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The parklike beauty and peacefulness of the Smith
campus can be deceptive: Smith College is not a crimeless, isolated world. Unfortunately,
crimes are commited here just as they are off campus, in your hometown, or in cities
large and small. We are therefore providing this publication to inform you of the
campus safety services and programs available to you and to urge you to act responsibly
and help promote public safety on campus.
The Smith College Department of Public
Safety provides protection and services to all members of the college community,
including its visitors and guests, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department's
full-time officers are trained professionals. They have police powers on college
property (as granted under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 22C, Section 63)
and are sworn Hampshire County deputy sheriffs. All officers must complete training
as mandated by the Massachusetts State Police.
Moreover, each officer is certified
yearly in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid techniques, and every three
years in first-responder skills. Each also attends a training session on civil
rights and diversity, and four officers have been certified by the state as sexual
assault investigators.
The department maintains close working relationships
with the college and the Northampton Police Department, the Massachusetts State
Police and the Northwestern District Attorney's office. It is Smith's policy to
promptly report to the Northampton Police all criminal activities and serious crimes
committed on campus.
The Department of Public Safety, located in Tilly
Hall, 30 Henshaw Avenue, is staffed 24 hours a day. As the main purpose of Public
Safety is to protect life and property, officers patrol the campus round-the-clock
on foot, on specially equipped mountain bikes or in cruisers.
Paul Ominsky, Director of Public Safety
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Public Safety: An Individual Responsibility