Crime Prevention
There is a certain amount of risk involved in nearly everything we do. These risks will vary with conditions such as time of day or season of the year. We can reduce these risks by exercising care in our everyday activities.
Reduce Everyday Risks
Each year numerous thefts are reported on campus. Unlocked residence rooms, unsecured bicycles, and personal property left unattended account for most of the total reports. Incidents of violence such as assaults and robberies are infrequent, however, the prevention of these crimes should remain foremost in the minds of all members of the community. There is a certain amount of risk involved in nearly everything we do. These risks will vary with conditions such as time of day or season of the year. We can reduce these risks by exercising care in our everyday activities.
Bicycle Security
Making your bicycle 100% theft proof is impossible. However, there are some simple steps you can take to decrease the risk of your bicycle or bicycle parts being stolen:
- Use a case-hardened "U" lock. Cable locks are easily cut
- Always secure your bicycle in an area that is well lit
- Lock your bicycle to a fixed, immovable object
- Select a location where there are other bicycles
- Position your bicycle frame and wheels so that you fill up the opening in the "U" portion of the lock
- Always secure your components and accessories, especially those which can easily be removed (quick release wheels or seats, etc.).
Project Identification: Being able to identify one's property if lost or stolen
Being able to identify one's property if lost/stolen is a vital component to the recovery of that property. Further, the ability to trace stolen property through some identifying means assists law enforcement in linking the crime to the criminal. To assist students in protecting personal property, Campus Police offers an engraving service or will loan engraving tools to students. Engraving property with one's driver's license number or name is a precaution that is strongly recommended.
Computer Security
The following are some of the most common computer crimes:
- illegal use of or unauthorized entry into a computer system or data, tampering
- interfering
- damaging
- removal or manipulation of the system or data
- Insure your personal computer system is secure by having an outside consultant review your input controls and strengthening the system's security measures.
Theft or Other Abuse of the Campus Network, Computers, or Computer Time
As stated in our Student Handbook (including but not limited to) are violations of the College of Charleston Code of Conduct subject to disciplinary action:
- unauthorized entry into a file to use, read, or change the contents, or for any other purpose
- unauthorized transfer of a file
- unauthorized use of another individual's identification and password
- use of computers or computing facilities to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or college official
- use of computing facilities to send obscene or abusive messages
- use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operations of the college computing system
Security Surveys
The Campus Police Crime Prevention Officer is available to conduct residential security surveys. These surveys help in determining potential and actual safety/security problems in residences. Once the survey has been conducted, the Crime Prevention Officer will give a list of problems to the residents who can work in partnership with landlords to heighten personal/property safety and security. This service is free of charge to members of the College of Charleston community.
