Frequently Asked Questions

Richard Sexton, Director of Public Safety

Why does Dickinson College have a Public Safety Department?

Dickinson College values a safe and secure community for students, staff and visitors. Having our own public-safety department helps to ensure that we can provide a high level of protection and service to the campus community.

How safe is the campus?

We think Dickinson is very safe, but we realize that incidents can occur. No community is crime free. We take every reasonable measure to insure that our community is safe and violence free. It’s important to remember that crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Every community member must be proactive and take steps to become prepared for campus living.

What services does the department provide?

We provide programs in crime prevention, personal safety, self-defense, risk-management and first aid/CPR. Officers act as liaisons to residence halls, organizations and groups. We provide lockout services and motorist assistance, including portable jump-start kits. Our Campus Safety Service provides specially trained personnel to accompany students and staff during their travels on campus. Whether walking from a residence hall to the library or from the Health Center to the HUB, we can be there with you to promote a safe community.

Does the Department of Public Safety have powers of arrest, or are they just a security department?

Our officers are duly sworn and empowered by Pennsylvania statute to enforce laws within our jurisdiction. This means our officers have virtually the same powers as police officers in your town or city. Safety is our number one priority.

What training and experience do the officers have?

All of our officers receive training and maintain certification in compliance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This training is ongoing through yearly updates and continuing education. Some officers previously worked in municipal policing, while others worked on college campuses prior to joining our “family.” Officers also have specialty training, such as emergency medical response, hazardous materials, anti-terrorism, drug recognition and rape-aggression defense. All are trained and certified as crime-prevention practitioners. A majority of our officers are instructors in manyspecialties and teach for state and local departments.

How many people work in the department?

We have 10 sworn officers, including the director and management staff. We operate a communications center with three full-time and two part-time communications officers. Our support staff includes an administrative assistant and a complement of student assistants, who provide student patrol, communications and administrative assistance. We also have nonsworn security officers to assist with parking enforcement, patrol, traffic and special events.

Who should I contact if I have a question about campus safety?

Parents and students should feel free to contact the director, Richard Sexton, at: (717) 245-1349 or e-mail sextonr@dickinson.edu

Tips for Parents

1. Help your student understand that they have the right not to drink.

2. The majority of students are not getting into trouble with alcohol. Help your student understand how important it is to avoid those situations where the few are more likely to lose control.

3. Make sure that your student knows the penalties for underage drinking, public drunkenness, using a fake ID, driving under the influence, assault and other alcohol-related offenses. Even at college, the law is the law.

4. Make certain that your student understands how alcohol use can lead to alcohol poisoning, date rape, other forms of violence, accidents, legal accountability and academic failure.

5. Be aware of the signs of possible alcohol abuse, like lower grades, reduced communication, trouble with campus authorities and serious mood changes. If you believe your son or daughter has an alcohol problem, seek appropriate treatment.