault. This is normal. Listen and assist where you can.
b. Unless the victim offers, you DON’T need to know the intimate details of the assault.
4. ALWAYS let the victim make the choices. Review options with the victim.
5. NEVER be judgmental or make judgmental statements to the victim.
a. The victim already knows what he/she might have done different.
6. Encourage the victim to talk with a college counselor or call Family Crisis Services (Hotline: 620-275-5911) Family Crisis Services maintains anonymity when requested and has trained staff to work with victims.
7. Encourage the victim to report.
a. An adult victim DOES NOT HAVE TO REPORT but many rapists have more than 1 victim and will continue to terrorize if not stopped.
b. The decision to prosecute rests with the victim, the results of a law enforcement investigation and with the prosecutor.
c. NOTE: Juveniles may foster special consideration. If you encounter a juvenile victim, contact campus police for information.
d. Offer to go with the victim to make a report to police, counselor or other trusted person.
8. If the victim WANTS to make a report to law enforcement, use the following as a guide:
a. Assault occurred on GCCC’s physical campus: Contact Campus Safety and Security.