Campus Security

Thank you for expressing an interest in Georgia Piedmont Technical College. This web page demonstrates how the college has taken steps to secure a safe environment that lends support to the instructional process as well as to student growth and development. Campus security is thus a vital part of the college operations.

Sincerely,
Mike Blouin
Police Chief, Public Safety Department

Department Overview
The Georgia Piedmont Technical College Public Safety Police and Security is the administrator for Campus Security who ensures the specific security needs of Georgia Piedmont Tech campus sites. The sites include the DeKalb Campus, Newton Campus, Newton Campus Building D & Conference Center, the Paul M. Starnes Center, and the Regional Transportation Training Center.

The Georgia Piedmont Technical College Police Department is a recognized police department within the State of Georgia comprised of, a Chief, Assistant Chief, Police Officers and Security Guards who are dedicated to providing a professional, courteous service while being responsive to the diverse needs of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.

The department strives to foster a safe and secure college, conducive to a positive educational process, in an effort to preserve and protect a social and academic environment. Georgia Piedmont Technical College is on the move and growing. We are very proud and excited to be an integral part of this growth and look forward to helping develop a pleasant and safe atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their experience at the college. We receive tremendous support from the administration, faculty, staff and the surrounding community in order to achieve the department's mission.

All police personnel are trained to handle emergencies and serve as a contact with other law enforcement agencies and medical personnel.

For more information contact the campus Administrative Office or send an e-mail to: security@gptc.edu.

Security Services

General Services
The Department of Public Safety Police and Security is committed to providing professional, courteous service to all members of the Georgia Piedmont community. In addition to regular police patrol functions (parking lots and buildings), security personnel are available to provide jumpstarts, unlock doors (to authorized persons only), retrieve keys that are locked in the car, and provide security escorts. Security Guards may also be on hand during special functions to help direct traffic and facilitate crowd control.

Safety and Security
Georgia Piedmont Technical College Police Officers who work for the College are certified by the State of Georgia and are authorized to make arrests if necessary within their jurisdiction. All departmental personnel can enforce College policy as well as parking regulations on campus. Georgia Piedmont Tech's part-time DeKalb County Police officers enforce state laws, and county ordinances. They also conduct criminal and traffic investigations for all offenses occurring on College property.

Vehicle Registration
A parking permit is required to park on campus. It is the responsibility of each person to obtain a vehicle parking permit for each vehicle (or motorcycle) operated on campus. Permits can be obtained at any campus security location and a valid College ID card must be presented prior to issuance. Parking permits must be attached to the rear window or bumper (left side) of a vehicle and the permit must be visible. Tickets for violations of Georgia Piedmont Tech parking regulations are issued by Security Guards on each campus. Calls concerning ticket violations and vehicle registration should be made directly to the local campus.

Students have two weeks from the first day of the quarter to register their vehicles or are subject to ticketing. All zoned parking is enforced 24hrs. unless otherwise marked. Fines start at $10.00 per violation. Student grades, subsequent registration, and diplomas shall be held until all fines are paid.

Crime Prevention Programs
The Department of Public Safety Police and Security make every effort to educate faculty, staff, and students about the prevention of crime and preservation of personal safety. Information is shared throughout the year at the various campuses to educate, promote, and facilitate a safer environment for all members of the community. Topics may include issues concerning alcohol/drug education, rape, personal safety, workplace safety, and safety concerns for the entire community.

In order to ensure a timely warning of adverse situations, the Georgia Piedmont Tech community is strongly encouraged to report suspicious or criminal activity whenever observed, either in person or by telephone.

Physical Security
Buildings on each campus are locked and alarms are activated after classroom hours of operation are over. Persons wishing to gain access to a building after hours must request to do so through the security office on that campus. Staff that will be working late is encouraged to notify security personnel in order to monitor after hours activity.

Campus administration should be contacted for security concerns:

E-mail:
security@gptc.edu

Phone:
DeKalb Campus: (404) 297-9522, ext. 1286
Newton Campus: ext. 3100
Newton Campus Building D & Conference Center: ext. 5000
Paul M. Starnes Center: ext. 2527

Safety Suggestions and Reporting Procedures

Safety Suggestions

• A truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of all persons. Therefore, members of the Georgia Piedmont Tech community are asked to accept responsibility for their own personal safety and security by taking simple, common sense precautions such as the following:
• Keep your vehicle locked at all times and keep CD players, cellular phones, and valuables with you. Never leave them in your car.
• Keep all property with you. Never leave your books, jacket, or backpack unattended.
• Travel the path of well-lit areas.
• Travel with a partner or request a security escort.
• Stay alert and have your keys in hand when approaching your car. Report all suspicious or unusual behavior.

