Public Safety & Emergency
Public Safety
SCC complies with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act enacted by Congress in 1990 (Clery Act). Building and parking lot safety services are provided for students throughout the year. To contact a public safety officer/campus police you may inquire at the Welcome Center in the SCC Main Building, call 636-922-8545, or ask any staff member to call the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police (DPS).
In an emergency, you should call 8545 or 911 from the nearest campus phone. DPS will respond immediately. If you are hurt while on campus, call 636-922-8545. DPS officers are trained first responders. Emergency phones are located in building hallways and labeled “Emergency.” A public safety officer/campus police will provide an escort to your car if needed. This does not include personal attendant services for vehicular accessibility.
The following will provide additional information regarding campus safety in general, crime prevention, crime reporting and student responsibilities.
Campus Safety
The SCC Department of Public Safety/Campus Police is responsible for law enforcement campus safety in general. Student concerns regarding general campus safety should be addressed to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police.
Building and Grounds Safety
The Department of Public Safety/Campus Police is responsible for safety inside and outside the buildings. There are telephones located on most parking lots that ring directly to the DPS/Campus Police office. The office operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. DPS/Campus Police will provide parking lot escort service for people concerned about their safety.
The college is open for general access from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday - Friday, except in the case of inclement weather and other emergency closings and college holidays. Campus buildings will be open at other times, including Saturdays and Sundays, for approved events, activities and classes.
Emergency Notifications (Text Messaging)
St. Charles Community College employs a text-messaging Emergency Alert System that serves as one means of alerting the campus community about emergencies, warnings, weather-related closings and campus shutdowns. The system will not be used for general announcements. For more information and to sign up for the system, visit the Emergency Alert (Text Messaging) page.
Inclement Weather & Emergency Closing
In the event of inclement weather, the college may adjust campus opening/closing times or pivot to remote operations and close the physical campus entirely. For inclement weather notices, students, faculty and staff may visit the college website (see “Announcements” on the home page), check college e-mail, or watch local TV stations and/or visit their websites. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to sign up for the Emergency Alert system in order to be notified by cell phone text.
The college will contact local media with inclement weather announcements as soon as possible but cannot guarantee what times they will appear on radio or television stations and their websites. The following media will be notified by 5:30 a.m. for day classes or by 5 p.m. for evening classes (if bad weather develops during the day):
- KMOX Radio (1120 AM)
- KSDK-TV, Channel 5
- KMOV-TV, Channel 4
- KTVI-TV, Channel 2
In the case of evening classes held at middle schools and high schools in the area, the SCC classes will not meet if the schools themselves have announced they are closed.
Because area weather conditions may vary, you should use discretion in deciding if travel is safe. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student.
Other emergency announcements will be made through the above local media sources.
Crime Reporting
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to report crime, criminal activity or suspicious activity to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police at 636-922-8545 (on campus, dial 8545). DPS/Campus Police is a law enforcement agency and will investigate any crime or criminal activity that occurs on campus. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, firearms and weapons of any type are not permitted on campus. The use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited. Any person violating the law or college rules and regulations regarding any of these items is subject to appropriate disciplinary action and/or criminal charges
Fire Safety Policies, Procedures, Reports & Statistics
St. Charles Community College is required by The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA - Public Law 110-315) and Clery, to produce and make available by October 1st of each year, an annual report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire-related on-campus statistics. The Annual Security Report is available on the Campus website.
Substance Free Campus
Drug-Free Campus
St. Charles Community College is a drug-free institution and operates within the guidelines as set forth in the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
SCC prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use or distribution of drugs on the campus, college sites, client sites or at any college-sponsored event. The possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages on campus, college sites, client sites, instructional activities and at college-sponsored events is prohibited unless specifically approved by the president. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Board Policy, Article I.06 Drug-Free Environment
SCC provides various drug and alcohol prevention activities and programs throughout the semester. For additional resources, see Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information and Resources.
Tobacco-Free Campus
The college is committed to providing an environment that is safe and healthy. The use of tobacco, smoking and simulated smoking products are prohibited on all college property and in all college vehicles. This includes all buildings, common areas, building entrances, athletic fields, walking trails and parking lots. Signage is clearly posted on the perimeter of the property, at all entrances and other prominent places. Students who repeatedly violate the policy may be referred to the SCC Studet Judicial Hearing Committee and may be disciplined under the student code of conduct as appropriate. Prohibited usage of products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Board Policy, Article I.03 Prohibition of Tobacco Use, Smoking, and Simulated Smoking
Weapon-Free Campus
Possession or use of firearms - whether concealed or in sight - or any explosives, dangerous chemicals or other weapons are prohibited on college property and at college-sponsored or supervised functions.
