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Safety and Security Guidelines
CAMPUS SECURITY AND CRIME WATCH
The well-being and personal safety of each student at SFSC is of great concern. Cooperation and involvement of every member of the College community is absolutely necessary to ensure maximum safety and security of personal belongings.
SFSC has developed a set of guidelines for reporting emergencies and criminal activities. It is important to note that each emergency situation or criminal activity has different circumstances requiring different actions. Each action should protect the safety and security of victims and others involved. Reporting guidelines are published in this Student Handbook and are posted throughout various college classrooms, offices and public areas. In addition, information is available on our College website and in Panther Central.
REPORTING EMERGENCIES AT SFSC
Students are encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity regardless of how insignificant it may seem. NOTE: For life-threatening emergencies at any campus/center, call 9-1-1 and then call the specific campus/center number listed below.
Highlands Campus
863-453-0806
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DeSoto Campus
863-993-1757
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Hardee Campus
863-773-3081
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Lake Placid Center
863-465-3003
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Crews Center
863-657-2335
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The Hotel Jacaranda
863-453-2211
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When reporting an urgent situation or suspicious activity, provide the following information:
• your name and location
• the nature of the emergency or suspicious activity
In response to your call, security personnel are dispatched to the scene to lend assistance, investigate, or prepare a report. Local fire, emergency medical, or law enforcement personnel are called when appropriate.
ACTIVE SHOOTER ON CAMPUS
What to do if there is an active shooter on campus:
The following guidelines are being provided regarding how to respond if there is an active shooter/armed intruder on campus. Be aware no one can predict what actions are most appropriate for every situation that might occur. Campus personnel could learn of such an incident in several ways, including hearing gunshots, being notified through the College’s emergency announcement system, or being told by another member of the campus community. If you hear a sound that could be gunshots, assume they are gunshots.
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If you know the location of the intruder, quickly move away from the danger and encourage those around you to do the same. Be aware, that if you move from indoors out into the open, you could be exposing yourself to the intruder. Also be aware that there could be more than one intruder. If you decide to move away, do so as quickly as possible until you are certain you are out of danger. If you remain in doors, move to a safe place with doors locked and blinds drawn until assistance arrives. |
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Your ability to move quickly and your perception of how close the intruder is will help you determine if it is safer for you to run, hide, or fight. |
The immediate actions you take upon notification of an active shooter on campus could prevent your death or serious injury. Our emergency first responders have been trained to respond to this type of incident and will do so immediately. Responding officers are likely to have very little information regarding the description of the intruder or the number of suspects involved. If you must approach an officer during or immediately after such an incident, clearly show the officer you are not a threat by holding your hands in the air and complying immediately with verbal commands. Be aware that the officer’s first priority is to locate the intruder/shooter, so they may not stop to speak with you or care for the wounded.
If you are off-campus at the time you become aware of an active shooter on campus, stay away from the area. The entire campus will have become a protected crime scene and you will not be allowed in the area until it has been cleared.
The following guidelines are being provided regarding how to respond if there is an active shooter/armed intruder on campus. This guideline is designed to provide individuals with suggestions on how to better protect themselves during a crisis.
In the event of an active shooter on campus, take the following actions:
1. RUN - If an active shooter is in your vicinity:
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a. Evacuate regardless of whether others want to leave or not
b. Leave your belongings behind
c. Help others escape if possible
d. Prevent others from entering the area where an active shooter may be
e. Call 9-1-1, when you are safe
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2. HIDE - If evacuation is not possible:
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a. Act quickly and quietly
b. Lock and/or blockade the door
c. Silence your cellphone
d. Hide behind large objects
e. Remain very quiet
f. Your hiding place should be out of the shooter’s view, provide protection if shots are fired in your direction, and not trap or restrict your options for movement
g. Lock and/or blockade the door with all items that you can safely move
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3. FIGHT - As a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger:
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a. Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
b. Act with physical aggression
c. Improvise weapons
d. Commit to your actions
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Active Shooter Behavioral Warning Signs:
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There is not a “profile” of a school shooter, instead, the students who carried out the attacks differed from one another in numerous ways. |
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School shootings are rarely impulsive acts. |
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They are typically thought out and planned in advance. |
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Very few of past attackers ever directed threats to their targets before the attack. |
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The most common goal is retribution. |
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Many offenders experienced a significant personal loss in the months leading up to the attack, such as a death, breakup, or divorce in the family. |
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Be aware of the subject’s online videos, blogs, and social networking activities. |
Students and employees typically do not just “snap,” but display indicators of potentially violent behavior over time. If these behaviors are recognized, they can often be managed and treated. The list below is not comprehensive, nor is it intended as a mechanism for diagnosing violent tendencies.
