DPS Resources + Information

DPS Org Chart

• Knives
• Guns
• Pepper Spray
• Hands, Fists, Feet
• Any object used to hurt or injure another

• Any knife including a belt buckle knife, dirk dagger, cane sword, pen knife, lipstick knife, switchblade, butterfly knife or any knife that has a blade longer than 2 1/2 inches, opens automatically or has more than one sharp edge
• Any gun without written permission and in accordance with California Penal Code
• Nunchaku
• Metal knuckles
• Airsoft, pellet or BB gun
• Any concealed weapon (hidden from plain sight)

• You can have pepper spray as it is for self-defense, not larger than 2.5 oz. and contains a “Warning” label.

• You can have a knife, such as a pocket knife, as long as the blade is not more than 2 1/2 inches long, it does not open automatically and has only one sharp edge.

• Do not park in dark areas of the campus.
• Walk with a companion whenever possible.
• If you feel uncomfortable walking into a secluded area, you can request a Safety escort by calling DPS at 707-580-6526.
• Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to DPS immediately at 707-580-6526.
• Save the DPS telephone number to your cellular phone.
• Always carry a cellular telephone, and consider carrying a whistle or other noise making device that can be used to attract attention or summon assistance.
• If you do encounter someone presenting harassing/threatening behavior, immediately go to the nearest occupied campus building to report the incident.
• Blue emergency call boxes are located on each Solano Community College campus and are properly marked for immediate recognition.

  Active Shooter Preparedness Plan

  An active shooter/killer emergency involves one or more persons, using a firearm or other weapons engaging in a random or systematic shooting/killing spree. While the vast majority of shootings in this country are over in a matter of minutes, involving persons known to one another, and are confined to a particular area, the active shooter/killer incident does not follow this template. This type of incident can last for minutes or hours, range over a large and constantly changing area, and threaten everyone within close proximity of the shooter/killer(s).

  Persons may or may not receive advance warning of an active shooter/killer. A witness, personal observation or the sound of gunshots may be the only alert you receive, leaving little time to react. Then sound of gunshots, unlike special effects in movies and

  television, may sound muffled and make a “pop, pop, pop” noise. It is reasonable to assume that a series of such noises are gunshots and you should begin to take necessary precautions.

  Traditional response to this type of incident has been to shelter in place and wait for the police to arrive. While this type of response is not completely wrong, case studies of several active shooter/killer incidents have shown that using only this response has resulted in an increase in casualties. The Solano Community College has adopted the “ALICE” response plan to assist you in your response should this type of incident occur.

  ALICE

   “ALICE” is an acronym for 5 steps you can utilize in order to increase your chances of surviving a surprise attack by an Active Shooter. It is important to remember that the “ALICE” response does not follow a set of actions you “shall, must, will” do when confronted with an Active Shooter. Your survival is paramount in this situation. Deal with known information and don’t worry about unknowns. You may use only 1 or 2 parts of the response plan or you may have to utilize all 5. In this type of incident, your perception is the reality and you will be deciding what the appropriate action for you to take is.

  • Alert- Is When you first are aware of a threat. It can be
    • Hearing/witnessing gunfire
    • Immediately call 911 or DPS at 707-580-6526
    • Warning from witnesses that an active shooter/killer is in the area
    • Regroup alert messages from the College Department of Public Safety
    • Sooner you understand that you and your students are in danger the sooner you can take actions to save yourself and your

  • Lockdown- If EVACUATION is not a safe option then:
    • Lock the
    • Barricade the door with anything available (desks, chairs, )
    • Cover any windows in the door if possible
    • Tie down the door, if possible, using belts, purse straps, shoe laces,
    • Look for alternate escape routes (windows, other doors)
    • Move out of the doorway in case gunfire comes through it
    • Silence all cell phones
    • Once secured, do not open the door for anyone. Police will enter the room when the situation is
    • Gather weapons (coffee cups, chairs, books, pens, etc.) and mentally prepare to defend yourself or
    • Put yourself in position to surprise the active shooter should they enter the

