Reporting Criminal Actions
Report known or suspected violations of university policy or state or federal law to:
- Office of Public Safety (601.925.3204)
- Clinton Police Department (601.924.5252).
The emergency Code Blue phone units may also be used to report emergencies.
Security and Access to Campus Facilities
During non-operating hours, buildings are secured by the Office of Public Safety. Once a building is secured, access may be gained only by authorized persons with Mississippi College issued identification cards using magnetic tape strips or keys or by contacting the Office of Public Safety.
Vehicle registration decals are issued to students and employees in order that unauthorized vehicles might be more easily recognized. Upon request, security officers will provide escort services from vehicles to buildings or from buildings to buildings should individuals feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Individuals may receive assistance by contacting the Office of Public Safety at 601.925.3204.
Campus Law Enforcement
The Office establishes and maintains communications with the officially recognized civil and criminal law enforcement authorities of the city of Clinton, the city of Jackson, and Hinds County. Officers are authorized and directed to make citizen's arrests of individuals that:
- create disturbances against the general peace
- interfere with the security of the physical plant, facilities or grounds
- interfere with or disturb the safety and the general welfare of members of the Mississippi College community.
When such a citizen's arrest is necessary, the Office of Public Safety shall, as promptly as possible, and beforehand if reasonable, request civil or criminal law enforcement authorities to respond and assist.
Security Programs
Mississippi College provides informative programs to students and employees on the following topics:
- Campus Security Procedures and Practice
- Crime Prevention and Awareness
These programs are offered annually at New Faculty and Staff Orientation, Welcome Week for Freshmen, residence hall meetings, faculty/staff meetings, and at other designated programs.
Additional programs specifically designed for Students include:
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Education
- Sexual Assault and the Prevention of sex offenses. (This program includes the promotion of awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses, as well as, information regarding the prevention and awareness of reporting procedures of sex offenses.)
Statistics
Federal law provides that students and employees be informed during the most recent calendar year and during the two preceding calendar years of the reported number of on-campus occurrences of the following criminal offenses:
- murder
- sex offenses (forcible or non-forcible)
- robbery
- aggravated assault
- burglary
- motor vehicle theft
Statistics are also maintained as to the number of arrests for:
- liquor law violations
- drug abuse violations
- weapons possessions
These statistics are provided below and are published in the Tomahawk and is provided to employees annually through campus mailers. Copies are also located in:
- Office of Public Safety
- Office of Enrollment Services
- Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
- Office of Human Resources
Sexual Assault Policy and Procedures
Mississippi College provides annual educational programs to promote awareness among students of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses. If a sex offense occurs, campus security and/or Clinton Police should be contacted promptly. There should not be any removal or destruction of any evidence that might be helpful or necessary for investigation and followup.
Institutional sanctions may be imposed following the final determination of an on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible, in addition to civil or criminal action. Sanctions for students may include sanctions listed in Article IV, Section B and C of the Student Conduct Code. The procedure for on-campus disciplinary action will follow the procedures generally outlined on I Article IV, Section A of the Student Conduct Code. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the rights afforded in Article IV of the Student Conduct Code.
Students who believe that they have been victims of sexual assault may contact both on-campus security as well as local police. If preferred, students have the option of having campus security notify the proper local law enforcement authorities.
Campus Counseling Services are available for students subjected to sexual or nonsexual assault of any kind or nature. The confidentiality of all persons will be respected and no information or names will be released without the consent of the victim.
Security and Safety Tips
Students are expected to contribute to their own safety by being prepared and alert to their surroundings. In addition students are expected to:
- Lock the doors to their residence hall rooms.
- Never loan dorm keys or ID cards to others.
- Never prop doors or entrances to residence halls.
- Never allow strangers to enter residence halls.
- Report incidents which violate the rules of the college or criminal activity immediately to the office of public safety, residence hall staff, or local police.
- Secure personal property such as cars, bicycles, motorcycles, jewelry, electronic equipment, etc.
- Walk in lighted areas, preferably with others at night.
- Ask for an escort by a security officer if needed.
- Respect the privacy and personal dignity of others.
- Read and abide by the rules and regulations of the college and residence halls.
