Overview

Great Bay Community College strives to ensure that all of our students, faculty, staff, and guests are able to enjoy all that the Portsmouth and Rochester campuses have to offer.

Campus Safety Desk

On the Portsmouth campus the Campus Safety desk is located just inside the main lobby where we can provide direction to all the services, classrooms, and functions within the building. The same information is provided at the Rochester campus at the desk just inside the main entrance by the staff. Visitors and Vendors are asked to check in upon arrival, and out upon departure. 

Campus Safety offers escorts to and from the building to vehicles in any of our parking lots upon request and availability. We also offer assistance with motor vehicle lockouts and jump starting vehicles. We always welcome questions about safety and security concerns.

Clery Report

The annual safety, security, and crime information document that complies with the Jeanne Clery Act is located below.

A hard copy of this report can also be obtained by contacting the Vice President of Student Success and Enrollment Management at the Portsmouth Campus or by calling (603) 427-7644.

This document contains information about statistics of reported crimes that occurred on campus and on public property immediately adjacent and accessible to campus for three previous calendar years. It also has information about crime prevention, services, Campus Sex Crime Prevention Act, disciplinary procedures, and reporting policies and procedures.

Helpful Safety and Emergency Resources

Our Campus Safety Officers, faculty, and staff help ensure that the college is prepared for all hazards. Should an emergency occur, we notify the campus community to be sure that they are aware of any dangerous or threatening issues. Our Emergency Operation Plan also helps ensure that the college’s administration is able to swiftly move towards a resolution and resume normal operations as soon as safely possible following a large scale emergency or disaster.

Crime Prevention

Great Bay Community College is dedicated to a proactive approach to Campus Safety.  

We believe that our community needs everyone to be situationally aware at all times. Our Campus Safety Officers are available to provide information to groups or individuals in the GBCC community about situational awareness and suggested personal safety strategies.

Below are some of the areas to be aware of:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings!! Recognize your vulnerability.
  2. Report all suspicious people, vehicles and activities to the Campus Safety Department immediately, by using any campus blue light phone or by dialing 7697 from any campus phone.
  3. Use the “buddy system” and watch out for our other community members.
  4. Keep your doors locked whenever you find yourself alone in a building.
  5. Report lights that are out and any hazardous conditions immediately to Campus Safety at 603-427-7697.
  6. If you see someone being victimized, get involved and notify the Campus Safety Department or call 911.
  7. Remember the location of emergency phones located in the East lot, West lot, and overflow parking lot on the Portsmouth Campus.
  8. Program the Campus Safety phone number into your cell phone.
  1. Avoid traveling alone at night, on campus or off.
  2. Confine walking to well-lit, regular traveled walks and pathways. Avoid shortcuts and keep away from shrubbery, bushes, alleyways, or any other areas where an assailant might be lurking.
  3. Do not accept rides from casual acquaintances.
  4. When walking to your vehicle or residence, have your keys accessible.
  5. When being dropped off by taxi or private vehicle, ask the driver to wait until you get inside.
  6. If threatened by an approaching vehicle, run in the opposite direction. The vehicle will have to turn around in order to pursue you.
  7. When getting out of a car, take a look around to make sure that you are not being followed.
  8. If you think you are being followed, cross the street and, if necessary, keep crossing back and forth. If you are pursued, call 911 for help and run to a campus building, business, or residence, enlist the aid of a passerby, flag down a passing motorist, or as a last resort pull a fire alarm. Do anything that might attract attention or summon assistance. If you are walking alone and someone passes you, check to be sure that person has continued walking in the other direction.
  9. Call or come to the Campus Safety Department for Escort Service if walking alone at night.
  10. If you find yourself confronted by an assailant you must remember that while screaming and struggling may in some instances frighten off the assailant, in other instances you may further antagonize the assailant and bring forth a more violent reaction. Above all you must keep your head and assess the situation before choosing your course of action. Whether or not the assailant is armed or has made threats against your life should be a determining factor in your decision. The key word in this type of situation is survival.
  1. If, while waiting for an elevator, you find yourself alone with a stranger, let them take the elevator and wait for its return, if you feel uncomfortable.
  2. If you are on an elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy, get off at the next floor.
  3. Always stand near the control panel, where you have access to the alarm and floor buttons.
  4. Emergency phones are installed in all passenger elevators. When you push the button, the phone will automatically dial the monitoring company which can contact Campus Safety.
  1. Do not pick up hitchhikers.
  2. Whenever possible, limit traveling to well-lit, well-traveled roads.
  3. Keep your windows closed and doors locked.
  4. When stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, keep your vehicle in gear. If threatened, sound your horn and drive away as soon as possible.
  5. Consider installing an alarm system with a panic switch.
  6. Avoid stopping in poorly lit, out-of-the-way places.
  7. If your vehicle breaks down, signal for assistance by raising the hood and by tying a white handkerchief to the radio antenna or door handle. Stay inside your vehicle with the windows closed and the doors locked. If a roadside Samaritan stops, roll down your window just enough to talk and ask that he/she call the police. If the person appears to be a threat, sound the horn and flash your lights.
  8. If you think you are being followed, keep out of isolated areas. Look for a place where there are people, then stop and let the vehicle pass you.
  9. If the vehicle continues to follow, drive to the nearest location where you can get assistance, i.e., gas stations, shopping centers, police or fire station, etc.
  10. If you are followed into your driveway or parking lot, stay locked inside your vehicle until you can identify the occupants of the vehicle. If threatened, sound your horn until you attract attention or the vehicle leaves, call 911.
  11. When parking at night, choose well-lit areas. Before getting out of your vehicle, check for people loitering.
  12. Always remove your ignition keys. Lock the vehicle whenever it is unattended.
  13. Before entering your vehicle, always check the interior, paying particular attention to the floor and rear seat.
  14. For escorts to and from your vehicle on campus, call Campus Safety at 603-427-7697 or come to the desk in the main lobby.