  • Inform- Using any means necessary to pass on real time
    • Given in plain
    • Can be derived from 911 calls, video surveillance,
    • Who, what, where, when and how information
    • Can be used by people in the area or who may come into it to make common sense

  • Counter- This is the use of simple, proactive techniques should you be confronted by the Active Shooter/Killer.
    • Anything can be a weapon
    • Throws things at the shooters head to disrupt their aim
    • Create as much noise as possible
    • Attack in a group (swarm)
    • Grab the shooter/killer’s limbs and head and take this person to the ground and hold this person
    • Fight dirty-bite, kick, scratch, gouge eyes,
    • Run around the room and create chaos
    • If you have control of the shooter call 911 and tell the police where you are and listen to their commands when officers arrive on

  • Evacuate- Remove yourself from the danger zone as quickly as
    • Decide if you can safely evacuate
    • Run in a zigzag pattern as fast as you can
    • Do not stop running until you are far away from the area
    • Bring something to throw with you in case you would encounter the Active Shooter
    • Consider if the fall from a window will kill you
    • Break out windows and attempt to quickly clear glass from the frame
    • Consider using belts, clothing or other items as an improvised rope to shorten the distance you would fall
    • Hang by your hands from the window ledge to shorten your drop

  • Attempt to drop into shrubs, mulch or grass to lessen the chance of injury
  • Do not attempt to drive from the area

   

  Secondary Issues 

  • Responding Law Enforcement officers will have their weapons drawn and ready for use. They do not know exactly who the shooter/killer is and will probably point weapons at you. Just remain calm and follow any directions they may give you. You may be asked questions, patted down, and given orders to exit certain
  • Responding Law Enforcement officers are there to stop the Active Shooter/Killer as soon as possible. They will bypass injured people and will not help you escape. Only after the shooter is stopped will they begin to provide other
  • If you come into possession of a weapon, DO NOT, carry or brandish it! Police may think you are the Active Shooter/Killer. If possible, put it in a trashcan and carry it with you. If you come across Police, calmly tell them what you are carrying and why. Follow their
  • Be prepared to have to provide first aid. Think outside the box. Tampons and feminine napkins can be used to stop blood loss. Shoes laces and belts can be used to secure tourniquets. Weighted shoes can be tied around a person’s head to immobilize it. Remember it may be several hours until can safely move an injured person. The actions you take immediately to treat them may save their life.
  • If you are in lockdown for a long period of time, give consideration to issues such as bathroom use, keeping people calm,
  • Discuss beforehand with people in your office or classes where you will meet up should you have to evacuate and make it a place easily accessible and far away from the
  • Talk to your students and co-workers beforehand to know if they have any special skills. Consider strategic placement of these people in a classroom or office setting. You may have current or ex-military personnel, medically trained persons that can provide assistance in this type of
  • Consider setting up classrooms and offices to make it harder for an Active Shooter/Killer to enter and acquire

  Bomb Threat

  Most bomb threats are received by phone. Bomb threats are serious until proven otherwise. Act quickly, but remain calm and obtain information with the checklist on this page. Read more about Bomb Threats and Suspicious Packages.

  **Do not use two-way radios or cell phones. Radio and cell phone signals have the potential to detonate a bomb. Do not activate the fire alarm. Do not touch or move a suspicious package.**

  How to Handle A Bomb Threat

  Receiving a bomb threat can be scary. Here are some tips on what you can do to handle a bomb threat depending on the method it was received.

  By Phone

  Remain calm. Keep the caller on the line for as long as possible. DO NOT HANG UP, even if the caller does.

  Listen carefully. Be polite and show interest.

  Try to keep the caller talking to learn more information.

  If possible, write a note to a colleague to call the authorities or, as soon as the caller hangs up, immediately notify them yourself.

  If your phone has a display, copy the number and/or letters on the window display.

  Complete the Bomb Threat Checklist immediately. Write down as much detail as you can remember. Try to get exact words.

  Immediately upon termination of the call, do not hang up, but from a different phone, contact DPS immediately with information and await instructions.

  By Handwritten Note

  Call DPS at 707-580-6526 on any campus telephone. Handle note as minimally as possible.

