With the spring semester quickly moving along, here are a few things to pass along from Public Safety:
- This week, the Safe Campus Outreach, Prevention & Education Peer Team (S.C.O.P.E.) launched the Red Flag Campaign. The Red Flag Campaign addresses interpersonal violence (e.g., dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking). The purpose of the campaign is to encourage students to speak up when they see “Red Flags” of interpersonal violence. Information on S.C.O.P.E.’s upcoming events can be found here.
- The end of the semester is rapidly approaching. Please help us to help you avoid becoming a victim of crime. If you have a bicycle parked on campus, please remove it no later than May 15, 2017. All bicycles remaining after this date are subject to being removed by Public Safety. No bicycles should be left on campus during the summer break unless you are taking summer classes. Please note all bikes secured on campus must be registered. Bikes may be registered at Public Safety at any time, free of charge. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at (843)953-4980.
- April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Distracted driving is defined as any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. This includes texting, using a navigation system, and eating or drinking behind the wheel. For more information, please visit the National Safety Council’s website.
- In light of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Department of Public Safety would like to remind the campus community of their commitment to the Start by Believing campaign. Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign that is endorsed by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI). Its purpose is to change the way communities respond to sexual assault. A negative response from friends, family, or law enforcement can worsen trauma in the survivor, diminish consequences for the predator, and lead to more victims. The Department of Public Safety is dedicated to fostering a more supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault and encourages reporting.
- With increased activity in the library, please take the necessary precautions to protect your valuables. Never leave your laptop, textbooks, cell phone, or other items unattended. Textbooks become a tempting target to potential thieves, especially during textbook buy back time. You may register computers, phones, and other items of value at no charge by bringing the item to Public Safety. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- There have been several moped thefts in the downtown area. If you are the owner of a moped, please take extra precaution in protecting your property. For tips on preventing moped theft, please visit Public Safety’s blog.
- Be social with us! If you have not already, please follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for departmental news, upcoming events, and other important information. If you are having trouble accessing our pages, please make sure you are signed into your social media account.
Crime Prevention Tip:
Distracted driving can be deadly. While you’re driving, a cell phone should only be used for emergency purposes. Even then, it’s best to pull over safely to the right shoulder to make a call. Even hands-free devices can still cause you to miss important visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Take Care and Be Safe,
PSO Madeline M. Sloan
Department of Public Safety
Crime Prevention Specialist
Office of the President
89 St. Philip Street
Charleston, SC 29424
(843)953-5609
