At Northwestern College the safety and well being of our students, faculty, and staff are always a priority. However, a truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of everyone. This information is a part of our effort to ensure that this collaborative endeavor is effective. Please read it carefully and use the information to help foster a safe environment for yourself and the campus.

This information is provided as part of Northwestern’s commitment to safety and security on campus and is in compliance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990 and its amendments.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of Public Safety , its components, and personnel complement the support and advancement of the educational purposes of the College through coordination of activities with other organizational units, promotion of the College’s priorities for action, and most importantly, the provision of a safe and secure environment for learning, working, and personal development.

Mandate
The Office of Public Safety is an operational and service unit within the area of responsibility of the vice president for business and finance. Public Safety serves the total College community and its guests. It is expected to provide a safe and secure environment to the campus community, preserve the peace, and protect and preserve the real and personal property of individuals and the College. It is to bring before the proper tribunals individuals who do not conform to standards set by regulation or law.

Public Safety
When Public Safety is notified of criminal activity, request for assistance, or any type of emergency situation, members of the department respond without delay. Requests for information and assistance are promptly fulfilled. Public Safety can be reached 24 hours per day, every day of the year at 651-631-5310, or if on campus: 5310.

People Working for Your Safety
Campus Public Safety personnel at Northwestern include full-time, part-time, and student officers. These men and women work together to patrol the campus, control access to it, provide escorts, and respond to your requests 24 hours per day.

Northwestern Security Officers have enforcement authority on property owned or controlled by Northwestern College as private agents under Minnesota State Statute 629.37. Public Safety works in full cooperation with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department and the Roseville Police Department to maintain a safe campus. The Public Safety Security Checkpoint maintains a direct line of communication (24 hours a day) with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, Roseville Police Department, Lake Johanna Fire Department, Roseville Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services as well as State and Federal Law Enforcement agencies and all appropriate elements of the criminal justice system. Regular meetings are held, both on a formal and informal basis, where criminal and non-criminal activity information is routinely exchanged. The local outside agencies have always responded promptly to all emergency calls on campus.

Reporting Criminal Activity/Emergencies
When a life-threatening situation arises, dial 9-911 for outside police or emergency medical assistance. Notify Public Safety @ 651-631-5310 as soon as possible so that immediate action can be taken to remedy the situation. All crimes will always be referred to civil authorities.

Members of the College community are urged to always report criminal activities or other emergencies on campus. Public Safety wants to assist in helping you to protect yourself and your property. For any safety/security service, Public Safety can be reached 24 hours a day by dialing 651-631-5310 on any campus phone.

Labels with Public Safety contact information are provided free of charge simply by requesting them. Public Safety can be reached at 651-631-5310 or by e-mail (security@nwc.edu).

Safety Alerts
Public Safety will advise community members if and when a situation of personal risk exists, known as a Safety Alert, and will issue timely reports to inform all community members.

Public Safety is an active participant in the Minnesota Crime Alert Network, a network of over 3,000 law enforcement organizations and selected businesses. The network enables any law enforcement officer in the state to use any fax machine to dial into the system, enter a security code, and send a crime alert to any selected group of businesses or organizations.

The fax number for Public Safety is 651-628-3373.

Access to Campus and Safety Facilities
Northwestern has a single entrance/exit point to the campus, known as the Security Checkpoint. Incoming visitors may be stopped and screened before permission to enter the campus is granted. Monday through Friday, from dusk until dawn, and 24 hours Saturday and Sunday, Student Identifications will be checked. During evening hours, the Security Checkpoint may request and/or log vehicle information, destination, and entrance time.

Safety Awareness and Crime Prevention
It is the philosophy of the Public Safety department that we would much rather prevent crimes from occurring than react to them after the fact. A primary vehicle for accomplishing this goal is safety awareness and crime prevention. This is based on the duel concepts of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities whenever possible and encouraging community members and guests to be responsible for their own safety and security and the safety and security of others.

Public Safety produces and distributes crime prevention information to all community members. This includes brochures, posters, bookmarks, and material related to motor vehicle security, bicycle security, residence hall security, and numerous other safety concerns. In addition, information about the campus escort service and personal safety and security issues are distributed at various locations throughout the campus.

Escort Services
The escort service van operates from 3:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. seven days per week during the academic school year to the dorms and south residences. The escort service van does not operate during breaks.

Community members may contact Public Safety at x5310 to request an escort.

New Student Orientation
A crime prevention presentation accompanied by related printed material is made available to new students during orientation. Crime prevention material is also made available to all community members throughout the year.

Closed Circuit Television
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is used to assist in monitoring all vehicle traffic that enters campus.

Security and Facilities Surveys
Comprehensive security and safety surveys are conducted on an annual basis. Community members are encouraged to contact Public Safety with requests or concerns about areas that they feel may need attention.

Reporting Sexual Violence
Public Safety is committed to creating a safe learning, living, and working environment for students, faculty, and staff. Northwestern College has adopted policies to maintain this standard (see Harassment Policy). The College distributes this policy to every Student, Faculty, and Staff member at least once per year. Students may obtain copies of this policy in the student development office, during normal business hours. Faculty and Staff may obtain copies of this policy by contacting the Human Resources office. Students, Faculty, and Staff will be encouraged to attend offered training sessions on the subject of sexual harassment and assault/violence. The Counseling Center provides confidential services and can be contacted during normal business hours.

Northwestern College and Public Safety will not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual violence in any form. When such incidents occur, the standards of our community as well as the criminal laws of Minnesota are violated. Appropriate disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, will be taken against anyone found to have violated this policy. Persons reporting sexual assault or violence will be treated with care, concern, and confidentiality. Support, assistance, and counseling are available. Victims are encouraged to seek help by contacting any of the Counselors, Faculty, or Student Development personnel.

Weapons Possession and Fireworks
Northwestern College is committed to providing a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment for all community members on all campus properties. The use, possession, and/or storage of all firearms, dangerous weapons, explosives, or other dangerous articles are prohibited on all properties owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by Northwestern College. Law Enforcement Officers duly authorized to carry such instruments are exempt.

Any person violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

Bicycles, Skateboards, and In-Line Skates
Northwestern College has been designated as a pedestrian campus with the safety and welfare of the campus community in mind. Bicycles, skateboards, and in-line skates must be operated under control AT ALL TIMES and are not permitted in any building. Violation of this policy may result in confiscation of the equipment and disciplinary action. Pedestrians always have the right of way on campus.

Parking Permit Refunds
Parking Permit Refunds will be given at the end of each Quarter. To obtain a refund for your parking permit, you must detach it from your vehicle and present it at the Public Safety office. The refund will appear on your statement. There are no refunds given after 3rd quarter.