Introduction

Withlacoochee Technical College (WTC) is an integral part of the community it serves. As such, WTC shares many of the same interests and problems, including a concern about crime. The college experiences many of the same risks and threats as the community in which it is located. We are seriously concerned about the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and all visitors who participate in the many activities which we sponsor.

Campus Safety & Security
Policies & Procedures

It is the policy of (WTC) Withlacoochee Technical College that all reasonable measures shall be taken to protect students, employees, and visitors. It is expected that all faculty, staff, and students will act in a safe manner and report any unsafe condition or dangerous situation. The college will not tolerate any type of disruptive or inappropriate behavior that interferes with the primary educational mission of WTC, or creates a threat to any person or property.

WTC complies with state and federal laws which prohibits the sale, use, or possession of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or weapons on campus. We cooperate fully with authorities in the enforcement of civil laws. WTC is recognized as a “Drug-Free Zone”.

Safety & Security
Everyone's Concern

Cooperation and involvement of teachers, students, staff and visitors is absolutely necessary to ensure maximum safety. All persons must assume responsibility for their own safety and security of personal belongings. No security plan can attain maximum effectiveness unless everyone contributes to making it work. The following is a list of few common sense precautions.

• Never leave your purse or valuables unattended, even for a brief moment. Secure valuables whenever possible.
• Always lock your car. Lock valuables in trunk.
• Do not loiter in the parking lot.
• Be sure to mark or label all property.

If you are on campus at night, take the following precautions:

• Always walk in a group or with at least one other person.
• Avoid working alone in a classroom, or isolated location at night.
• Choose the most lighted pathway and stay on the sidewalks.

How To Report Sexual Misconduct and Crimes (The Clery Act)

The college encourages all sexual misconduct and crimes to be reported. Withlacoochee Technical College will take prompt and appropriate action to address reports and prevent reoccurrence. All students have a right to report sexual misconduct and crimes by contacting one of the following:

School Administration at 352.726.2430 ext. 4312

Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 352.726.4488

Annual Campus Crime Report

Individuals may request a paper copy of the annual Annual Campus Security Report by contacting the Student Services Office.

Reporting Misconduct

To report misconduct of a School Board employee, which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student, please contact David Roland, Director at 726-2430, ext. 4312 or District Contact Teresa Royal Policy Compliance Officer, ext. 2283 or Suzanne Swain Director of Human Resources, ext. 2295 at 352-726-1931

Legally sufficient complaints may result in discipline of the employee up to and including a possible recommendation for termination. Legally sufficient complaints on certificated employees (instructional/administrators) will be sent to the Department of Professional Practice for review of possible certification sanctions.

The Department of Education website for reporting Educator misconduct may be accessed at: http://www.fldoe.org/edstandards/.

Senate Bill 524 – Sexually Violent Predators

This information is provided to employees and students of this career center pursuant to Florida Senate Bill 524.

Information regarding persons classified by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as sexual offenders and / or predators can be accessed at https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/.

The toll-free number is 1-888-357-7332.

There Is Safety In Groups

• Do not engage in any activity that might cause you harm or endanger another person or school property.
• If you are a victim, intended victim, or a witness to a crime, report it immediately to the administration.
• Be alert of your surrounding at all times, and if you see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, notify administration immediately.
• If you witness or are a victim or intended victim of a crime, immediately contact administration. Please be prepared to provide the following information:
  • your name
  • quick description of any injury
  • the location of the incident you are reporting
  • a description of the scene
  • a description of any possible suspects
  • a description of the vehicles involved (if any)
• Become an involved and alert student. Your ideas, comments and contributions to our safety and security efforts are encouraged and welcomed. Remember, we are always looking for ways to ensure that WTC is a safe, secure, and healthy place to work and study. We challenge you to make this a personal objective while here.