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Abusive language |
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Given to violent outbursts |
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Apathetic |
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Hurts animals/destroys property |
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Attempted/talk of suicide |
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Pessimistic |
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Chronically angry |
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Recently secured weapons |
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Displays evidence of planning and preparation |
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Sees injustice, no alternative to violence |
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Emotional flatness |
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Stalked target in past |
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Engages in bullying/controlling/intimidation/ |
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Sullen |
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manipulation behavior |
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Tells third parties of future violence |
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Frequently angry/aggressive/confrontational |
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Used violence in the past |
TIMELY WARNINGS
In the event that a crime or situation occurs either on or off campus that poses an ongoing threat to the College community, a timely warning will be issued by the SFSC administration. These warnings will be posted on the SFSC website homepage. SFSC also uses mass text messaging to quickly disseminate announcements to students, faculty, and staff. As a redundancy, information may also be sent out through the College email and telephone systems to all students, faculty, and staff, and posted to social media channels.
REPORTING SEX-RELATED OFFENSES
The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (Section 1601 of Public Law 106-386) requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where information concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires that registered sex offenders 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 website for securing the related information is fdle.state.fl.us.
Victims of sex-related offenses are strongly encouraged, but not required, to report the crime immediately by calling 9-1-1 from any campus phone, if possible. The primary concern of our security staff is the safety and well-being of the person who has been the victim of this crime.
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When the security staff arrives, they can aid the victim with medical assistance. At this time, the information needed is a brief account of what happened, a physical description of the assailant, and their direction of travel. |
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Later, a more detailed interview will take place. The sooner the crime is reported, the better the chance that the assailant will be caught. |
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The victim is informed of their option to notify appropriate law enforcement authorities. Campus Security will provide assistance in notifying local authorities, if requested by the victim. |
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Student Services staff members are also available to assist in filing a report. |
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Preserving physical evidence will increase the chance of successfully prosecuting the assailant. |
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The victim will be advised of the importance of preserving evidence. |
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Although the victim will probably want to wash and change clothes, they should not do so until a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (S.A.F.E.) has be performed at a hospital to gather and preserve the evidence needed if the victim wishes to file an official report with law enforcement. |
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Physical evidence may be found on the victim who has been assaulted as well as in the vicinity of the crime. |
If the victim does not want to file an official law enforcement report of the incident, he/she can contact Campus Security for assistance.
Crisis intervention, emergency medical assistance, and counseling referral services are available to all students. The College respects and supports each individual’s decision regarding whether or not to pursue any specific course of action following such incidents.
REPORTING FIRE EMERGENCIES
In the event of fire, stay calm.
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Pull the nearest fire alarm. |
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Go to the nearest/safest phone, and call the fire department at 9-1-1 (pulling the building fire alarm does not dispatch the fire department). |
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If there is time, call Campus Security. |
Fire evacuation procedures
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Occupants will evacuate the premises to their designated rally point when the fire alarm sounds. Rally point information can be found in the Emergency Guides which are located near the classroom exit doors. |
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Do not use any elevator during a fire. |
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Do not congregate on roadways, as this impedes the access routes for emergency responders. |
SECURITY CALL STATIONS
Strategically placed throughout the Highlands Campus parking areas are security call stations. Should you find yourself in need of security assistance, press the activation button to speak directly to a member of the security team. Release the button to listen. Indicate to the security personnel the type of assistance you are seeking/requesting.
CAMPUS CRIME AND FIRE STATISTICS
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act is an U.S. Code (20 U.S.C. Section 1092(f)), with implementing regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Section 668.46) requires SFSC to publish an annual report that contains statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, at off-campus buildings owned or controlled by SFSC, and on public property immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as the policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. A copy of this report is located on the College’s Safety and Security webpage. For ease of access, follow the direct link: Annual-Security-and-Fire-Safety-Report. In addition to the crime statistics, the report contains annual fire safety information.
