Public Safety

A Safe Learning Environment

As partners in campus safety and security, students, faculty, staff and visitors have shared responsibilities with the Department of Public Safety. While CCBC works continually to ensure a safe learning environment, no college campus is a haven from crime. Please go to http://www.ccbcmd.edu/~/media/CCBC/campus-life-and-activities/Public%20Safety/PDFs/annual_security_report.ashx to access a copy of the college Annual Safety and Security Report.  It is important that all members of the campus community be security conscious and report all crimes, emergencies and suspicious persons and conditions to the Department of Public Safety:

Department of Public Safety (DPS)

The Department of Public Safety works to create and maintain a secure campus climate and to protect personal and college assets. All Public Safety information required by the Clery Disclosure Crime Statistics Act may be found on the Public Safety website at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/~/media/CCBC/campus-life-and-activities/Public%20Safety/PDFs/annual_security_report.ashx. The College does not operate any off-campus housing or oversee off-campus organizations that require the involvement or oversight of the DPS.

The Department of Public Safety is staffed by full and part-time uniformed Public Safety officers 24 hours a day. Each full-time Public Safety officer is commissioned by the State of Maryland as a Special Police Officer and has full police powers (including powers of arrest) through the statutory and common law of Maryland. The officers patrol CCBC campuses in marked cars, on bicycles, Segways, and on foot.

Officers investigate and report all crimes and incidents that come to their attention. CCBC’s Public Safety staff also works closely with the Baltimore County Police Department and will ask for its assistance when needed or when requested by a victim of a crime. The DPS and Baltimore County Police Department work cooperatively under a Memorandum of Understanding that specifies roles and responsibilities for both agencies.

The College provides timely security alerts to the college community regarding offenses or incidents that are reported to campus Public Safety college administrators or local police, and which may represent a threat to students and employees, through Campus Alert, CCBC e-mail, Siren systems, and Blaser computer alerts. Students, faculty, and staff are strongly urged to sign up for Campus Alert.

The Department of Public Safety also provides security services at off-campus facilities owned or controlled by the College. An administrative staff of full-time and part-time employees assists the Department of Public Safety by providing administrative, clerical, and records-keeping work. DPS officers routinely inspect campus facilities as part of their patrol duties and report defects to Plant Operations.

Among the many services provided by the Department of Public Safety are:

• 24-hour-a-day staff coverage
• Assistance with minor car problems
• Campus patrol by vehicle, bicycle or on foot
• Enforcement of campus parking regulations
• Investigation of all crimes and incidents
• Lost and found services
• Personal escorts on campus
• Rapid response to medical emergencies

Campus crime prevention programs include:

• Crime awareness literature
• Emergency call box system in parking lots and other campus areas
• New employee and student orientation
• Published articles in college periodicals and social media 
• Rape, Aggression, Defense training (RAD) - Awareness, prevention and risk avoidance with hands-on defensive training
• Town hall meetings with students and staff

Reporting a Crime

College policy dictates that all crimes or emergencies be reported directly to the Department of Public Safety. Victims or witnesses may report a crime on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the Annual Security Report by going to http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Campus-Life-and-Activities/Public-Safety/Silent-Witness-Program.aspx and clicking on the Silent Witness link. Any College member who is a victim of a serious crime is also encouraged to report the incident to the Baltimore County Police Department by calling 911 (for emergencies) or the precinct station. The Department of Public Safety will investigate and document all crimes in accordance with College policy.

• It is important to report an incident immediately. Any victim of a crime including, but not limited to, sexual assault, stalking, harassing behavior, dating violence or domestic violence should report the incident to any of the following:
   
• Department of Public Safety:
  • CCBC Public Safety Service Line – 443-840-1111
  • CCBC Catonsville
    College Services Center
  • CCBC Dundalk
    College Community Center
  • CCBC Essex
    Student Services Center
• Baltimore County Police Department and EMS: 911
   
• Campus Deans/Directors
  • CCBC Catonsville
    HILT - Room 303
    443-840-4100
  • CCBC Dundalk
    COMM - Room 202A
    443-840-3687
  • CCBC Essex
    ADMIN - Room 109
    443-840-1013
• Any college administrator or faculty member

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Policies

The Administration and Board of Trustees of The Community College of Baltimore County are committed to providing an academic learning and working environment that is free from sexual assault and harassment, and shall take preventive measures to help ensure that faculty, staff, students, and visitors are appropriately protected from such actions. This safe environment includes all campus locations and all off-campus, college-related activities and sites.