Thefts are crimes of opportunity and occur primarily when property is left in unlocked or in unattended areas. In an attempt to alleviate this problem, the Campus Safety Department makes the following suggestions:

  1. Keep vehicle door and windows locked at all times.
  2. Do not put your name or address on key rings.
  3. Do not keep your residence and vehicle keys on the same ring.
  4. If you lose the keys to your residence, have the lock(s) changed.
  5. Women living alone should not use prefixes “Ms,” “Miss,” or “Mrs.” on their doors or mailboxes. Instead, use the first initial and last name.
  6. Do not study in poorly lit or secluded areas.
  7. Require people to identify themselves before opening your door.
  8. If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus, or in your neighborhood, contact the Campus Safety or your local Police Department. Try to get the license plate number.
  9. Make sure that all locking devices are in proper working order.
  10. Utilize a key control system. All department keys should be signed out and collected when not in use. Keys should be issued only when absolutely necessary.
  11. Avoid bringing valuable personal property with you.
  12. Purses should be kept locked up, and coats or jackets should not be left unattended with wallets or other valuables in the pockets.
  13. Watch out for your neighbor. If someone forgets to secure his/her area or property, keep an eye on it.
  14. Report all suspicious persons or improperly secured areas to Campus Safety immediately.

What You Can Do

Your involvement is essential to the prevention of incidents on campus.

Disinterest and complacency are contributors to the success of crime. The burden of crime prevention rests not only with the Campus Safety Department but also with each member of Great Bay Community College. Campus Safety cannot be everywhere at once and are, therefore, dependent upon you to recognize and report incidents of suspicious and criminal activity. The extent of your cooperation will greatly influence Campus Safety’s effectiveness in maintaining a safe environment.

Doing your part means:

  • Being aware of your vulnerability and following the suggestions outlined to protect yourself and your property.
  • Being alert for suspicious or criminal activity and conditions that may represent a hazard to our community.
  • Getting involved by becoming more safety conscious and by reporting all incidents of suspicious or criminal activity, no matter how insignificant, to Campus Safety immediately.

Remember that unreported crimes cannot be solved and that, by not reporting crimes, you allow the perpetrators to commit additional and perhaps more serious crimes. Many times crime solving depends upon how accurately and promptly the incident is reported. It is important that you be able to provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • The nature of the incident.
  • When and where the incident occurred.
  • Number of persons involved (names, sex, race, age, height, hair style/color complexion, distinctive characteristics, i.e. facial features, scars, physical defects, glasses, clothing, etc.).
  • Direction and method of travel.
  • Vehicles involved (color, type, make, model, license plate number and state, distinctive characteristics, i.e., decals, bumper stickers, damage, number of occupants, etc.).
  • Description of stolen property (item, manufacturer, model number, serial number, value, color, dimensions, etc.).
  • Any other applicable information.

Active Shooter

An active shooter is defined as an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms. Finding yourself in an active shooter situation can cause extreme panic and disorientation. If you know what to do ahead of time, your chances of surviving this type of emergency situation are greatly increased.

What to Do in an Active Shooter Situation

If you witness any armed individual on campus at any time, immediately contact the local police at 911.

REMAIN CALM… take a few deep breaths… the most powerful resource you have is your MIND.

 

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DHS Active Shooter Training Video

DHS Active Shooter Preparedness

  • Turn off all the lights and close and lock all windows and doors.
  • Close all window blinds and curtains. 
  • If you can do so safely, get all individuals on the floor and out of the line of fire. 
  • Move to a core area of the building if safe to do so and remain there until an “”all clear”” instruction is given by an authorized known voice.

 

  • If it is possible to flee the area safely and avoid danger, do so. 
  • Contact 911 with your location if possible.
  • If flight is impossible, lock all doors and secure yourself in your space.
  • Close all window blinds and curtains.
  • Get down on the floor or under a desk and remain silent. 
  • Get individuals on the floor and out of the line of fire. 
  • Wait for the “”all clear”” instruction.

