Campus Safety
It is the policy of the College Board of Trustees to protect the members of the college community and to protect the property of Gavilan College. Under the general direction of the V.P. of Administrative Services, the Gavilan College Security Department, directed by the Director of Security, shall insure that reasonable protection is provided by using methods that fit within and contribute to the educational philosophy and process of the institution.
The Emergency Response Plan provides a comprehensive framework for emergency management, roles of government organizations and provides resources that may be activated to address emergencies at the Gavilan Community College District.
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department
The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department has jurisdiction on campus and enforces Federal, State and local laws, including criminal laws and Vehicle Code violations as well as handling the investigation of all criminal and traffic cases that occur on the campus. A uniformed and armed Deputy Sheriff is on campus Monday through Friday from 7 .a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gavilan Security Officers
Gavilan Security Officers are non-sworn and unarmed. They may affect arrests by authority of California Penal Code section 830.7(b). Security Officers are available on a daily basis from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Children on Campus
Gavilan College welcomes children to our campus when they are enrolled in course offerings or are accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or adult caregiver and under appropriate supervision. Our facilities are open to the public, a situation which might present risks to children. It is the College’s goal to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for both children and adults, according to the following guidelines:
• A child not yet in high school must be under the supervision of an adult who assumes responsibility for him or her unless the child is officially enrolled/participating in a Gavilan course or program.
• Except in situations where young people are officially enrolled/participating, parents, guardians and adult caregivers are responsible for being with children at all times and must monitor all activities and behavior of their children while on campus.
• Any child found unattended will be reported to the Gavilan Security Office and/or the Sheriff’s Department.
• Adult students and employees should plan for childcare as children are not intended to be a part of the classroom learning environment or workplace at Gavilan College.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security and Campus Crime Statistics Act, also known as the Campus Safety and Security Report, is provided in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990. The report informs the campus community about important procedures, policies, crime prevention programs, and campus crime statistics. The college also publishes a weekly crime log and annual statistics.
Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act
The Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act updated the Jeanne Clery Act to address violence women face on campus. SaVE requires that incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking be disclosed in annual campus crime statistics reports, and that information on the rights of victims and procedures be distributed. This information is available here: http://www.gavilan.edu/student/health/sexual-assault.php.
Not Anymore
Not Anymore is an interactive online program designed for community college students to prevent sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking while helping your campus meet Campus SaVE Act (VAWA) and Title IX education mandates. Take the Training...
Facilities
Most facilities are open Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. and on Fridays from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (excluding holidays).
Reporting a Crime
Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on or near campus can be reported by dialing 8-911 from any campus extension, or "10" to access campus emergency. This will activate the on-duty Security Officer's cell phone. For non-emergency assistance,
call (408) 848-4703
In case of life-threatening emergency,
call 8-911!
Gavilan Security Department has an excellent working relationship with the County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol. The Security Department may summon the assistance of other agencies to provide services for those investigations that might require special resources. It is the policy of the Campus Security Department to encourage the prompt reporting of any criminal or suspected criminal activity. The Security Department will investigate thoroughly any report made by students, staff or faculty.
It is the policy of the Gavilan College Security Department to prioritize all calls for service. Calls will be prioritized in the order of urgency in an effort to maximize the use of personnel and facilitate in the immediate dispatch of personnel to emergency situations. Life threatening calls are first priority; felony calls against persons and /or property are second priority; incidents which require a report which may be delayed are 3rd priority; and incidents which are of a civil or service nature are 4th priority.
Crime Prevention
One of the essential ingredients of any successful crime prevention program is an informed public. It is the intent of the Gavilan College Security Department to inform students and staff, in a timely manner, of any criminal activity or security problem which may pose a reasonable threat to their physical safety. Such information will normally be distributed to students and employees through campus publications.The student newspaper, The Gavilan Press, and public information newsletters are two examples.
The Student Right to Know Report, with statistics from the previous four years, is available on our web site.
Finally, all effective crime prevention programs include some measure of people watching out for one another. All Staff and students are asked to be security conscious and involved. Contact Security whenever you see suspicious behavior with a description of the person and any vehicles involved. This may save a fellow student the frustration of becoming a crime victim.
Substance Abuse
In accordance with public law 191-226, the "Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989", the Board of Trustees of Gavilan College has adopted policies and procedures prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, employees and members of the community on college property.
The possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages by anyone on Gavilan College property is a misdemeanor as per California Business and Professions Code section 25608 and a violation of the college's standards of student conduct. The use, sale or possession of any illegal drug is a violation of state law and any person found in violation of state law may be subject to arrest by federal, state, local or campus law enforcement authorities.
Criminal prosecution is separate from any administrative discipline that may be imposed by the district.
Any student or employee found in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to, and including expulsion from Gavilan College, or termination of employment.
More information regarding substance abuse.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault, notify campus security or Student Health Services. Confidential counseling is available on and off campus. Gavilan College is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. All reports of sexual misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and the victim informed of the outcome.
More information regarding Sexual Assault/Violence