Mission and Services

It is the mission of the Department of Public Safety to promote a safe and secure campus community through the delivery of quality public safety, fire, medical and public assistance services. To accomplish its mission, the department provides personal and facility security, crime prevention services, public safety communication, a disaster preparedness program, emergency medical assistance, response to calls for service, assistance with parking and traffic management, and preliminary investigative services. A few public services that officers will provide are:
Battery Jumps
College public safety vehicles are equipped with a battery jump kit in order to assist individuals parked on campus whose vehicle may need a battery jump.
Vehicle Lock Outs
Officers have special equipment and training to assist individuals who have locked their keys in their vehicles.
Room Unlocks
Officers assist authorized persons with unlocks to classrooms and offices. Students can be authorized to enter without an instructor present if they have previous written permission from that instructor. Written permission can be in the form of an interoffice memo or an email sent to publsafe@pcc.edu.
Escorts
Officers provide escorts to students and staff to parking lots or buildings upon request. The use of this service is especially encouraged after dark.

College public safety officers (PSO) utilize citizen's arrest powers granted by Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 133.225 and are supported by the college in the enforcement of all college regulations and rules and applicable federal, state, city and county laws and ordinances on college property.

Officers are granted limited peace officer authority pertaining to traffic and parking enforcement as stated by ORS 341.300. The officers do not carry firearms and their authority is limited to the geographical boundaries of PCC's properties (including land, structures, streets, roadways, parking facilities, and lots).

For more information see Security Policies.