Campus Safety and Security

Statistics for Lamar State College-Port Arthur

INTRODUCTION

The safety and security of all members and guests of the campus community are of primary concern to the College. The College Security and Community Service Officers, under the administration of the Division of Student Services, is responsible for campus security at Lamar State College-Port Arthur. The campus consists of more than 23 buildings situated on approximately 34 acres. The Campus has a present undergraduate enrollment of 3,000+. In addition, the College employs 223 full time faculty and staff and 89 part-time employees.

At Lamar State College-Port Arthur, safety is a primary consideration in the maintenance, grounds-keeping, and lighting of the campus. If security or community service officers should discover a broken window, unlocked door, non-functional light, or other problems, the Physical Plant Department is notified. In addition, students, faculty, and staff may call the Physical Plant, 984-6249 or ext 6249, to report any safety or security hazards.

The office of Student Services also works closely with Campus Security to ensure that College rules and regulations are enforced. Violations by students are reported to Student Services for possible disciplinary action.

CAMPUS SECURITY & COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS

SECURITY

Campus Security is enhanced by licensed, uniformed off-duty members of the Port Arthur Police Department. These officers have full law enforcement authority on and off campus property. They are assisted by Community Service Officers who help protect you and your property, as well as the College's. Furthermore they maintain parking lot surveillance and enforce College regulations. They will also escort you to your car upon request.

The primary objective of the department is to provide a safe and healthy environment that enhances the campus learning experience and compliments the College's educational mission. The campus relies directly on the Port Arthur Police Department when necessary and maintains direct telephone and radio contact. The campus also maintains direct telephone contact with the Port Arthur Fire Department. The Campus maintains a close working relationship with all appropriate law enforcement agencies and other elements of the criminal justice system. To reach Campus Security from off campus dial (409) 984-6255.

To report a crime or emergency on campus call 9-911 and give details (location and nature of emergency.) Also dial "O" for the campus operator or ext. 6255 Campus Security who will answer or the message you leave will then be forwarded to via pager to on-duty security.

CRIME PREVENTION

As part of the College's educational mission, the campus Security & Community Service Officers attempt to teach members of the campus community how to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of criminal behavior. The College's crime prevention program is based on awareness and aggressive patrolling which is designed to eliminate or minimize criminal opportunities, whenever possible, and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.

Other aspects of Crime Prevention which are in operation and ongoing are: Electronic Alarm Systems for the protection of buildings and high security areas, strategic campus lighting, safety escort, safety brochures, and an outside emergency phone. This phone was installed to ensure that students in the parking lot could contact 911 service in the event of an emergency.

CRIME REPORTING

Efforts are made to advise members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime related problems. These efforts included the following:

ANNUAL REPORT

An annual report of reported criminal offenses is compiled and distributed. This report is available to any person upon request. In addition, the size of the campus and community spirit encourages communication and awareness among students and staff.

STUDENT NOTIFICATION

As a situation may arise, the Division of Student Services notifies students by means of faculty memorandums to alert the campus community to present and potential crime problems.

ACCESS TO CAMPUS FACILITIES

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community and to guests and visitors during normal business hours. All employees having a key desiring to enter a campus building after hours are encouraged to make contact in advance with the Physical Plant office and office of the Vice President for Student Services for their own safety. Persons not having a key requesting access to a building after hours must have prior approval of a building coordinator, show identification, and state their reason for admittance.

BUILDING SECURITY

In order to provide proper security for College buildings and the safety and welfare of College students and personnel, the following procedures will be followed:

1. On weekends and holidays and between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, students entering buildings or students remaining in buildings during the restricted hours listed above shall have in possession written authorization (building pass) from the respective dean approving the access to the facility.
2. Deans in approving access to otherwise closed buildings shall provide, when appropriate, that at least two parties will be present at all times to assure mutual safety.
3. All College personnel intending to enter a closed facility during the above designated hours shall notify Campus Security in advance of their entry and departure time either in person or by telephoning 984-6255.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

The College strictly adheres to the federal and state laws which govern the possession, distribution, or consumption of drugs or other controlled substances. Any person illegally possessing, distributing, or using such drugs or controlled substances will be subject to criminal prosecution.

Distribution, sale, or consumption of alcohol beverages on campus is prohibited except in approved areas. The use of alcoholic beverages on campus must be in compliance with Texas law, which prohibits the use of alcohol by persons under the age of 21.

The College provides information and counseling assistance to students and employees. Educational programs addressing alcohol related and drug related issues are co-sponsored by the Office of Student Services, Student Activities, Financial Aid, and by several organizations.

WEAPONS

Possession and/or use of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or any prohibited weapon as defined in the Texas Penal code is prohibited on campus. Any person possessing a firearm or prohibited weapon will be subject to criminal prosecution.

STUDENT RIGHT TO KNOW REPORT

As part of the Department of Education requirements, institutions of higher education must provide information related to the percentage of first-time in college/full-time students who either complete their original declared major or transferred to another institution within 150% of the normal time to complete their program of study. See Completion Graduation and Transfer-out Rates for more further details. For more information contact the Vice President for Student Services.