This also applies to those individuals with conceal and carry (CCW) permits.
Board Policy, Article V.34 Weapons (Concealed or Visible)
Missing Student
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1092 (f) (Clery Act) requires institutions that maintain on-campus housing facilities to establish a missing student notification policy and related procedures. The term “missing student” refers to any student who resides on-campus that is reported missing from the residence.
Any individual who believes that a currently enrolled student resident is missing should immediately notify the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety at 636-922-8545. Upon receipt of this information, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will commence an investigation. Should the investigation result in the conclusion that the student is missing, and has been missing for 24 hours, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will notify the local police and/or the appropriate local law enforcement agency, as well as the student’s Missing Student Contact within a span of time not to exceed 24 hours from the time the student was determined to be missing.
If the missing student is under the age of 18, and not an emancipated individual, the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after the Campus Police / Department of Public Safety determined that the student resident is missing, in addition to notifying the contact person designated by the student resident.
Timely Warning Notices
In the event of a crime which may pose a serious or on-going threat to students and employees at either campus, the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police will issue “timely warning” crime bulletins. Such warnings will be provided to students and employees in a manner that is timely, withholds the names of victims as confidential, and will aid in the prevention of similar occurrences.
Timely Warnings are usually distributed for the following Uniformed Crime Reporting Program (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) classifications: major incidents of arson, murder/non-negligent manslaughter, and robbery. Timely warnings may be issued for other Clery Act crime classifications when the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police determines such crimes pose a serious or on-going threat to students and employees. Cases of aggravated assault and sex offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts of the case and the information known by the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police. For example, if an assault occurs between two students who have a disagreement, there may be no on-going threat to other SCC community members and a timely warning would not be issued. In cases involving sexual assault, they are often reported long after the incident occurred, thus there is no ability to distribute a “timely” warning notice to the community. Sex offenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on when and where the incident occurred, when it was reported, and the amount of information known by the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police.
An institution is not required to provide a “Timely Warning” with respect to crimes reported to a pastoral or professional counselor.
The Director of the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police or designee typically will write the Timely Warning. They will review and revise the text as needed then transmit the email containing the Timely Warning to the entire college community.
Student Responsibilities
The key to any successful campus safety program is the involvement and cooperation of students. You must assume responsibility for your personal safety and the security of personal possessions. Simple, common-sense safety precautions should be taken at all times. Valuables should be locked in the trunk of personal vehicles. Bicycles should be registered with DPS/Campus Police and secured with strong locks. Personal safety and crime prevention should be the goal of all college patrons.
For a copy of the annual report on crime awareness and campus safety, including the previous year’s crime statistics for campus, contact the DPS/Campus Police at 636-922-8545 or see Crime Awareness and Campus Safety Report. The Missouri Highway Patrol has a page for searching registered sex offenders in the area.
See Board Policies: Article V.30 Campus Safety and Law Enforcement Personnel, Article V.34 Weapons (Concealed or Visible) and Article I.06 Drug-Free Environment (Policy).
Student Emergency Services Procedure
In the event of an emergency, pick up any emergency phone, dial 8545 or call 9-1-1 from the nearest phone. For all other assistance, the following steps should be taken:
On Campus:
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Public Safety/Campus Police should be called from the nearest telephone should medical services, crowd control, etc., be required. The number is 636-922-8545 (dial 8545 from campus phones).
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Medical services will be given, as determined by the student’s condition, by the public safety officer/campus police on the scene, who is certified as a “First Responder.”
NOTE: Students are responsible for any costs involved in their treatment (i.e., ambulance and emergency room fees).
Video Surveillance
To enhance the security and safety of employees, students and visitors of SCC, as well as its facilities and assets, the college may conduct video surveillance of any portion of its premises at any time, with the specific exception of areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private areas of restrooms, showers and dressing rooms. Video monitoring will be conducted in a professional, confidential, and legal manner.
