Student Life

Safety & Security FAQs

Southern Maine Community College Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

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Campus Crime Alerts

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) is committed to promoting a safe and secure environment for all members of the College community. In compliance with the Clery Act of 1998, the College will provide a timely warning (Campus Crime Alert) to the College community of any criminal activity that represents a continuing threat to that community.

The need for Campus Crime Alerts to the campus community are determined by an analysis of the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the campus community and any possible risk of compromise to ongoing law enforcement efforts.

Campus Crime Alerts will be promptly and properly disseminated to the College community, and other entities deemed relevant, through the College’s website, electronic mail, posters and flyers, and/or any other means that are available and appropriate.

SMCC maintains five secure Safety and Security bulletin boards located strategically across the campus that display updated Campus Crime Alert information should they be deemed necessary. They are located at:

  1.  Dining Hall
  2.  Campus Center
  3. Safety and Security
  4. Gym
  5. Computer Center

Reporting Crimes

Victims or witnesses of a crime should contact SMCC Safety and Security and/or the South Portland Police Department as soon as they are aware that a crime has been or is being committed on or near campus. At the student’s request, officers or administrators will assist in the notification of local law enforcement.

A crime may be reported:

  • in person at the SMCC Safety and Security Office located in the Fort Building (92 Campus Center Drive) across from Preble Hall.
  • by calling the SMCC Safety and Security Office at 207-741-5553
  • by using one of the yellow emergency call box telephones on and near campus
  • by calling South Portland Police Department at 911 for emergencies or at 799-5511 for non-emergencies.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Students and employees are urged to contact SMCC Safety and Security and/or the South Portland Police Department either by phone or through the emergency call boxes if they notice unusual, suspicious or criminal activity. Suspicious individuals should be reported to Safety and Security, especially if they are seen:

  • Entering a neighbor’s room, apartment or home;
  • Entering an office or lab without apparent purpose;
  • Loitering in a parking lot, near residences, offices or childcare facilities; in possession of two bicycles or bicycle parts;
  • Trying to force entry into a car, window or door;
  • Attempting to solicit funds;
  • Acting in a loud, disruptive or threatening manner

Voluntary and Confidential Crime Reporting

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within Southern Maine Community College or the Criminal Justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. With your permission, any staff member in the Campus Safety and Security, Student Services, or Housing and Residence Life Departments (including Resident Director or Resident Assistant) can file a report on the details of the incident without revealing your identity or the identity of others. The purpose of a confidential report is to allow the College to take steps to ensure the future safety of yourself and others. With this information, the College can keep accurate records of the number of crimes involving students on campus, determine if there is a pattern of crime and alert the Campus Community to potential danger. Reports of crimes filed in this manner are counted and disclosed with the College’s annual crime statistics report.

A Campus “Professional Counselor”, when acting as such, is not considered to be a campus security authority and is not required to report crimes for inclusion into the annual disclosure of crime statistics. As a matter of policy, they are encouraged, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion into the annual crime statistics.

Building Security and Access

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to the campus community, guests and visitors during normal business hours, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Exterior doors on campus buildings are locked and secured after normal operating hours. Security officers routinely check campus buildings. Buildings are also opened on weekends and holidays on an as-needed basis.

Residence halls require a Southern Maine Community College identification card at all times for entrance. Only Southern Maine Community College students may gain access beyond the interior checkpoint into the living area.

Visitors to the residence halls must be escorted by their resident host at all times, including while in the resident’s room. Visitors are considered overnight guests if they are in the residence hall between 11:59 pm and 8:00 am. Residents must sign in overnight guests at the New Residence Hall Front Desk prior to 11:50 pm on the night they are staying. In addition to being signed in and personally escorted by a resident, visitors and overnight guests must present a valid form of identification and sign the guest log at the New Residence Hall Front Desk. Overnight guests receive a guest pass upon signing in; this pass must be presented by the overnight guest upon request. Residents are responsible for the behavior of their visitors and overnight guests while they are on campus and can be held responsible for any violations of the Student Code of Conduct or Residence Hall Agreement committed by them.

Any problems with the residence hall access control system should be reported to the respective Resident Assistant, Resident Director, or the New Residence Hall Front Desk at 207-741-5990 during the academic year. SMCC Safety and Security Department is open 24 hours a day and can be reached at 207-741-5553. The office is located in the Fort Building (92 Campus Center Drive) across from Preble Hall.