SAFETY TIPS
Campus Safety
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Keep emergency numbers programmed in your phone. |
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At night, walk in well-lit areas. Walk or jog in pairs or groups, particularly at night or in isolated places. Do not ignore intuition; if you suspect you are being followed, change directions or head for a campus building or a group of people. |
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Limit texting while walking. Distractions can cause loss of focus on your surrounding environment. |
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Do not wear earphones. They block any audible warning of a stranger’s approach. |
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If a driver stops you to ask questions, do not get too close to the vehicle and risk being pulled inside. |
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Placing a single key between your forefinger and middle finger when walking to or from your car to provide you with a discreet but effective weapon that you can use to defend yourself if you are assaulted. |
Elevator Safety
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Trust your intuition. If you feel uncomfortable with individuals waiting to board an elevator, don’t enter the elevator with them. In the event you are riding an elevator and become uncomfortable, step out at the next available stop. |
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Stand near the controls. If necessary, you can press all the buttons or use the emergency alarm. |
Vehicle Safety
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Park in a well-lit area at night. Check the parking lot before leaving the car. Walk to your car with keys ready. |
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Check the back seat before entering. Someone could be hiding there. |
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Keep enough gas in your tank for emergencies. |
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If you are followed by another car, drive to a police station or business with lights and people. Do not go home with someone following you. |
Nuisance Telephone Calls
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Hang up as soon as you know it is a crank call. |
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Don’t converse with strangers. |
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Keep cool. Don’t let the caller know you are upset. |
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Call law enforcement if the problem persists. |
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Keep a log of when you receive calls. |
Social Media Safety
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Do not place your personal information on your social media networking site’s profiles. |
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Be careful when placing photographs of you or your children. |
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Do not ever think that your social media networking page is private amongst only your friends and family. Check the privacy settings periodically. |
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Be careful not to provide too much information (e.g., class and work schedules). |
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Keep your profile clean. (Potential employers often check social media sites seeking information on prospective employees.) |
Personal Property Theft Prevention
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The majority of thefts on campus occur because property was left unsecured or unattended. It is estimated that more than 80% of all theft on campus could be prevented. |
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When in the library or any other public place (cafeteria, student center), backpacks, books, cellphones, laptop computers/tablets, other electronic devices, purses, and wallets should not be left unattended, even for a few minutes. In the time it takes to use the restroom, get a book or a meal, an item can easily be stolen. |
Automobile Theft Prevention
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Lock your car and pocket the key whether you leave for a minute or several hours. Close the windows all the way and make sure the trunk is locked. |
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Never leave an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it will guide the thief to your car or home. |
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Remove electronic items and valuables from plain view. |
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Take everything of value with you or lock it in the trunk. |
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Keep a record of your car’s vehicle identification numbers (VIN) so you can identify it if it is stolen and recovered. |
CAMPUS SECURITY CONTACTS
Highlands Campus
863-453-0806
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DeSoto Campus
863-993-1757
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Hardee Campus
863-773-3081
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Lake Placid Center
863-465-3003
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Crews Center
863-657-2335
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The Hotel Jacaranda
863-453-2211 |
CONTACT CAMPUS SECURITY IF AND WHEN…
You are a victim of a theft
Contact Campus Security as soon as possible.
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Security staff will take a report from you and contact law enforcement upon request. |
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It is important for recovery purposes to supply as much information as possible concerning the stolen property (serial number, make, model, color, and value). |
You are assaulted
Contact Campus Security as soon as possible.
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Try to remember as much about the person as possible. Important characteristics include sex, race, hair color and length, body size, clothing description, scars or tattoos and markings, mode of travel, vehicle type, color, and tag number. |
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The campus will be searched immediately for suspects and local law enforcement agencies will be notified, if requested by the victim. |
You see suspicious persons
Contact Campus Security as soon as possible.
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Do not approach the person yourself. |
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Report the type of suspicious activity and give a general description of the subject (number of persons, sex, race, dress, vehicle, and location). Stay on the line with the officer. Public safety/security personnel will investigate your report immediately. |
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If all members of the campus community become security-conscious and report suspicious activity, thefts, and related incidents will be measurably reduced. |
You receive a bomb threat
Obtain as much information from the caller as possible. Things to ask include: (1) location of the bomb, (2) time of explosion, and (3) type of bomb.
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Observe the caller’s voice and any background noises you may hear. Such information may assist in identifying the caller. |
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Contact Campus Security immediately. Do not panic. Trained public safety personnel will search the area involved and notify other appropriate agencies, if necessary. Emergency officials will recommend to the College president an appropriate response. |
You are sick or injured
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In an emergency, call 9-1-1 and, if possible, contact Campus Security and advise the nature of the illness or injury and your exact location. Security staff will respond to assist. |
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For non-life-threatening illness or injury, contact Campus Security for first aid. |
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All campuses have emergency first aid stations. |
You have been involved in a motor vehicle accident
Contact Campus Security as soon as possible.
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If people have been injured, dial 9-1-1 and provide the requested information to the dispatcher. |
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Have your driver’s license, registration, and insurance card ready to assist the law enforcement officer who writes the report. |
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Do not stand in the roadway as you wait for assistance to arrive. |
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