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Campus Safety & Crime Statistics


Working together, we can create a safe environment for the entire campus.

Howard College and the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf enrolled approximately 3,000 students in the Fall of 2002 with 300 of them living in residence halls. Like any other community, we experience a certain amount of criminal activity. Our purpose in bringing this to your attention is not to alarm you but to alert you. Howard College and SWCID are concerned about the protection of persons and property. We assure you that we place a high priority on striving to maintain a safe environment for students and employees. We cannot, however, guarantee the absolute safety of any one student. Personal safety must begin with the individual. We have prepared this bulletin to assist you in protecting yourself, and in doing so, to contribute to a safer campus environment. Working together, we can create a safe environment for the entire campus community.

STUDENT AND EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

You must take responsibility for your own safety. The college provides a number of safety services, programs, and policies. However, when you fail to take precautions, you are putting yourself and others at risk. We ask that you become familiar with the campus and take advantage of the security services and information available. We will continue to develop and implement security measures, but these measures will not be successful without your personal support and awareness. Howard College and SWCID strongly encourage employees, students, and others to report criminal activities and emergencies which occur on campus.

CRIME STATISTICS COMPARISON

There is little benefit in making comparisons between institutions or in ranking colleges by crime statistics. Crime statistics are affected by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: demographic characteristics of the surrounding population; ratio of male/female students; number of campus residents; accessibility to outside visitors; and size of enrollments.

HOWARD COLLEGE AND SWCID CRIME STATISTICS

The Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 requires colleges and universities to distribute to all current students and employees and to applicants for enrollment or employment, description of policies related to campus security and statistics concerning specific types of crimes that occur on school property. The attached form contains the crime statistics which have been reported to the U.S. Department of Education.

COMMON CRIMES ON CAMPUS

The most common crimes on campus include theft of unattended and/or unsecured books, backpacks, purses, wallets, and bicycles. The burglary of open and/or unlocked and/or unattended residence hall rooms, offices, and motor vehicles is also common. Jewelry, stereo equipment, and other portable valuables are likely targets of burglars.

WHERE TO REPORT CRIME

Crime in progress should be reported immediately to the appropriate police department. In an emergency on campus, individuals should dial 9911 to notify the local police department. Non-emergency calls should be placed to the Dean of Student or campus director. Residence hall students are also encouraged to report crime to the Residence Hall Directors. In an emergency off campus, individuals should dial 911 to contact the local police department. Individuals can report crimes or information about crimes anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 263-8477 (Big Spring) or 658-4357 (San Angelo). The Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 permits higher education to disclose to alleged victims of any crime of violence the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the institution against the alleged perpetrator of a crime with respect to such crime. If you are a violent crime victim and are interested in the disposition of the offence, please contact the Dean of Students.

SECURITY SERVICES

The following services are available to all Howard College and SWCID students and employees:

  • Emergency telephone service is available on campus to provide immediate access to emergency personnel. Dial 9911 (in an emergency, coin operated phones do not require a deposit, just dial 911.)
  • Safety lighting has been placed in strategic locations on campuses. When individuals notice that exterior lights are not working, they should report the location to the Executive Vice President at 264-5175.
  • The Guidance and Counseling Office in Big Spring or the Student Services Office in San Angelo can assist individuals who are victims of crimes. For assistance, call (432) 264-5085 in Big Spring or (325) 947-9508 in San Angelo.
  • Security personnel on an evening shift basis monitor Howard College Big Spring and SWCID campuses 365 days a year and the Howard College San Angelo campus has security Monday - Friday only. The security personnel are not commissioned as peace officers. The security department has working relationships with local law enforcement agencies whereby all disturbances, criminal activities, and suspicious activities are reported by police radio to law enforcement authorities.
  • Residence Hall staff coverage is maintained 24 hours a day with Residence Hall Directors, Office Assistance, and security personnel when halls are in operation.
  • Security of academic buildings is coordinated between the Student Services Department and the Security Department. Security programs and materials are available to students and employees regarding safety and security issues. Programs are presented by a number of college and community resources.
  • Policies and regulations concerning student conduct are in existence to address crimes against persons and property.
  • A campus judicial system is in place to adjudicated violation of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.
  • Each Student Services Office has a binder that includes HCJCD students and/or employees that registered sex offenders. This binder is accessible to the HCJCD community.

    • GENERAL SAFETY

  • Avoid walking alone, particularly after dark. If walking alone is unavoidable, be aware of your surroundings.
  • Walk with confidence and determination, holding your head up. Look behind and around you frequently.
  • Avoid shortcuts. The shortest route is not always the safest route.
  • Dress for mobility, particularly after dark.
  • Carry your personal belongings in a backpack or similar container that will enable your arms and hands to be free at all times.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • Do not get close to the vehicle if you are walking and a vehicle stops you.
  • Never allow someone to predict your route to travel. Whether you are driving, biking, walking, or jogging, frequently alter your route between campus and your residence.
  • Register, engrave, mark and./or photograph all your valuables including bicycles, stereos, jewelry, vehicles, computers, etc.

    • RESIDENCE HALL SECURITY

  • Never prop your door open, even if you will be gone for only a few minutes. Always lock doors, screens, and windows to prevent uninvited access to your room. Do not give anyone a key to your room. Do not leave valuables in plain sight.
  • Never let strangers into your hall. This puts you and others at risk. The security personnel monitor entrance to the hall, and telephones are available in the lobby for visitors to contact residents.
  • Be aware of suspicious persons and activities. If you observe someone or something suspicious, notify the residence hall staff.
  • Report obscene or irritating telephone calls to the Dean of Students Office and a residence hall staff member.

    • SECURITY OFF CAMPUS

  • Keep doors and window locked at all times. All exterior doors should be equipped with deadbolt locks.
  • If you do not have a peephole, request that one be installed.
  • Know who to call in an emergency. See the last page of this bulletin for important telephone numbers.
  • Do not open your door for anyone you do not know. If a person in uniform knocks, and you did not call for assistance, contact the person's place of employment to verify the reason for the visit.
  • Use outside lighting and keep shrubbery trimmed around windows and doors.

    • SAFETY ON DATES

  • Know your sexual limits and communicate them clearly and firmly.
  • Do not allow your body actions to send a different message than what you are verbally communicating.
  • Avoid use of mind-altering chemicals.
  • Listen to and respond to your instincts. They are usually correct.
  • Never accept a ride from someone you do not know well.

    • REDUCING OPPORTUNITY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

  • Avoid deserted areas.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and think about how you would defend yourself. Develop a "game plan" for prevention.
  • Make an inspection of the interior before you enter your vehicle. Once inside lock all doors and windows.
  • Do not go inside your residence if you return and find that the door is ajar. Immediately notify the police.
  • Park vehicle in a well-lighted area and do not park where suspicious persons are loitering. Again, trust and follow your instincts.

  • Registered Sex Offenders Web Site

    • Crime statistics are available as downloadable PDF files.

  • Crime Statistics: Howard College Big Spring, San Angelo, & Lamesa Campuses
  • Crime Statistics: SWCID

    • It is the policy of Howard College not to discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, veteran, age, national origin, or handicap in educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies.