Student Handbook: All-College Campus Services

Public Safety

All members of the Simmons College community should take an active role in their own safety and security, both on and off campus. On campus, the College's Office of Public Safety coordinates security and safety measures for the Simmons community. The Public Safety Department employs both Simmons College police officers as well as contract security guards. All police officers are appointed as special Massachusetts state police officers, and have authority to make arrests and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on Simmons College property. Members of the Public Safety Department are on duty at all campus locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The staff is here to ensure the safety and security of the members of the community. The staff patrol building and grounds, respond to emergencies, and provide general services and assistance to the Simmons community.

Anyone may reach the Office of Public Safety in an emergency by dialing extension 1111 on any campus phone, including the exterior phones at the entrances of many of the buildings on campus. For assistance in non-emergency situations, dial 1112 or 617-521-1112. Additionally there are emergency help phones in other areas; many are marked by a blue light. The phones can be used at any time to reach the Public Safety dispatcher.

The dispatch control center is located on the first floor of Simmons Hall on the Residence Campus. All calls to Public Safety come through the dispatch center. Officers are dispatched in response to incoming calls by two-way radio and are provided with the necessary instructions. Students and other members of the College community should always carry their ID cards on them and be prepared to show their College ID card to public safety personnel. Students should report any suspicious activity or thefts to Public Safety immediately. The administrative office of the Department of Public Safety is located on the ground floor of the east wing of the Main College Building, room E-008.

If you would like more information about Public Safety you can refer to the College's Safety and Security Report that is distributed to all students in October.

Security of the Residence Campus and Emergencies

To ensure a secure environment for all Simmons students, Simmons College police and security officers patrol the Residence Campus extensively and are available to aid in any situation.

Simmons College has a card access security system in the residence halls. This system allows access to the residence halls for students by reading each student's Simmons College identification number. Visitors request entry to the residence halls by using the phone located at the entrance to each hall and are expected to be escorted by their hosts.

The gates encircling the Residence Campus are closed every night at 11:00 p.m. Students and their guests who wish to enter or leave the campus after 11:00 p.m. must do so through Simmons Hall. Gates are unlocked at 6:00 a.m. Jumping the fence surrounding the campus is prohibited. Students are prohibited from accessing window ledges.

Students are prohibited from allowing residence hall access to anyone who is not their guest. Even parents or individuals whom a student recognizes must wait outside for their host. Propping open doors to residence halls is against college policy. Students should lock their room doors at all times and are should never allow access to their room to another student. Students or guests are prohibited from sleeping overnight in lounges. College officials reserve the right to enter a student's room for health or safety reasons and for the welfare of residents as deemed necessary.

There is a resident advisor on duty for each hall every night from 7:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. The name and phone number for the resident advisor on duty is posted in each residence hall. There is also a residence director on duty for the campus whenever the Office of Residence Life is closed. The residence director on duty may be reached by contacting public safety. Public safety officers are also available in case of emergency and are responsible for contacting emergency services. Public safety and/or residence life staff should be contacted immediately in the case of a medical or mental health emergency and for any other safety concern.

Reporting Crimes

The Department of Public Safety encourages students to report all crimes. Should a student find it necessary to attend court, the Department of Public Safety will assist students in going to the courthouse to file a criminal complaint or to request a restraining order whenever possible.

The department also employs sexual assault investigators. The Public Safety Department will provide assistance to victims of rape or sexual assault by ensuring that the victim is made aware of all of her options, including: medical attention, counseling services, and a list of local resources and legal services.

Emergencies 617-521-1111
General 617-521-1112

Gerald Chaulk, director
MCB, Room E-008
617-521-2296
http://my.simmons.edu/services/business/public-safety/index.shtml