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, prevent and detect crime, maintain public order, and serve the community.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety, located in Marsh Memorial Hall, is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Springfield College Department of Public Safety is staffed by fourteen full-time, sworn police officers including a chief, a captain, three sergeants, and nine patrol officers. The department is augmented by several sworn reserve police officers.
Springfield College police officers are sworn Massachusetts special state police officers under Massachussetts General Law Ch.22C S.63, and are required to attend the Special State Police Academy at the Massachussetts State Police training facility in New Braintree. The academy is a sixteen-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 civilian 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 thirty-five 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 the campus including parking lots 2,4, and 15, in the residence halls (excluding the Town Houses and Alumni Hall), and as community service officers.In addition, Springfield College Department of Public Safety employs approximately twenty 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. Students also serve as security in residence halls at the main entrance.
Medical Response
All Springfield College 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 College's cruisers. Security officers are required to be certified in C.P.R.In addition, Springfield College Department of Public Safety oversees the College's 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 EMTs 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, twenty-four hours a day. The escort may be on foot or in a cruiser. The department also provides a shuttle service seven nights a week, from 6 p.m. until midnight Sunday - Wednesday, and until 2 a.m. Thursday - Saturday during the academic year*.
The department also runs educational programs for the staff, students, and any outside group that requests its 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. Information on exact times is available from the Department of Public Safety at ext. 5555. Extra shuttles will be added, depending on need.
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-lighted 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!