Campus Security Policies

Traffic

Vehicles routinely driven on campus must have a parking decal displayed. Students can obtain a decal at the Campus Police and Visitors Information Center. The decal is issued to the student to use on any vehicle the student drives on campus. The decal is designed to hang on the inside rear-view mirror of a vehicle. 

A temporary parking permit must be obtained if a student drives a vehicle on campus without an assigned parking decal displayed. Temporary parking permits are issued at the Campus Police and Visitors Information Center. 

Students who lose or misplace their parking decals can purchase a replacement decal for $5.00. Visitors to Jefferson State Community College are required to obtain a visitor’s permit for their vehicle. 

Visitors to the Jefferson Campus can obtain a permit at the Campus Police and Visitors’ Information Center; visitors to the Shelby-Hoover Campus can obtain their permit from the Receptionist in General Studies Building or from the Campus Police. 

Please read and observe the following rules:

1. Students, faculty and staff must park in their designated areas. The campus parking plan is as follows:

2. Faculty members may not give students permission to use faculty parking areas.
3. Parking is prohibited in loading and no parking zones.
4. All stop signs must be obeyed.
5. Speed on all campus roads is limited to 15 m.p.h. except where posted otherwise, but any speed not safe for the conditions of the road, including vehicular and pedestrian congestion, is prohibited.
6. All parking must conform to marked-off areas. All parallel parking must be within twelve inches of the curb.
7. Vehicles left on campus overnight must be registered with the Campus Police.
8. Driving and parking on the grass and sidewalks are prohibited. Parking at crosswalks, loading zones, and yellow curbs is prohibited.
9. Double parking is prohibited.
10. Blocking driveways, entrances and exits to parking areas or buildings is prohibited.
11. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in designated crosswalks.
12. In all lots that are marked with parking spaces, vehicles must be parked heading into the spaces.
13. Vehicles must be parked only in designated parking spaces.

A citation and fine will be issued for each violation. Vehicles may be towed away at the owner’s expense in the event of chronic violations. If a vehicle is parked in such a manner that it cannot be towed, the campus police will immobilize the vehicle with a “car boot” to the wheel area. This action will result in an additional fine to the owner/driver of that vehicle. 

*Fines indicated are for first offenses. Fines will be increased by $2 for $8 fines and $5 for $20 fines for each repeated violation. 

Fines may be paid at the college cashier’s window at any of our locations from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Failure to pay fines will result in student registration and graduation holds and may result in towing of the vehicle at the owner’s expense. 

Automobile Accidents and Problems on Campus 

Jefferson State’s Campus Police has jurisdiction over accidents that occur on campus and will complete the necessary accident reports as required by law. Contact the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093 in the event of an accident on campus. When possible, Campus Police will assist students with vehicular problems encountered on campus. 

Campus Police 

Emergency Messages For Students 

According to college policy, classes are not interrupted except for legitimate emergencies. Emergency calls should be directed to the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093. 

Lost and Found 

Lost and found articles should be taken to the Campus Police. Articles found and left with the Campus Police will be inventoried, dated, and held for a period of thirty calendar days. During this time these articles may be claimed upon proof of ownership. After thirty days the college automatically disposes of unclaimed articles. 

Cash will be held for sixty days. After sixty days, if no one has claimed the money, it will be returned to the finder (faculty and staff excluded). Otherwise, the money will be deposited in miscellaneous revenue. 

Security Of Personal Property

The college cannot be responsible for personal property, nor can the college assume responsibility for the protection of vehicles or their contents. The campus police recommend that students conceal books, supplies, and other valuables in the trunks of their cars or keep valuables in their possession at all times. Items such as purses, handbags, bookbags, and knapsacks should not be unattended. 

Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies 

It is the policy of Jefferson State Community College that any criminal act or threat of violence, injury, destruction of college or personal property, traffic accident or other situation that occurs on college property and that may constitute an emergency, a danger to the health, safety, or property of any person, or a threat to public order be reported immediately. An emergency is hereby defined as any event that is disruptive to the normal affairs of the college. Members of the campus community should be alert to emergency situations and make immediate reports as outlined below. In reporting an emergency, the caller must: (a) state name; (b) state type of emergency; (c) state location of emergency; and (d) remain in the area until assistance arrives.

