Campus Police/Campus Security Department

Introduction

The goal of the Gaston College Campus Police and Security Department is to provide faculty, staff, students, and visitors with the safest educational environment possible. The Gaston College Campus Police and Security Department is comprised of both sworn Campus Police Officers and non-sworn Campus Security Officers. The Campus Police and Security Department is responsible for crime reports, initial and follow-up investigations, traffic accident reports, and other public safety services.

Sworn Police Officers

Officers who are armed and are identified by their slate blue or white shirts and distinctive “Campus Police” shoulder patch and badge are Sworn Officers. Police Officers have full police authority on college property under the provisions Chapter 115D-21.1 of the General Statutes of the State of North Carolina. Campus Police Officers possess all the powers of municipal and county police officers to make arrests for both felonies and misdemeanors and charge for infractions on all property owned or leased to the community college employing the officer and that portion of any public road or highway passing through the property and immediately adjoining it, wherever located.

Non-sworn Security Officers

Officers who are unarmed and are identified by their dark blue uniform shirts and distinctive “Campus Security” shoulder patch and badge are Non-sworn Security Officers. Security Officers perform many of the same tasks as sworn police officers with the exception of effecting arrest. An arrest (if necessary) will be referred to a sworn officer.

Law Enforcement Support Agencies

In order to further their law enforcement purpose, the Gaston College Campus Police and Security Department maintains liaison with other law enforcement agencies in the area. On occasion mutual aid may be requested from those agencies.NC State Bureau of Investigation

• NC State Bureau of Investigation
• NC Highway Patrol
• Gaston County Police (Dallas & Kimbrell Campus)
• Gaston County Sheriff’s Department (Dallas & Kimbrell Campus)
• Dallas Police Department (Dallas Campus)
• Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (Lincoln Campus)
• Lincolnton Police (Lincoln Campus)
• Belmont Police (Kimbrell Campus)

Enforcement Support Agencies

Officers have at their discretion a variety of alternatives when addressing enforcement situations. Alternatives available to Campus Police and Security Officers when making an enforcement decision include:

• Verbal warning;
• Warning citation;
• Issuance of a Gaston College citation;
• Referral to Student Services for disciplinary action;
• Initiation of criminal charges through issuance of a North Carolina Uniform citation in the case of traffic violations and minor misdemeanors (which may also initiate Student Services action);
• Initiation of criminal charges by physical arrest and appearance before a court official (which may also initiate Student Services action).

Reporting Crimes and Incidents to Campus Police

Dallas Campus

For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police.

By Telephone

The telephone number for the Campus Police and Security Department is 704-922-6480. This number rings in the main Campus Police office which is normally staffed between the hours of 7:00 am through 11:00 pm Monday through Thursday and Fridays 7:00 am until 5:00 pm except for days the college is closed.

In the event that no one in the main office answers the telephone, the call is automatically transferred to the Campus Police / Security radio system and can be answered by either police or security officers on campus via their portable radios. In the event the call is transferred to the radio system, please be patient as the call may require 10-14 rings before completing the transfer and being answered by an officer.

Medical emergencies and life threatening situations should be reported directly to the Gaston County Communications Center by calling 911. After completing the call to 911, please call Campus Police to inform them of the medical emergency.

In Person

The main Campus Police Office is located in the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 7:00 am through 11:00 pm Monday through Thursday and Fridays 7:00 am until 5:00 pm except for days the College is closed.

Lincoln Campus

For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police and Security.

By Telephone

The telephone number for the Lincoln Campus Security Department is 704.748.1049. The office is normally staffed periodically between the hours of 6:30 am through closing, Monday through Friday except for days the college is closed.

In the event that no one in the main office answers the telephone, a Security Offices may be reached by calling the Dallas Campus dispatcher at 704.922.6480 who can relay the information to the Lincoln Campus.

Emergencies should be reported directly to the Lincoln County Communications Center by calling 911. After calling 911, please call Campus Security on the Lincoln campus to inform them of the emergency.

In Person

The Campus Security office is located in Room 119. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 6:30 am through campus closing Monday through Friday except for days the College is closed. If the Security Office is unoccupied, crimes may be reported by telephone.

Kimbrell Campus & Textile Technology Center

For EMERGENCIES call 911 immediately, then contact Campus Police and Security.

By Telephone

During daytime hours, the Kimbrell Campus & Textile Technology Center Campus Police and Security Department may be contacted by seeing the receptionist at the main entrance of Harney Hall, on the Belmont Campus. The receptionist will then contact the security officer by either telephone or radio.

