The Safety and Security Department strives to provide public safety services to the college community with the utmost integrity, efficiency, and professionalism. All Officers and administrators of the Department are employees of the college and are not contract employees of another agency. They are caring and involved members of the college community, invested in its growth and harmony.

Security Officers provide a highly visible security presence through continuous patrol of the campuses. The Department controls access to campus facilities through the opening and locking of buildings and the utilization of key control and card access. The Department also conducts inspections of the facilities and reports security and safety deficiencies to the Facilities Management Department for immediate correction. Should you observe a safety issue while on any one of HACC's campuses, you can report the issue to the facilities department by going onto the intranet and clicking on the "Work Order" tab. This will then display another tab labeled " Submit Request", or you may contact the security department at any one of HACC's campuses.

The Safety and Security staff has extensive experience and training in public safety. To maintain this level of professionalism, they are required to obtain a number of professional certifications and receive annual updates and in-service training covering security, safety, and emergency medical response, including CPR, first aid, and AED operation. Harrisburg Area Community College"s (HACC) safety and security officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at HACC. HACC's security officers do not possess arrest powers.

Criminal incidents are reported to the local police who have jurisdiction on its campuses. The Department of Safety and Security at HACC maintains a highly professional relationship with the local police departments in each of our host cities. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report criminal activity to their campus safety and security office and to the appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting will ensure timely warning notices on campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.

The Department of Safety and Security also has obtained a written memorandum of understanding with each police department that has jurisdiction where each of HACC's campuses are located.

All Officers are required to maintain the following certifications/licenses:

• Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Act (Act 235) certification
• ASP Expandable Baton Basic Certification
• OCAT Basic OC Pepper Spray Certification
• First Aid Certification
• CPR Certification
• Adult & Juvenile AED Certifications
• Pennsylvania Driver's License

Officers respond to and provide assistance during emergency situations. While Safety and Security Officers are not sworn law enforcement personnel, the Safety and Security Department maintains a close working relationship with the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as with the local law enforcement agencies in the municipalities in which each campus is located, to ensure their immediate response should it be required.

To obtain safety and security assistance, call:

Security Alert Notice

Should the Safety and Security Department become aware of a potential safety and/or security risk to members of the college community on college property or within its immediate vicinity; an alert will be issued to members of the campus community through voice mail, e-mail, the posting of bulletins, e2Campus, electronic signage, the Security Department website on the Timely Warnings / Security Alert page and campus publications such as the 4th Estate student newspaper. The local and state police agencies will also be advised of any potential risk.

Campus Crime Log

The Department maintains a log of all criminal activity by nature of offense, date, time, location, and disposition of the complaint. The information in the log is available for public review unless such disclosure would be prohibited by law, would jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim, would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation, would cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or would result in the destruction of evidence.

Crime Prevention

The Safety and Security Department maintains a proactive crime prevention program. All officers are certified as Campus Crime Prevention Officers through attendance at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania College Crime Prevention Course . Crime prevention material is continuously made available through college bulletins, e-mail, newsletters, the web page, and through providing speakers to campus groups.

Crime Prevention Tips for the Campus Community

Crime can be broken down into three elements: ability, opportunity, and, intent. Ability denotes the offender’s skill set. That is, whether or not the offender has the knowledge and skills necessary to perpetrate a given criminal action. Opportunity denotes a chance to commit a crime, whether through the carelessness of others or of the offender’s making. Intent denotes the offender’s will to commit a crime. It is our job as conscientious citizens to remove the opportunity component of crime. By diminishing opportunity, you lower the likelihood that you will become the victim of a crime. Below are a few tips on how to accomplish this:

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
• Do not leave valuables in plain view in your vehicle.
• Walk with others whenever possible, especially after dark.
• Utilize the Safety and Security escort program.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock office areas and ‘smart’ classrooms when they are not in use.
• Do not leave personal belongings unattended at any time.
• Maintain control of any keys and access cards issued to you.
• Take advantage of Safety and Security Department informational and training programs.
• Report any safety or security concerns you may have.
• Trust your instincts – if something ‘feels’ wrong, it probably is!

Workplace and Environmental Safety

The Department has a highly trained & OSHA certified specialist on staff to help ensure the safety and healthfulness of the college environment. This specialist coordinates and oversees college compliance with local, state, federal safety and environmental regulations. He also serves as a liaison between college departments and works with management to ensure that safety measures are implemented on a timely basis.
He also administers the comprehensive fire protection programs for all campuses. This includes the inspection of all campus facilities, the investigation of accidents, safety and fire protection training, and the monitoring of various chemicals used in laboratory and work areas.
Any questions or concerns about campus workplace and environmental issues may be directed to Todd Crawley, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Penn Center, room 328B, by phone at (717) 221-1300, extension 1567 or by e-mail at tcrawley@hacc.edu.