On July 5, 2019 at 8:00 a.m., the Rock Valley College Police Department will transition all emergency calls and non-emergency police-related calls to be received and dispatched by the Rockford Fire 911 Center. This will not affect police coverage or response on any Rock Valley College campuses. Officers will respond as usual, only the method of notification has changed.

Emergency calls should be placed directly to 911. All non-emergency police-related calls should be placed to (815) 966-2900. For non-emergency campus-related issues, dial (815) 921-4357 to reach the RVCPD administrative line.

Possible calls to 911 would include: Medical Emergencies, Criminal Activity (in-progress), Aggressive Disorderly Conduct (in-progress), Thefts (in-progress), Motor Vehicle Accidents (with injuries or unknown).

Possible calls to (815) 966-2900 (Rockford Non-Emergency Line) would include: Criminal Activity (not in progress), Medical Calls (report only – no emergency response needed), Motor Vehicle Accidents (property damage only), Suspicious Circumstances, Welfare Checks, Damage to Property (criminal)

Calls to the Rock Valley College Police Department administrative line would include: Vehicle Assists, Parking Questions and Assistance, Access Issues, Alarm Issues, Safe Walk Program, Public Assistance (of non-urgent nature), Damage to Property (non-criminal)

This is a guideline to the types of calls and how they should be placed. Please feel free to contact the Rock Valley College Police Department with any questions. We can be reached at (815) 921-4357.

The functionality of the call boxes on all RVC campuses are not affected by this change.

The Rock Valley College Police Department presents this Practical Response to Active Shooter training video. This video is meant to educate you on the options available to you during an active shooter incident. You must use your own discretion during an active shooter event as to whether you choose to run to safety, remain in place, or, as a last resort, fight back.

Rock Valley College has invested in software that allows us to keep track of all the chemicals stored at our campus locations and provide information about these chemicals to employees. The program is called MSDS Online. With this software employees or students may look up a location and see what chemicals are used and the safety precautions associated with the chemical.

View the Rock Valley College (RVC) database

A material safety data sheet (MSDS), safety data sheet (SDS) or product safety data sheet (PSDS) is an important component of occupational safety and health (OSHA). It is intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with a substance in a safe manner, and includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill-handling procedures. MSDS formats can vary from source to source within a country depending on national requirements.

An SDS for a substance is not primarily intended for use by the general consumer, focusing instead on the hazards of working with the material in an occupational setting.

Who are CSAs?

• Officials with significant responsibility for student and campus activities
• A campus police or security department
• Individuals who have responsibility for campus security
• Individuals or offices designated to receive crime reports

Examples of CSAs:

• Resident Assistants
• Residence Life Staff
• Greek Life Advisors
• Coaches & Athletic Directors
• Dean of Students
• Faculty Advisors to Student Groups

Who are not CSAs?

• Faculty who do not have responsibilities outside of the classroom
• Campus physicians or nurses whose only responsibility is to provide care to students
• Pastoral or professional counselors acting in those specific roles

CSA Responsibilities

• If someone tells you about a crime or an incident that might be a crime, you must report it to your institution’s designated office or an official responsible for collecting Clery report information.
• Share the information as related by the person.
• When in doubt, report.
• Tell the person who disclosed the crime to you that you must share the information.
• Help connect the person to available options and resources within the institution.

How do I report?

Fill out this form and return it to the appropriate person listed on the form.

Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act

Effective Monday, October, 28, 2002, a new Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act went into effect. This is in conjunction with the federal law enacted on October 28, 2000, that provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions of higher education.

The act amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children Act and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act to require sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice, as required under state law, of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

This act also amends the Jeanne Clery Act to require institutions of higher education to issue a statement, in addition to other disclosures required under that act, advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained.

The Illinois State Police provides a listing of sex offenders required to register in the state of Illinois. The database is updated daily and can be found at the following Web site: http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/

The RVC Police Department also maintains a sex offender list that lists all known sex offenders that are students and employees at Rock Valley College. This sex offender list is available for viewing at the RVC Police Department on the main campus, the information center at the Student Center, the RVC Police Department office at the Stenstrom Center for Career Education, and RVC Downtown. You may call 815-921-4357 for more information.

Effective January 1, 2012, registered sex offenders must complete an Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act – Institutions of Higher Education Employment / Student Information Form (ISP 5-695) with the agency of jurisdiction in which they reside (Police or Sheriff's Department that serves their home residence), the agency of jurisdiction in which they are attending an Institution of Higher Education (Rockford Police Department), and at the Institution of Higher Education (Rock Valley College Police Department).   Sex offenders who fail to properly register their status as a student or employee at an institution of higher education are in violation of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act and face arrest for a Class 3 Felony. They also face disciplinary actions up to and including suspension or termination of student / employee status. Sex offenders with questions about this registration requirement should call 815-921-4357.