After hours when the receptionist is off duty, the security officer may be reached by telephone by calling 704.922.6480.

 In Person

The Campus Police and Security office is located in room 102 of the classroom building. You may report crimes or incidents in person between the hours of 7:30 am through campus closing on Monday through Friday except for days the College is closed. If the Security Office is unoccupied, crimes may be reported by telephone at 704.825.3737 or 704.922.6480.

Reasons for Calling Campus Police

• General information (special events, locations)
• Information on parking
• Maintenance problems after normal business hours
• Vehicle accidents
• Lost and found items
• Fire
• Medical emergencies (call 911 to request ambulance, then call Campus Police)
• Suspicious persons on campus
• Crime reporting

Information Needed When Reporting a Crime

• Your name
• Victim’s name (if known)
• Location of incident
• Time incident occurred
• Description of suspects and names if known
• Description of any vehicles involved, including license number, if known
• A phone number where you may be reached in case further information is needed

Weapons on Campus

North Carolina General Statute §14.269.2 prohibits the possession of weapons on any property owned, leased, or occupied by any North Carolina educational institution. This prohibition applies whether the weapon is concealed or not concealed. This prohibition includes handguns, rifles, BB guns, air rifles, pellet guns, bows, swords, explosives, blackjacks, metallic knuckles, razors and knives etc., but is not necessarily limited to these items. The possession of a concealed handgun permit DOES NOT authorize an individual to possess a weapon on educational property.

Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds

§14-269.2. Weapons on campus or other educational property.

1. The following definitions apply to this section:
   
   1. Educational property – Any school building or bus, school campus, grounds, recreational area, athletic field, or other property owned, used, or operated by any board of education or school board of trustees, or directors for the administration of any school.
      1a. Employee – A person employed by a local board of education or school whether the person is an adult or a minor.
      1b. School – A public or private school, community college, college, or university.
   2. Student – A person enrolled in a school or a person who has been suspended or expelled within the last five years from a school, whether the person is an adult or a minor.
   3. Switchblade knife – A knife containing a blade that opens automatically by the release of a spring or a similar contrivance.
   4. Weapon – Any device enumerated in subsection (b), (b1), or (d) of this section
2. It shall be a Class I felony for any person knowingly to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school. Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, any person who willfully discharges a firearm of any kind on educational property is guilty of a Class F felony. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol.
   b1. It shall be a Class G felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14 284.1, on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks.
3. It shall be a Class I felony for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind on educational property. However, this subsection does not apply to a BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, or air pistol.
   c1. It shall be a Class G felony for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any dynamite cartridge, bomb, grenade, mine, or powerful explosive as defined in G.S. 14 284.1 on educational property. This subsection shall not apply to fireworks
4. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance, on educational property.
5. It shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person to cause, encourage, or aid a minor who is less than 18 years old to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any BB gun, stun gun, air rifle, air pistol, bowie knife, dirk, dagger, slungshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except solely for personal shaving), firework, or any sharp pointed or edged instrument except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction, and maintenance, on educational property.
6. Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section it shall be a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a Class I felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any gun, rifle, pistol, or other firearm of any kind, on educational property or to a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by a school if:
   
   1. The person is not a student attending school on the educational property or an employee employed by the school working on the educational property; and
      1a. The person is not a student attending a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the school at which the student is enrolled or an employee attending a curricular or extracurricular activity sponsored by the school at which the employee is employed; and
   2. Repealed by Session Laws 1999 211, s. 1, effective December 1, 1999, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
   3. The firearm is not loaded, is in a motor vehicle, and is in a locked container or a locked firearm rack.
   4. Repealed by Session Laws 1999 211, s. 1, effective December 1, 1999, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date.
7. This section shall not apply to:
   
