Graduation Rate 

Message from the President

On behalf of the dedicated faculty and staff of Griffin Technical College, I would like to welcome you to the new academic year at Griffin Technical College.  Student success is important to each of us, and The College Security Department strives to maintain a safe campus environment to facilitate that success. The department is staffed with highly professional employees who are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of the campus community.

Despite our best efforts, a truly safe campus can only be achieved through the active participation and cooperation of the entire community. We ask members of the community to practice basic safety and prevention measures, keep a watchful eye, report crimes and suspicious activity, and collaborate as active partners to address safety concerns.   

I hope this annual security report will provide you with information and resources to enhance your safety and security. The report is in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. For more information or to request a printed copy of this report, send an e-mail request to ktroissi@griffintech.edu or contact Mr. Ken Troissi at 770-229-3370.

Best wishes for a safe and productive year,

Robert Arnold, President

Campus Safety

Griffin Technical College is one of 33 public colleges within the Technical College System of Georgia.  Located in Griffin, Georgia, Griffin Technical College has a diverse population of over 4,000 students, staff and faculty.

Campus safety is a college priority. A professionally trained security staff, campus departments, professional staff, and campus community members actively participate in shared responsibilities and commitment to ensure that the safety and property of students, staff and faculty are protected.

Annual Security Report

The Campus Security Department in conjunction with the Student Affairs Division is responsible for the preparation of the annual security report, including the compilation of all required crime statistics. The report is prepared in cooperation with the local police agencies.

Crime statistics for public property adjacent to the College are maintained by the City of Griffin Police Department and are included in the Griffin Technical College Annual Report. 

Recognition of student organizations does not extend beyond the College; therefore incidents related to off-campus activities of student organizations are not reported.  Voluntary confidential and/or anonymous reports may also be submitted via a Crime Data Collection form. These forms are available at the Campus Security Office, or the Student Affairs Office.

By October 1 of each year, all enrolled students and employees receive notification regarding the content and availability of the annual security report. Students are notified by email or by telephone voice notification system.  Information is provided regarding how to access the report via the Internet and how to request a printed copy of the report. To request a printed copy of this report, call (770) 229-3370 or the admissions office at (770) 229-7348 or email ktroissi@griffintech.edu

Prospective students and employees receive information regarding the availability and access to the report from Admissions and Human Resources, respectively.

In addition to the annual security report, the Campus Security Department informs the campus community about crime in a number of ways:

1. When circumstances warrant, crime alert flyers are distributed throughout the campus and posted on the department web site in a timely manner. After all facts are obtained, crime warnings are released within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible.
   
2. The Records Division maintains a daily log of all department activity. The log is available for viewing upon request.

Griffin Technical College’s Mission Statement

Griffin Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, provides technical degrees, diplomas and certificates, as well as programs in adult education, continuing education and work force training that are high quality, community centered and student focused.

Campus Security Mission and Vision

Our mission is to provide a safe and secure environment for the Griffin Technical College Community. We provide these services fairly, with integrity, respect and in a manner that meets or exceeds the standards of our profession.

We do so by providing:
- Continuously available 911 call reception, alarm monitoring and communications services;
- Field patrol and problem solving response;
- Investigative and preventive activities;
- Emergency management planning and coordination;
- Crime prevention, community services and campus outreach;
- Partnership activities in furtherance of the goals of the campus community and the   communities that surround us.

The Griffin Technical College Security Department will continue to improve its procedures, policies and practices. The department will hire the best qualified personnel with a focus on selecting employees that understand the public safety needs of the campus community. Its equipment and facilities and training programs will meet or exceed the standards of practice in the field of public safety. On a daily basis the department will earn the trust and support of the community it serves through the passion, dedication and effective actions of its employees.

Reporting Procedures

Students, staff and faculty are strongly encouraged to report all crimes to the Campus Security Department If you are the victim of a crime, witness a crime or suspicious activity, or observe a potential security problem or safety hazard, notify Campus Security immediately.

For police, fire, or medical emergencies, dials 911. For non-emergency or business calls, dial ext. 3370 from campus phones or (770)229-3370. 

Other Campus Security Officials for Reporting

Although Griffin Technical College’s Campus Security strives to maintain a safe and sensitive environment for crime victims/survivors, many campus personnel are available to assist persons who may not wish to contact the police.

