Original Approval:       DATE
Last Updated:               DATE
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It is the policy of Wallace Community College – Selma (WCCS) to comply with all Alabama Community College System (ACCS) policies related to safety and security, specifically ACCS Board Policy 219.01 and Board Policy 511.01.

It is the intent of the Board of Trustees to provide a safe workplace and a safe educational environment, free of acts or threatened acts of violence, including hostile behavior, physical or verbal abuse, or possession of weapons or dangerous materials of any kind on college property or while conducting College business against employees, contractors, students, visitors, or anyone else. This policy provides a planned and immediate response to such incidents. Violence or threats of violence will not be tolerated.

It is the policy of WCCS to comply with Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board Policy 211.01.

This policy applies to all WCCS students and employees during any activity involving the College, including the workday. In addition, visitors, vendors, contractors, and all other non-employees are expected to recognize and comply with this policy.
 

Campus Disturbance: Any activity on the campus which includes any of the following:

• Violates the law.
• Disrupts the orderly process of the institution; or
• Endangers the life or property of the individual or the College.

Campus Security Authority (CSA): A campus security authority is defined anyone with significant responsibility for student or campus activities.

Significant Emergency: The Clery Act defines a significant emergency situation as an immediate threat, such as a fire, health outbreak, inclement weather, gas leaks, etc. 

Timely Warning: Situations that do not require an emergency notification if they are not causing imminent danger to the College community.

1. Security of College Facilities: The College Police Department provides continuous year-round security and enforcement to the College community. Regular patrol is provided with access to emergency services. College Police Officers are certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission and are sworn with all of the powers of a peace officer of Alabama. The College Police work in close cooperation with other local law enforcement agencies. College Police can be contacted by calling (334) 375-6036 (emergency line), (334) 876-9227 (non-emergency line), On Campus Dial 9227, or 911. Whether one is a victim or a witness, one should report a crime or suspicious activity or any other emergency on campus. It is important to provide the following information when calling:

• Name.
• Location of the incident.
• A description of the individual or any vehicle(s) involved in the incident, especially a license plate number.

Outdoor lighting is a priority for campus safety/security. The College works to ensure that all areas of the campus are well-lighted, especially around the residence halls and areas frequently traveled by students. Additional and improved lighting is continuously being added to enhance the security of students. The College Police officers make regular “lights out” reports of all street, sidewalk and parking lot lights, to ensure speedy light replacement. Students and staff members are encouraged to report any areas that they feel need additional lighting or lights that need replacement. After dark, individuals are encouraged not to go out alone.

1. Building Security: All academic buildings are open during normal hours of operation. All buildings will be secured as soon as possible after the offices close, or in the case of a classroom building, after the last class of the day. The dean or department head who has a need for a classroom, laboratory, or office to be opened after the normal closing time of the building should follow the facilities usage guidelines. Students should not be in buildings alone after normal hours of operation. Buildings are secured by College Police who make regular checks of each building to ensure that they remain locked.
   
        1) Off-campus sites: In compliance with the Campus Security Act of 1990, off-campus sites will establish linkages with
            the local police agency to ensure that all criminal activity at those sites is recorded and reported. These linkages
            include the following provisions:

• Local police will submit, on a timely basis, to the Selma Campus of College Police reports of all criminal incidents which occur at other campus sites.
• College Police will maintain these records and submit applicable data to the Secretary of the Department of Education and make statistics available to all students and employees.
• WCCS will develop policies and procedures for dealing with the occurrences of criminal activity at these off-campus sites to include preventative measures, educational efforts and disciplinary actions.

2. Campus Access After Hours: WCCS facilities are open to students, faculty, and staff during normal hours of operation for approved college and educational purposes. While the College endeavors to provide an open academic environment, college officials and College Police are also concerned with providing a safe environment and may request to see your student identification card at any time. After regular operating hours or when the campus is closed, College Police may, at their discretion, deny access to anyone who is unable to produce proper identification; to anyone they believe has no legitimate business on campus; or to anyone whose presence causes a safety concern to themselves or others.

2. Campus Disturbance: Report all campus disturbances to  College Police, (334) 375-6036. In the event of the absence or unavailability of the Police Chief, the situation should be reported to (334) 876-9227.

NOTE: For emergency situations, dial 911.

