Your SCC Identification

There are times when, because of exigent circumstances (suspicious activity), it becomes necessary for SCC Campus Security officers to request proper identification from an individual.  Sometimes the request is made as a result of a complaint from a member of the community, or it may be as the result of the personal observation of suspicious activity by a security officer on patrol or special security checks.

Requests for members of the SCC Security to check college identification are not frequent, but they are necessary for the protection of everyone.  So remember to carry your SCC identification card with you at all times and cooperate if an officer asks to see your identification.  This is especially true in the nighttime hours or in an out-of-the-way place, or when you`re planning to move some equipment from one place to another.

Reporting Intruders or suspicious activity

At times people return to their offices, etc., and find a stranger inside.  The stranger usually has a "cover" story, such as: looking for employment, or trying to find some person.  Regardless of the story provided, take close notice of the intruder`s appearance, age, height, weight and clothing, and notify the Campus Security as soon as safety allows.  Do not forcefully confront intruders or pursue them when they flee..  Such action involves a high degree of risk, and can result in assaults upon members of the college community.  It is far more advisable to be able to provide a good description of an intruder and the direction of flight - then notify the Campus Security immediately (Dial x 2178)

One method that has proven quite successful is to simply say to a person, whom you suspect as being an intruder, "May I help you?"  If the person is an intruder, the chances are quite high a "cover" story will be told after which the person will leave the area.  While you are listening to the story, you can get a good look at the person and be able to provide an accurate description for the Campus Security Officer.

Soliciting

When you become aware of such activity, note what the individual(s) are attempting to sell or promote along with a description of the individuals and notify the Campus Security immediately.

Theft - Tips for protecting personal property and SCC property

• Never leave personal belongings unattended, whether you are in an office, lab, library, etc. Regardless of how long you will be gone, even a couple of minutes, unwatched articles invite the thief.
  
  Remember that wallets, backpacks, and pocketbooks are prime targets for the "hit and run" thief - keep them with you at all times.
• Lock your doors, when you leave your office or lab. Most of the thefts in the college environment occur when areas are left unlocked.
  
  Do not prop open self-locking doors and do report defective locks immediately.
• Do not leave notes on your door advertising your absence or when you will return.
• Athletic facilities are not immune from thieves. Try not to bring valuables (expensive watches, jewelry, wallets with cash and credit cards, etc.) with you when you exercise - if you must, lock clothing in your locker.

Operation Identification

This is a statewide community crime prevention program designed to discourage burglary and theft and provide an easy way for you to identify stolen or lost property.

Operation "ID" is a three-step process. First, engrave all you valuables with an electric engraving tool which is available (on loan) at Campus Security headquarters.  You should use your driver`s license or social security number followed by "FL" - to designate the state of Florida.

After you have engraved your valuables, display the Operation ID Stickers, which we will provide for you when you borrow an engraving tool.  Last, be sure to record all the property you engrave in the inventory booklets which will also be provided by the Campus Security Department.  Criminals do not like to handle easily identifiable items, as it increases greatly their chance of being detected, and makes "fencing" such items considerably more difficult.

Auto Theft

If you are a victim of a car theft, breaking and entering or larceny of your car be sure to notify your insurance company after you notify campus security.

Most cars are stolen because they are easy to steal.  It takes approximately 30 seconds to steal a car.  If you remember to close your windows, lock the doors and pocket the keys, you will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of auto theft.  Eighty percent or all cars stolen are left unlocked and 40% are stolen due to keys left inside the car.

Central Florida holds the dubious distinction of having a high auto theft rate.  Most of the stealing is for "joyriding" until the tank is empty.  However, stolen cars are often used in crimes, and it is becoming more common for stolen cars to be "torched" or stripped for parts.

Although you can`t make your vehicle impossible to steal, you can make it difficult.  The idea of an anti-theft device is to make it time consuming and more difficult for the thief to steal the vehicle.  If it takes too long, the thief will probably give up and move on to someone else`s vehicle.

There are many varieties of alarm devices on the market today.  While many systems may profess to be the ultimate in protection, remember that no system is "foolproof."

To greatly reduce the chances of becoming the victim of auto theft, consider the following:

• Never leave your car unlocked, even for a few minutes.
• Don`t leave articles of value on or under the seat of your car.
• Place valuables in the trunk before you arrive at your destination.
• Park in well lighted areas.
• Record and keep in a safe location (not in vehicle):
  • Make and Model
  • Model Year
  • Registration
  • License Plate Number
  • Color
  • Name of your Insurance Company and Agent
  • Engine Size
  • Any peculiarities you have (dents, pin stripes, etc.)
• Consider special locks for wire wheels and gas caps.
• Accessories such as cellular phones, compact disc players, or removable tape players should be engraved with an ID number, such as your social security number.

Anti-theft devices

• Tracking system with a kill switch
  A tracking device hidden in your motor vehicle that sends a silent electronic link to local police to locate your vehicle. The passive starter disabling electronics deter your vehicle from being stolen.
• Kill switch
  A simple and inexpensive device which, when used, cuts off the auto`s electrical system.  Therefore, the car cannot be started.
• Alarm system
  Loud warning alarm sounds if vehicle is tampered with.  There are many models currently on the market ranging in quality and price.  If you decide to purchase this type system, you should take your time to shop and compare.

Abuse and domestic violence

Domestic violence is a national problem that occurs on college campuses.  Domestic violence refers to family or household situations where one person threatens, shoves, hits, slaps, punches, kicks, burns, forces, or otherwise abuses another person.  If you are experiencing a relationship problem of this type, contact Campus Security (extension 2178 or 2492) to find out what you can do to keep you safe and stop a partner from abusing you.