The commission of a sexual assault is a violation of college policy and criminal law. Sexual assault is broadly defined as being any unwanted attempted or actual sexual activity, including forcible and non-forcible sexual offenses. A forcible sexual offense is any sexual act directed against another person, including unwanted touching, that is against that person’s will or which involves the use of force or violence or the threat of force or violence, or a sexual act against a person incapable of giving consent. Forcible sexual offenses include rape, sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and all forms of non-consensual touching, such as fondling. Non-forcible sexual offenses are acts of unlawful sexual activity against persons incapable of giving consent, such as statutory rape. Acts which are commonly expressive of familiar or friendly affection and accepted medical purposes are not included.

The Department of Public Safety and/or the college Title IX Coordinator will investigate any allegations of dating or domestic violence, stalking behavior or harassment/intimidation that is reported.

Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination that is prohibited by federal and state law. It is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

1. When submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or a part of the educational process; or
2. When submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such an individual; or
3. When such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working or educational environment. Examples of conduct which violate this policy include, but are not limited to, intentional physical conduct which is sexual in nature; unwanted sexual advances, propositions, or other sexual comments; preferential treatment, or the promise of such, for submitting to sexual conduct; displaying pictures, objects, or materials which are sexually offensive; physical assault of a sexual nature or attempts to commit such an assault; and retaliation for making a sexual harassment complaint or participating in a sexual harassment investigation.

Persons found guilty of sexual assault or sexual harassment will be disciplined in accordance with the college’s disciplinary policies, which may include expulsion from the college or termination of employment. These sanctions will be in addition to criminal or civil penalties imposed by federal or state courts. Any person found guilty of filing a false accusation of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary and/or criminal action as well.

The Community College of Baltimore County has developed an educational and informational campaign to assist with the prevention of sexual assaults and sexual harassment. See http://www.ccbcmd.edu/About-CCBC/Administrative-Offices/Enrollment-and-Student-Services/College-Life/Office-of-Student-Conduct/Not-Anymore.aspx. The Department of Public Safety and Baltimore County Police Department will investigate all complaints of sexual assault and sexual harassment, adjudicating them in accordance with the college’s disciplinary and appeal procedures as well as through the criminal court process.

In addition, each campus Department of Public Safety office will routinely assess the safety of the campus environment and will take corrective action to remediate any identified potential problem areas. If a serious crime occurs, the Department of Public Safety will issue timely warnings or notification to the college community through Campus Alert, the campus emergency broadcast system and the Blaser computer notification network. Statistics on sexual offenses and other crimes defined by the Clery Act are available to students online under procedures developed in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

What to do if you are sexually assaulted:

• Get to a place where you will be safe from further attack.
• For your own protection, call the police immediately at 911, especially if the assailant is still nearby. The police will help you whether or not you choose to prosecute the assailant. Call DPS at 443-840-1111 for immediate assistance.
• Call a friend or family member for support.
• Get medical attention immediately. The primary purpose of a medical examination following a rape is to check for physical injury, the presence of sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy as a result of the rape. The secondary purpose of a medical examination is to aid in the police investigation and legal proceedings.
• As a victim, you have four choices:  1) Contact the police or Public Safety for an investigation; 2) request transportation to GBMC for a SAFE exam, at which point the police will be requested;  3) Go the GBMC for a SAFE exam, but ask that the report of the offense to the police be delayed up to 90 days; 4) Go to an approved hospital for medical treatment.  No SAFE exam will be conducted, and the police will not be notified.
• Don’t bathe or douche. Bathing or douching might be the first thing you want to do. You might literally be washing away valuable evidence. Wait until you have an examination and meet with a police investigator.
• Save your clothing. It is all right to change clothes, but save what you were wearing. Your clothing could be used as evidence for prosecution. Gently place each item of clothing in a separate paper bag for police.
• Report the incident to the police by calling 911. It is up to you, but reporting a rape isn’t the same thing as prosecuting a rape. Prosecution can be determined later. Department of Public Safety personnel are willing and able to assist victims in reporting assaults to the proper authorities if you choose that path.
• If you are a victim of a sexual assault and decide not to notify the police, please secure medical attention and contact any of the victim support resources listed below. The College will also assist the victim with contacting any of these supporting agencies.
  • Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Center, 410-828-6390
  • Eastern Family Resource Center, 410-887-0400
  • Turn Around Hotline., 410-377-8111
  • Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, 1-800-938-7273
• As a victim, you may choose to visit the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GMBC) Emergency Room, and either request a Sexual Assault Forensics Exam (SAFE) at no charge to you, without contacting CCBC Public Safety or the County Police.  You will have up to 90 days to report the offense, if you choose to later make that decision.

