Crime Prevention

No community, of course, can be totally risk-free in today's society. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are partners in creating an atmosphere that is safe and conducive for learning.  Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations or persons and by reporting them to Campus Safety.

• If you are the victim or witness to any violation of the law, such as assault, robbery, overt sexual behavior, etc., immediately contact Campus Safety or call 911.
• Do not attempt to apprehend or interfere with the criminal except in the case of self defense.  Do Not Take Any Unnecessary Chances!
• If a person becomes disruptive (violent, threatening, bizarre behavior), immediately notify your supervisor and contact Campus Safety.
• IF IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, shout, yell for help, send a runner for help, make noise in any other way you can.  Pull a fire alarm, run, try to make your way towards a phone and call 911

The district contributes toward crime prevention and security awareness through the following:

1. Escort program - Safety officers and student security assistants are available to escort persons on campus, particularly during hours of darkness.
2. New student, faculty and staff orientation - The district safety department participates in security orientation programs for new personnel and students.
3. Emergency telephones – Emergency phones are located along the main malls and in the parking lots at SAC, SCC, and CEC.
4. Bicycle patrols - Orange-vested student security assistants and uniformed safety officers patrol the campus grounds on bicycles and on foot. This is in addition to the continuing vehicular security patrols of the campus.
5. Crime prevention bulletins – These bulletins offer suggestions on implementing individual security programs.
6. Crime and safety alert bulletins – These are posted in locations whenever a serious crime has been committed or safety concern exists, to alert students and staff to be aware and alert.
7. WeTip Hotline – The district participates in the WeTIP program, an anonymous hotline that offers cash rewards for persons who provide information about crimes on campus that leads to an arrest or conviction. The “WETIP” hotline's phone number is (800)78-CRIME and the website is www.wetip.com. 

Drug, Weapons And Alcohol Policies Zero Tolerance Program

In accordance with Public Law 101-226, "Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989", the Board of Trustees of Rancho Santiago College Community College District prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs, alcohol, or weapons by students and employees on District property and/or as part of any District-sponsored or sanctioned activity the States underage drinking laws will be enforce as will all Federal and State drug laws. Any student or employee in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to, and including, expulsion from the college, or termination from employment for violation of the standards of conduct.

Victims Assistance Programs/Sexual Assault Programs

The college offers, through the Health Center, educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses. These sexual assault programs are aimed at the prevention of sex offenses and the procedures to be followed once a sex offense had occurred. Resources and assistance are offered through the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Campus Rape Center and a group seminar (Health Center Referrals for Mental Health). Potential actions, which may be imposed following the final determination of an on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding sexual offenses, are 1) dismissal 2)-suspension 3) probation 4) referral to local law enforcement agencies for prosecution. In the event of a sex offense, students should immediately contact the District Safety office. Presentation of evidence in such cases is essential to successfully prosecution of assailants. An on-campus disciplinary hearing will be held in cases of alleged sexual assaults. The accuser and the accused are entitled to the rare opportunity to have others present during such a hearing. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of this hearing. Students have the option to notify law enforcement authorities and District Safety, and will be arrested by campus authorities in notifying police agencies. Victims of sexual assault will have the option of changing academic venues if so requested by the victim, and if such changes are reasonably available.

Victims of Crime