  By Email

  Call the Parking Control Department 707-580-6526.  Do not delete the message.

  By Suspicious Package

  Some indications of a suspicious package are when there is/are:

  • No return addresses
  • Excessive postage
  • Poor handwriting or misspelled words
  • Incorrect titles
  • Foreign postage
  • Restrictive notes
  • Stains
  • Strange odor
  • Strange sounds
  • Unexpected delivery

  **Remember, DO NOT use two-way radios or cell phones. Radio signals have the potential to detonate a bomb. DO NOT activate the fire alarm. DO NOT touch or move a suspicious package.**

  Emergency Notifications + Timely Warning

  It is the policy of Solano Community College to issue an emergency notification anytime there is an immediate threat to the health and safety of all staff and students. This includes off site campuses when college students or staff are present on campus.

  Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications is when a crime covered by the Clery Act occurs, campus officials are required to evaluate if there is a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community to determine if a timely warning needs to be issued to all staff and students. An emergency notification supersedes a timely warning.

  In the event of an emergency, the Chief of Department of Public Safety is to be notified and will determine if an Emergency Notification is to be sent out. In the event of his/her absence, his/her designee will determine if a warning will be issued.  The chief or his/her designee will without delay, consider the safety of the campus community, determine the content of the notification and determine how the notification will be issued. Unless the notification in their professional judgment, will compromise efforts to assist a victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the emergency.

  If an emergency warning is issued, DPS can post information on Facebook and use the Regroup/Solano SAFE systems so the message can be sent to cellular, landline phones and work emails. After the threat has been neutralized, DPS will provide follow up information in the same manner that it was issued.

  The Chief of Department of Public Safety will coordinate an annual test for staff students of the Emergency Notification System. It can be done through the Regroup and Solano SAFE systems and by posting on at least one of the web sites available.

  In the event it is determined that an emergency notification should not be issued but that there is an ongoing threat to students or staff or will aid in the prevention of similar crimes; a timely warning will be issued. A timely warning should be posted on student information boards, places where students comingle or posted on the website. It should include the date, time, location and what the ongoing threat is, as well who the students /staff should contact if they have any questions or information that can help.

  DPS will put out as much information as possible without jeopardizing an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of an individual, cause a suspect to flee or evade detection, or result in the destruction of evidence.

  Evacuating Others

  In the event of an evacuation, assisting others can greatly improve outcomes. Here are some tips to assist those with visual disabilities, hearing impairments, and mobility impairments.

  Assisting Persons with Visual Impairments

  Explain the nature of the emergency. Alarms or confusion may disorient a person, even when normally familiar with the area.

  Guide the student (or provide someone to do so). Students will take the guide’s arm below the elbow and will follow. Tell the student where you are as you walk. Advise them of any obstacles in the path.

  When you have reached safety, orient the person to where he or she is and ask if any further assistance is needed before leaving.

  Assisting Persons with Hearing Impairments

  Get the person’s attention by flashing room lights, waving your arms, or tapping the person’s shoulder. When you would like to explain what to do, gesture what is happening or write on paper or whiteboards.

  Assisting Persons with Mobility Impairments

  First, ask the person if they have special mobility needs or requirements. Persons using wheelchairs can be pushed or accompanied to safety. Persons using canes, crutches, or walkers can evacuate themselves or be accompanied to safety.

  When encountering stairwells or when a rapid evacuation is required, persons using assistive mobility devices may need to be maneuvered differently. Unless the situation is imminently life threatening, first call Campus Safety or other trained college staff and wait for help before transferring people. Special evacuation chairs may be used for stairway evacuation or to transport injured or non-ambulatory persons.

  Suspicious Packages

  How do I know what makes a package or letter “suspicious”? And what should you do?