3. Infectious Diseases and Foodborne Illnesses: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan, Paid Leaves and Time Off Policy, and Unpaid Leaves and Time Off Policy.

4. Emergency Notification System and Timely Warnings (Emergency Response Policy):

1. 1. Notification System: Students at WCCS will be notified of emergencies, inclement weather, and other safety messages through the College’s mass notification system. Students and employees already have user accounts set up based upon their information on file.
      
      WCCS uses a mass notification system to notify students and employees of emergency situations and important College notices. The Police Department works closely with the ADD DEPARTMENT NAME HERE to determine when and how an alert will be issued. The current situation will be monitored, and College officials will determine the type of notice, if any, that will be sent. The ADD DEPARTMENT NAME HERE staff has the charge of issuing an alert upon the decision of College Police, select administrators, or the President of WCCS. The Student Services Office monitors effects on students; the ADD DEPARTMENT NAME HERE monitors weather and campus situational analysis; the College Police Department monitors the safety and security of the College community; and, the ADD DEPARTMENT NAME HERE communicates with the College community to stay aware of developing situations. The President is notified and informed of situations throughout the lifetime of the occurrence(s).
      
      Any type of emergency notification or timely warning will include pertinent information for the College community to respond to or to be aware of a current situation. Information included in notifications do not compromise any type of criminal investigation but do include information to allow individuals to respond appropriately. For instance, if there is a suspect of a crime on campus, descriptive details regarding the individual’s appearance or attire will be included. Evacuation or lockdown information may also be included should the situation require those types of responses.
      
      WCCS, without delay, and taking into account the safety of the community, determines the content of the notification and initiates the notification system, unless issuing a notification will, in the professional judgment of responsible authorities, compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

b. Mass Notification System: WCCS uses a mass notification system to notify employees and students of emergency situations.
    The College also uses this system if any change in schedules or any campus closures occur. Students and employees
    already have user accounts set up based on their information on file. All users are required to log into the mass notification
    system to ensure contact information, such as cell phone numbers, are accurate.

c. Significant Emergency: In the event of a significant emergency situation, WCCS will send an emergency notification via the
    mass notification system. Refer to the definition section above for a definition of “significant emergency.”

d. Timely Warning: Some situations do not require an emergency notification if they are not causing imminent danger to the
    College community. Examples of these situations include power outages and strings of larcenies, as defined by the Clery
    Act. Students may receive a notification through a mass notification system, even in the event of a non-emergency
    situation. These types of notifications are called Timely Warnings. The ADD DEPARTMENT NAME HERE with other key College
   officials, will determine what type of alert should be sent.

5. Testing Emergency Procedures and Notifications: WCCS frequently tests emergency procedures and notifications. Each fall, the College sends an annual notice to students, faculty and staff via the mass notification system. In addition, the College performs routine drills and evacuations annually. The College may choose to coordinate these tests, announced or unannounced. The WCCW Police Department also performs active shooter drills for faculty, staff and students. These exercises are performed during professional development sessions for employees and during training for specific student groups, such as Resident Assistants. All drills will be documented through the College Police Department.

5. Emergency Resources and Law Enforcement: The following resources are available to provide support and/or receive complaints or reports.
   
   Emergency medical assistance and campus safety/law enforcement assistance are available both on and off campus. Individuals are encouraged to contact law enforcement and seek medical treatment as soon as possible following an incident that poses a threat to safety or physical well-being or following a potential criminal offense. Contact information for law enforcement officials and medical treatment facilities are as follows:

• 1. Area Police Departments:
  • Demopolis Police: (334)  289-3073
  • Selma Police: (334) 874-2137
  • Dallas County Sheriff’s Office: (334) 874-2530
  • Marengo County Sheriff's Office: (334) 295-4208

• 2. Contact the College Police Department for:
  • Incident and crime reporting
  • Lost and Found
  • Personal safety escorts
  • Security-related issues
  • Vehicle assistance

1. 3. Emergency Response Plan (EOP): The Emergency Response Plan is prepared to educate all employees on when and how to report emergent situations such as active shooter, fire, or the need to evacuate the building(s). All employees should be well versed in these procedures as outlined in the guide.

1. 4. Accidents (Reporting): After stabilizing the victim and seeking medical services, if needed for treatment, contact College Police at (334) 876-9227 to complete an accident report.

