The Department of Public Safety is the official law enforcement reporting entity for criminal offenses that occur on the College of Charleston campus and reasonably contiguous college-owned properties. Incidents occurring at properties more distant from the main campus are handled either entirely by the local police agency with jurisdiction or jointly handled by such agencies in conjunction with Public Safety.

To report a crime, fire or medical emergency, call Public Safety immediately (953-5611). The dispatcher who answers your call is trained in handling emergencies.

In response to your call, appropriate emergency personnel will be sent to your location immediately. For routine information/assistance call 953-4980 or 953-5609. (81B St. Philip Street)

Students who wish to report an incident occurring off campus (ex., downtown, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, North Charleston, James Island, etc.) should contact the appropriate law enforcement jurisdiction for that particular area (please refer to the resource directory within this report). Statistics for crimes occurring at off campus locations within other jurisdictions (not relevant to the Campus Security Act) are published by the appropriate jurisdiction.

The following individuals serve in the capacity of additional campus security authorities: Dean of Students (953-5522), Director of Student Leadership Center (953-6356), Residence Life and Housing – Judicial Services (953-5523), Residence Life and Housing Area Coordinators (953-7340 and 953-7254), Director of Student Life (953-5726), Associate Dean of Students (953-3390), and Assistant Provost for International Education (953-5537).

Confidential reporting for victims is an option available through the Crisis Assistance Response and Education (C.A.R.E.) program. Staffed by two certified victim assistance specialists, this program is specially designed to work with College of Charleston students. In operation since 1989, C.A.R.E. serves as the College’s recognized entity for channeling student victims no matter whether the crime occurs on or off campus or whether the individual elects to report to law enforcement or not. C.A.R.E.’s involvement is generated through emergency page and team response, walk-ins, and referrals from faculty, staff, parents, students, law enforcement and community resources. A direct intervention process for the offices of Health Services, Absence Memo Office, Public Safety, Dean of Students, Associate Dean of Students, and Residence Life and Housing is standard protocol for students identified by staff to insure that students are aware of their rights, options and services available to meet both immediate and long-term needs. C.A.R.E. works with primary victims, secondary victims (i.e., roommates, parents, friends) or witnesses involved with or affected by the victimization. (Office 843-953-3390/67 George Street 2nd floor; Emergency pager for team response 843-720-3600)

Any crime against an individual or property affects the entire community. The watchful eyes and ears of concerned community members who report suspicious behavior, safety hazards and violations of good citizenship allow a law enforcement agency to take a proactive instead of a reactive approach to safety issues affecting the community they serve. Crime Action Line is available to report anonymously any information critical to the safety and security of the College and the Charleston community. To access the Crime Action Line, dial 953-4998 and leave a message.

Any member of the campus community may anonymously report criminal behavior or serious policy violations occurring on or around campus by accessing the Silent Witness website at: www.cofc.edu/publicsafety/importantnumbers/silent.php. The site offers an online form that is sent electronically to Public Safety for review and collaboration with other offices to determine the appropriate response. Silent Witness augments the services provided that promote both student, faculty and staff safety and quality of life.

Any crime of which we are aware and can corroborate that occurs on campus property or within the vicinity of campus posing a serious ongoing threat to members of the campus community will prompt a Community Watch Alert. The alert will be posted on the Public Safety website and sent to the campus community through email. When determined appropriate, flyers will be posted within a selected area on campus. Information regarding a crime that fits the criteria for an alert should be directed to the Dean of Students (953-5522) or Director of Public Safety (953-5609). An alert will provide as much information as can be obtained from appropriate sources without jeopardizing an ongoing investigation or identifying a victim. The alert will provide information on the location, time, date incident occurred, description of suspect(s), if available, and contact numbers for the appropriate law enforcement jurisdiction and campus police. The website for Community Watch Alerts is: http://www.cofc.edu/publicsafety/.