SMCC is committed to maintaining a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff that extends to maintenance issues such as campus landscaping, lighting, and door locks. Both Safety and Security Officers and facilities maintenance staff routinely check the campus for maintenance, safety, and security issues. All members of the campus community are encouraged to report any issues to Facilities Management at 57 Fort Road or by calling 207-741-5636, the Safety and Security Department any time by calling 207-741-5553, or the Student Services Safety Coordinator at 207-741-5870.

Campus Safety and Security Authority

Southern Maine Community College’s Safety and Security Officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at SMCC. Campus Security has the authority to issue parking tickets which are billed to the financial accounts of students. Campus Security is not authorized to arrest. Criminal incidents are referred to the South Portland Police Department who have jurisdiction at SMCC, and to the Office of the Dean of Students for possible disciplinary action. SMCC has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Portland Police Department and maintains a highly professional working relationship between campus security and the police department.  All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report any crime to Campus Safety and Security and/or the South Portland Police Department.  SMCC has an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the SPPD. Prompt reporting will assure Campus Crime Alerts for the campus community and the accurate disclosure of Clery Act crime statistics.

When a Southern Maine Community College student is involved in an off-campus offense, Campus Safety and Security may assist with the investigation in cooperation with the local police department. South Portland Police Department routinely works and communicates with SMCC Safety and Security on incidents occurring on-campus, in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding our campus. SMCC Safety and Security can and do respond to student-related incidents that occur in close proximity to campus.

Emergency Response

Emergency situations at SMCC campuses are responded to as follows:

  • South Portland Campus by the South Portland Police Department and/or the South Portland Fire Department;
  • Brunswick MATC by the Brunswick Police Department and/or Fire Department;

Depending upon the situation, other emergency services may be provided by the community in which the campus is located as well as county, state, and federal emergency response services. Emergency procedures and notification methods are reviewed and tested annually.

Evacuation Procedures

The decision to immediately evacuate buildings or the campus will be made by the Officer of the Day (OOD), usually the President, in coordination with the Emergency Coordinator and/or Alternate Emergency Coordinator (the ECs) and Campus Security upon confirmation. However, in the case of a fire, building evacuation will begin immediately upon sounding of the alarm without waiting for the order from campus staff. SMCC has various systems in place for communicating information quickly that may include audible and visual alarms in each building, telephones, e-mail, the SMCC website, and/or verbal directives that will be used for notification to evacuate. On the South Portland campus, this may include the use of the CityWatch® emergency notification system.

Evacuation of the college will generally fall into two categories:

  • Limited evacuation of a building or designated area.
  • General evacuation of the entire campus.

In general, you should plan ahead for possible evacuations. Know evacuation routes from your office or classroom and the campus.

Buildings

  • If the fire alarm is activated, leave the building immediately. Do not assume it is a false alarm.
  • Place a green tag on the door of the room if the room is unoccupied after evacuation.
  • Place a red tag on the door if anyone remains in the room, there is an injured person, or a suspicious object is found. Contact Campus Security at extension 5553 or 207-741-5553 and provide specifics.
  • Assist people with disabilities and special needs in exiting the building!
  • Do not return for personal items, except for identification if safe to do so.
  • Do not go into the restrooms.
  • Do not use the elevators.
  • Direct visitors or anyone needing assistance to stairwells and exits.
  • When you are outside, check in with your supervisor, department personnel or instructor so everyone can be accounted for.
  • If faculty, assure that all students in attendance in class that day have evacuated.
  • If a department head, make sure that all staff present that day are accounted for and visiting students have been evacuated.

Campus Evacuation

If the campus is evacuated:

  • All persons (students and staff) are to vacate immediately the area of campus in question and relocate to another part of the campus grounds or off campus as directed.
  • Students and staff will be informed by CityWatch® Emergency Notification System, email, campus administrator, security staff, or other forms of communication as required by the college.

Evacuation of Persons with Special Needs

All persons at Southern Maine Community College, including those with special needs, must prepare for emergencies ahead of time. SMCC recommends that each person with disabilities or other special needs ask a co-worker, friend or fellow student to provide assistance if an emergency develops. This “evacuation assistant” should be informed about what disabilities you have and how he or she can best help you.