1. 5. Active Shooter: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan.

1. 6. Bomb Threats: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan.

1. 7. Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies (Reporting): It is the policy of WCCS that any criminal act, or threat of violence, injury, destruction of College or personal property, traffic accident, or other situation which occurs on the main campus of, any branch campus of, or any other site operated by, WCCS, and which may constitute an emergency, a danger to the health, safety, or property of any person, or a threat to the public order be reported immediately to College Police, at (334) 876-9227.

1. 1. 1. All witnesses to any situation which fits into any of the above-described categories, will make themselves available to make written statements and otherwise assist College officials and law enforcement officers in the investigation of the situation. Employees and students are subject to discipline if they file a false report of, knowingly make a false statement about, or interfere with the investigation of, any criminal activity reported.

1. 1. 2. It is the duty of the College to immediately take all reasonable action to prevent or minimize any harm or threat of harm to the employees, students, and visitors of WCCS. Furthermore, it is the duty of College Police to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency in the event of an act of criminal nature, or of any other nature (for example, a traffic accident) which would ordinarily involve law enforcement officials. Additionally, it is the duty of said official(s) to contact the appropriate fire department, emergency medical agency, or other authority or agency which is due to be notified of the respective incident.

1. 1. 3. The WCCS Police Department is under the supervision of the ADD POSITION TITLE HERE. The Chief of Police is responsible for the management of the College Police Department. All public safety services are coordinated with other key College officials and local law enforcement officers and agencies.

1. 8. Fire: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan.

1. 1. Medical Emergencies: In case of medical emergency, call 911 or all College Police at (334) 375-6036. If you contact 911 first, follow up with College Police.

1. 10. Missing Persons: Refer to the Missing Persons Policy for additional information.

1. 11. Power Outages: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan.

        l. Suspicious Mail: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan.

6. Inclement Weather: In cases of severe inclement weather, the College will announce cancellation of classes through the local media as well as through the College’s website. WCCS uses a mass notification system to notify employees and students of emergency situations. The College will use this system if any change in schedules or any campus closures occur. Students and employees already have user accounts set up based on their information on file. Students are automatically entered into the notification system when they are accepted to the College.

1. 1. Instructors and students are responsible for meeting all assigned classes. In the event of inclement weather, instructors and students will be expected to attend classes as usual as long as they do so without risk of peril to themselves or to others.

1. 2. Emergency Closures: The College may close (or suspend operations) in emergency situations that include, but are not limited to, inclement weather and emergency conditions such as a power failure, fire, and other situations, which create an undesirable and/or unsafe environment for employees. Essential employees may be required to work during an emergency closure.

1. 3. Temporary Adjustments to Work Schedules: The College may set alternative work hours due to special circumstances such as early morning or mid-day closings or delayed openings due to inclement weather. When hours related to emergency or weather are changed, the College will notify all employees and students through local media, the WCCS website, campus email, and/or a mass notification system. Employees are responsible for checking these media when they suspect inclement weather or other conditions may affect the College’s operation.

1. 4. Emergency Response Plan: Refer to the College’s Emergency Response Plan for additional information regarding severe weather.

7. Safe Environment: WCCS works to provide a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and other campus visitors. A person who is not a student, officer or employee of WCCS, who is not authorized by employment or by status as a student of WCCS to be on campus or at any other facility owned, operated or controlled by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), or who does not have legitimate business on the campus or facility, or any other authorization, license or invitation to enter or remain at the facility, or anyone who is committing any act tending to interfere with the normal, orderly, peaceful or efficient conduct or activities of such facility, may be directed by an official of the College to leave the campus or facility. If the person fails to do so, trespass charges may be made by WCCS through the appropriate local law enforcement agency or court.

1. 1. Visitors: Visitors purposefully threatening the safety of others on college premises may be subject to immediate removal from the premises and/or prosecution under the law. 

1. 2. Employee Responsibilities: To ensure both safe and efficient operations, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Board of Trustees expects and requires all College employees to display common courtesy and to engage in safe and appropriate behavior on the job at all times.  Any involvement in acts or threatened acts of violence, including hostile behavior, physical or verbal abuse, or possession of weapons or dangerous materials of any kind is considered unacceptable behavior that violates this standard of appropriate behavior in the workplace and in the educational environment.
      
