Public Safety FAQ

Phone: 413-538-2304
Emergency Phone: 1-911
Located: in the Central Services building
Web: Public Safety

What does Public Safety do?
Public Safety provides police services for the community (responding to and investigating incidents and accidents, assisting victims, etc.) as well as many other security services such as lockouts, emergency medical treatment, and on-campus medical transportation. In addition, the department is available to do programming for the community on topics such as self defense, CPR, personal safety, and more. Public Safety also patrols the campus 24 hours per day, watching for suspicious activity and security and safety hazards.

Are Public Safety Officers "real" police officers?
Public Safety Officers, and the part-time Reserve Officers, are licensed police officers. They receive powers of arrest for the Mount Holyoke College campus through the Massachusetts State Police and receive training from the State Police as well as the Criminal Justice Training Council. Each officer is required to take annual Massachusetts continuing education training to be recertified. New officers must successfully complete a 14-week training program at the State Police Academy. Newly-hired officers also undergo a rigorous background check before hire.

Is there theft on campus?
Unfortunately, Mount Holyoke College, like any college, has issues with theft.  And, like any institution, taking simple steps can prevent most incidents of theft.  Always lock your door when you leave your room, even if you are only gone for a few minutes and are right down the hall. If you have a bicycle, always secure it to an indoor residence hall bike rack when not in use. Never leave wallets, handbags, electronics, cell phones, or laptops unattended even briefly anywhere on campus. More information about theft prevention is available online.

Will Public Safety let me into my room if I get locked out?
Yes, Public Safety will provide lockout services to students who are locked out of their assigned spaces. HOWEVER, we are not able to let any community member into another person's or department's space. Officers will ask for identification before opening an assigned space. Students are charged $15 for lockout services. More information on lockouts is available online.

If my car will not start; will Public Safety jump start it?
Public Safety has "jump kits" to assist you. These will not work in every situation and are not always available due to charging time, etc. We suggest enlisting the help of a friend or fellow community member if we are unable to assist or using a service such as an auto club or local service station.

Will Public Safety open the trunk room for me when I move in or out of my residence hall?
Public Safety cannot provide trunk room services at any time during the year. However, Residential Life hall staff can provide access to these spaces if you make arrangements with them.

If I file a report, will Public Safety release my name?
By department policy, Public Safety does not release the names of victims to the public. We may, however, refer cases to the Dean of Students office or other relevant offices on campus. In the case of a sexual assault, Massachusetts state law requires that a victim's name be withheld from the public, and Public Safety will only release a name if permission is given to do so. More information is available on sexual assaults.

If I file a report with Public Safety, do I have to press charges against someone?
In most cases, it is solely the choice of the victim whether or not charges are brought against an offender. In domestic violence cases, the department may be required by Massachusetts law to act based on information we receive about such situations. Public Safety strongly recommends that any incident occurring on campus be reported to the department so the community can be warned if a hazard exists. If you have a restraining order from another jurisdiction, you should deliver a copy to Public Safety and discuss any further concerns with an officer.

What is a PSO?
A PSO is a Public Service Officer. PSOs are people with some experience in law enforcement-related fields, but are not certified as sworn officers. PSOs are assigned to foot patrol, operation of the RIDE Van, and providing coverage in the dispatch center.

What is a Reserve Officer?
A Reserve Officer is a part-time on-call sworn officer. They augment the full-time staff by covering events and special details as well as filling in on shifts for full-time officers who take time off, and also provide extra shift coverage during busy times of the year. They help us to keep costs down by averting some overtime. These officers are often employed full-time in other jobs in law enforcement.