Reporting Procedures
In order to insure timely reporting of adverse activity, the Georgia Piedmont Tech community is strongly encouraged to report suspicious or criminal activity whenever observed, either in person or by telephone. Direct access to the governing local law enforcement agency can be obtained by dialing 911 regardless of campus location; however, the community is encouraged to first contact a College official in order to better coordinate emergency responses. If a victim is unable to report an incident, they are strongly encouraged to make notification to an alternate College official. In all cases, the confidentiality, rights, and desires of the victim will be considered within the confines of legal authority to do so. The campus extensions to call are as follows:

Sexual Misconduct Policy

Reporting and Processing Alleged Sexual Misconduct

Drug and Alcohol Policies
Georgia Piedmont Technical College has a Drug and Alcohol Policy in compliance with Federal and State Laws. This important information could affect you and your organizations.

Student Drug and Alcohol Policy
The manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs on campus or at any College approved event off-campus is prohibited. Students violating the policy will be charged under the Student Conduct Code through a formal hearing. Students have the right to due process when accused of a violation of the Drug and Alcohol Policy. If convicted, sanctions may include:

• Loss of academic credit
• Suspension or expulsion
• Loss of all financial aid
• Mandated evaluations and treatment
• Community service work
• Student Organization Drug and Alcohol Policy

Group Policy
Any student organization which permits, authorizes, or condones the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, serving, consumption, or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs at any affair, function or activity, social or otherwise, on or off campus, shall have its recognition as a student organization withdrawn and, after complying with the constitutional requirement of due process and the right to appeal, shall be expelled from the campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of determination of guilt. Student groups must follow the Drug Free Campus Policy or their organization shall:

• be expelled from campus
• be prohibited from using college property or facilities
• have your group's lease or rental agreement with the College terminated

The Student Drug and Alcohol Policy remains in effect for each individual participating in an organization or group function.

Criminal Sanctions
Under the Penal Code of Georgia, the following are criminal violations and may result in severe penalties which can include mandatory treatment and education programs, community services, fines, imprisonment, and/or loss of license.

• It is a crime to possess, manufacture, sell, or distribute illegal drugs.
• It is a crime to possess alcohol if you are under the age of 21, or to provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21.
• It is a crime to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Risks and Help
Substance abuse is dangerous to both mind and body, and may cause long-lasting health effects and even death. Impaired skills affected by substance abuse can cause motor vehicle accidents, falls, fires, and other injuries. Confidential help and services are available at the following locations:

Georgia State Laws

Suspension for a Felony Drug Conviction
O.C.G.A. CODE SECTION 20-1-23
Any student of a public educational institution who is convicted, under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, of any felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug shall as of the date of conviction be suspended from the public educational institution in which such person is enrolled. Except for cases in which the institution has previously taken disciplinary action against a student for the same offense, such suspension shall be effective as of the date of conviction, even though the educational institution may not complete all administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension until a later date. Except for cases in which the institution has already imposed disciplinary sanctions for the same offense, such suspension shall continue through the end of the term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled as of the date of conviction. The student shall forfeit any right to any academic credit otherwise earned or earnable for such term, quarter, semester, or other similar period; and the educational institution shall subsequently revoke any such academic credit which is granted prior to the completion of administrative actions necessary to implement such suspension.

Denial of Loans, Grants or Scholarships for Felony Drug Convictions
O.C.G.A. 20-1-24
(a) Any student of a non-public educational institution who is convicted, under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, of any felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, or use of marijuana, a controlled substance, or a dangerous drug shall as of the date of conviction be denied state funds for any loans, grants, or scholarships administered under the authority of Part 3 of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of this title, the "Georgia Student Finance Authority Act," or similar loans, grants, or scholarships, including but not limited to Georgia Higher Education Loan Program loans, student incentive grants, or tuition equalization grants. The authority is authorized to define such terms and prescribe such rules, regulations, and procedures as may be reasonable and necessary to carry out the purpose of this article. (b) Such denial of state funds shall be effective as of the first day of the term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled immediately following the date of conviction or the date on which the court accepts a plea of nolo contend ere or formally allows a student to receive first offender treatment and shall continue through the end of such term, quarter, semester, or other similar period for which the student was enrolled. Any non-public educational institution operating within this state that receives state funds shall agree to comply with this article in order to be eligible for its students to receive state funds through scholarships, grants, or loan programs.

