Campus Police and Security
The safety of students, visitors, faculty, and staff is a priority of Athens Technical College. Campus Police and Security Officers are responsible for providing high visibility patrons by uniformed officers who monitor the activities occurring on campus. Campus Police and Security Officers also complete crime and accident reports and respond to emergencies and calls for service. They are also responsible for enforcing other regulations such as parking, the use of controlled substances, weapons, and underage drinking.
Police and Security Officers file incident reports by their nature, date, time, general location, and disposition of the complaint. The Campus Police Department maintains a record of the incident reports for a maximum of three years, and the college shall make the incident reports available to the public within three business days of receiving a written request unless disclosure of such information would:
- Be prohibited by law.
- Jeopardize the confidentiality of the victim.
- Jeopardize an on-going criminal investigation.
- Jeopardize the safety of an individual.
- Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection.
- Result in the destruction of evidence.
- The investigation is classified as open.
In addition to campus security officers, Athens Technical College operates the Athens Technical College Police Department and employs uniformed officers to provide police services on the Athens, Elbert, and Walton campuses. These uniformed officers have the authority to enforce Georgia Law and to arrest individuals.
Procedures for Reporting Incidents
In the event of accidents or injuries, other medical emergencies, or crime-related incidents, someone witnessing the incident should notify the nearest instructor or staff member immediately. This procedure does not prohibit or impede the reporting of an emergency directly to the appropriate party (i.e., police, fire, ambulance, hospital, etc.) or utilizing the 911 system. A college administrator will secure professional emergency care if needed. Campus Police can be notified at 706-355-5039 or 706-621-9860.
As a nonresidential college, Athens Technical College expects students to secure normal medical services through a family physician. In the case of serious accidents or illnesses, the college will refer students to the nearest hospital for emergency care and will notify their emergency contacts. Students and/or their families are responsible for the cost of such emergency care.
College officials notify the Athens Technical College Police Department when someone commits a crime on campus or at college-sponsored events. In case of accidents or injuries, other medical emergencies, or crime-related incidents involving students, visitors, or employees, the persons involved must complete and return incident report forms to the Campus Police Department as promptly as possible.
Faculty advisors of chartered campus organizations must report criminal incidents committed by students while participating in college-sponsored activities both on and off campuses and properties. The advisors must submit these reports in writing to the Campus Police Department and Vice President for Student Affairs. Students who violate the Student Code of Conduct or who commit crimes of a misdemeanor or felonious nature, as defined by the Criminal Code of Georgia, while participating in college-sponsored activities will be subject to a hearing before a duly appointed judicial body (see Student Disciplinary Policy and Procedures). The vice president for student affairs will report violations of local, state, and/or federal laws to the Campus Chief of Police or other appropriate law enforcement officials.
Campus Facilities and Security Access
The Maintenance Department maintains college buildings and grounds with concern for safety and security. This department inspects campus facilities regularly and promptly makes repairs. Students and employees must call the Office of Finance and Administration at (706) 355-5116 to report any hazard. The Maintenance Department also routinely inspects college facilities to review lighting and environmental safety.
Most campus facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. Members of the maintenance staff on the Athens and Elbert County campuses unlock and lock buildings each day. Administrative staff at the Walton County Campuses is responsible for securing those facilities. When officially closed, all college facilities remain locked and accessible only to employees with keys.
Banning Non-Students from Campus
Occasionally there is a need to ban or exclude non-students from college premises as a result of disruptive or illegal behavior committed on college property or at college events. This includes but is not limited to recreation facilities, libraries, campus centers, classrooms, administrative buildings, and college parking areas. For information about campus bans, contact the Athens Technical College Police Department at 706-355-5039.