      Employees are responsible for their conduct on college premises, whether they are on or off duty. Board of Trustees and College rules of conduct and behavior expectations also apply when employees are traveling on college business as well as any time employees are working for or are representing the Alabama Community College System away from the premises.
       
   3. Retaliation Prohibited: Retaliation in any form against an individual who exercises his or her right to make a complaint under this policy, or who provides information in the investigation of a complaint, is strictly prohibited and will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment for employees and appropriate disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students.

​​​​​​​ 8. Firearms: Firearms are prohibited on campus or on any other facility operated by the institution.  Exceptions to this policy are
    referenced in the ACCS Board Policy 511.01.

9. Searches and Inspections: To ensure security and to minimize the risk of terrorism and other threats, the College reserves the right to conduct searches of college property, including workstations, desks, file cabinets, lockers, College vehicles (and all enclosed containers), and similar areas. This also extends to all College computers (email and Internet), telephones (voice messages), and electronic devices (smart phones/tablets). The College may conduct searches when there is a reason to believe that prohibited items or activities may be present. Any items violating College policies or creating a health or safety risk may be confiscated anywhere on College premises. Any search will be conducted in compliance with all federal, state, local, or other laws.
   
   The College reserves the right to conduct searches of a student, employee, or visitor’s personal possessions, including lunchboxes, briefcases, backpacks, packages, or other items carried onto College property. Personal possessions do not include items of clothing being worn or employee vehicles. However, a visual inspection of vehicles may be performed from outside (i.e., looking through the windows).
   
   The College reserves the right to deny entrance to any student, employee, and/or visitor who refuses to cooperate with a request to search personal possessions. Individuals who refuse to cooperate may be subject to discipline.

10. Standards of Conduct Related to Possession, Use, and Sale of Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Drugs: WCCS is a public educational institution of the State of Alabama and, as such, will not permit at any activity which it sponsors, the possession, influence, use, or distribution of any alcoholic beverage or any illicit drug by any student, employee, or visitor. In the event of the confirmation of such prohibited possession, use, or distribution by a student or employee, WCCS will, within the scope of applicable Federal and State due process requirements, take such administrative or disciplinary action as is appropriate.

11. Vaccinations: WCCS generally does not require vaccinations; however, the College is concerned about the health and well-being of all students and employees.

1. 1. 1. WCCS encourages all students and employees to remain current on vaccinations as suggested by appropriate health authorities.
      2. Enrollment in some healthcare-related programs and participation in some activities require immunizations as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and communicated by the specific WCCS program

Reporting Safety and Security Concerns Procedures
 

1. Anyone who feels they have been mistreated under this policy may report their concerns at ADD COMPLAINT FORM HERE.

College Law Enforcement Policies and Procedures

1. Code of Ethics: Officers will at all times abide by the Peace Officer’s Code of Ethics and take appropriate action to preserve the peace, protect life and property, apprehend criminals, prevent crime, recover lost and stolen property and enforce the laws of the United States, the State of Alabama, and regulations of WCCS.

2. Violation of Rules: Violation of College rules and regulations or criminal offenses are reported in writing to the Dean of Students and/or designee. Refer to the Student Code of Conduct, which outlines college regulations, disciplinary actions, and disciplinary procedures.

3. Room Searches (College Jurisdiction): If deemed necessary and advisable for the safety, security, and the maintenance of an educational atmosphere, a room may be searched. Searches will be conducted only in accordance with the preceding sentence or if there is reasonable cause to believe that a student is using their room for a purpose in violation of federal, state or local laws, or College regulations. Any room search, except one conducted by law enforcement officers with probable cause, must be approved by the Dean of Students and/or designee.

Inclement Weather Procedures

1. When an institution is required to close due to inclement weather or other unforeseen emergency, the President must immediately notify the Chancellor.
2. WCCS will notify via an alert on the website, issue an all-College email, post notifications on social media, and notify employees and students through the mass notification system.
   
   NOTE: It is the student’s and employee’s responsibility to ensure that the College has the most current contact information on file.

Refer to the Employee Complaints and Grievances Policy.
Refer to the Emergency Response Plan.
Refer to the Employee Discipline Policy.
Refer to the Student – Formal Complaints Policy.
Refer to the Student Code of Conduct Policy

Downloadable copy: 
07.02 Safety and Security