Security Policies
Alcohol and/or Drugs on PCC Property
The PCC Alcohol and Drug Policy prohibits the use of, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverage on any property owned or controlled by the college. Any person drinking or under the influence of alcohol on college property will be escorted off the property by a DPS officer and may face disciplinary action.
PCC policy also prohibits the use, possession, sales or distribution of any illegal substance or drug on any property owned or controlled by the college. Any individual found to be using, possessing, selling or distributing such illegal substances may be subject to being escorted off campus by a PSO, college disciplinary action and/or arrest in accordance with Oregon State or Federal laws.
Bomb Threats and Suspicious Packages
A bomb threat may be received by anyone. Vital information that may save lives and property can be gained from the caller. If you or a staff member receives a bomb threat:
- Be calm and courteous and listen carefully.
- Take notes, if possible, without becoming distracted from what the caller is saying.
- Do not interrupt; do not place the caller on hold or attempt to transfer the call.
- If possible, quietly attract the attention of someone nearby, indicate the nature of the call and have that person notify Public Safety Dispatch, or call 911 from another phone.
- Inform the caller that detonation could cause serious injury or loss of life.
If caller is agreeable to further conversation, or after the call is over, complete the Bomb Threat Call Checklist.
Notify Public Safety dispatch ext. 4444 or local law enforcement 911 immediately. Ask for guidance as to whether to evacuate the facility prior to Public Safety or law enforcement arrival on scene.
If requested to do so by Public Safety or law enforcement, search your immediate work area. If you locate a suspicious article, do not touch it!!! Leave the area immediately and notify Public Safety or law enforcement.
Be aware and wary of out-of-place containers or receptacles. If a suspicious article is found, supervisory personnel and Public Safety or law enforcement will determine if the building should be evacuated and if standard evacuation procedures should be followed.
Public access areas are the most vulnerable because of ease of access, i.e., restrooms, lobby areas, etc.
Never handle a suspicious item, leave it alone and call Public Safety or law enforcement.
When dealing with letters, parcels or unusual packages, the following factors may indicate a bomb or hazardous device. You should be suspicious of:
- Protruding wires or tinfoil
- Excessive security material such as tape, string, etc.
- Rigid, lopsided or uneven envelopes
- Markings such as “confidential,” “personal,” etc.
- Excessive postage or weight
- Oily stains or discoloration
- Foreign mail, air mail and special deliveries
- Hand written or poorly typed addresses or no return addresses
- Incorrect title or a title with no name
- Misspellings of common words
- Visual distractions
- Vapors or odors
Sexual Misconduct or Abuse on Campuses
Sexual misconduct is clearly inconsistent with the purposes of an academic community, and is a violation of the Students Code of Conduct, as well as a violation of State and Federal laws. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Unwanted verbal contact (including telephonic and voice mail), written (including electronic mail), pictorial or physical contact of a sexual nature which a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, offensive and/or which adversely affects the learning environment on any campus.
- Unwanted forceful sexual contact. The use of force may include, but is not limited to, the use of body weight, pushing, hitting, coercion, or threats. Resistance may be verbal, physical or both.
- Sexual intercourse within the legal definition of statutory rape, or when this victim is incapable of consent by reason of mental incapacitation or physical helplessness, whether the use of force is present or not.
DPS should be notified as soon as possible of any incident of sexual misconduct on campus. The well being of the victim is the primary concern of the department, and an active victim's referral program is available. The department will offer guidance to assist in evidence preservation and will also notify the proper law enforcement agency to respond.
In addition to criminal proceedings on a charge of sexual misconduct by a student, disciplinary proceedings will be processed through the office of the Dean of Students. Portland Community College will attempt to prevent the disclosure of the identities of the victim(s) and the accused throughout the process until a final determination has been made.
Both the victim and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities during the proceedings, and both will be informed of the outcome of such proceedings. The college considers sexual misconduct an act of violence which may be addressed by suspension, dismissal from classes, or other disciplinary actions.
In the case of an allegations of sexual misconduct on the part of a staff member, the disciplinary review could result in required counseling, suspension, and/or termination of employment.
PCC provides a variety of educational programs and materials which address rape/acquaintance rape awareness and prevention information as well as other self-protection programs. These programs are offered through DPS and are available upon request to extension 4902.
Please also refer to the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act.
Weapons on PCC Property
The possession of any dangerous weapons on college property is prohibited unless possessed by a certified law enforcement or public safety officer.
Any individual in possession of dangerous weapons on college property is subject to being escorted off campus by a Public Safety Officer, college disciplinary action and/or arrest in accordance with state and federal laws, ORS 166.370.