   1. A weapon used solely for educational or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, or used in a school-approved program conducted under the supervision of an adult whose supervision has been approved by the school authority;
      1a. A person exempted by the provisions of G.S. 14 269(b).
   2. Firefighters, emergency service personnel, and North Carolina Forest Service personnel, and any private police employed by a school, when acting in the discharge of their official duties.
   3. Home schools as defined in G.S. 115C 563(a).
   4. Weapons used for hunting purposes on the Howell Woods Nature Center property in Johnston County owned by Johnston Community College when used with the written permission of Johnston Community College or for hunting purposes on other educational property when used with the written permission of the governing body of the school that controls the educational property.
   5. A person registered under Chapter 74C of the General Statutes as an armed armored car service guard or an armed courier service guard when acting in the discharge of the guard’s duties and with the permission of the college or university.
   6. A person registered under Chapter 74C of the General Statutes as an armed security guard while on the premises of a hospital or health care facility located on educational property when acting in the discharge of the guard’s duties with the permission of the college or university.
8. No person shall be guilty of a criminal violation of this section with regard to the possession or carrying of a weapon so long as both of the following apply:
   
   1. The person comes into possession of a weapon by taking or receiving the weapon from another person or by finding the weapon.
   2. The person delivers the weapon, directly or indirectly, as soon as practical to law enforcement authorities. (1971, c. 241, ss. 1, 2; c. 1224; 1991, c. 622, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 164; c. 558, s. 1; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 14, s. 4(a), (b); 1995, c. 49, s. 1; 1997 238, s. 2; 1999 211, s. 1; 1999 257, s. 3, 3.1; 2003 217, s. 1; 2004 198, ss. 1, 2, 3; 2006 264, s. 31; 2007 427, s. 6; 2007 511, s. 12; 2011 268, s. 4.)

Crime Incident Logs

The Campus Police & Security Department maintains a chronological log of all crimes reported to the Department. This log is available for viewing in the main office of the Gaston College Campus Police & Security Department in the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building at the Dallas Campus and in Room 119 at the Lincoln Campus and in room 107 of the classroom building on the Kimbrell Campus.

Notification of Public Danger (Timely Warning)

If a situation develops that is judged to pose an ongoing threat to the campus community, Campus Police will issue a statement describing the nature of the threat. The statement will be released in one or more ways, including broadcast by the campus radio station, posting of notices and flyers on bulletin boards, e-mail notifications, and distribution to faculty / staff to share with students.

Registered Sex Offenders

Effective October 2002, the Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community where it can obtain information about registered sex offenders provided by the State of North Carolina. This information is located at http://sexoffender.ncdoj.gov/.

Crime Prevention Tips

Be especially aware of your surroundings at times when you may be less alert and more vulnerable to an attack; e.g., during exams, when you are upset, sick, or tired.

• Be especially aware of your surrounding at times when you may be less alert and more vulnerable to an attack (during exams, when you are upset, sick, or tired).
• Use discretion and caution when taking shortcuts through isolated parts of campus.
• Keep personal belongings in view while in class, the library or lab.
• Learn self-defense techniques by enrolling in a self-defense class.

Further safety tips are available on the Gaston College homepage (www.gaston.edu) on the following topics: using ATM machines, driving a car, on an elevator, and on public transportation.

What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted

• Clearly communicate your sexual limits to your partner. Say “no” forcefully if pressured for unwanted sex.
• If “no” doesn’t work, try to get away by running and screaming for help.
• Report the crime to a law enforcement agency.
• Get medical attention. The physician should collect specimens and make detailed notes about the physical evidence, such as bruises, cuts, torn clothing, and traces of semen. You should be tested later for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.
• Contact a rape crisis or counseling center.
• Go to a safe place that has a phone.
• Call the police, rape crisis hot-line, a friend or family member. Tell someone.
• DO NOT wash hands, bathe, shower, douche, change clothes or straighten up the area. This destroys evidence.
• Reporting is your choice. If you do not report, try to write down the details of the assault and save them in case you change your mind.
• Whether you report or not, get medical attention for treatment of external and/or internal injuries and test for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
• Get counseling.

Domestic and Dating Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem that has been happening for centuries. In the U.S. each year, it affects millions of people, most often women. Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of employment or educational status, race, or ethnic background, religion, marital status, physical ability, age, or sexual orientation.

The Shelter of Gaston County
Department of Social Services
330 North Marietta Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Daytime Phone: 704.810.6495 or 704.810.6492
Fax: 704.852.6004
24-Hour Crisis Line 704.852.6000
http://www.gastongov.com/departments/shelter

Further information on dating violence can be found online at http://www.gastongov.com/departments/shelter/web-links

If you need assistance the following resources are available to you. Further information on domestic and dating violence can be found online on the Gaston College homepage (www.gaston.edu).

Traffic and Parking

General Provisions

Under the provisions of North Carolina Statute ll5D-21, the following Traffic and Parking Policy shall be enforced at the College.

