Campus Security

College security is provided by Campus Security, which has officers on duty 24 hours a day. Nine full-time and part-time officers maintain a visible security presence and patrol the campus roadways, walkways, parking areas and buildings. Campus Security is service oriented as its name implies. Specific elements of the Campus Security mission include: accident investigation; crime prevention; vehicle assists; incident investigation; parking and traffic enforcement; emergency response; and disaster coordination.

Campus Security officers are a proprietary security force responsible for maintaining public order on campus. The approach to this responsibility is with professionalism and discretion and with the understanding that service to the campus community is paramount.

Campus Security officers are non-commissioned security personnel who are trained in: cardiopulmonary resuscitation; accident investigation; patrol procedures; traffic control; report writing; human interaction; and enforcement of the Campus and Student Codes of Conduct.

Additionally, Campus Security officers are required to have a high school diploma and at least one year of experience in police, security and/or military police environment. All officers are encouraged to further their professional development through the tuition-waiver program. Periodic office-sponsored training programs are offered, dealing with crime prevention, stress management, accident/incident investigation, report writing and other in-service training relating to specific needs.

To carry out the security patrol mission, Campus Security operates marked vehicles and a bicycle patrol. By early 2002, the College will complete the installation of a 150 camera CCTV system, supervised by Campus Security, that will monitor many interior public areas, labs, and high-risk areas as well as exterior parking lots.

Campus Security is responsible for securing campus buildings after hours and for unlocking facilities at the start of each day as part of the 24-hour-per-day on-campus security presence.

Campus Security Assistance

Campus Security personnel provide assistance to the campus community in the following areas: vehicle assistance (jump starts, unlocks); emergency response and CPR; information and directions; telephone console operations; escorts to and from parking areas investigation of incidents / crimes occurring on campus; and patrol of campus roadways, walkways, parking areas and buildings. In addition, the department conducts or sponsors open sessions addressing substance abuse, personal protection, crime prevention and AIDS / STD awareness. In situations requiring assistance from community-based services, Campus Security promptly summons help from Elyria police, fire and / or emergency medical services.

How to Report Crimes on Campus

Contact Campus Security immediately by coming to the first floor of College Center (room 102), by calling extension 4444 from a campus phone or use one of the emergency phones located in building hallways or campus lots to make immediate contact with a Lorain County 911 operator who will notify Elyria Police and Campus Security.

Furnish all pertinent information when reporting an incident. Campus Security will conduct the appropriate investigation and file the necessary report(s). Follow-up pursuits will include efforts to identify responsible parties, recover stolen property, recommend appropriate legal action and encourage restitution when feasible.

Campus Security maintains an excellent working relationship with the Elyria Police Department and assistance is provided in a prompt and professional manner when requested. The Elyria Police Department and other local police agencies regularly provide current information and data concerning criminal activity in and around the LCCC campus complex and any LCCC off campus event.

LCCC encourages students and employees to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis. Normally, crimes should be reported to Campus Security, CC 102, which has primary responsibility for investigation of crimes and crime suppression. Additionally, Campus Security maintains and reports yearly crime statistics and, when appropriate, will issue timely warnings to the campus community relative to potential criminal activity. Crimes may also be reported to any Campus Security Authority - defined as any official of the College who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

Examples of campus security authorities would include counselors, faculty advisors, team coaches and student affairs personnel. The law requires that all crimes reported to any Campus Security Authority be included in the college's statistics and evaluated relative to its timely warning policy. Clergy and professional mental health counselors are excluded from this requirement, however, the College encourages such clergy or mental health professionals to, when they believe it appropriate, inform the person being counseled of procedures to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual report.

After-Hours Access

For security purposes, campus buildings are secured when classes and activities have finished each day. Facilities are kept secured during periods when college sanctioned functions are not being conducted. All persons required to be on campus when facilities are closed are requested to contact Campus Security in College Center, room 102 (ext. 4053).

Persons requesting access to college facilities after hours will be required to show appropriate identification and state the reason for being on campus. On a need basis, and with proper authorization, students, faculty and staff may be provided with access codes to those facilities which are operated with electronic access controls.

Students desiring to be on campus after hours are to be in the company of a faculty or staff member or provide written permission from an appropriate individual.

Crime Prevention

Campus Security provides 24 hour-a-day security presence. As a regular part of their routine lot and building patrols, officers are alert for any deficiencies including broken door locks; inoperative lights; overgrown shrubs and trees; and broken sidewalks, steps and handrails and other conditions which might detract from the safety and security of the campus environment. Anyone encountering a condition affecting campus safety and security should report it promptly to the Campus Security Office or to the Physical Plant Department.

