University of Charleston Security
WELCOME FROM THE UC CAMPUS SAFETY & SECURITY CHIEF
To view the list of security statistics for the UC Campus, click here.
(To see it clearly, you will need to zoom in once the pdf loads.)
The first official University of Charleston campus Department of Safety and Security was organized in 1986. Since that time, the department has been striving to keep pace with all current training, technology and issues dealing with campus crime, including crime reporting laws regulated by the U. S. Department of Education. We are pleased to report that our crime statistics are very favorable, and crime prevention continues to be our primary goal as we proactively move forward.
We strongly believe in educating the students and staff in crime prevention, and we encourage everyone to take part in protecting our campus. We consistently offer our students and staff a variety of educational programs, printed materials and training on topics such as, self-defense, rape prevention, theft prevention, alcohol and drug awareness, fire safety, emergency evacuation, workplace violence, and many other related safety topics.
The UC department of safety and security actively participates in training with local law enforcement agencies, as well as conducting ongoing in-house training for all staff members. All areas of campus safety and security are addressed as we seek to improve our department’s capability to effectively respond to all possible emergencies. Our department is actively involved with local and federal agencies in information sharing, intelligence and training related to homeland security issues. Our department has in place a broad and comprehensive written mutual emergency response plan that is coordinated with all local emergency services agencies.
Our department is linked by radio to local Metro 911 operators and local police agencies to coordinate quick and effective responses to fire, EMS and police emergencies. Additionally, campus patrol officers are equipped with radio communications linked to the residence hall RA’s, RD’s, Maintenance Staff and other support services on campus. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone, by radio, by 911 operators and a voice pager.
A combination of campus wide foot and cruiser patrols are routinely conducted, as well as interior foot patrols of all residence halls. Emergency call boxes are positioned at key locations on campus. Upgrading and improving existing lighting is a priority. The safety and security department works very closely with Student Affairs in addressing all areas of safety related to residential and commuter students. All crimes are investigated and adjudicated quickly, and special effort is made to safeguard each student’s rights, dignity and confidentiality. All Student Affairs issues are governed by a comprehensive student handbook made available to each student. Campus crime statistics are published annually and made available to all staff and students.
The campus safety & security department maintains state of the art digital cameras linked to our IT system, and can monitor all exits and entrances to each residence hall. Cameras are also positioned at other high risk areas throughout the campus as well as PTZ cameras on the parking lots. The camera system is continually being improved upon as the campus expands. All residence halls and other high risk areas are further protected by card access control.
In addition to routine police & security related functions, our department endeavors to provide students, staff and visitors a variety of other helpful services such as, vehicle lock out assistance, battery booster jumps, handicapped assistance, home security checks, personal safety escorts, local travel and campus information, “Operation ID” with engravers & inventory forms, room lock out assistance, “free” campus parking decals to staff and students, lost & found center, cash escorts and a number of other services.
Officers are trained in first aid and the use of emergency AED units which are strategically located on campus. A major medical facility is located within a few blocks of the campus and UC officers can quickly radio Metro for EMS units with an average response time of 5 -10 minutes. A local fire department company is also located in close proximity to the campus. The Facilities Department maintains state of the art fire alarm systems and conducts routine fire drills and inspections in conjunction with the local fire department.
Our goal is to provide our students, staff, and visitors every possible resource to make UC a safe and enjoyable campus. For additional information about campus safety you can call our main office # (304) 357-4857 during normal business hours or our 24 hour voice pager is (304) 348-0001. Simply leave your recorded message and number and someone will get back with you as soon as possible. On campus simply dial “HELP” from any campus business phone or call box. I would be glad to respond to any questions or concerns you might have concerning campus safety either by phone or email – jackrinchich@ucwv.edu. We are committed to protecting our greatest resource, - “OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS.”
Chief Jack L. Rinchich
Department of Safety & Security
University of Charleston
2300 MacCorkle Ave, SE
Charleston, WV 25304
304.357.4857
304.357.4715 fax