Article I

All the provisions of Chapter 20 of the General Statutes relating to the use of the highways of the State of North Carolina and the operation of motor vehicles thereon shall apply to the streets, roads, alleys and driveways of the campus of the college along with all other rules and regulations approved by the Board of Trustees.

Article II

These rules and regulations shall apply on a 24-hour basis to operators of all vehicles, public or private, while operating a vehicle on the campus of the College.

Article III

The operator of any vehicle on the campus of the College shall comply with the legal instructions of any campus police officer and all traffic signs in accordance with the provision of these regulations. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FINDING A LEGAL PARKING SPACE RESTS WITH THE MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR. LACK OF SPACE IS NOT CONSIDERED AN EXCUSE FOR VIOLATION OF PARKING REGULATIONS.

Article IV

Each student shall have an opportunity to obtain a copy of the Traffic and Parking Policy. A copy of the policy shall be included in all Student Handbooks. Failure to obtain such a copy is not an excuse for violation of the policy.

Article V – Specific Provisions

Campus police and security officers have at their discretion a variety of alternatives when addressing enforcement situations. Alternatives include:

• Verbal warning.
• Warning citation.
• Referral to Student Services for disciplinary action.
• Issuance of a Gaston College citation.
• Initiation of criminal charges through issuance of a North Carolina Uniform Citation in the case of traffic violations and minor misdemeanors in violation of N.C. State law (which may also initiate Student Services action).
• Initiation of criminal charges by physical arrest and appearance before a court official (which may also initiate Student Services action).

Common offenses for which citations will be issued: (list is NOT all inclusive)

• Reckless driving.
• Blocking or obstructing traffic, street, crosswalk, sidewalk, fire hydrant, building entrance or exit, or another vehicle properly parked.
• Protruding into lane of traffic.
• Double parking.
• Parking on shoulder of road (except where parking is indicated by official signs).
• Driving in excess of posted speed limits.
• Failure to obey traffic signs.
• Failure to obey directions of campus police or security officers.
• Failure to yield right-of-way at pedestrian crossings.
• Following too closely.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
• Operating vehicle causing loud and unnecessary noise, such as loud mufflers, horns, public address systems, stereo systems, ultra sensitive alarm systems.
• Failure to yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
• Operating or parking a vehicle in any manner that creates a safety hazard.
• Leaving a vehicle on campus overnight without notifying the campus police.
• Parking, standing, or stopping so as to impede the flow of traffic.
• Improper parking so that any portion of a vehicle is outside the marked limits of a parking space.
• Parking in unauthorized areas such as those areas posted as visitor parking, faculty / staff parking, no parking, handicapped parking, loading zones, designated crosswalks, or areas other than those specified by the vehicle permit.
• Parking trailers or boats on campus.
• Collision with another vehicle, a person, sign or immovable object.
• Passing moving vehicles going in the same direction.

Article VI

Offenses charged under N.C. General Statutes either by the issuance of a North Carolina Uniform Citation or by arrest are adjudicated by the General Court of Justice through the criminal courts system.

The following system of Gaston College citations and fines shall be used:

1. Campus police shall be responsible for issuing citations for improper parking and other Traffic Code violations.
2. Fines
   
   1. A fine of $5.00 shall be imposed for each violation charged on a Gaston College citation.
   2. Fines shall be made payable to Gaston College at the Business Office and receipted by the cashier.
   3. Fines must be paid immediately after all appeals have been exhausted or five (5) calendar days after the ticket was issued.
3. When a vehicle which is improperly parked so as to obstruct the flow of traffic or movement of other vehicles is identified, the driver of the vehicle will be notified immediately. This may require calling the student out of class. If a student is notified more than once to move his improperly parked vehicle, his/her driving privileges on the college campus may be revoked.

Handicapped Parking

The College provides adequate parking spaces for those who have disabilities and who have been issued either a handicap license plate or handicap removable windshield placard by the N.C. Department of Motor Vehicles. In order to utilize these specially designated spaces, an individual must properly display the issued license plate or windshield placard. Handicapped parking placards and license plates are issued to individuals, not to vehicles. The display of a handicap license plate or removable windshield placard registered to another individual DOES NOT authorize any other person to utilize a handicap parking space and is a  violation of North Carolina law. Campus Police Officers routinely check the registrations of those parking in handicap spaces to ensure that they are being properly utilized. Improper use of these specially designated spaces is a violation of North Carolina law and is cited on North Carolina Uniform Citations and prosecuted though the criminal court system. Violation of the handicap parking statutes is punishable by a maximum fine of $250.00, plus court costs.

