Crime Prevention

The El Paso Community College Police Department is committed to serving the needs of the community. We offer presentations on Crime Prevention that cover a wide range of topics.

Crime Prevention Programs

Several El Paso Community College Police Department officers are specially trained in specific crime prevention techniques. They are available upon request to conduct crime prevention presentations on various topics that include but are not limited to personal safety, sexual assault prevention, domestic violence, preventing auto theft, campus safety and any other concerns that a group might have. All presentations are available to the college community upon request by scheduling well in advance of the presentation.

EPCC Campus Crime Stoppers, a very active campus organization, is another tool available to reduce crime on our campuses. Crime Stoppers will pay monetary rewards for information that leads to the clearing of a crime on campus. All callers will remain anonymous and can call 1(800) 737-8143 or Campus Police to provide information.

Security Awareness Programs

The EPCC PD provides the college community with crime prevention programs in auto theft prevention, and campus security -- focusing on the security of equipment as well as the safety of students, staff, and faculty. Other programs include personal safety and campus safety for those students taking night classes. In addition, the EPCC PC provides Operation ID, used to permanently engrave identifiable information on college and personal property used on campus both by staff and students.

A common theme for all our security awareness programs and crime prevention programs is to encourage students, staff, and faculty to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others.

When time is of the essence, information is released to the college community through the Campus Safety Alert system.

All EPCC PD security awareness presentations are available upon request.

Personal Safety

Vehicles

Scan the area
Don’t overload yourself with packages
Always have your keys out when walking to vehicle
Once inside, lock all doors
Keep your vehicle locked at all times
Never accept a ride from a stranger
Do not open the door to strangers. Never offer a ride to a stranger. Never pick up hitchhikers.
Keep valuables out of sight, lock in trunk
Park in well lighted areas
If driving a small car, avoid parking next to a larger vehicle
Don’t let your gas tank go below ¼ of a tank
Check the front & back seat before entering your vehicle. Always lock your doors when you are driving or riding in a car

Buildings

Be aware of your surroundings. Be alert
Call EPCC Police for Safety Escort
Avoid entering an elevator occupied by only one person
Avoid isolated corridors or hallways
In an elevator, stand near the controls and locate the emergency button
Never leave valuables unattended
Know your campus and locations of emergency phones
Using an ATM – have someone with you
Register or document your valuables – identifying numbers, type, make
Engrave an alternate number on your valuables

Protecting Yourself

Be aware of your surroundings
Recognize potentially dangerous situations before they develop
Use the “Buddy System” at night
Be prepared to shout if you are attacked - Attract as much attention as you can
If you feel threatened or suspect that you are been followed, walk towards lighted areas or where there are people around
Don't give out your name, address or telephone numbers to strangers. Use only you initials if you are published in a telephone directory.
At night, travel only in well lighted areas
Consider taking a self-defense course
Never leave belongings unattended

General Crime Prevention Tips:

Avoid walking alone, especially after dark
Contact EPCC Police for a safety escort
Be alert of your surroundings
Use the “Buddy System” when walking at night
Avoid shortcuts – the shortest route is not always the safest
Walk away from alleys and bushes
Dress for mobility – especially after dark
Avoid deserted areas, poorly lit streets and pathways
Never jog alone after dark
When walking or jogging – go against the flow of traffic
If harassed from a vehicle – walk or run in the opposite direction of vehicle travel
Do not jog wearing stereo headphones – be alert to what’s happening around you

Remember:

Hide your Valuables
Lock your vehicle
Take your keys