by Vivian Luu
Copy Editor

SCC students are voicing their concerns about security measures on the campus grounds.

In spite of the fact that many are aware that there is a Safety and Security Center at SCC, they are skeptical about the effectiveness of campus patrols and how security protocols respond to possible threats.

“I always see an officer riding his bike all over the place. But then again, who else is there?” said Jessica Woon. “I never see anyone else,”

Todd Ferguson also mentioned, “I haven’t seen campus security around,” and another SCC student noted that he has never seen officers patrolling the grounds in the evening.

“I think it (campus security) is pretty okay,” said Hakson Teh. “I just wish there was more visibility.”

Many other students also noted that they hadn’t seen many officers thoroughly patrolling the campus. As a result, students are concerned for not only their personal safety while traveling to and from classes, but also for fellow students that take classes during the evening when the campus is less populated.

Many other students also noted that they hadn’t seen many officers thoroughly patrolling the campus. As a result, students are concerned for not only their personal safety while traveling to and from classes, but also for fellow students that take classes during the evening when the campus is less populated.

“Our officers patrol all areas of the campus 24/7, including the Greenwood Lot and the Sears Lot. We do foot patrol, bike patrol and vehicle patrol. This campus is quite spread out, and we do our best to cover as much area as possible,” said Security Sergeant Becky Gibler, “We can respond to any location quickly – usually within two-three minutes.”

Emergency phones are also located in various areas of the campus, and serve as a means for students to obtain help when it is needed. These call boxes are yellow and are located in the following areas (from http://www.shoreline.edu/safetyandsecurity/howtoreportemergencies.htm):

•On the North side of the Music building (800)
•On the NW corner of the 1500 building
•On the NE corner of the 1800 building
•On the South side of the 2000 building (lower level)
•On the NW corner of the Automotive building (2100)
•On the North side of the 2500 building, lower level
•On the West side of the gym (3000) upper level

“The emergency call boxes can be used if a student is in a situation where they need immediate assistance (i.e., they are being followed, harassed or threatened, they or someone else is ill or injured or they need to report a crime in progress),” said Gibler.

“The emergency call boxes can be used if a student is in a situation where they need immediate assistance (i.e., they are being followed, harassed or threatened, they or someone else is ill or injured or they need to report a crime in progress),” said Gibler.

Whether or not you believe that SCC’s security measures are an effective way to keep students safe, don’t forget that preventing crime and staying safe can be bolstered through self-efficacy. Remember where the alarm systems are located so that you can get help when you or someone you know is trapped in a dangerous situation. Have the emergency phone number for campus security (which just happens to be 206-235-5860) handy, and don’t be afraid to call for help if you are in a possibly compromising situation.