  Sometimes a person will make a telephone or email threat prior to leaving a package, regardless of that, please contact Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (707-580-6526) as soon as that happens (see below sections on how to respond to these types of threats). Some suspicious-looking packages are not actually weapons or look humorous because of how they are addressed or marked— but it’s still important to take them seriously. Here’s an example of what one might look like:

  • No return addresses
  • Restrictive markings, i.e. “Personal!”
  • Oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on wrapper
  • Strange odor
  • Excessive tape
  • Envelope sealed with tape
  • Address errors
    • Misspelled words
    • Addressed to title only
    • Incorrect title
    • Badly typed or written
  • Excessive postage
  • Lopsided or uneven
  • Rigid or bulky

  So, if you see one, be careful to avoid touching it and encourage others in the area to do the same. Although you might want to sniff, smell, or shake the package to see what’s in it, please do not do so as it is safer to wait for us to investigate. If you can, calmly encourage others to leave the area as soon as possible and notify DPS at     (707) 580-6526.

  
  What if you have already opened the package?

  Since it might contain dangerous powders or agents, be sure to wash your hands before touching anything else, and you don’t need to clean up anything that might have spilled out. Our goal is to protect you while minimizing contamination—so you can help by staying nearby and letting us know who else was in the area when you found the package. We’ll take care of the rest.

  
  What makes a backpack, duffel bag, laptop case, etc. suspicious?

  If the item is lying unattended and or it seems out of place, please contact Campus Safety. An officer will respond to determine if there is any threat, if it is determined there is no threat, the officer will take the item for safe keeping and attempt to locate the owner. If for whatever reason the officers determine there might possibly be a threat, the area will be evacuated, and local authorities will be contacted to respond and examine the item.

  
  What if someone makes a phone threat about an explosive device or a weapon?

  If you can record the live call, that would be most helpful. Otherwise, signal to nearby faculty or staff that a threat is occurring, and try to write down what the caller tells you.

  
  Here are some steps you can take:

  • Write down exactly what the caller says—if possible, ask him or her to repeat the information.
  • Try to keep the caller speaking with you by asking questions.
  • For instance, try asking where the device or the person is. Calmly let the caller know that many people could be harmed; it’s possible that the person is calling because he or she doesn’t want to follow through with this threat.
  • As you listen, do you notice any background noises like other voices, cars, freeways, or music? Is there anything distinct about the caller’s voice or the way the person speaks? Is his or her tone calm or angry?
  • Even if the caller hangs up, keep your end of the call active or press “hold.” Cell phones might automatically disconnect, and that’s okay, just take note of when the call ended and how long it lasted.

  We appreciate you taking the time to read this and prepare yourself for this type of threat. Be sure to call DPS at (707) 580-6526 to share your notes and observations with us; this will help us to coordinate with the Fairfield Fire Department. We also understand that you will want to tell others on campus about what happened or post information on social media, but it’s safest for everyone if you allow us to notify others. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and to do this we need to avoid causing panic.

   

  What if you find an emailed threat?

  Treat it as a genuine threat, even if it seems like it might be a joke, or you are not sure what the person’s intent is.

  These can be frightening, especially since they could be from someone on campus or across the world. Fortunately, we can help. With assistance from the Solano Community College Information Technology Services and the Fairfield Police Department and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office we can trace emails or identify server logs to see how a message was handled.

  So, if you find an emailed, social media, or otherwise digital threat, just keep it accessible on your screen. Then call DPS at (707) 580-6526 so we can record all the important information.

   

  Sometimes a threat is written on paper, in a restroom, or on a wall.

  These might have useful fingerprints or other evidence, so it’s best to avoid touching them. Instead, immediately call Campus Safety at (707) 580-6526. Try to take note of where and when you found the threat and whether you noticed anything else unusual about the people or area nearby. While you might desire to notify other people in the area, we can handle that, so others aren’t unnecessarily frightened. However, if you ever suspect that your life or others’ lives are in danger, call Campus Safety at (707) 580-6526 or 911 for local police and emergency services.

   

  Violent/Criminal Behavior

  Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and by reporting them as outlined below. Do not take unnecessary chances.

