Crime Prevention
Campus Police Officers are assigned to provide a highly visible, proactive patrol on campus property, including parking lots and buildings. The officers are equipped with hand-held radios so that they are in constant communication with the respective County Emergency Communications Center. The Charlotte, Collier and Lee campuses have sworn law enforcement officers in addition to non-sworn support staff. The Campus Police Officers have full police power on the campuses of Florida SouthWestern State College controlled properties and the non-sworn support staff though they do not have arrest powers they are permitted to use reasonable and necessary force to protect themselves and others from bodily harm. All of our Campus Police Officers enjoy a positive relationship with the respective sheriff's office, which responds to serious criminal incidents on campus. The College has Mutual Aid Agreements with each of the county sheriffs' offices.
Campus Security Policies and Statistics
Notice of Collection, Use and Release of Social Security Numbers
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities across the United States to disclose information about the number of criminal offenses, hate crimes and arrests on and around their campuses.
By October of each calendar year, Florida SouthWestern State College compiles a campus security report covering the past three consecutive years. Statistics are collated from monthly reports on file in the Campus Police offices and the various sheriffs' offices.
The Annual Security Report is available in the Campus Safety Guide (PDF) on this website. Additionally, copies are available by mail upon request.
Reporting Crimes on Campus & Guidelines Encouraging Accurate Reporting Campus Police
Prompt reporting of criminal actions, suspicious persons or behavior, potentially hazardous situations and emergencies to Campus Police is encouraged to allow the department to respond as quickly as possible.
Evidence should be preserved for use in criminal prosecution. In the event of a crisis, immediate danger, injury or criminal activity, the victim/witness is advised to call 911, then campus campus police.
The phone numbers for the Campus Police offices and local emergency numbers are as follows:
Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus
On Campus
Campus Police: ext. 11203 Local Emergency: 911
Off Campus
Campus Police: (239) 489-9203 Local Emergency: 911
Charlotte Campus
Off Campus
Campus Police: (941) 637-5608 Local Emergency: 911
Collier Campus
Off Campus
Campus Police: (239) 732-3712 Local Emergency: 911
Hendry Glades Center
Off Campus
Campus Police: (863) 674-0408 Local Emergency: 911
Hearing, sight, or speech impaired, who use specialized telephone equipment please call the Florida Relay Service 711 which can communicate with people who use standard telephone equipment. To call Florida Relay, dial 7-1-1.
Telephone inquiries may be made to Campus Police twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Visitors may stop by the Lee Campus office between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Fridays, excluding holidays or campus closings. (Refer to the Internet, current student catalog or schedule of classes for closing dates.)
Informational Programs on Campus Security Procedures & Practices Available to Students and Employees
Campus Police personnel participates in student and staff orientations, which cover topics such as violence in the work place, campus theft, personal safety, and how to report concerns or complaints, injuries or criminal activities.
Other topics addressed are how to report vehicular accidents and campus parking. Special programs covering topics such as date rape, "Right to Know" training and drug and alcohol awareness are presented on a scheduled basis by the offices of Campus Police, Student Services and Human Resources.
FSW's Policy Regarding Criminal Activity by School-Sponsored Student Organizations at Off-Campus Locations
Any Florida SouthWestern State College sponsored student activity held off-campus will follow the same rules and regulations as if the event were held on college grounds.
Any violation of municipal, county, state or federal law and subsequent conviction constitutes violation of college policy. The nature of the violation will determine the extent of sanctions that may be invoked by the college.
Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may range from probation, suspension or expulsion.
Policies Regarding the Manufacture, Possession, Use and/or Sale of Illegal Drugs or Alcoholic Beverages and the Enforcement of State Underage Drinking Laws
It is the policy of Florida SouthWestern State College to promote and maintain a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited on and off College premises.
The possession or use of alcohol under the circumstances described herein is also prohibited. All students and employees are required to abide by the terms of this policy as a condition of initial and continued enrollment and/or employment.
Use of alcoholic beverages or having alcoholic beverages in one's possession, either on campus or at a college-approved function, is strictly prohibited. This policy is based on the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, 41 U.S.C. 70-1 et.seq., as amended and is supplemented by College administrative policies and procedures.
- The illegal use of, possession, manufacture, dispensation, and distribution of any controlled substance, at any time, whether on or off duty or on or off College premises is strictly prohibited as a matter of College policy.
- Except as hereinafter provided, use or possession by an employee or student of alcohol in the workplace, or use of alcohol on College property is prohibited. The possession or consumption of alcohol by employees or students of legal age at a College sponsored or approved function where alcoholic beverages are served by the College or sponsor is not a violation of this Section.
- Any employee or student who reports to work or class or performs his/her duties while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be in violation of this policy.
Violation of this policy can result in referral to appropriate law enforcement authorities, disciplinary action up to and including immediate suspension, expulsion or termination, and/or a requirement of satisfactory participation in a College approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. A criminal conviction is not required for sanctions to be imposed upon a student or employee for violation of this policy.
Assault and Sexual Assault Prevention Programs and Procedures to Follow if an Offense Occurs
Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to preserving the safety and security of students, staff, faculty and visitors to the college. Breaches of the peace, including but not limited to, threats, intimidation, violence, assault, batteries, sexual batteries, or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Such behavior can include oral or written statements, gestures, or expressions that may communicate a direct or indirect threat of physical harm. Florida SouthWestern State College will not tolerate threats, direct or implied: physical conduct that results in harm to people or property; possession of deadly weapons on College property; or intimidating conduct or harassment that disrupts the teaching/learning and/or work environment or results in fear for personal safety.
Threats, threatening behavior, or other acts of violence carried out off College-owned or leased property but directed at College employees, students, or visitors while conducting official College business are a violation of this policy.
Off-site threats include but are not limited to threats made via telephone, fax, electronic or conventional mail, or any other communication medium. The college, through its Department of Campus Police will refer violations to local and state law enforcement agencies for criminal prosecution and further action by those agencies.
Any student found in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Any employee found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Generally, the Campus Police office should be the first department contacted after an incident occurs at a campus or College site. Upon preliminary investigation, the appropriate local law enforcement agency may be notified and the incident may be referred to the agency.
NOTE: Threats or assaults that require immediate attention by police should be reported first to the sheriff at 911. The victim or witnesses are encouraged to report the incident as soon as feasible to a Campus Police officer or employee. Evidence should be preserved for use in criminal prosecution.
Notifying Students of Available Counseling Services and Modification of a Victim's Academic or Living Situation
Victim support and assistance is available through various support services, both on and off campus. Medical care and counseling should be pursued as soon as possible by victims of sexual assault or abuse. The Assistant Dean of Students and Case Manager is designated as the student victim advocate at the college. The student victim advocate can be contacted at Angela.Snyder@FSW.edu, and 239-433-8023.
The college has programs and information available regarding safety, security and/or sexual assault. This information is disseminated to students and employees through the college catalog, the employee operations manual and the employee benefits programs held on all three campuses.
Brochures, programs and seminars designed to promote awareness and prevention among students, employees and the public are also presented through the Campus Police, Human Resources and Student Services offices.
Sexual Offender and Predators Registry
In accordance with Florida statutes and federal law, individuals designated as Sexual Predators or Sexual Offenders must register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Convicted sex offenders from out of state must register in Florida within 48 hours of establishing residence.
FDLE has established a toll-free number (1-888-fl-predator) or (1-888-357-7332) that allows the public to request information about sexual predators and sexual offenders living in their communities and around the State. Requests may be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. The FDLE has created a web tool for interested parties to search their database. This database may be used to find sex offenders and predators by name, address, city, county, or zip code.