Campus Safety

Berea College Public Safety at ext. 3333 is the central point of contact for all matters related to the safety and health of the college community and all issues related to personal security and protection of property.

Berea College has developed policies and procedures, offers educational programs, cooperates with local law enforcement agencies, and supports a Department of Public Safety to enhance the safety and security of its students, employees, and guests.  The college recognizes shared responsibility for the welfare of the community.  This publication, in addiction to outlining the institution’s efforts in this regard, reminds students and employees of their personal responsibility to take prudent precautions and to inform others, especially Public Safety, about known safety hazards or security concerns.  More detailed information on the following sections can be found in the Catalog and Student Handbook or by calling the departments of Public Safety or Student Life.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety provides 24-hour service to the campus employing 12 full-time staff which includes a Director, a Security Specialist, Officer Manager, five full-time Officers, four full-time Telecommunicators, and nine Student Associates who work 10 hours or more each week.  None are sworn law enforcement officials.  The department works closely with the Berea Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies when appropriate and necessary.  Current signed agreements with local and state law enforcement agencies are limited to radio communication and motor vehicle license information.

Officers’ expertise includes law enforcement, criminal and accident investigation, security patrol and crime prevention, fire safety, hazardous materials, defensive driving, parking and traffic control, basic first aid, and CPR/AED.  All Public Safety officers are college graduates.

Public Safety is located inside Woods-Penniman on the first floor.  Dispatchers are on duty at the office 24 hours a day to answer calls for assistance and information.  The department also has maps and brochures available with general information on the College and College Square businesses.

The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act (Clery Act)

The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act signed into law in November 1990, requires that all institutions of higher education report annually to students and employees on specific campus crime statistics and security policies and procedures.  This report meets the requirements of that law and demonstrates compliance with the Federal Drug Free Schools and Communities Acts Amendments of 1989 to the Higher Education Act of 1965.