  If you are the victim of, or if you witness an on-campus violation of the law, such as assault, robbery, theft, overt sexual behavior, etc.:

  • Notify the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (707) 580-6526 or call 9-1-1 and supply them with the following information:
    • Your name
    • Nature of incident
    • Location of incident
    • Description of person(s) involved / description of property involved
  • If you witness a violation of the law, immediately notify DPS, and give them the information outlined above.
  • Assist DPS Officers when they arrive by supplying them with any additional information.
  • The local law enforcement agency will conduct the required campus search and will evacuate areas as necessary. Follow their instructions. Everyone is asked to report to their departmental office the existence of anyone loitering or soliciting on campus. These people may be asked to leave if they do not have permission or a proper reason for being on campus. Call DPS at (707) 580-6526 if they refuse to leave when asked. · Report disruptive conduct to DPS at (707) 580-6526.

   

  Weapons on Campus

  State law and college policy prohibit the possession or use of weapons on any Solano Community College property. It is a felony to possess any firearm on college property, punishable by up to four years in prison. (See California Penal code 626.9.) Possessing a concealed weapon or automatic weapons of any kind is illegal, whether on campus or in the community.

  State law and college policy prohibits the possession or use of weapons such as knives with blades longer than 2.5 inches, switchblades, dirks, daggers, stun guns, BB-guns, air guns, metal knuckles, nunchaku, etc. on any Solano Community College property. (See California Penal Code 626.10.)

  College Safety is a shared responsibility. Remember, if you see something, say something, so we can do something. If you see a gun or other weapon on College property, especially if you believe the weapon is being or about to be used, contact Department of Public Safety immediately at (707) 580-5626 or call 9-1-1.

  Remember to use the 5W’s: WHO did you see, WHAT did you see, WHEN did you see it, WHERE did you see it, and WHY is it suspicious.

   

WHY CONDUCT A LOCKDOWN/BARRICADE DRILL?

Solano Community College (SCC) is required under Ed Code 32282 to conduct safety drills for the protection of all employees and students. SCC is thoroughly committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our campus community. Just like the Department of Public Safety (DPS), you have a role as well. All campus community members should have a plan and be ready to react immediately. All campuses will participate in the drill. The exact drill time will not be published, as this compromises safety, and diminishes the realistic intent of emergency training. This drill is critical to prepare our campuses for certain kinds of emergencies. All students, faculty, and staff who are on campus on April 18, 2024, are required to participate in this life-safety drill. This Drill is only required for employees and students working/studying on District grounds.

 

We will be utilizing our Regroup and Solano SAFE Emergency Notification Systems and all employees and students will receive Drill Notifications through TEXT, PHONE and EMAIL.  Please familiarize yourself with the lockdown/barricade procedures provided below. Knowing these procedures could save your life or the lives of others.

 

WHAT IS A LOCKDOWN/BARRICADE?

Lockdown/barricade is implemented when there is an imminent threat of violence, or when directed by law enforcement. Lockdown/barricade is a protective action against human threat while Shelter-in-Place protects against environmental threat. Lockdown/barricade requires closing and locking doors and barricading with heavy objects. No one is allowed to enter or exit until door-to-door release by Public Safety. During lockdown/barricade, students, faculty and staff are to remain in designated classrooms or lockdown locations at all times until you will receive the, “All Clear” message from Regroup and Solano SAFE.  This lockdown/barricade response is considered appropriate for, but not limited to, the following types of emergencies:

 

1. Gunfire from an unknown location on campus

2. Threat of extreme violence outside the classroom or building

3. Immediate danger in the surrounding community

 

WHAT DO WE DO IN A LOCKDOWN/BARRICADE DRILL? 

1. Notification of the drill will be delivered through Regroup and Solano SAFE.

2. Campus doors with WIQ (digital locks) will be triggered to close by Public Safety.

3. If you are in the hallways find a room you can securely lock yourself in immediately.

4. If unable to locate a secure room, quickly seek out a hiding place nearby.

5. If you are already in an office or a classroom, stay calm while a faculty or the staff member secures the room by locking the door.

6. For this drill only – Simulate the use of tables, chairs, or anything that can be moved to barricade the entry to your secured location.  This will be a good time to have a discussion with your fellow classmates and the professor on the best way to secure your room.

7. Once a room is secured, no one should be allowed to enter or exit.

8. Everyone in the room is to remain still and quiet. Relocate against the wall least visible to the outside and most out of the line of harm.

