Safety and Security Policy

Safety and Security 

Policy Statement

Durham Technical Community College is concerned about the safety, welfare, and protection of all students, faculty, staff, visitors, and college property. The college is committed to providing a safe and secure environment to everyone.

Campus Police and Public Safety provides 24-hour-a-day patrol protection for college buildings, grounds, and parking lots. It responds to crime reports, fires, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and other incidents requiring police or security assistance. The office is located on main campus in Building 8.

Procedure

Students, faculty, and staff can report emergencies to Campus Police and Public Safety by dialing extension 5555 from any on-campus phone or calling the Durham City Police by dialing 9-911. To report security or safety hazards or other non-emergency situations, call Campus Police and Public Safety at 919-536-7255, extension 5555.

Anyone who must walk alone on campus at night is encouraged to take advantage of a Campus Police and Public Safety escort by dialing extension 5555 from a campus phone. A member of the Campus Police and Public Safety staff will accompany the caller to any campus building or parking lot.

Identification Card

As one means of insuring a safer campus for everyone, all students are expected to carry identification when on campus or at a college-sponsored event. Students must be prepared to show an identification card when requested by Durham Tech faculty or staff. The identification card may be a Durham Technical Community College ID card or other official ID, such as license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Students wishing to utilize campus services or facilities, such as the libraries or computer labs, must have a valid Durham Tech ID card or Campus Access card.

Students newly admitted to the college may obtain a Durham Tech ID card during their first semester or at the start of their program. To obtain a photo college ID card, a student must be registered for courses and must have paid tuition. An official photo ID, such as license, state ID, passport, or military ID, is required to obtain a photo college ID card. They are available no earlier than one week prior to the start of classes.

Any registered student who does not have an official photo ID may obtain a Campus Access card. The Campus Access card will not have a photograph. Do not discard your college ID card. (Replacement fees are charged as detailed below.) You will use your college ID card throughout your career at Durham Tech.

Returning students must validate their college ID card each semester. To obtain a validation sticker, students must be registered for courses and must have paid tuition. Students must present their college ID card for validation.

Continuing students who have lost their Durham Tech ID card should go to the Campus Police and Public Safety office for a replacement. A $10 fee is charged for replacing lost or missing cards. An official photo ID is required to be issued a replacement photo college ID card.

Students with a damaged Durham Tech ID card should carry the card to the Campus Police and Public Safety office. A replacement fee is not charged unless there is evidence of abuse. A fee of $10 is charged for replacing a card damaged due to abuse.

Students who need to replace their Durham Tech ID card because of a name change should carry the card to the Campus Police and Public Safety office. No replacement fee is charged if proof of the name change is provided.

GoPass

GoPass is a free student bus pass that allows eligible Durham Tech students to ride city and regional buses via Triangle Transit to get to and from the college. The GoPass works on the following regional transit systems: DATA, TTA, CAT, and OPT. Read more about eligibility requirements and how to use them on the GoPass web page.

Campus Safety Tips

1. Park in well-lighted areas and lock your car, even in the daytime. Keep packages and personal belongings out of sight.

2. Do not walk or jog alone, especially after dark. Call Campus Police and Public Safety officers for an escort.

3. Be aware of people and activities around you, and report suspicious behavior to Campus Police and Public Safety.

4. Stay alert! Avoid talking on your cell or using electronic devices when walking.

5. Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

6. Have your car key in hand before you reach the door.

7. Be careful if anyone in a car asks you for directions – if you answer, keep your distance from the car.

8. If you feel threatened, don't be afraid to make a "scene." Public embarrassment is the least concern when you are in a dangerous situation.

First Aid

Campus Police and Public Safety personnel can provide first aid for minor injuries. They are also trained as first responders in medical emergencies. For medical assistance, call extension 5555 or 9-911 (Durham City Police).

Lost and Found

Any lost and found items should be turned in to the Campus Police and Public Safety office. Persons looking for lost items should check in the Campus Police and Public Safety office.

Emergency Information

The college is committed to the safety and security of all members of the college community. In times of emergency, the college will provide appropriate campus-wide response to assure safety and minimize losses. Up-to-date information on an emergency situation will be posted on the Emergency Information web page.

Your Guide to Safety on Campus

Consumer Information Crime Statistics

Information about crime at Durham Technical Community College's Main Campus, Orange County Campus and Northern Durham Center is available to the public online through the Office of Postsecondary Education in the U.S. Department of Education. Type the name of the college in the search engine to access the reports. Also, the daily crime log is available for public inspection upon request in the college's Campus Police and Public Safety office at the Main Campus and at the Orange County Campus or the Northern Durham Center.