general information
"Protecting With Honor,
Serving With Pride"
Springfield College
Marsh Memorial
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
(413)748-5555
(413)748-3450 fax
MISSION:
To assist the College community by helping protect life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, the maintenance of public order, and service to the community.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety, located in Marsh Memorial Hall, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety is staffed by 14 full-time, sworn police officers including a Chief, a Captain, 3 Sergeants and 9 Patrol Officers. The department is augmented by several sworn reserve police officers.
S.C. Police Officers are sworn Massachusetts Special State Police Officers under MA General Law Ch.22C S.63, and are required to attend the Special State Police academy at the MA State Police training facility in New Braintree. The academy is a 16 week comprehensive training program that prepares the officers for duty.
Many officers continue training in related specialty areas such as: sexual assault investigation, crime prevention, rape aggression defense, drug recognition and awareness, etc.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety maintains an excellent relationship with surrounding police departments.
Dispatch
Springfield College Department of Public Safety employs both civilian and sworn dispatchers who assist officers by taking and dispatching emergency calls, and contacting both emergency agencies and non-emergency agencies.
The dispatcher is the backbone of the Springfield College Department of Public Safety, providing constant communication with officers, outside agencies, victims of crimes, etc. Dispatchers maintain a log of calls, pass on information, and issue parking permits. They also monitor other police agencies, alarm systems, CCTV monitors, and the electronic ID system.
Security Force
Springfield College Department of Public Safety employs approximately 20 uniformed, non-sworn security personnel. Security officers are the "eyes and ears" of the police department, and play an integral part in preventing crime on the college campus. Security officers work in a number of areas on campus including parking lots 2,4, and 15, in the residence halls (excluding the Town Houses and Alumni Hall), and in the physical education complex.
In addition, Springfield College Department of Public Safety employs approximately 20 students per year as student patrol officers. The students perform foot patrols of the campus, and act as additional "eyes and ears" for the police department. They are uniformed with a cap with "S.C. Student Patrol" on it, and a radio to report to dispatch.
Medical Response
All S.C. Police Officers are required to be certified as first responders (advanced first aid), certified in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and to be certified with the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). First aid equipment, oxygen, and AED's are carried in each of the S.C. Police cruisers. Security officers are required to be certified in C.P.R.
In addition, Springfield College Department of Public Safety oversees the S.C. EMS Club. This club is comprised of Emergency Medical Service Management (EMSM) students who volunteer to assist the police in response to medical calls. The members of the SC EMS Club monitor the college Respite Center.
All members of the SC EMS Club are Basic EMT's or above.
Services
Springfield College Department of Public Safety provides the same services as any municipal department, plus many other personalized services.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety will provide an escort from any campus property to any other campus property, 24 hrs. a day. The escort may be on foot or in a cruiser. The department also provides a shuttle service seven nights a week starting at 8 pm and running until midnight Sunday - Wednesday, and until 2 am Thursday - Saturday*.
The department provides vehicle lockouts for most cars. In addition, the department has several jump boxes that can be borrowed from the station if your car battery dies.
The department also runs educational programs for staff, students, and any outside group that requests our services. These programs include crime prevention, rape aggression defense (RAD), drug recognition and awareness, defensive driving, and sexual assault awareness.
* SC shuttle times may vary. Contact the SC Police Station at ext. 5555 for exact times
Crime Prevention
Crime prevention is the responsibility of everyone, not just the police. The cooperation and involvement of the entire community in a campus safety program is absolutely necessary. Everyone must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, and if the opportunity is eliminated, the crime will not occur.
Residence Hall Crime Prevention:
1. Never lend out your room key/ID.
2. Report any suspicious persons or activity IMMEDIATELY.
3. Do not leave valuables in the open, and do not carry a lot of cash.
4. Always lock your room door, even if you only leave for a few minutes.
5. Never prop exterior doors, or let strangers in. This is your home!
Classroom/Lab/Office Crime Prevention:
1. Avoid working or studying alone in a building late at night. If you must, notify the police where you are, and when you leave. Use the escort service.
2. Keep personal items such as coats, purses, laptops, etc. in a locked cabinet or drawer.
3. Don't leave valuables unattended.
4. Never prop doors.
5. Report any suspicious persons or activity IMMEDIATELY!
Street/Parking Lot Crime Prevention:
1. Park in a well-lit parking lot.
2. Do not leave valuables in plain view in you car.
3. Walk in groups after dark, or use the escort service.
4. Use your alarm system and/or club.
5. Lock your doors, and keep your windows rolled up.
6. Always have your keys ready and in hand. Immediately lock all your doors.
7. Always be aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious persons or activity IMMEDIATELY!
See It, Hear It, Report It!