The College will assist the victim, at his or her request, in notifying the appropriate law enforcement authorities to file criminal charges. The College will also provide assistance in assessing the appropriate medical needs of the victim, including transportation to a hospital equipped with a Maryland State Police sexual assault evidence collection kit (Greater Baltimore Medical Center). The college may also investigate sexual assault complaints and adjudicate them in accordance with college disciplinary procedures. Both the victim and the accused will be allowed to have witnesses present during the hearing process and will be notified of the outcome of the college’s disciplinary process. The College is committed to the confidentiality of victim information, protection against reprisal, and providing due process to those accused of violations. The college will provide other services as appropriate or feasible, including alternative class scheduling and psychological support.

An educational and informational campaign to assist with the prevention of sexual assaults is readily available to students, faculty and staff. The educational programs are provided through http://www.ccbcmd.edu/About-CCBC/Administrative-Offices/Enrollment-and-Student-Services/College-Life/Office-of-Student-Conduct/Not-Anymore.aspx. In addition, there are free pamphlets available on acquaintance rape, rape, sexual assault and spousal abuse in the Student Life offices of the college.

Registered Sex Offenders

The Maryland Sex Offender Registry is available online at http://www.dpscs.state.md.us/sorSearch/. A search may be conducted by name, zip code, or by employment or enrollment at Maryland institutions of higher learning. This policy complies with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000. ALL Registered Sex Offenders must register at the Police Department where they live, and at the local police precinct where their home campus is located.  In addition, each Registered Sex Offender must report to the campus DPS office to register with the Assistant Director of Public Safety, and to receive rules under which the RSO may visit the College or attend classes. 

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The College subscribes to and enforces both the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free School and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. A copy of the policy statements is available from the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, the Office of College Life, or the Department of Public Safety. Irresponsible or illegal use or distribution of alcohol will be subject to penalties as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under 21 years of age. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age is illegal.

CCBC Smoking and Tobacco-Free Policy

The core of each campus of the Community College of Baltimore County is designated as a smoke and tobacco-free environment. Therefore, smoking and the use of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, are prohibited in or on any CCBC campus, except for areas specifically designated as “smoking areas” on campus perimeters or in private automobiles in parking lots outside the perimeter roadway on each campus. This policy defines tobacco as any type of tobacco product including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and electronic cigarettes or other inhaler delivery devices. This Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy applies to all facilities and to all events taking place on college property. It applies equally to members of the college community and visitors to the campuses, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, parents, visitors, contractors, and vendors. Violations of this policy may result in a $35 fine, or an order to leave the campus under pain of trespass (a criminal violation).

Faculty, staff, and students at the college’s extension sites are expected to observe the smoking and tobacco-free policies of property owners of those buildings currently in force or revised in the future.

Parking and Traffic Regulations

Download the complete CCBC Parking and Traffic regulations at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Campus-Life-and-Activities/Public-Safety/Parking-Information.aspx.

• Please drive carefully and obey the posted speed limit. Traffic and parking regulations are strictly enforced.
• Students and visitors are not required to obtain or use parking permits while on college property, on college business. Students and visitors may park in white-lined spaces only.
• Traffic rules and regulations apply to all who drive motor vehicles in any part of The Community College of Baltimore County campuses.
• Both state and county laws and regulations govern the roads and parking lots of the college. Driving and parking is prohibited on sidewalks, curbs, grass areas, courtyards, fields, construction sites and patios.
• Please be advised that the Baltimore County Police and Parking Enforcement Officers also issue citations on each campus, particularly for handicapped and fire lane violations.
• CCBC Parking Citation fines are $35 per violation. After 30 days, a $15 penalty is added to unpaid citations (unless they have been appealed).
• If you wish to appeal a parking citation to the Parking Appeals Board, you must file this appeal within thirty (30) days of issuance of the violation by completing the Appeal form and turning it into the campus DPS office. The Parking Appeals Board is comprised of students and faculty/staff members. Public Safety is not represented on the Board.
• Fines that are not paid or successfully appealed within 90 days will be sent to the MVA for enforcement.  Accounts will be flagged for non-payment, and violators will not be able to renew vehicle registration, or to transfer registration among vehicles.
• Appeal forms are available at www.parkingticketpayment.com/ccbcmd.

