Personal Safety

If you are being followed:

• change your direction, cross the street.
• keep looking back so the person knows you can’t be surprised.
• go to a well-lighted area, such as a classroom, office or library, anywhere there are people.
• notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description.
• at night, walk with someone; there is safety in numbers.
• report anything suspicious to campus security or the police.

Vehicle Safety

When parking your vehicle:

• park in well-lighted areas.
• do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
• lock your vehicle.

When returning to your vehicle:

• don’t walk alone.
• check the immediate area around you.
• watch for traffic.
• have your keys in your hand.
• check the front and back of your vehicle before getting inside.
• once inside, lock your doors.

Contact Security if you:

• are a victim of a crime that has occurred on campus.
• see a suspicious activity or a suspicious vehicle on campus.
• have information about a theft of property.
• have been involved in an auto accident or have witnessed one.
• smell or see smoke/flames or fumes inside a building.
• have been injured and/or need first aid.
• notice any other safety or security related problems.

Sexual Assualt

Community Colleges of Spokane is aware of the growing occurrence of sexual assault, including acquaintance/date rape. All members of the college community are encouraged to follow standard crime prevention practices such as locking their motor vehicles, parking and walking in well-lighted areas, and being aware of the people and surroundings around them. Students and employees are encouraged to attend educational programs concerning awareness and the prevention of sex offenses, including acquaintance/date rape, both on and off campus. Community Colleges of Spokane offers information and referral for victims of sexual assault. Victims of sexual assault on any district-owned or leased facility are encouraged to report the incident as soon as possible to a college official, through the normal security procedures, as well as to local law enforcement authorities.

Sex Offender Notification

Sex offenders (includes kidnappers), Levels I, II, & III, are required by law to register with the county sheriff in the county where they reside. The law requires that they also inform the county sheriff if they register for school. The county sheriff, in turn, is required to notify the school that the sex offender has registered to attend the school. These notifications are intended to inform rather than create panic.

CCS is bound by state law to be an open-door admission institution and only in those situations where a prospective or enrolled student is determined to be disruptive to the educational environment or would not benefit from enrollment will admission be denied or revoked.

Notifications of sex offenders enrolling in Community Colleges of Spokane are received from the Spokane County Sheriff’s department and are sent to the campus vice presidents for student services where they are placed in binders and are available for viewing. Notifications are also published in the campus newspapers.

The campus Vice Presidents make decisions based on the offender’s profile regarding restrictions, if any, which may be imposed on this student.