Crimes may be reported to administrators and/or Griffin Technical College personnel. Such personnel include Deans, Directors, administrators, faculty and staff.

These employees are required to report crimes listed under the Clery Act to the Campus Security Department, though are not required to report the identity of the victim.  

Procedures for Voluntary Confidential Reporting

If a crime victim/survivor does not wish to file a police report, Campus Security encourages voluntary, anonymous and confidential reports of crimes listed under the Clery Act. Every attempt to substantiate facts will be made. Voluntary and confidential reports of crimes including sexual assault may be made by completing a Crime Data Collection Form.  A victim/survivor or a person who has first hand knowledge of a crime may complete the form. Forms are available in the Campus Security Office and the Office of Student Affairs.

Crime Warnings-Timely Notification

When circumstances warrant, Crime Alert Notices are distributed to warn the college community of a crime or incident that poses a possible threat to campus safety. When the nature of the crime warrants public notification, crime bulletins are distributed throughout the campus.  Griffin Technical College utilizes a telephone voice notification system to alert students and employees of a possible threat to campus safety.

After all facts are obtained, crime warnings are released within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible.

Here are some additional sources of information in the case of a campus emergency:

• www.griffintech.edu  The Campus Security Office aims to notify the campus community as soon as possible on this Web site during emergencies.  
• E-mail: Check your email account for an announcement.   
• Campus plasma screens 
• CallingPost  voice notification system.  Check your telephone for a voicemail message.

·         Anonymous Crime Tip Line

·         To report anonymous crime information, campus community members may leave a voicemail at (770) 229-3370  (NOTE  GET A NUMBER THAT CAN BE USED.  This number provides voicemail features only and and does not display/record location or caller id information.  When leaving your message, please provide as much information and be as specific as possible.  Messages are checked daily and referred to police investigators for follow-up.

Convicted Sex Offender Registration Laws

College Policies

Griffin Technical College has established university-wide policies, laws and procedures that are designed to safeguard the campus community. Some of these policies are summarized in this report.  These policies are also available on the Griffin Technical College website. www.griffintech.edu

Violence Policy

Griffin Technical College is committed to creating and maintaining a working, learning, and social environment which is free from violence. The College has zero tolerance for threats or acts of violence against members of the campus community. Such conduct is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from employment, expulsion from the College, or civil and/or criminal prosecution, as appropriate. The College prohibits and will take decisive action to eliminate:

• verbal harassment
• any act which is physically assaultive
• any threat to harm or endanger the safety of others
• behaviors or action interpreted by a reasonable person as carrying the potential for violence and/or acts of aggression
• any threat to destroy or the actual destruction of property
• possession of a weapon 

It is the responsibility of every administrator, faculty member, staff member and student to take any threats of violence seriously. All threats must be reported to the appropriate authority. Failure to report any threat is subject to disciplinary action. Manager/supervisors can also be held responsible for civil and personal liability. When confronted by an imminent or actual incident of violence, call 9-1-1 immediately. When presented with a threat of possible violence, the following action is recommended:

• Threats by a student should be reported immediately to Campus Security (ext. 3370) and the Vice President for Student Affairs (ext.7371).
• Threats by a staff or student employee should be reported immediately to Campus Security and the reporting employee's supervisor, who will contact Human Resources for assistance.
• Threats by a faculty member should be reported immediately to Campus Security and the appropriate Dean's Office for consultation with the Vice President for Academic Affairs or his/her designee.
• Threats from others not affiliated as a student or employee should be reported immediately to Campus Security.

Campus administrators and/or staff assigned to conduct investigation shall maintain confidentiality to the fullest extent possible, depending on the circumstances and the actions to be taken for resolution. However, in most cases, complainants will need to be identified in order for appropriate action to be taken.

No person who files a complaint, testifies, assists or participates in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing, shall be intimidated, threatened, coerced or discriminated against by any other person within the College community.

Weapons Law

The use or possession of firearms or other weapons by students, employees or visitors while on campus is prohibited by law. Duly sworn police officers are exempt from this law.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

Griffin Technical College students, faculty, staff, and administrators are subject to local, State and Federal laws regarding the unlawful possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs. Campus Security officers enforce all laws regulating the use of alcoholic beverages and underage drinking. .