Lastly, the act amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) to clarify that nothing in the act may be construed to prohibit an educational institution from disclosing information provided to the institution concerning registered sex offenders; and requires the Secretary of Education to take appropriate steps to notify educational institutions that disclosure of this information is permitted.

• Full-time college students age 18 to 22 are more likely than non-enrolled students to binge or drink heavily (2011). 
• Among young women in college, binge drinking is a risk factor for sexual assault. 31 percent of college students met criteria for a diagnosis of alcohol abuse and 6 percent for a diagnosis of alcohol dependence in the past 12 months; self-report survey.
• A law effective on January 1, 2012, made possession of any chemical like K2 illegal to sell, purchase, or use in Illinois. 

• Alcohol: Depressant; Long-term effects—heart disease, cancer, liver, and brain damage, pancreatitis.
• Bath Salts: A stimulant; one of the latest designer drugs, illegal in Illinois but legal in most states. Long-term effects— fairly new drug, no long-term effects recorded in humans.
• Marijuana: Cannabis, is the most widely available and used illegal drug in the U.S.
• K2 Herb: (synthetic cannabis). Long term-effects, still being studied, none recorded in humans.
• Nicotine: Long-term effects— lung disease and other health concerns. In Illinois, tobacco use claims 16,600 lives and costs the state $4.1 billion in health care bills each year.

Did you know a drug conviction could impact your student financial aid? Keep your mind and body clear of alcohol and other drugs so you can make more informed choices.

• Surviving is the objective! Nothing is a 100% guarantee to keep you from being hurt.
• Doing something will increase your chance of survival.
• Doing nothing may increase your chances of being a victim.

1. Your best option is to evacuate or escape the area if it is safe to do so. Get as much room between you and the attacker as possible.
2. If the attacker is close or blocking the area of escape, the best option may be to lock the door of the room you are in, shut off the lights and pile furniture in front of the door. Move to an area of the room that cannot be seen from the door. Now, while you are hiding in the room, alone or with others, make a plan. What will you do if the attacker forces their way into the room?
   • Throw whatever items are available at the attacker such as: books, book bags, etc.
   • Make noise, don’t stand still, and try to escape if you can.
   • Fight and attack if given the opportunity
3. Last resort, whether alone or with a group; if all else fails, fight and attack.

If it feels like harassment it probably is, but how do you know for sure and what can you do about it?

At Rock Valley College we are committed to providing an environment free from sexual harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of federal financial assistance.

If you, or a peer, are a victim of sexual harassment, sexual violence, or discrimination you are encouraged to seek the assistance of RVC Title IX Coordinator, Dean of Students, Terrica Huntley. 

• Discuss your options if you feel you or a friend have been a victim of sexual harassment, sexual violence, or discrimination.
• Investigate reports and provide remedies, or administrative measures, to help stop the behavior.
• Answer questions about RVC policies and procedures. 

Terrica Huntley, Dean of Students
T.Huntley@RockValleyCollege.edu
(815) 921-4187
Student Center

• Coordinates a response to concerning and distressed behavior with the intent to provide the appropriate assistance. Contact BIT online, in-person, or by phone.
• Is designed to encourage a supportive, resourceful, and safe environment for the RVC community.
• Will respond quickly to referrals, however, if an immediate response is needed, contact RVC Police by calling 9-1-1.

What should I share/refer?

Any concerning or distressed behaviors that you feel should be brought to the attention of BIT or an RVC staff member.

Who can make a referral?

Anyone in the RVC community (students, faculty, staff, self-referral)

How and where do I make a referral?

Complete an online referral form or call the BIT at (815) 921-4270.

College is a time of meeting new people, exploring relationships and learning how to set healthy boundaries. Sometimes relationships can become controlling. There are signs/red flags that indicate an unhealthy relationship, and tips for protecting yourself.

Red Flags: jealousy, blaming, quick attachment, need to control, putting conditions on the relationship, humiliation, belittling, and intimidation.

Tips to getting out of a controlling relationship: set boundaries, be clear, and be decisive.

If your gut tells you something is wrong it probably is. Get help. Sometimes talking to someone else can help you recognize red flags. At RVC you can contact the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at (815) 921-4270, an RVC counselor at (815) 921-4091, the college's Title IX Coordinator at (815) 921-4187, or the RVC Police Department at (815) 921-4357 to learn about your options and available resources.

Did you know?

• Most crimes committed at RVC are crimes of opportunity performed in less than 60 seconds—usually thefts. Protect your valuables!
• Don’t leave your laptop unattended while you use the rest room. Keep track of your backpacks and text books and purses. A small percentage of people are just waiting for the opportunity to profit from your carelessness. Don’t let them!
• Be aware of your surroundings. There are over 77 blue emergency phones on campus. Familiarize yourself with their locations.

