Public Safety and Security
Campus Safety and Security
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, has established its Department of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) with the mission of helping to ensure the safety and security of the College community and the College’s facilities in a professional and ethical manner.
All members of the College community are asked to assist in accomplishing this mission by being vigilant and reporting any safety or security concerns, out-of-place people or objects, criminal activity, accidents and emergencies to the Department. DPSS is committed to working in partnership with the College community to provide a safe, welcoming environment, which provides the College community with the opportunity to learn and grow.
Any criminal activity on College property should be reported immediately to the DPSS. Reports may be made by contacting the campus DPSS in person, by phone or call box, activation of the SOS or report feature on the Hawk Response App, by utilizing the “Campus Report a Crime” online service on the safety and security website at www.hacc.edu and search “Report A Crime”.
Officers respond to and conduct preliminary investigations of criminal and other incidents on HACC’s campuses and leased facilities. DPSS Officers seek assistance from and report criminal activity to local and state police agencies or other emergency services as situations dictate. Criminal actions or policy violations committed by students will also be referred to the director of Community Standards & Student Engagement, who will review the complaint and initiate possible student disciplinary action. Any College disciplinary action will be separate from actions taken by civil authorities. The disciplinary procedure is governed by College Shared Governance Procedure (SGP) 505, which can be found in this student planner. Victims of violent crime or non-forcible sex offenses will be provided, upon written request, with the outcome of any College disciplinary proceedings against the alleged offender. If a victim is killed as a result of a violent crime, the victim’s next-of-kin may also be notified upon written request.
HACC Public Safety and Security Officers are not sworn as police officers and do not have arrest powers except as granted by law to private citizens for on-sight felony and retail/library theft detainment.
Under College policy, Public Safety and Security Officers may issue warnings and fines for violations of 45 on-campus parking and traffic regulations. Fines for violations are outlined in HACC’s Security and Access SGP 300 and will be assessed against a student or employee’s account until paid.
HACC Public Safety and Security Officers are granted authority to ask people for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business on any HACC campus or property.
What does DPSS do?
Provides continuous patrol of HACC campuses by foot, bicycle and marked and unmarked vehicles.
Controls access to campus buildings.
Inspects Campus property for safety deficiencies.
Responds to and provides assistance during emergency situations.
Maintains Lost and Found services.
Provides Escort Services.
Provides lock-out and jump-start vehicle services.
What can public safety officers do?
DPSS officers are not sworn as police officers. They may make arrests as private citizens for on-sight felony and retail/library theft detainment.
Issue warnings and fines for violations of on-campus traffic and parking regulations.
Ask for your identification to confirm you have lawful business on HACC campuses and property.
Report criminal incidents to the local police.
What should I do if I witnessed criminal activity on HACC property?
Immediately report any criminal activity you witness on HACC property to the appropriate campus Public Safety and Security Office.
Report the activity to the appropriate police agency for your campus location.
You can make a confidential report by:
Contacting the Campus Public Safety and Security Department. You can do this in person, by phone or by using a callbox.
Using the Campus Report a Crime online service.
Can I make an anonymous criminal report to HACC's Department of Public Safety?
You may elect to remain anonymous when you report a crime to HACC's Public Safety and Security Department. Anonymous reporting is available via the Report a Crime form.
Please note that while reports made to security personnel, Campus Security Authorities, or other responsible employees of the college will be held confidential, disclosure of personally identifiable information may be mandated by law in the furtherance of a Title IX investigation. Individuals reporting should also consider that reports which withhold information may affect the ability of the College or outside authorities to conduct a timely and effective investigation of an alleged crime.
Who can I call for public safety and security assistance?
Harrisburg Campus: 717-780-2568
Gettysburg Campus: 717-339-3528
Lancaster Campus: 717-358-2999
Lebanon Campus: 717-270-6368
York Campus: 717-801-3268
How does the DPSS issue alert notices?
DPSS issues alert notices when we become aware of a potential safety and/or security risk to the HACC community. These risks may be on college property or within our immediate vicinity. DPSS will also advise local and state police agencies of potential risks.
We will issue alerts through:
Voicemail
E-mail
Bulletins
Electronic signage
Please note: The HACC Public Safety and Security Office has no jurisdiction over crimes occurring off campus. Any criminal activity not occurring on College-owned or controlled property should be reported to the local or state law enforcement agency which is responsible for your particular area. The Public Safety and Security Office will provide assistance, if needed, in contacting the proper authorities. HACC does not have any officially recognized off-campus student organizations or housing facilities.