It is the policy of the College Board of Trustees to protect the members of the college community and to protect the property of Gavilan College. Under the general direction of the V.P. of Administrative Services, the Gavilan College Security Department, directed by the Director of Security, shall insure that reasonable protection is provided by using methods that fit within and contribute to the educational philosophy and process of the institution.

Gavilan Security Officers

Gavilan Security Officers are non-sworn and unarmed. They may affect arrests by authority of California Penal Code section 830.7(b). Security Officers are available on a daily basis, but schedules vary.

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department has jurisdiction on campus and enforces Federal, State and local laws, including criminal laws and Vehicle Code violations as well as handling the investigation of all criminal and traffic cases that occur on the campus.

Access to Facilities

Most facilities are open from 7 a.m. ­ 10 p.m., Monday- Thursday and 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Fridays.

More information regarding facilities rental

Reporting a Crime

Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on or near campus can be reported by dialing 8-911 from any campus extension, or "10" to access campus emergency. This will activate the on-duty Security Officer's cell phone. To call the cell phone directory, dial (408)710-7490.

For non-emergency assistance,
call 848-4703, or 710-7490.

In case of life-threatening emergency,
call 8-911!

Gavilan Security Department has an excellent working relationship with the County Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol. The Security Department may summon the assistance of other agencies to provide services for those investigations that might require special resources. It is the policy of the Campus Security Department to encourage the prompt reporting of any criminal or suspected criminal activity. The Security Department will investigate thoroughly any report made by students, staff or faculty.

It is the policy of the Gavilan College Security Department to prioritize all calls for service. Calls will be prioritized in the order of urgency in an effort to maximize the use of personnel and facilitate in the immediate dispatch of personnel to emergency situations. Life threatening calls are first priority; felony calls against persons and /or property are second priority; incidents which require a report which may be delayed are fourth priority; and incidents which are of a civil or service nature are fifth priority.

Crime Prevention

One of the essential ingredients of any successful crime prevention program is an informed public. It is the intent of the Gavilan College Security Department to inform students and staff, in a timely manner, of any criminal activity or security problem which may pose a reasonable threat to their physical safety. Such information will normally be distributed to students and employees through campus publications.

The student newspaper, The Rambler, and public information newsletters are two examples.

The Student Right to Know Report, with statistics from the previous four years, is available on our web site.

The Security Department offers night escorts and "Operation I.D.", free engraving of valuables.

For an escort call 710-7490.  For information on "Operation I.D.", call 848-4720.

Finally, all effective crime prevention programs include some measure of people watching out for one another. All Staff and students are asked to be security conscious and involved. Contact Security whenever you see suspicious behavior with a description of the person and any vehicles involved. This may save a fellow student the frustration of becoming a crime victim.

Substance Abuse

In accordance with public law 191-226, the "Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989", the Board of Trustees of Gavilan College has adopted policies and procedures prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students, employees and members of the community on college property.

The possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages by anyone on Gavilan College property is a misdemeanor as per California Business and Professions Code section 25608 and a violation of the college's standards of student conduct. The use, sale or possession of any illegal drug is a violation of state law and any person found in violation of state law may be subject to arrest by federal, state, local or campus law enforcement authorities.

Criminal prosecution is separate from any administrative discipline that may be imposed by the district.

Any student or employee found in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to, and including expulsion from Gavilan College, or termination of employment.

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault
Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault, notify campus security or Student Health Services. Confidential counseling is available on and off campus. Gavilan College is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. All reports of sexual misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and the victim informed of the outcome.

More information regarding Sexual Assault/Violence

Safety / Health Hazard / Physical Barrier Report Form

The Health, Safety, Facility, and Grounds Committee designed this form for your convenience in reporting apparent safety, health hazards and/or physical barriers that exist at Gavilan College. When completed, remove the bottom copy for your records and place the top copy in the mailbox for the Director of Facilities’ Services located in the Administration Building. You may file an anonymous report. Unless it is an anonymous report, a copy of the recommended action will be forwarded to you from the Health, Safety, Facility, and Grounds Committee.

Download Safety / Health Hazard / Physical Barrier Report Form