Watchfulness Key to Campus Safety

Campus police emphasize that vigilance is the key to ensuring a safe working and learning environment. Noting everyone has a stake in maintaining safety and security, they advise, "If you see something, say something."

Report suspicious activity to the Virginia Peninsula Community College Police department. For emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1 from any campus phone. From cell phones while on campus, call 757-825-3511 for direct link to the College's police department.

Police indicate some examples of suspicious activity include:

• Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package or luggage is unattended, a window or door that is usually closed is open, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur,
• Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building's purpose, operations, security procedures or personnel, shift changes, etc.,
• Observation or surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; and sketching floor plans, etc., among other examples.

The campus police department is also available for non-emergency reports by phone at 757-825-2732.

More on campus safety is available here.