Crime Prevention

Take responsibility for your own protection and that of the campus community

Effective crime prevention and awareness programs rely on the efforts of the entire campus community.  The Oakland Community College Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to make the safety and security of everyone on campus a top priority.  The Public Safety Department has established policies and guidelines addressing the physical security and access to campus facilities.

The department stresses awareness through the dissemination of materials to students, staff, and facility.  On a continuing basis handouts, posters and the public safety website are utilized to make everyone aware of the potential for crime and the steps necessary to reduce or prevent it.

Oakland Community College is committed to maintaining a safe level of exterior lighting for all college properties. The campuses parking lots, pedestrian walkways and exterior building lights are well positioned and provide illumination promoting a safe environment. Officers routinely survey existing lights and recommend maintenance and additional illumination, if required. Members of the campus community are encouraged to report any lighting deficiencies to the Facilities or Public Safety Department at any time.

Watch for suspicious activity or behavior.  Immediately contact Public Safety if you see suspicious people, vehicles, or events.  By being aware and alert, you can prevent the opportunity for a criminal to act. 

Be safe by taking these steps:

  • Report any threats or acts of violence.
  • Mark your valuables and record your serial numbers.
  • File Personal Protection Orders (PPO) with Public Safety.
  • Don't leave your books, book bag or purse unattended.
  • Parking. Lock your vehicle, secure your valuables out of sight and remember where you parked. Walk confidently to and from your vehicle. Have your keys readily available. Whenever possible, use the "buddy system" of walking to your vehicle with someone. Public Safety can be contacted for an escort.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately.
  • While walking on campus:
    • Always be aware of your surroundings.
    • Trust your instincts.
    • Using electronics leaves the impression that you’re not paying attention and can make you more vulnerable.
    • Know where you’re going and how to get there.

Crime Prevention Policy:

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety to promote campus crime prevention and security activities to the campus community.  The use of crime prevention programs and multimedia resources provide a partnership to encourage the campus communities to be aware of their responsibility for their own safety and the safety of those around them.  Together we can prevent or reduce criminal opportunities.

Programs available to the College Community:

  • Active Shooter Workplace Violence Presentation
  • New Student Online Orientation
  • Operation Identification (under development)
  • Self-Defense Classes (under development)

Emergency Notification

The Emergency Alert System is an emergency notification system that allows the College to contact students and staff within seconds. Alerts are sent via phone, email, text, and Alertus, which broadcasts the message on your computer screen if you are on campus. You will be notified of imminent threats as well as campus closings due to weather related events.

Current students and staff may access the secure portal to edit and update their contact information at any time. ALL current students, faculty, and staff have been registered to receive email notifications ONLY! You must sign into the system to update your desired paths. Sign in using your MyOCC username and password.

Students REMEMBER that regardless of when you signed up to receive OCC Emergency Alerts, at the end of each semester you will be removed from the system unless you have registered for the next semester. Approximately one week prior to the start of the semester you will be able to edit your contact methods.

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