1. Reporting of Emergencies - On Campus
   1. Medical Emergencies: In the case of major injury or serious illness, (a) call the paramedics at 911; (b) call the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093.
   2. Fire/Explosion/Hazardous Material Spill: In the case of fire, explosion or hazardous material spill,  (a)     activate the fire alarm or otherwise notify occupants to vacate the building; (b) call the fire department at 911; (c) call the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093; (d) call maintenance at (205) 856-7998.
   3. Bomb Threat: In case of a bomb threat, call the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093.
   4. Criminal Acts: In case of criminal acts including murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary or motor vehicle theft, call the Campus Police at (205)     856-6093. 
   5. Maintenance Emergencies: In case of maintenance emergencies, (a) call maintenance at (205) 856-7998; (b) call the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093.
2. Reporting of Emergencies - Off Campus (Participation at College Functions)
   In the case of a major injury, serious illness or other emergency involving faculty, staff or students at a college function, (a) call local medical assistance and local law enforcement personnel, if applicable; (b) call Jefferson State’s incoming watts number 1-800-239-5900 and notify the appropriate administrator of the injury or illness and the location of the injured party. In the event such occurrence is after normal operating hours, call Campus Police at (205) 856-6093. Campus Police will in turn notify the appropriate administrator.
3. Reporting of Emergencies - Off Campus Instructional Sites
   In the case of a major injury, serious illness or other emergency involving faculty, staff or students at an off campus instructional site, (a) call 911, (b) call the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093. The Campus Police will notify the appropriate administrator.
4. Emergency Procedures - Building Evacuation In the event it becomes necessary to evacuate a building, all occupants are expected to vacate the facility as directed by the signage located in each building.
5. Emergency Procedures - Tornado Watch
   1. Campus Police will notify each building representative and maintenance when a tornado watch is issued.
   2. Building representatives must from that point monitor weather radios until the watch is canceled.
   3. Classes are not interrupted for a tornado watch.
6. Emergency Procedures - Tornado Warning
   1. Campus Police will notify each building representative and maintenance when a tornado warning is issued.
   2. Building representatives inform building occupants a tornado warning has been issued.
   3. Building representatives must from that point monitor weather radios and telephones until the warning is canceled.
   4. Campus Police will determine if building occupants should move to the bottom floor of the building in which they are located and advise the building representatives accordingly.
   5. All occupants should avoid glass areas.
   6. When the tornado threat is over, the all-clear will be given by the Campus Police and normal activities will resume.
   7. Do not send people home during a tornado watch or warning.

Sexual Offenses 

Jefferson State places a high priority on the safety of all students, employees and visitors. Any type of sexual misconduct is strictly forbidden at Jefferson State. Both college disciplinary procedures and criminal charges may be applied to sexual offenses.

1. State community free from sex offenses are administered by the Campus Police and the Office of Recruiting/Student Activities on the Jefferson Campus and JMB 134 on the Shelby-Hoover Campus. These programs include but are not limited to:
   1. Presentations at orientation by Campus Police.
   2. Presentations by Campus Police as requested.
   3. Brochures available in the offices of Campus Police and Office of Recruiting/Student Activities on the Jefferson Campus and JMB 134 on the Shelby-Hoover Campus which describe the prevention of sexual assault.
   4. Posters throughout the campus community to heighten awareness of sexual assault.
   5. Online training is available at http://el.lawroom.com/SHIB/jscc.
2. Sanctions
   Upon determination that a student or employee has committed rape, acquaintance rape or another sexual offense, the following sanctions are available:
   • Criminal charges
   • Probation
   • Suspension from college and/or employment
   • Expulsion from college
   • Termination of employment
   • Ban from college property

Instructions for Sexual Assault Victims 

In the event you or another person is the victim of sexual assault, it is important to remember details, follow procedures and notify the proper departments. The single most important thing a victim of rape or sexual assault can do is tell someone - the police, a friend, a medical professional, etc. Rape or sexual assault, whether by a stranger or someone you know, is a violation of your body, your trust and your right to choose. The following are recommended procedures to follow:

1. Do not shower, wash or change your clothes.
2. Do not brush your teeth.
3. Preserve any evidence such as clothing, used condoms, towels, tissue or other items, which may be useful for investigation purposes.
4. If the incident occurs on campus, contact the Campus Police at (205) 856-6093. If the incident occurs off campus, contact 911.
5. Seek medical attention immediately. Campus Police at (205) 856-6093 can assist in seeking medical attention. Also, local emergency medical services can be contacted by dialing 911.
6. Seek counseling to assist with mental and emotional trauma. Information concerning counseling services available through various agencies can be obtained in the Office of Campus Police.