Emergency Closings and Delays

Sign up for Campus Alert by going to the Department of Public Safety link at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/Campus-Life-and-Activities/Public-Safety/Campus-Alert.aspx and click on Campus Alert. Receive texts, phone and/or email messages regarding school closings or emergencies electronically.

Specific campus based announcements will be used in cases of special circumstances resulting in an emergency or a closing or delay for individual campuses.

Community Education classes taught at Baltimore County Public Schools follow announcements made by the Baltimore County Public Schools.

Check the college website for updates on school closings and late openings.

Call the CCBC weather line for weather related closing only: 443-840-1711. DO NOT call Public Safety for weather or schedule information.

When CCBC opens late or closes early, classes and labs which would meet for less than 30 minutes will be cancelled.  Classes and labs that would meet for 30 minutes or more will be held.**  

In cases of a delayed opening, campuses and extension centers will be accessible 30 minutes prior to the scheduled opening.

No announcements will be made via website, weather line or other media unless there is an actual closing or delay message to be delivered (i.e. unless otherwise announced, the college is open during normal operating hours). Exceptions: On days immediately following a closing, CCBC will post a message on the website noting that the college is open, operating on normal schedule and make sure that the campus phone lines return to normal message by 5:00 a.m. Also, on days when Baltimore County Public Schools are closed, CCBC will post on the website the following message: All campuses and extension centers operating on normal posted schedule. Continuing Education courses held at Baltimore County Public School locations are cancelled.

** For example, if CCBC opened at noon, a Monday/Wednesday/Friday 11:15 am-12:10 pm class would NOT meet.  A Tuesday/Thursday 11:10 am-12:35 pm class WOULD meet.

Emergency Response Manual

Download the complete CCBC Emergency Response Manual at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/~/media/CCBC/campus-life-and-activities/Public%20Safety/PDFs/Crisis_Plan.ashx.

CCBC’s Emergency Response Manual has been designed by trained emergency response personnel who have been trained to respond to a variety of emergency situations. All faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the manual’s helpful safety guidelines, procedures, and tips.

Access to College Facilities

CCBC is an open college that welcomes faculty, staff, students and citizens to use the facilities available on campus. Faculty, staff and students are issued identification cards through the campus Registrar’s office. Anyone present on campus is required to show proper identification when requested by a Public Safety Officer or by authorized personnel of the campus.

Visitors are welcome on campus when conducting business or using the facilities in accordance with College policy. All buildings are locked and secured by Public Safety Officers in accordance with scheduled activities in the buildings. No unauthorized persons are permitted in the buildings during non-operational hours. Campuses are closed to non-employees between the houses of 11:30 PM – 5 AM each day of the week. Public Safety vigorously enforces trespass laws.

Maintenance and Public Safety

CCBC Plant Operations maintains campus buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security. Routine inspections are conducted to identify any changes or necessary improvements in exterior lighting conditions. Regular meetings between the Grounds department and the Department of Public Safety are held to establish cutting and pruning procedures for trees and shrubbery as well as other relevant safety issues.

Animals on Campus

Animals are permitted on campuses with the following guidelines:

• The animal is leashed or otherwise effectively and directly physically controlled by its handler.
• The animal does not behave in a threatening or disruptive manner. This shall include excessive barking, growling, aggressive behavior towards persons and other animals present and other such behavior.
• All waste products of the animal will be removed at once by its handler.

Animals will be restricted to those areas of the campus that are not in current use for athletic activity, instruction or other college sanctioned activity. Animals permitted on campus as specified above will be limited to traditional pets; exotic pets and livestock such as horses and cattle are prohibited.