In our rapidly changing world,the possibility of crime is on the minds of parents and students alike. It is my hope that as you browse around our site you'll understand the remarkable progress that our department has made over the last twenty years in implementing protective measures for our students, faculty, and staff. The thrust of our program has been (and remains) the prevention of crime by removing or limiting criminal opportunity. Our department has been recognized by peers at other colleges and universities, and by two different national consultants, as being a model program for physical and electronic security. Our program has been featured in several national security and campus periodicals.
One question that is a standard among those who observe our operation is: "Why have so much security on a small to medium sized campus?" The answer is that we, through innovation and forward thinking attempt to actually stay ahead of crime trends. Innovative measures have many associated costs. It is to our college administration's credit that it is willing to perceive new and additional security measures as investments in our students, rather than counting such hardware and programs as drains on resources.
Our success is, of course, reflected in our lack of adverse crime statistics. This site includes our entire Federal Crime Report booklet. We do, however, realize there is no absolute security in any environment, thus we attempt to educate our students in various methods of personal safety.
The deterrent message that we project to potential local criminals is comprised of the total sum of the various individual components of our system. Some of those components are:
- 12 full-time, trained, security officers
- 5 part-time student patrol
- Fully enclosed perimeter security fencing
- After hours gate that are staffed and controlled from 5pm to 7am, 7 days a week.
- Perimeter CCTV, live monitored and taped
- Twenty-four hour staffed Dispatch Center
- Computer controlled card access system (with mag locks and door ajar monitors)
- Emergency call boxes
- Computer monitored burglar, duress, and fire systems
- Security lighting
- Security Features
It is an axiom of modern life that security and convenience are opposites. If one is augmented, the other is diminished. However, we have, by concentrating on good perimeter security, managed to create a pleasing balance and keep the campus secure without infringing upon normal and enjoyable campus life. We continue our efforts to build and maintain a safe and appropriate learning environment for our students.
Please visit our site often. We continue to improve it. Come to campus, meet us face to face, and give us the opportunity to extend our gracious southern hospitality.