If for some reason you feel unsafe walking to and from your vehicle, call the RVC Police at (815) 921-4357 and ask for an officer to accompany you.

Help the Rock Valley College Police Department keep our campus safe by doing the following:

Immediately report suspicious activity to RVC police by calling 9-1-1.

How to report:

• Where is the activity happening?
• What is happening or being said?
• Describe the person acting suspicious or committing the crime. If the suspect is using a vehicle, give the car description and license number as well as direction of travel.

Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until the police arrive. If you believe your life is in danger, attempt to leave the area and find a safe place until help arrives. Do NOT approach or attempt to apprehend the person(s) involved.

About Severe Weather in our Area: Among the more common forms of severe weather in our area are thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes.

• RVC emergency warning sirens will be sounded after a tornado warning has been issued. A tornado warning means that a funnel cloud or tornado has been spotted.
• RVC video monitors will automatically display a tornado warning screen and broadcast the national Weather Service message.
• Wait until the storm passes and "All Clear" message is issued (you will not be dismissed from class during a tornado warning).
• Monitor local TV and radio stations for updated weather information and college closing announcements.

• All RVC buildings have tornado signs posted, advising of safe shelters located on campus.
• Follow room instructions and move to a safe place away from windows.
• Avoid rooms with large roof spans such as the PEC or theaters.
• Seek hallways or rooms without windows. If time allows, move to a lower building level.
• DO NOT use elevators.
• You will not be dismissed from class during a tornado warning. Wait until the storm passes and the “All Clear” message is issued.

The Rock Valley College Police Department (RVCPD) was originally formed as the Department of Public Safety and Assistance on November 17, 1969. RVCPD officers attend the same academy training, possess the same police authority, and are held to the same standards as "police officers in cities and sheriffs in counties, including the power to make arrests on view or on warrants" as stated in 110 ILCS 805/3-42.1.

RVCPD officers attend continual in-service training on various law enforcement related topics to remain current on tactics, laws, court decisions, emergency medical response, and best practices.

The RVCPD also employs civilian staff including an Emergency & Risk Management Coordinator and an Administrative Assistant III.

RVCPD officers patrol RVC properties seven days a week, even when the College is closed during Winter Break.

Mission Statement

As an integral part of our diverse college community, we serve as professional police and emergency responders. We proudly contribute to a safe learning environment and support the mission of Rock Valley College through diligent patrol, outreach, awareness programs, and community partnerships.   

Vision Statement

It is our vision to maintain and enhance the confidence and trust of those we serve, while continually expanding and strengthening our partnerships with the students, faculty, and staff of Rock Valley College and the employees of this department, in identifying problems, developing solutions, and establishing realistic priorities and policies.   

Values

• INTEGRITY: Integrity is the hallmark of the Rock Valley College Police Department. We are committed to the highest performance standards, ethical conduct, and truthfulness in all relationships.   
• RESPECT: We treat all persons with dignity, respect, and courtesy.   
• SERVICE: We provide quality service in a professional, efficient, and accessible manner.   
• FAIRNESS: We treat all people impartially with consideration and compassion. We are equally responsive to our employees and the educational population we serve.

RVCPD offers the below listed services to our campus community:

• Police Patrol
• Criminal and Traffic Law Enforcement
• Criminal and Non-Criminal Investigations
• Emergency First Aid Response
• Parking Enforcement
• Traffic Control
• Special Event Security
• Fire and Safety Inspections
• Community Services - including Crime Prevention Education, Personal Safety Presentations
• Public Assistance - including Vehicle Assistance and Building Access
• Safe-Walk Program

This Rock Valley College Annual Security Report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistic Act ("Clery Act") and the State of Illinois Campus Security Enhancement Act.

This information is being provided as part of Rock Valley College's commitment to safety and security on campus. At RVC, the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is important. A truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of everyone at Rock Valley College.

We hope that this information will be read carefully to help foster a safe environment for everyone at RVC. This report is prepared in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, out of state law enforcement agencies, the RVC Police Department, Human Resources, Enrollment Services, Student Life, Community Education Outreach, the Center for Learning in Retirement, Fitness Wellness Sports, and other RVC departments. These entities provide updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.

Access the Annual Security Report

Our Rock Valley College Police Department Crime/Media Logs are kept updated and available at several campus locations. You can view the Crime/Media Logs at the Police Department on main campus in the Support Services Building. In addition, our Crime/Media Logs are available for viewing at our Bell School Road Center, RVC Downtown, North Main Office, Stenstrom Center for Career Education, Aviation Career Education Center, and our Advanced Technology Center.

This section features a summation of our Crime/Media Logs, and it is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be an up-to-date representation of the Crime/Media logs available at the locations listed above. Summations are removed after 60 days.