Sexual Assault Policy
Sexual assault is an act of violence in which one person subjects another person to contact of a sexual nature against the latter's will. All sexual offenses as defined under Georgia Criminal law may be prosecuted under the College's Sexual Assault Policy. Offenses include but are not limited to the commission of or attempt to commit: rape, sexual battery, aggravated sodomy, or child molestation. In addition, offenses such as public indecency, peeping Tom, and solicitation for sodomy may be prosecuted under this policy. Offenders may be prosecuted in State Court, by the College, or both. The finding of guilt or innocence by the College does not preclude prosecution in a criminal court. Should an offense be reported, the College will assist in prosecuting the offender in accordance with the victim's wishes.

Prevention Through Education
Georgia Piedmont Technical College seeks to prevent sexual assault by offering a number of scheduled programs designed to educate students about sexual assault and sexual offenses. In addition, presentation, publications, and videotapes can be provided upon request.

Disciplinary Procedures
The following disciplinary procedures pertain to cases of an alleged sex offense:

• The accuser and accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary proceeding.
• Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any College disciplinary preceding for an alleged a sex offense. This includes information concerning the final determination and any sanction rendered.
• Sanctions the College may impose following a final determination of a disciplinary proceeding regarding rape, or other forcible or non-forcible sex offenses may include: academic probation, suspension, expulsion from the college, loss of credit and/or tuition.

Reporting an Assault
A victim of a sexual assault should report the offense immediately to a College administrator. By law, the victim's identity may not be made public and every effort will be made to protect their privacy. Upon request, assistance can be provided through the Office of the Vice President of Student Services. If necessary, the College will make changes to accommodate academic situations including relocating a student to another campus.

Preserve the Evidence
An assault victim should take the following steps in order to preserve the evidence and pursue prosecution of the crime:

• Do not change your clothing.
• Do not take a shower, bathe, or douche.
• Do not change or launder any clothing worn during the assault.
• Do not disturb the crime scene.
• Seek Medical Attention

It is vital for the victim to receive prompt medical attention by specialized personnel. A full range of medical services and counseling is available at the following rape crisis center location.

Physical Security
Georgia Piedmont Technical College makes serious attempts to maintain physical security. Any member of the community identifying a breach of physical security (i.e. lighting, environmental hazards, fire extinguisher/smoke detectors, locking mechanisms) is encouraged to report it to a College official as soon as possible.

Crime Statistics Reporting
In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" (originally know as the "Campus Security Act"), colleges are required to compile and provide statistics on the following offenses:

• Criminal Homicide broken down by:
  1. Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter
  2. Negligent Manslaughter

• Sex Offenses broken down by:
  1. Forcible Sex Offenses (includes rape)
  2. Non-forcible Sex Offenses

• Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Burglary
• Motor Vehicle Theft
• Arson

Colleges are also required to report the following three types of incidents if they result in either an arrest (physical or citation) or disciplinary referral:

• Liquor Law Violations
• Drug Law Violations
• Weapons Violations

Hate Crimes
Hate crimes include all crimes reported in the general disclosures (criminal homicide, sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson) as well as any other crime involving bodily injury. Hate crimes must be reported by category of prejudice:

• Race
• Gender
• Religion
• Sexual Orientation
• Ethnicity
• Disability

Timely Information
Colleges are also required to provide special timely warnings and a public crime log. Georgia Piedmont Tech will make notification of the above listed crimes that come to the attention of the College and are considered to be a threat to students and employees. Timely warnings will be made utilizing one or more of the following communication systems: posted "Crime Watch" bulletins, the voice mail system, the electronic mail system, the fax system, and College publications. In addition, signs may be posted in specific buildings warning of recent thefts or other crimes. Georgia Piedmont Tech will disclose in a public crime log any crime that occurred on campus or within the patrol jurisdiction of campus security and is reported to the campus Vice President of Operations or to the Department of Facilities and Auxiliary Services. The log will include the nature, date, time and general location of each crime as well as its disposition if known. Incidents are to be included within two business days but certain limited information may be withheld to protect victim confidentiality, ensure the integrity of ongoing investigations, or to keep a suspect from fleeing. The log will be publicly available during normal business hours. Logs remain open for 60 days and subsequently are available within 2 business days of a request.

Questions or comments should be sent to:

Public Safety Department
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
495 North Indian Creek Drive
Clarkston, Georgia 30021
404-297-9522, ext. 1286
404-294-3524 (Fax)
blouinm@gptc.edu