Resources for Sexual Assault Victims in Jefferson County and St. Clair County 
Birmingham Crisis Center (Rape Response) is available for victims of sexual abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services provided by Rape Response include mental health counseling and evidence collection. Services are available to victims whether or not the victim decides to contact law enforcement. All services are free and confidential. 

Phone number: (205) 323-7777
Address: 3600 8th Avenue South; Birmingham, Alabama 35222

Resources for Sexual Assault Victims in Shelby County and Chilton County
Safe Shelby (Rape Response) is available for victims of sexual abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services provided by Rape Response include mental health counseling and evidence collection. Services are available to victims whether or not the victim decides to contact law enforcement. All services are free and confidential. 

Phone number: (205) 669-7233 
Address: P.O. Box 620; Columbiana, Alabama 35051

SECURITY OF AND ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES 

Jefferson State Community College is committed to providing a healthful, safe and secure environment for all members of the campus community. This commitment is evidenced by the fact the college employs a Police force which is on duty anytime the school is open for business. 

Campus facilities are locked and unlocked by the Campus Police according to the normal operational hours of the college and scheduled facilities usage. Normal operational hours are:

Jefferson Campus 
7:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday
7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Saturday 
Shelby Campus
7:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday
7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Saturday 
Pell City Campus 
7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 
Clanton Campus 
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday 
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Friday 
(Buildings not scheduled for classes or special events are closed.)

As a rule, no one should be in college buildings after normal operational hours. The Campus Police have been instructed not to open buildings or allow people to remain in campus buildings after hours. Students, faculty, or staff who access to campus facilities outside of the hours scheduled above need must secure written authorization from the appropriate cost center head or administrator. An approved Request for After-Hour Building Usage form must be submitted to the campus police during normal office hours Monday through Friday. In the event of an unforeseen emergency, please contact the Campus Police for assistance. 

CAMPUS LAW ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 

The following law enforcement policies are in effect at Jefferson State Community College:

1. Staffing will consist of one Chief, Police Officers, and Security personnel.
2. Police Officers must be certified by the Alabama Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, be graduates of a certified police academy, and possess all powers vested in Alabama peace officers.
3. The Chief must ensure personnel assigned to the Department of Campus Safety and Security maintain currency in their assigned responsibilities. This includes, but is not limited to, formal in-service training.
4. The Campus Police must maintain a 365 day, 24 hour per day work schedule.
5. Police officers must patrol the campus by car and on foot during their assigned shifts.
6. The Chief will promulgate, review, and update as necessary written procedures relative to investigating and reporting campus incidents involving safety and security.
7. The Campus Police must be equipped with transportation and communication devices necessary to receive reports of and respond to safety and security conditions.

Procedures internal to law enforcement activities are contained in the Safety and Security Rules and Regulations. This document contains detailed policies and procedures relative to:

• The protection of constitutional rights
• Enforcement of institutional regulations
• Enforcement of state and local laws
• The reporting of safety and security hazards
• The public relations aspect necessary to the Campus Police in dealing with campus and community members
• The use of firearms
• Investigations
• Arrests
• Court attendance

The Safety and Security Policies and Procedures Manual is available for inspection upon request.

CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES 

The Campus Police regularly send safety and security bulletins on the protection of personal property and current crime statistics. Officers regularly conduct safety and maintenance surveys that have led to such improvements as the upgrading of lighting, parking facilities, etc. The foregoing activities are further strengthened by a highly visible police force that is easily accessible to anyone on campus. In addition to their normal police duties, police officers serve as security personnel at on-campus activities such as athletic events and meetings of off-campus groups using the college’s facilities. While some of these activities are only indirectly related to crime prevention, they all speak to the issue of visibility and accessibility of police services. This visibility and accessibility are the principal keys to crime prevention. The scope and function of the campus police is published at Jefferson State in the Catalog and Student Handbook. 

REPORTING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ENGAGED IN BY STUDENTS AT OFF-CAMPUS LOCATIONS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND OFF-CAMPUS
HOUSING FACILITIES 

Jefferson State Community College is a commuter college and does not sanction off-campus student organizations or housing facilities. 

COLLEGE POLICIES ON POSSESSION, USE, AND SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ILLEGAL DRUGS 

College policies on possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are found in the College Handbook for Employees and the Catalog and Student Handbook.