Article VII

PENALTIES

In addition to the standard fines imposed for violations of the Traffic Code, the following penalties may also be imposed:

• All of those provisions detailed in North Carolina General Statutes.
• The College may prohibit a student from registering for classes for the next term if the student owes fines from the previous term.
• The College may withhold grades, transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates and deny graduation for students for failure to pay fines.
• Delinquent fines will be added to the student’s financial account with the college. The student will not be permitted to re-enroll until fines are paid.
• Students who accumulate three (3) or more traffic citations for parking and traffic violations during one term may be disciplined under the Gaston College Code of Student Conduct.

Article VIII – Appeal Process for Gaston College Citations

Students receiving Gaston College citations or penalties resulting from alleged violations of the Traffic and Parking Policy may within five school days appeal in writing to the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment management and/or designee. Decisions by the Vice President for Student Services are final.

1. Failure to pay the fine may result in any or all of the following actions:
   
   • Grades may be withheld.
   • Registration may be denied.
   • Parking privileges may be revoked.
   • Disciplinary proceedings may be initiated under the Student Code.
2. Appeal forms may be obtained from the switchboard, campus police officers, or Admissions office.

Offenses charged under N.C. General Statutes either by the issuance of a North Carolina Uniform Citation or by arrest are adjudicated by the General Court of Justice through the criminal courts system. There is NO appeal process through the Vice President for Student Services.

Article IX – Traffic Accidents

Traffic accidents are to be reported immediately to the Campus Police located in the Pharr Trade and Industrial Building. Those persons involved in the accident are to remain on the scene of the accident until the traffic officer conducts his investigation unless removed for the purpose of medical treatment.

Emergency Procedures

In Case of Emergency Medical Needs

1. In the event of a serious injury or illness, remain calm and DIAL 911 and Campus Police at 704.922.6480, or use the panic button feature located on your computer’s desktop.
2. In case of a minor injury or illness involving an employee, notify the employee’s supervisor.
3. In case of a minor injury or illness involving a student or visitor, notify a College official.
4. Administer first aid to the extent possible based on your level of training.
5. If in doubt, contact Campus Police at 704.922.6480.

In Case of Bomb Threat
If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb:

1. Remain calm and help others stay calm.
2. DO NOT touch the object.
3. DO NOT operate any power switches, activate a fire alarm or use any electronic device such as pagers, cell phones, or portable public safety radios near the suspicious object, as these devices have the capacity to detonate an explosive device.
4. Evacuate the building quickly using the closest safe exit and ask others to do the same.
5. Assist disabled persons.
6. Close all doors behind you as you leave.
7. DO NOT use elevators.
8. If safe to do so, take essential personal possessions with you.
9. Once outside, move away from any affected buildings or structures and go to a designated assembly location.
10. DO NOT return to the area until told to do so by a College official.
11. Check for missing persons and notify emergency responders of the missing person.
12. Dial 911. Be prepared to describe the situation and do not hang up until told to do so.
13. Contact Campus Police at 704-922-6480 or use the panic button feature located on your computer’s desktop.

If you receive a telephone bomb threat

1. Stay calm and try to keep your voice calm.
2. Talk to the caller and obtain as much information as possible.
3. Take notes using the Bomb Threat Report Form.
4. Follow the 13 steps in the preceding section “If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb”.

In Case of Tornado

1. It is recommended that you do not leave a building and/or campus. Your safety could be at much greater risk out in the open or while traveling home.
2. Stay away from windows and doors and avoid large, open areas.
3. Seek shelter, preferably lower levels, hallways, or in rooms without windows, but that have doors that close.
4. Remain in safer areas until the danger is past

In Case of Disruption

Call:

• Dallas Campus - call 704.922.6480
• Lincoln Campus - dial “0” for the switchboard or call 704.922.6480 for the dispatcher.
• Kimbrell Campus - call 704.825.3737 or 704.922.6480 for the dispatcher.
  

STATE LAW PENALTIES FOR DRUG POSSESSION, SALE AND/OR MANUFACTURER 

GASTON COLLEGE CRIME STATISTICS CALENDAR YEARS 2008-2010

HATE CRIMES – Gaston College has experienced no crimes where the victim was intentionally selected because of the victim’s actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability.