The University of South Carolina Lancaster welcomes students and visitors to our campus.  Personal safety and security while you are on our campus pursuing academic studies and attending other events is our primary objective. 

The campus historically has a very low crime rate.  Crime prevention and awareness is the key to maintaining personal safety and security in any environment.  Listed below are several fundamental crime prevention techniques that will insure you against criminal victimization.  Law Enforcement services are provided by the Lancaster City Police Department with support from the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Department.  An officer is present on campus during academic periods and is available 24 hours a day.   

In the event that services are needed such as an emergency of any kind or to report possible criminal activity from a campus telephone, call 9-911.  Do not try to find the campus officer during an emergency.  You will receive a quicker response by calling 9-911.  If you are using a cell phone, 911 should work.  There are a few problems with some of the out-of-Lancaster cell providers.  If you do not connect with Lancaster 911 services you may call 803-283-3313 to directly link with emergency services (law enforcement, fire and EMS ). 

Provided on this page for your benefit are links to several agencies which provide services and/or information.  The OPE Campus Security Statistics Reports web site provides Clery reporting statistics for our campus.  The SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED) web site provides crime statistics and registered sex offender data.  Also provided is a direct link to our campus emergency response guide and a list of designated Severe Weather Shelters on campus.

See also important information located in the document, The Student Right-To-Know and
Campuses Security Act. 

JOHN E. RUTLEDGE, Ph.D. Director of Law Enforcement and Security Office: Maintenance & Security Building 803-313-7156 Email rutledj@mailbox.sc.edu Becky Lowery Administrative Assistant 803-313-7084 Email lowerybk@mailbox.sc.edu

Campus Security Duty Station: Maintenance & Security Building Watchmen Cell Phone: 803-804-9637 Curtis Cunningham Tommy Howell Sandy Jones Kennie Parker Sal Rao Smiley Spratt-Wactor James Thompson David Walker

The Law Enforcement and Security Director is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations of the security policies stated in the USCL Student Handbook. All freshmen and new students are informed of security procedures and practices during freshman orientation and are encouraged to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. For Security Procedures, refer to the USCL Student Handbook.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

Keep personal property within sight and secure.  Purses, books and laptops are easy targets for thieves.

Lock your car and make sure valuables are out of sight.

Protect your logins and passwords.  Never share with anyone.

If you or any of your friends are stressed out, contact Counseling Services.

Make sure when you are on campus as a student, faculty or staff that you have your USCL identification card (Carolina Card) and that you park only in designated areas.