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession of/or use of illegal drugs on the College  campus or at any college-sponsored event off campus is prohibited. 

Campus Security strictly enforces State and Federal laws, as well as the College’s zero-tolerance policy, for the use and sale of illegal drugs. Violators are subject to College discipline, criminal prosecution and students found in violation of college alcohol and drug policies may be subject to academic probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Employees in violation of the university alcohol and drug policies may be subject to corrective action or dismissal or may be required to participate fully in an approved counseling or rehabilitation program. Applicable legal sanctions under local, State and Federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol range from probation, diversion, imprisonment in the county jail for less than one year, to imprisonment in State Prison.

A police officer can take the license from any driver suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, who refuses to take a blood alcohol test.

The Student Affairs Division provide annual and ongoing , education and/or programming that 1) reinforces healthy lifestyles, 2) provides support services for students who are experiencing problems with substances, and 3) educates students about the impact of both alcohol and other drug abuse. A biennial and ongoing review process is conducted to document and assess campus activities and the effectiveness of prevention programs. Needs assessments are implemented to assess outcomes and modify programs as appropriate to meet program goals.

Excessive use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs is a serious health problem in itself, and can also contribute to a host of other physical and mental health concerns. These include the following: 1) physical harm, such as addiction, damage to the brain and other organs, overdose, coma and even death; 2) accidents and car crashes due to affects on vision, judgment, coordination and other physical skills; 3) social and psychological problems that may interfere with school, job performance, and/or relationships; and 4) unlawful conduct and/or activity, such as committing crimes, exhibiting violent behavior, and receiving sanctions for inappropriate and/or unlawful conduct. For more information on health risks associated with alcohol and other drugs, contact the Student Affairs Office at (770) 228-7371.

Sexual Harassment Policy

All students and employees have the right to learn and/or work in an environment free from discrimination, including freedom from sexual harassment. Allegations of sexual harassment are promptly investigated and appropriate action taken. See Student Catalog for GTC policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment.

Hate Crime Policy, Reporting and Resources

Investigation of hate motivated crimes and incidents are a priority of Griffin Technical College and Campus Security. Our response is necessary to assure the community that discrimination and violence will not be tolerated, and perpetrators of such crimes will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This policy provides: (a) guidelines for identifying and investigating reportable crimes and incidents and (b) the resources to which victims can be referred for assistance.

Criteria for Reporting Hate Motivated Crimes and Incidents

The key criterion in determining whether or not any crime or incident fits into the definition of a hate crime or incident is the motivation behind the incident. Reports of hate motivated incidents are taken because there is a potential for reoccurrence and/or escalation into a criminal act. The following criteria are to be used in determining whether or not an incident is motivated by bias based on race, ethnicity, gender/perceived gender, sexual orientation, religion or disability. The list is not all-inclusive.

1. A criminal act may include any of the following: burning cross or religious symbol; explosives; bomb threats; assault; disorderly conduct; interrupting or disturbing religious, ethnic, cultural, political, or other meetings; unlawful use of the telephone.
2. A non-criminal act or incident, while not criminal, is done with the apparent intention to harass, intimidate, threaten, retaliate, create conflict, because of any person's race, religion, ethnic background, etc.

Reporting Hate Motivated Crimes and Incidents

The Campus Security Office is responsible for collecting and reporting hate motivated statistics. Hate motivated crimes and incidents may be reported to the following locations on campus:

Personnel receiving a report of hate violence are urged to review the circumstances of the incident with the Campus Security Office to ensure that an appropriate report is completed, the perpetrator is held accountable, statistics are collected and disseminated, and the victim and/or communities are provided with assistance/referrals.

Referrals for Hate Motivated Crimes and Incidents

Victim(s) of hate motivated crimes or incidents can receive additional assistance, counseling, referrals, and information from the Vice President for Student Affairs at (770) 229-7371, in the admissions office, or lfutral@griffintech.edu

Access and Security

Most campus buildings are accessible to students, employees, guests and visitors during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, and for limited designated hours during special events.  Most campus buildings have security access control and alarm systems. Campus Security monitors and responds to campus alarms 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Identification and sign-in registration are generally not required.

All special events scheduled for the campus must have prior authorization. Many campus events may require the presence of law enforcement officers. Contact the Office of Facilities and Operations for information on special event policies and procedures at (770) 229-3455.

 Campus Escort Program

Campus Security provides safety escorts during hours of darkness.  Service may be limited and is offered based on staff availability. Contact Campus Security or the evening administrator on duty to request an escort.  Walking with a friend or in groups and staying in well-lit, frequently-traveled areas will also enhance your safety while on campus.

Maintenance of Campus Facilities

The College makes every effort to ensure that the campus facilities and grounds are designed and maintained to promote safety. Particular attention is paid to the design and maintenance of facilities, landscaping and exterior lighting. The Facilities and Operations department maintains the College buildings and grounds. Campus facilities are inspected on a regular basis and repairs impacting safety and security are made promptly. Campus groundskeepers are mindful of security and safety concerns, keeping vegetation controlled around lighting facilities and along campus walkways on a regular schedule. Strategies of crime prevention through environmental design are considered in the design and construction of new facilities. For more information, contact Facilities  and Operations at (770) 233-6139. 

Crime Prevention Programs

Training workshops, presentations, and programs are provided for  department staff and faculty, for students in classes, at New Student Orientation.   These programs are designed to inform and educate our community regarding Campus Security, relevant laws and campus policies, crime and safety issues, targeted issues impacting specific communities, and crime prevention and safety measures and behaviors to minimize risk of victimization. 

Education and Awareness Presentations and Workshops

The Student Affairs Division in Conjunction with the Facilities and Operations Division offers numerous programs to heighten awareness and enhance campus safety. The goal of these programs is to 1. Eliminate or minimize criminal opportunities and 2. Encourage students/employees to take responsibility for personal and community safety.

Education and awareness program topics include: Violence against women (sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking), emergency preparedness, workplace violence, sexual harassment, office safety and security, theft prevention, personal safety, bomb threats, dealing with difficult people, hate crimes, self-defense classes, community oriented policing, law enforcement careers. As crime prevention is a community responsibility, we encourage active participation in prevention programs. 

To schedule a workshop or presentation for your staff, club, or organization, contact the Student Affairs Division at (770) 228-7371

Campus-Wide Safety Committee

This committee works to discuss, evaluate and recommend changes and improvements regarding campus safety issues.

Consumer Disclosures and Graduation Rates

Griffin Technical College is committed to providing students, their families and the campus community full disclosure of all consumer information as required by state and federal laws and regulations. The laws are intended to satisfy the rights of individuals' right to know information that may impact their academic environment, health and safety. Required policies are included in this report and/or may be reviewed on line at www.griffintech.edu  if you wish to request print copies, or have questions or concerns regarding graduation rates and consumer disclosures, please contact Student Affairs at (770) 228-7371

Emergency Information 9-1-1 Fire - Police - Medical

In the event of an emergency, please adhere to the following guidelines. Your safety is of primary importance.

Serious Illness/Injury

1. Telephone Emergency Services at 9-1-1. Be ready to provide as much information as possible regarding the illness/injury.
2. Do NOT move seriously injured or ill persons unless they are in a dangerous location.
3. Administer first-aid or CPR when required and only if you are properly trained.
4. Stay with the victim until help arrives. Keep the victim as calm and comfortable as possible

Fire/Explosion

1. Telephone  9-1-1. Give your name, location and type of fire or explosion.
2. Sound any available fire alarms.
3. Calmly evacuate the building using the stairwell (not elevator) and take personal belongings with you. Check in with your Building Marshal at the designated evacuation area.
4. If you are disabled (in a wheelchair), go to the nearest stairwell and ask someone to notify emergency personnel of your location for evacuation.

 Crimes in Progress

1. Telephone at 9-1-1. Be ready to give your name, location and description of the problem.
2. Contact campus administrator or campus security
3. Do NOT attempt to apprehend or confront the suspects.
4. Be a good witness. Make a note of the suspect's appearance, details of the incident, weapons seen and vehicles involved. Remain calm.

Bomb Threat

1. Immediately call  Police at 9-1-1. If directed to evacuate, make note of anything unusual and report it after you have safely left the building.
2. Remain calm. Write down exact words of caller. Note time of call, voice (male or female, age, accent or background sounds), location of bomb and time it will explode.
3. Ask the caller, if possible, what type bomb, what it looks like, the reason for placing it and who is claiming responsibility.