If You are Unable to Leave the Building Due to a Physical Disability:

  • Go to the nearest area where there are no hazards.
  • Contact Campus Safety and Security by telephone (ext. 5553 or 207-741-5553) or use other means to advise them of the situation.
  • Be sure to give them the building and room number so they can send help to you.
  • If possible, signal out the window to on-site emergency responders.
  • Try to establish a “buddy” system to have someone ready to assist you.

To Assist Visually Impaired Persons:

  • Announce the type of emergency.
  • Offer your arm for guidance.
  • Tell the person where you are going, obstacles you encounter.
  • When you reach safety, ask if further help is needed.

To Alert People with Hearing Limitations:

  • Turn lights on/off to gain the person’s attention, or
  • Indicate directions with gestures, or
  • Write a note with evacuation directions.

To Evacuate People Using Crutches, Canes, or Walkers:

  • Assist and accompany to evacuation site if possible, or
  • Use a sturdy chair (or one with wheels) to move the person, or
  • Help carry individual.

To Evacuate People Using Wheelchairs:

  • Non-ambulatory persons’ needs and preferences vary.
  • Individuals at ground floor locations may exit without help.
  • Others have minimal ability to move—lifting may be dangerous.
  • Some non-ambulatory persons have respiratory complications.
  • Remove them from smoke and vapors immediately.
  • Wheelchair users with electrical respirators get priority assistance.
  • Most wheelchairs are too heavy to take down stairs.
  • If needed, contact Safety and Security at ext. 5553 or 207-741-5553, or dial 911. Give building and room number.
  • Consult with the person to determine best carry options only as a last resort, otherwise wheelchair users should shelter in place and await professional assistance.
  • Reunite the person with the chair as soon as it is safe to do so.

Questions

Questions pertaining to emergency procedures should be referred to Safety and Security at ext. 5553 (207-741-5553), or to the Environmental Health and Safety Director at ext. 5932 (207-741-5932). Specific questions about disabilities should be referred to the Director of Disability and Counseling Services at ext. 5629 (207-741-5629).

Crime Prevention and Safety Programs

Crime prevention at Southern Maine Community College is based on minimizing or eliminating criminal opportunities and encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own safety/security and the safety/security of others. The Safety and Security Department conducts crime prevention programs upon request to educate the SMCC community on measures the community can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Crime prevention programs for resident students are arranged on an as-needed basis by Resident Assistants, Resident Directors and by the Safety and Security Department. These programs include crime prevention do’s and don’ts in the Residence Life Guide as well as various fire and life safety programs throughout the academic year. In addition, a Campus Safety Tips brochure is provided during Residence Hall Opening and consists of proven crime prevention and personal safety tips. The Resident Directors of each hall are responsible for student safety programming, safety related room inspections, and trains staff on proper emergency procedures.

The SMCC Safety and Security Department (207-741-5553) offers student, faculty, and staff escort services to and from class upon request. They also provide assistance to people on campus through regular patrols or students can access the emergency call boxes located throughout the campus.

Drugs and Alcohol

The use, possession, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs is prohibited on College property or at College related events, as is being under the influence or knowingly in the presence of drugs or alcohol while on College property or at College related events under the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the code may result in sanctions up to and including dismissal from the College.

Maine Community College System policy on alcohol and other drugs.

Southern Maine Community College does not offer substance/alcohol abuse programs. Students (who have alcohol or other substance abuse issues) are strongly encouraged to contact their medical provider, a certified substance abuse counselor, or, if in crisis, the Maine Statewide Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112.

Southern Maine Community College Procedure on Sexual Assault

Any behavior that constitutes a sexual assault under this policy will subject the offender to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal, whether or not criminal charges are filed and without regard to whether the conduct occurred on or off campus. In addition, sexual assault, rape and other sexual offenses are illegal under Maine criminal statutes and may be separately prosecuted in a court of law.

Sexual assault occurs when a person performs or compels another person to perform any sexual act or to have any form of sexual contact without consent. Rape is a specific kind of sexual assault that involves any vaginal, oral, anal, or urethral penetration with any body part or object without consent. Consent is an active event that requires mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions demonstrating agreement to participate in the proposed sexual act. Failure to object does not constitute consent. Consent does not exist where it is not expressly given. Consent cannot be given by a person with a mental impairment (from alcohol or drug use, for example), or where the victim is physically helpless (from being asleep, for example). Consent can also not be given where there is intimidation (resulting from, for example, the aggressor’s language, size, or threatened or actual use of force) that silences the victim. Attempted sexual assault or rape occurs when a person intends to commit the offense and engages in conduct that could lead to it.