9. Close blinds and turn off lights. If the door has a window or a window next to the door, cover with paper or cloth.

10. Turn off television, LCD projector, document camera, etc. The room should be dark and quiet.

11. Turn off/silence cellphones.

12. Do not sound the fire alarm in the building unless there is a fire. People may be placed in harm’s way when they are attempting to evacuate the building. If a fire alarm does go off during a lockdown, do not evacuate unless you smell smoke or see fire in your area.

13. Remain silent in a secured location until the “all clear” notification from Regroup and Solano SAFE.

 

WHAT DO WE DO AFTER THE DRILL?

1. Unlock doors and turn lights back on.

2. Ask questions if you have any or have a discussion with your classmates and the professor about this drill.

3. Contact DPS with questions, concerns or provide comments.

 

We encourage everyone to email their questions and feedback to sccdps@solano.edu so we can collect concerns, questions, and then we can email the college a summary and assessment of how SCC did.

 

If you would like to learn more about the drill, please contact the DPS at 707-864-7131 during business hours, call the on-duty officer at 707-580-6526 or email us at sccdps@solano.edu.

This Interagency Operations and Protocol Agreement, between the Solano Community College Department of Public Safety and neighboring agencies, is to clarify agency jurisdiction and response responsibility as required by the Kristin Smart Campus Safety Act of 1998.

The California Legislature under this Act also reaffirms that campus law enforcement agencies have primary authority for providing law enforcement service on their campus.

This Act also requires law enforcement agencies to designate operational responsibility and define specific geographical boundaries of response for the investigation of Part I violent crimes of homicide, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assaults on campus property and property controlled by the college.

The Solano Community College Department of Public Safety has primary responsibility for law enforcement response and investigations of criminal activity on District property, located within the jurisdiction of the Solano County Sheriff’s Department, Vacaville Police Department, and Vallejo Police Department.

The Solano Community College Department of Public Safety and the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Vacaville Police Department, and Vallejo Police Department have agreed that the Solano Community College Department of Public Safety may request the assistance at any time.  Further, the College may request these agencies to assume control over investigations for serious violent Part I crimes that may be beyond the resources of the Solano Community College Department of Public Safety in accordance with existing Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs).

Welcome to the Solano Community College DPS Office Public Emergency Preparation webpage. Preparation is a shared responsibility that starts with you. It is imperative that you be familiar with the information and the options you may take in any given event; BEFORE an incident occurs.

This Incident Response Plan (IRP) is designed to assist employees, students, and visitors during an emergency on District properties; Fairfield Main Campus, Vacaville Center, and the Vallejo Center. It is important you read this Plan now, before an emergency occurs, to familiarize yourself with the actions which may be necessary during an emergency on District properties.

SCC Incident Response Plan

What is Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA)?

 

The Racial and Identity Profiling Act (RIPA) of 2015 (AB 953) requires state and local law enforcement agencies, as specified, to collect data regarding stops of individuals, including perceived demographic information on the person stopped, and to report this data to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) on an annual basis. Click to view AB 953: The Racial and Identity Profiling Act of 2015

 

This data collection has been implemented in a phased-in approach based on the size of the police agencies. The Solano Community College Department of Public Safety is to begin collecting data in May 2022.  The collected data is to be reported to the Department of Justice no later than April 2023. The Department of Justice will then post the collected data to their website sometime after April 2023.  Data collection will be ongoing with submission to DOJ required no later than April of each year for the prior year’s data.

 

The Solano Community College of Department recognizes the important work of the California Community College’s Campus Police Reform task force. One of the key considerations identified by this task force is, “Increasing accountability to the campus community through greater transparency about police interactions, engaging the community in oversight.” 

 

While not being required to submit data until April 2023 to the DOJ, the Solano Community College of Department of Public Safety has implemented a RIPA Snapshot, making primary collected data available to the public starting in May 2022 on our website. The Snapshot allows users to view Solano Community College Department of Public Safety stop data by date, perceived race, perceived gender, the reason for the stop, and result of the stop. By analyzing this data, the Solano Community College Department of Public Safety is able to monitor all officer’s individual stops to help ensure racial profiling is not occurring.

Review the RIPA Reports