Manchester College - Safety and Security

“How safe is campus?” This is a question that we frequently hear in the Department of Campus Safety. Many people who ask this question are visitors, including prospective students, their parents, and prospective employees. However, we also receive these inquiries from current students and employees.

As exemplified by the crime rates posted in the annual Campus Safety brochure, Manchester College is a very safe place to live, work, and study, as is the surrounding community of North Manchester. The safety of members of the Manchester College community is a primary concern of the College, and a principal responsibility of the Department of Campus Safety. A fully trained officer is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supplemented by student security cadets. Officers patrol the campus and are charged with the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws, as well as College policies and regulations. Campus officers do not make arrests, but the Department of Campus Safety maintains a very close working relationship with the North Manchester Police Department and other off-campus law enforcement agencies. In addition to the frequent patrols by officers from Manchester College, officers from the NMPD and Wabash County Sheriff’s Department regularly patrol the streets and parking lots of the College. The combined effort of these law enforcement agencies serves as a visible influence on campus, resulting in the timely detection and deterrence of most criminal activity.

This is not to say, however, that the College and the community are crime free. No community is without its own share of criminal activity, and Manchester College is no different in that regard. Basically, we are a microcosm of the larger world, and we have problems similar to those that you will find anywhere. Nonetheless, the College community does enjoy a very low crime rate, partly because we take each incident seriously. It is the policy of the College to treat all reports seriously and to investigate all cases in the most expeditious manner.

Students, faculty, staff, and guests of the College are encouraged to report emergencies and suspicious activities to the Campus Safety Office. Telephones are available in every campus building, and emergency phones are strategically located on campus, including one the main entrance to each residence hall. To report an emergency or criminal activity, dial 5999, and an officer will take a report and follow up on your information.

At Manchester College, we sincerely believe that “you are the key to security.” While the Campus Safety staff does everything possible to provide a safe learning environment, individuals must assume some responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their belongings. Safety and security are shared responsibilities and can only be achieved with the cooperation of all members of the campus community.

To learn more about campus safety and security, you may obtain a copy of the annual Campus Safety brochure at the Offices of Campus Safety, Admissions, or Human Resources. This brochure contains a description of our safety programs and services, as well as the most recent annual crime statistics. You may also stop by the Campus Safety Office and review the public crime log. This log is updated within two business days of an incident, and contains the incident classification, date, time, location of occurrence, and disposition. Additionally, any Campus Safety staff member may answer your questions or concerns, and provide you with additional information.

Les Gahl, Director