Board Policy Article V.33 Video Surveillance
Bicycles
Bicycles may be used on roadways only. For safety reasons, bicycles may only be used on parking lots when traveling to, commuting within and leaving the college property. Bicycles are allowed on the Dardenne Greenway Trail and walking trails and no “off-road” riding is permitted on campus. Pedestrians always have the right of way on sidewalks. Bicycle racks are provided at various locations on campus.
Board Policy, Article V.01 Public Use of Facilities, Equipment, and Grounds
Parking on Campus
As a commuter college, the institution recognizes the necessity for adequate traffic control, safety and parking facilities. The SCC director of public safety/Campus Police is responsible for the development and enforcement of college traffic control procedures and for the general safety of the campus. Citations may be issued for violations of regulations. The following should be observed:
Designated areas:
Parking is not allowed in driving lanes or streets. Driving lanes must be kept clear for emergency vehicles. All cars parked in driving lanes will be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Curb-side parking is prohibited unless the curb forms part of the “lined” space.
Registered students are not considered visitors and will receive a citation if parked in a “Visitor Parking” space.
Operation of any vehicle on paths, sidewalks, planted areas or in pedestrian areas is prohibited. Drivers must exercise the highest degree of care on roadways, driveways or parking lots on SCC property.
Drivers must obey the instructions of official traffic and parking control signs or devices.
Drivers must comply with all lawful orders or directions of a police officer, college public safety officer/campus police, fire department official or other emergency or law enforcement officials.
Campus speed limit is 20 mph on roadways and driveways, 15 mph on parking lots.
Vehicles left overnight on campus lots that do not have prior approval will be ticketed. It is prohibited to occupy a vehicle overnight on campus lots except during special events approved by the college.
The college does not assume responsibility for any motor vehicle (or its contents) parked on SCC property.
All accidents are to be reported to the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police located in the Campus Police Building.
For motorist assistance on parking lots and driveways of the campus, contact the Department of Public Safety/Campus Police at 636-922-8545.
Accessible Parking
Students, faculty and staff with physical disabilities may apply for temporary or permanently disabled status through the Missouri Department of Revenue License Bureau. Only state-issued disabled hang tags and license plates will be recognized. A Disabled Placard (a small sign indicating information about the vehicle operator) is a removable windshield placard that is to be hung from the rearview mirror of a parked vehicle in order to park in disabled parking spaces. The placard must be used only when a physically disabled person is the occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of parking or when the physically disabled person is being dropped off or picked up. Displaying a Disabled Placard and parking in a disabled parking space by a person not transporting the individual to whom the placard was issued will result in a parking ticket with a $50 to $300 fine.
Fines
Fines are:
Improper or reckless driving violations may result in a hearing before the SCC Student Judicial Hearing Committee. All citations must be paid at the Cashier’s Office within 10 business days. A copy of the citation must accompany a check or money order payable to SCC and mailed to Cashier, SCC, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, Cottleville, MO 63376.
Officers from DPS/Campus Police may issue warnings, SCC campus traffic tickets or municipal and state traffic tickets. Municipal traffic tickets are issued under the authority of the City of Cottleville Municipal Court and State traffic tickets are issued under the authority of the St. Charles County circuit court, traffic division. Fines for violations issued through a City or State court system are set by those jurisdictions.
Any vehicle parked and left unattended in an unauthorized location will be towed at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle is inoperable, contact Public Safety/Campus Police to avoid a ticket or towing. Unpaid citations must be paid by the end of the school term or grades will be withheld and you will not be permitted to enroll in any ensuing term.
Fines and towing charges are the responsibility of the person to whom the vehicle is registered.
A Student Traffic Court meets as needed to review student parking ticket appeals. Students may request a form to appeal in the Police Department dispatch center in the Campus Police Building (13-CP).
For details about parking, read the Campus Parking Regulations brochure.
Board Policy, Article V.35 Motor Vehicle Regulations.
Grounds Restrictions
Animals are not prohibited on college properties except for service animals, which may be required by visitors, students, and employees. In addition, dogs will be allowed on The Dardenne Greenway Trail, provided they are always under the direct control of their owner. Pet owners must clean up after their animal.
Hunting, fishing, swimming, ice skating, skateboarding, hoverboarding, rollerblading or other similar activity is prohibited on college sidewalks, walking trails, lakes, or any college-owned property except on the Dardenne Greenway Trail where rollerblading and the use of golf carts are permitted. Walking or playing on ice-covered lakes is also prohibited.
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