10
September
2021
|
13:50 PM
America/Chicago

National Campus Safety Awareness Month

Summary

STC’s Pecan Campus welcomes students back for in-person classes that began Sept. 7, 2021.  

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month (NCSAM) and now that school is back in session, the South Texas College Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to protecting students, faculty, staff and its visitors.  

The NCSAM act was signed and unanimously approved by congress in 2008 to create a safe environment for colleges and universities across the nation. The act allows campuses to share information about the safety programs in place for those attending the institutions. 

“The top priority for all STC’s Department of Public Safety police officers and security guards is the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors on all campuses,” said STC Chief of Police, Ruben Suarez.  

STC’s very own police department is made up of 24 peace officers who patrol the five campus locations.  

“Police officers and security guards are expected to be visible and available to everyone,” said Chief Suarez. “In order to accomplish this, they are scheduled according to the needs and population of each campus."   

To heighten the safety of our fellow Jaguars, new LED lighting has been placed in parking lot areas, police officers and security guards patrol on foot, bike, and vehicle and about 1000 cameras are maintained and monitored as advanced safety measures.  

“As a result, everyone enjoys a place conducive to teach or learn. No one should fear for their safety when they come to school,” said Chief Suarez. 

Other services available to students, faculty and staff include 24/7 police dispatch service and the free RAVE Guardian app to report crimes anonymously.  STC’s Department of Public Safety number is 956-872-4444. In case of an emergency call 9-1-1.  

To increase safety awareness, the Department of Public Safety hosts trainings in CPR, “Stop the Bleed”, Active Shooter Civilian Response, Building Responders, Evacuation Procedures, Natural Disasters and Rave Guardian throughout the semester. 

“We stress to all students, faculty and staff that if they see something that raises concerns or suspicion, to call the STC police department,” said Chief Suarez.  

For more information about STC’s Department of Public Safety and its services, visit, https://www.southtexascollege.edu/stcdps/.