The College can refer Victims of sexual offenses to counseling support and police assistance, if desired. Care and consideration of the victim’s wishes will be taken into account throughout the intervention process. Individuals who feel that they are victims of any sexual offense are urged to file a complaint with the South Portland Police Department and/or the College’s Safety and Security Department or the Office of the Dean of Student Services. Reports made to the Safety and Security Department are shared with the Office of the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary review or action.

The College strongly recommends that all victims seek immediate medical assistance. A victim may have internal or external injuries and may need treatment for disease or infection. Additionally, the College strongly recommends that all victims seek counseling and emotional assistance. A full range of support services can be initiated through Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine by calling 1-800-313-9900.

SMCC’s standards of conduct and the student disciplinary process are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, which is available in the student handbook, the SMCC Compass. The College’s procedures for disciplinary action in cases that involve sexual offenses comply with the Higher Education Amendment (HEA) of 1992. In those cases required by the HEA: the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunity, if any, to have others present during the investigative interview and/or during an Appeal Committee hearing and attendant proceedings. For further information about the disciplinary system, contact the Dean of Students at 207-741-5798 or the Disciplinary Officer, at 741-5544.

Important Phone Numbers for Victims of Sexual Assault:

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine: 1-800-313-9900
South Portland Police Department: Emergency – 911; Non-emergency — 207-799-5511
SMCC Safety and Security Department: 207-741-5553

Office of Housing and Residence Life: 207-741-5990 (To reach the RA and/or RD on call)

The College Strongly Recommends that Victims of Sexual Assault:

  1. Seek immediate medical assistance. A victim may have internal or external injuries and may need treatment for disease or infection.
  2. Report such acts to the College’s Safety and Security Department, Office of Housing and Residence Life (for resident students), and/or the South Portland Police Department. Filing a report with the police provides the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution that cannot be obtained later. Ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical exam and sexual crimes investigation kit administered by trained hospital personnel.
  3. At the victim’s request, security officers or college administrators will assist in the notification of local law enforcement. The College’s disciplinary system may proceed against any alleged violator of SMCC policy, whether or not state or federal criminal proceedings exist or are pending.
  4. Seek counseling and/or emotional assistance and support. Speaking with a trained counselor can be critical to the emotional or mental well-being of the victim following a trauma.

The College will consider requests for changes in academic accommodations and work with victims to reach a reasonable solution. The College will consider requests for changes in on-campus living accommodations on a space available basis.

Registered Sex Offenders

In compliance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000, members of the Southern Maine Community College may contact the Maine Sex Offender Registry at their website

http://sor.informe.org/sor/ for information concerning registered sex offenders.

Missing Person Procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to establish protocols for Southern Maine Community College’s (SMCC) response to reports of missing students, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008.

This procedure applies to students who reside in SMCC campus residence halls.

For purposes of this procedure, a student may be considered to be a “missing person” if the person’s absence is contrary to his/her usual pattern of behavior and unusual circumstances may have caused the absence. Such circumstances may include, but not be limited to, a report or suspicion that the missing person may be the victim of foul play, has expressed suicidal thoughts, is drug dependent, is in a life-threatening situation, or has been with persons who may endanger the student’s welfare.

Procedures for Designation of Emergency Contact Information

  1. Students age 18 and above and emancipated minors: Students will be given the opportunity during each semester registration process to designate an individual or individuals to be contacted by the college no more than 24 hours after the time that the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below. A designation will remain in effect until changed or revoked by the student.
  2. Students under the age of 18: In the event a student who is not emancipated is determined to be missing pursuant to the procedures set forth below, the college is required to notify a custodial parent or guardian no more than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing in accordance with the procedures set forth below.

Official Notification Procedures for Missing Persons

  1. Any individual on campus who has information that a residential student may be a missing person must notify Safety and Security (ext. 5553) as soon as possible.
  2. The Safety and Security Department will gather all essential information about the residential student from the reporting person and from the student’s acquaintances (description, clothes last worn, where student might be, who student might be with, vehicle description, information about the physical and mental well-being of the student, an up-to-date photograph, class schedule, etc.). Appropriate campus staff will be notified to aid in the search for the student.
  3. If the above actions are unsuccessful in locating the student or it is apparent immediately that the student is a missing person (e.g., witnessed abduction), Safety and Security will contact the South Portland Police Department (SPPD) to report the student as a missing person and SPPD will take charge of the investigation.
  4. No later than 24 hours after determining that a residential student is missing, the Dean of Students will notify the emergency contact (for students 18 and over) or the parent/guardian (for students under the age of 18) that the student is believed to be missing.