WHEN RUNNING AND HIDING ARE NOT OPTIONS

  • Commit to your actions and act as aggressively as possible against the shooter.
  • Recruit others to ambush the shooter with makeshift weapons like chairs, fire extinguishers, scissors, books, etc.
  • Be prepared to cause severe or lethal injury to the shooter.
  • Throw items and improvise weapons to distract and disarm the shooter.
  • Keep hands visible and empty.
  • Know that law enforcement’s first task is to end the incident, and they may have to pass injured along the way.
  • Officers may be armed with rifles, shotguns, and/or handguns and may use pepper spray or tear gas to control the situation.
  • Officers will shout commands and may push individuals to the ground for their safety.
  • Follow law enforcement instructions and evacuate in the direction they come from, unless otherwise instructed.
  • Take care of yourself first, and then you may be able to help the wounded before first responders arrive.
  • If the injured are in immediate danger, help get them to safety.
  • While you wait for first responders to arrive, provide first aid. Apply direct pressure to wounded areas and use tourniquets if you have been trained to do so.
  • Turn wounded people onto their sides if they are unconscious and keep them warm.
  • Consider seeking professional help for you and your family to cope with the long-term effects of the trauma.
  • Report a suspicious looking individual or activity to Campus Safety at 603-205-1136.  
  • Give your location, name and reason for calling.
  • Be ready to supply a physical description of the individual: age, weight, hair color and length, clothing, facial hair and any other distinguishing features.
  • If the individual is in a vehicle, attempt to get the vehicle make, model and color as well as the license plate number, if possible.
  • If you suspect the person is armed or see a weapon, call 911 immediately and report the situation.
  • Do not approach a suspect individual yourself. 

Great Bay Community College ID Card

All students are encouraged to obtain a GBCC ID Card. The card is free to all students and only takes a few minutes to get one.  We recommend that you keep the card on you at all times while at the college.

The GBCC ID Card will identify you as a student at the college; and entitles you to some great benefits:

  • Use it to check out books and other materials from the Library.
  • Ride free on any Coast Bus.
  • Use of the gymnasium and fitness center. (Waiver required)

In order to get your GBCC ID card, you will need to provide some form of identification (ex. driver’s license or passport), as well as your class schedule or college acceptance letter.  They are issued at the Help Desk in room 200. 

If you lose your ID card, you should report the loss to the Help Desk or Campus Safety.
You can obtain a new GBCC ID card at the cost of $10.

Parking on Campus

Members of the college community must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their personal belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. For example, although the campus is well lit, you may feel more comfortable calling Campus Safety at (603) 427-7697 for an escort to your vehicle. Also, consider using the “buddy system” to walk to the parking lot. Vehicles should always be locked and valuables stored out of sight. Any suspicious individuals or activity should be reported immediately.

All students, faculty and staff may park their motor vehicles on campus free of charge. All vehicles parked on campus, anytime, must be properly licensed and inspected.

Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for advising Campus Safety if they are planning to leave their vehicle on campus overnight. They must leave their contact information with Campus Safety and display an overnight parking permit.  The permit are available at the Campus Safety desk free of charge.

Handicapped designated parking is reserved for vehicles operated by handicapped persons. All vehicles parked in handicapped designated spots must display State handicapped license plates or decals.

 

Campus Safety personnel will attempt to assist with minor vehicle issues such as jump starts, lockouts, and tire changes.  Campus Safety and Great Bay Community college is not responsible for losses or damages to any vehicle.  If the responding Campus Safety Officer is unable to assist with the problem, they may facilitate a tow truck to the vehicle location at the requestor’s expense.

 

  • Remember to keep your doors locked and windows rolled up when you are in your vehicle, especially when stopped.
  • If someone tries to get in, drive off immediately. If this is not possible, use your horn to draw attention to what is happening.
  • As you approach your car, have your keys ready. Before entering the car, check the back seat even if your car was locked.
  • Consider your surroundings. Well lit, busy places are obviously the best places to park. If you have to park in a poorly lit area, or have to walk some distance to and from the car, have someone walk with you or contact Campus Safety for an escort.
  • Report to Campus Safety any strange person you see lurking around any parking lot or vehicle.
  • Don’t mark your key chain with your name, address, and/or license number.
  • Report any tampering or other suspicious activity to Campus Safety.
  • If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest gas station, convenience store, or police station, and honk your car’s horn until help arrives.
  • Keep valuables in the trunk, and credit cards in your purse or wallet.
  • Lock your doors as soon as you enter your vehicle.
  • Do not offer help to a stranded driver. Call the Police an let them know about the disabled vehicle.
  • Make sure your bike is securely locked before leaving it.
  • If you have a quick release seat, take it with you.
  • Avoid the use of cable style locks, they can be easily cut.
  • Secure your bike only to a bike rack, never to a signpost or railings.
  • Do not take bikes into buildings. They can interfere with evacuation during an emergency.
  • Always wear proper safety equipment while riding.