Campus Safety First

It is important for employees and students to use common sense precautions in order to avoid becoming a victim of a crime. Consider the following tips. 

Personal Safety 

• Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior/activities. 
• Walk at a brisk pace. Avoid walking alone after dark. Walk with people you know and travel in well-lighted, well-traveled areas. 
• Call public safety at 503-491-7310 for an escort anywhere on campus, including to and from your vehicle. 
• Be familiar with the location of emergency telephones/call boxes that are located throughout the Gresham Campus and in elevators. Call public safety at extension 7310 for non-emergencies and 7911 for emergencies. 
• Pre-program the public safety telephone number (503-491-7911) into your cell phone. 
• If you are confronted by someone who wants property, give it to them; then shout: “No!” “Stop!” or “Call the police!” loudly to call attention to the situation. Immediately call public safety (503-491-7911). Provide a description of the assailant and the license number if a vehicle is involved. 
• Public safety officers are available to meet with individuals to discuss their specific safety concerns on campus and to help you develop a personal safety plan. 

Property 

• Take your valuables with you. Do not leave personal items unattended in parked vehicles or college buildings where others may have an opportunity to take them. 
• Lock individual offices or areas when you are away. 
• Ensure rooms are locked when not in use, especially when valuable items or equipment are in the room. 
• Post signs at locations where public access is restricted. 
• Keep a written record of valuables, including descriptions and serial numbers. 
• Report missing or stolen property immediately to public safety. 

Vehicles 

• Park in well-lit areas.
• Do not leave your valuables such as GPS devices, laptops, CDs, book bags, purses, and wallets in your vehicle, nor in the trunk, under the seats, and/or in the glove compartment. 
• Remove your detachable stereo faceplate. 
• Lock your vehicle and close all windows. Consider using anti-theft devices, such as a steering wheel lock. 
• Scan the interior and exterior of your parked car before entering. 
• If leaving your vehicle on campus overnight, call public safety at 503-491-7310 and leave your name, contact number; vehicle plate number, make, model, and color; and the time you plan to remove the vehicle from campus. If you do not notify public safety, your vehicle may be towed at the owner’s expense. 

Bicycles 

• Lock your bicycle frame and front wheel to a bike rack. 
• Use only a U-bolt type lock. Steel cable locks and padlocks can be easily cut. 
• Register your bike at the National Bike Registry.

Threatening Emails and Telephone Calls 

• If you receive emails or telephone calls that are threatening or disturbing, please report these immediately to public safety at 503-491-7310. Do not confront the individual. 
• Document all conversations, including what was said, email address or telephone number, and date and time the call came in. 
• Save all messages. Do not delete. 
• Forward all email and telephone messages and other documentation to public safety at [email protected].

Report Suspicious Activities 

• Be alert for unusual events or suspicious items or packages. 
• Do not confront the situation by yourself. 
• Do not go near the area or attempt to open or inspect suspicious items. 
• Immediately report any unusual, suspicious, or obvious threatening or criminal activities to public safety at 503-491-7911 if a situation is in progress or 503-491-7310 if the incident has already occurred. 

Threat Assessment of Students of Concern 

A threat assessment team for students of concern has been established to investigate, evaluate, and manage situations of concern. The team develops strategies to ensure a safe campus and protect students, employees, and community members from random acts of violence. You can report any trouble or potentially dangerous students with a student of concern form online. You can also contact public safety or email MHCC counselors.  

The threat assessment team will determine the severity of reports and take one or more of the following actions:  

1. Reach out to the student.
2. Evaluate the threat and establish a plan. 
3. Keep the information on file to be alert to emerging patterns of behavior and file a Student Concern Form.