Basic Crime Prevention Steps

Effective crime prevention begins with personal involvement and responsibility. By taking a few moments to think before acting, we can all make ourselves less likely to become a victim or a statistic. The following is a list of DOs and DON'Ts to help you in protecting your personal property and yourself. DO lock your car at all times - when parked and when driving; DO use the lighted walkways going to and from the parking lots; DO report all crimes and/or suspicious activities to Campus Security promptly; DO mark your valuable possessions (books, calculators, recorders, etc.) i.e. with your driver's license number; DO call Campus Security if you desire an escort; DO treat all personal property as you do cash; DO ask a friend to walk with you to the parking lot; DON'T leave books, handbags, bookbags, wallets, etc. unattended in the library, cafeteria, restrooms or study areas; DON'T leave your locker unlocked; DON'T leave your purse or other valuables in an unlocked desk or file cabinet; DON'T walk through dark areas without an escort; DON'T leave cash or checks in your unlocked desk or file cabinet. Crime prevention is everyone's job. With some effort and forethought we can maintain a safe campus environment.

LCCC strives to provide a safe and secure campus environment. Occasionally an incident may take place on campus or in the immediate vicinity which is considered potentially threatening. When we are aware of such information, we will issue timely warnings through the campus newspaper, FYI this week, and with announcements posted on campus bulletin boards and notices sent via e-mail and placed on Campus Security website.

Substance Awareness

Lorain County Community College is committed to providing a drug-free, safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. Toward this end, LCCC maintains a "dry" campus with the use of alcohol restricted. LCCC clearly states it is unlawful for individuals to manufacture, possess, use and/or distribute illicit drugs and alcohol on the LCCC campus. Individuals who violate LCCC regulations and local, state and federal laws will be subject to disciplinary action, dismissal from LCCC and/or prosecution under applicable federal, state and/or local statutes.

Substance Abuse Assistance

Does someone you know have a drug or alcohol problem? Some experts estimate as high as 20 percent of our population may be chemically dependent.

How do you know if you have a substance abuse problem? A "yes" answer to any of the following questions indicates possible risk of substance abuse.

1. Do drugs or alcohol interfere with your life or the life of someone you care about?
2. Do you miss time from work or school because you use drugs or alcohol?
3. Have you ever regretted something you said or did while you were drinking or using drugs?
4. Do you use drugs or alcohol to escape your worries or troubles?
5. Have you ever felt life would be better if you didn't drink or take drugs?
6. Do you find you cannot stop at two or three drinks?
7. Do you feel compelled to drink or use drugs at social occasions?

Generally speaking, someone who has more than three drinks on any occasion or drinks heavily more than once a week most likely has some type of dependency problem.

If you or someone you know would like help with a substance abuse problem, you can call Campus Security at ext. 4053, or stop in the Campus Security office on the first floor of College Center, room 102, or call Women's Link at ext. 4035 or stop in the Women's Link office on the second floor of College Center, room 238. In addition, the following agencies offer substance abuse assistance:

• Lorain County Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (LCCADA)
  230 4th St., Elyria (440-244-6820)
• EMH Regional Medical Center
  630 East River Street, Elyria (440-329-7500)
• Community Health Partners Center
  3700 Kolbe Road, Lorain (440-960-4000)
• LCCC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  The College strongly urges employees with substance abuse problems to use this program for confidential help. (440-246-4058 or 1-800-222-8019)

Sexual Harassment and Assault

Students and staff at Lorain County Community College have a right to an environment free of sexual harassment, not only by persons in positions of power, but by any LCCC employee or student. Sexual harassment constitutes a serious threat to the free interaction and exchange necessary for educational and personal development. Sexual harassment is not only a clear violation of College policy, it is a form of discrimination and is illegal. Students are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX of the Education amendments.

Sexual harassment is unwanted sexual attention such as staring, leering, ogling, sexual teasing, jokes, gestures, inappropriate touching, pressures for a date or sex, forced sexual relations or suggestions that sex can be exchanged for grades or a promotion. It can happen to both men and women, but women are more often the victims.

Harassment may occur when a person in a position of control or influence over a person's grades, academic career, or job uses authority and power to gain sexual advantages and threatens or punishes for refusal. Another form of sexual harassment is peer harassment (by other students), and includes any of the above unwanted actions (except suggestions that can be exchanged for grade or promotions). Sexual harassment committed by students is a serious offense which could lead to dismissal from the college.

During the academic year Campus Security in conjunction with the Equal Opportunity Office conducts sexual harassment/assault seminars addressing prevention techniques, reporting procedures and counseling services. These sessions are open to the campus community.

If an individual is the victim of sexual assault / harassment they are encouraged to report such incidents promptly to the Campus Security Office, College Center room 102, ext. 4053 or Women's Link, College Center room 238, ext. 4035. Staff members will help individuals obtain counseling and file formal reports with the college and proper police agencies. Formal charges alleging sexual assault occurring on campus may be lodged with the Coordinator of Student Life, College Center room 230, ext. 4036. In the case of a criminal sexual assault, it is extremely important that physical evidence be preserved. As uncomfortable as it may be, victims should not shower or change clothes prior to being examined at a medical facility. Students found guilty of such violations under the College Code of Student Conduct are subject to disciplinary sanctions up to and including suspensions or expulsions. Victims of sexual assault / harassment may request a class schedule adjustment.

About this Policy

Information contained on this page is provided in accordance with the provisions of the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 as amended. Revised 9/03