SBCCD Expands Communication and Training Opportunities

September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month, a month dedicated to enhancing dialogue around campus safety issues. The San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees approved a Resolution recognizing the significance of the month and the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) Police Department is undertaking a month of activities to encourage all members of the campus community as well as vendors and visitors to support and protect each other. All events are free and open to the public. Limited parking is available on campus with a $2 daily pass. Free parking is available by both campuses on a first come-first served basis. Chancellor Bruce Baron said, “The health and safety of our students is one of our highest priorities. Unfortunately, college campuses are not immune to destructive behaviors and violence, including some current issues impacting college campuses such as high risk drinking, illegal drug use, and sexual assault. National Campus Safety Awareness Month activities are focused on advocacy, education and training, and supporting policy initiatives and legislation that address issues related to these frightening realities. We are so pleased that our District Police Department is proactive in addressing these challenges.” SBCCD Police Chief Pierre Galvez explained, “Recognizing National Campus Safety Awareness Month helps set the stage for critical conversations between key groups on campus: students, faculty, and professional staff from campus police, public safety/security, health and wellness, student affairs, student life, and local organizations dedicated to violence prevention. The door is open to off campus individuals and groups as well.” The activities include: Coffee with a Cop – a chance for anyone to speak with an officer or just come by for a quick bite to start the day - Free coffee and donuts combined with informal and informative conversation. • Sept. 3, 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the District Office in the Board Room – 114 S. Del Rosa Dr., San Bernardino • Sept. 9, 7:45-9:30 a.m. at San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) in classroom BUS 100 – 701 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., San Bernardino • Sept. 10, 7:45-9:30 a.m. Crafton Hills College (CHC) in the Cafeteria Quad – 11711 Sand Canyon Road, Yucaipa The following presentations will be made at San Bernardino Valley College in the Library Viewing Room from 12:30-1:30 p.m., with one exception: • Sept. 4: Culture of Silence: Stalking Education and Awareness • Sept. 9: Speak Out and Stand Up: Raising Awareness about Sexual Assault • Sept. 10: Domestic Violence Concerns in San Bernardino County, presented by District Attorney Ramos – THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD FROM 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. • Sept. 11: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence • Sept. 16: Emergency Safety and Preparedness • Sept. 18: Active Shooter Safety • Sept. 23: Dealing with Irate People The following presentations will be held at Crafton Hills College in CL218 from noon to 1:00 p.m.: • Sept. 3: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence • Sept. 10: Speak Out and Stand Up: o Raising Awareness about Sexual Assault o Culture of Silence: Stalking Education and Awareness • Sept. 17: Emergency Safety and Preparedness • Sept. 24: Dealing with Irate People The following workshops will be held at the District Office in the Board Room from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: • Sept. 3: Emergency Safety and Preparedness • Sept. 17: Active Shooter Safety • Sept. 24: Safety Awareness and Prevention regarding stalking, dating, domestic and sexual violence In 2014, the Police Department took these steps to address specific campus safety issues. • Sexual Assault Response Teams were established on both campuses, round table discussions were held and the teams and departments met with local police departments to improve efficiency. • A clinical psychologist came to speak on each campus regarding active shooters and threat assessment. Officers from the Department spoke with staff, evaluated work spaces and discussed options regarding actions to take in the event of a shooter. • Student Orientation presentations have been made to students on both campuses regarding general safety information as well as specifics on trends and crimes students needed to be made aware of. • A Poetry Reading was held on the SBVC campus giving attendees the opportunity to tell their own stories regarding the impact of crime. Counselors were available for anyone who wanted to talk with a professional. • A speaker (rape survivor) spoke on both campuses discussing the impact of sexual assault and domestic violence. In addition, the Clothesline Project was held at SBVC, which emphasizes the lifelong trauma that can result from domestic violence and sexual assault. Starting in 2015, the Department will be offering additional programs, trainings and opportunities for victims of crime to speak out, including: • Start by Believing is a public awareness campaign to help change the way people respond to rape and sexual violence. If victims know they will be believed, then the hope is they will come forward and report. And in the process seek/are referred the help they need. • Live the Green Dot is a four day “train the instructor” course to be given at each site. The Green Dot strategy is predicated on the belief that individual safety is a community responsibility and shifts the lens away from victims/perpetrators and onto bystanders. The overarching goal is to mobilize a force of engaged and proactive bystanders. • The Clothesline Project will return to SBVC, as will the poetry readings. • Nonviolent Sexuality: Making Peace with Passion™ is a program that deals with alcohol and sexual violence issues on campus. Abstinence is addressed as a valid choice in relationships but not presented as a substitute for dealing with the realities of human sexuality and conflict. Nonviolent Sexuality deals with some sensitive issues in an entertaining and interactive manner that students find engaging and fun. • Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is a large scale event that raises men’s awareness of what women have to go through regarding sexual assault. Women can participate, male students, athletes, and staff members are encouraged to learn from the experience. Participants walk a one mile course set up on campus in high heels. • Speakers from a variety of professional organizations will be presented in April on a range of sexual assault and domestic violence topics, including dating violence, stalking, rape, sexual and domestic violence, and bystander intervention. • A Window between Worlds/Windows into Our Future exhibit to both campuses. The art exhibit has been created by survivors, friends and family members of those who have suffered from domestic violence. The exhibit is designed to show that art is a tool that often helps one heal from a traumatic event, or helps the survivor address what occurred and thereby let it go. With this exhibit attendees can participate and create their own art which will then become a part of the exhibit. • An Audio Visual Exhibit running various videos, clips, domestic violence and sexual assault related information.