Campus Communications About Missing Students

In cases involving missing persons, law enforcement personnel are best situated to provide information to the media that is designed to elicit public assistance in the search for a missing person. Therefore, all communications regarding missing students will be handled by outside law enforcement authorities, who may consult with the college’s Dean of Students. All inquiries to the college regarding missing students, or information provided to any individual at the college about a missing student, shall be referred to the Dean of Students, who shall refer such inquiries and information to law enforcement authorities.

Prior to providing the SMCC community with any information about a missing student, the Dean of Students shall consult with the SPPD to ensure that communications do not hinder the investigation.

SMCC Annual Fire Safety Report for Residence Halls

In the Event of a Fire

  1. Sound the alarm from the nearest fire alarm box, remove yourself to safety.
  2. Immediately call 911 (9-911 from South Portland campus phones) providing your name, the location of the fire by building name, number, and address or the nearest building if not a structure fire, and the nature of the fire. Do not hang up unless instructed to do so!

Annual Fire Safety Report

All members of the SMCC community are encouraged to report any known residence hall fire circumstances to Safety and Security (Ext.5553), any Resident Director or Resident Assistant, The Dean of Students, the Director of Student Life, or The South Portland Fire Department.

Supervised Fire Drills

Supervised unannounced fire drills are conducted for each residence hall in the fall and spring semesters by the director of public safety, and when available the appropriate Fire Department from South Portland or Brunswick. Additionally, each time new residents occupy a building during the summer, the SMCC staff person coordinating the group’s stay ensures that the temporary residents are familiar with evacuation routes and procedures.

Fire Safety Education

All Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RA) receive fire safety and emergency action plan training and are responsible for covering these policies and procedures with residents during the opening community meetings. In August, all residence hall rooms are equipped with evacuation maps posted on the back of the door which indicate the safest and most direct exit routes from the room in the case of an emergency; these are updated annually

Fire Safety Violations and Prohibitions (Including Rules on Portable Electrical Appliances, Smoking and Open Flames)

The Student Code of Conduct prohibits “creation of a fire hazard or other dangerous condition” and forbids “unauthorized use or possession of weapons, explosive components or chemicals, including fireworks, firearms, explosives, gas or compressed air.” The fire code prohibits certain activities and devices from residence halls. For community safety, residents are expected to comply with the following:

  • No cooking of any kind is permitted within the residence hall rooms. Toasters, toaster ovens, mini grills, rice cookers, electric skillets and hot pots are not allowed. There are no publicly available kitchen facilities in either residence hall.
  • No appliances other than those specified in the appliances section of the Residence Life Guide are permitted in the residence hall rooms.
  • No candles or incense are allowed.
  • No microwave ovens, other than the one included in the microfridge unit that is provided in each room, are allowed.
  • Gasoline and flammables like paint thinner or stripper may not be stored in the residence halls.
  • Light fixtures may not be tampered with, especially using items that may serve as electrical conductors. No lights of any kind on strings/cords are allowed.
  • Multiple plug outlets are not allowed unless they contain a surge protector. Surge protectors usually contain lights and an on/off switch. They should be stored flat on the floor and should not be daisy-chained (one surge protector cannot be plugged into another surge protector).
  • No excessive use of paper on doors and walls is permitted.
  • No posters, articles of clothing or other items should be taped or hanging near the door of your room where they might obstruct your route of egress from the room.
  • No tape of any kind should be placed on electric cords and electric cords should not run under carpeting.
  • No extension cords are allowed. (Surge protectors can be purchased at the hardware store with cords up to 12 ft.)
  • Appliances such as irons, hair flat irons or curlers should be turned off and not plugged in when not in use.
  • No items should be touching, hung from or stored within 18 inches of any sprinkler head.
  • No items should be hung from pipes.

All residents are given a copy of the Residence Life Guide at move-in that includes rules related to permitted small appliances and fire safety in general.

All residence halls are smoke free environments. For health and safety reasons the Housing and Residence Life Office does not allow smoking in any room, or on any porch or balcony, or in any residential common area. No smoking should take place within 30 feet of any entrance/exit to any SMCC building per System policy.