Here to keep us safe

When it comes to ensuring the safety and security of the students and staff here at Yuba College the Yuba Community College District Police Department is fully committed to the task.

The college police department uses a variety of patrolling methods to keep us safe. On any given day you will see uniformed officers patrolling on foot as well as in the patrol vehicles. There are also non-uniformed officers patrolling the campus as well as trained cadets that greatly add to the efficiency of the police department.

Among the many duties of the college police department such as helping to deter crime and enforcement of the district parking policy, Chief Osbourn says, “our main job is to help people feel safe.”

Although they have a very dedicated and capable staff, Chief John Osbourn asks that we all “be proactive community members. When you see something unusual or suspicious call 911.”

Chief Osbourn also wanted to remind us that safety tips apply all year and not to become lackadaisical as the school year is coming to an end and things are slowing down.

Parking lot safety is one area that we seem to become careless with so Chief Osbourn and his staff have a few helpful tips to help us all stay safe.

First of all, be aware of your surroundings. This is most important during night classes. Park close to the building and walk with a buddy. If you feel there is a reason to be uncomfortable you can contact the police department for an officer escort to your car.

Leaving valuables in your car brings attention to thieves. Chief Osbourn informs us that “most thefts are thefts of opportunity.” Being attentive to what is visible in your car can help reduce the chance that you will become a target.

Here are some things to be mindful to secure out of sight: keys in the ignition; cash or change; cell phones and ipods lying in a visible location. Leaving your purse, backpack or laptop in the car while you go to class is a good way to attract some bad attention.

You might not even realize that you are making yourself a target. According to Chief Osbourn, “people take for granted their own vulnerability.” Things like the old gym bag lying in the back seat or leaving your doors unlocked can be appealing to a thief.

While talking with some of the cadets, the general consensus of the group was that most safety tips are common sense but that it is always nice to have a reminder. Being aware is one of the greatest ways we can help the police department keep us safe. Officer Her says that,”awareness and reporting an incident when it happens make it possible to do our job and keep everyone safe.”