Whether or not you have been a victim of a crime at Palo Alto College, it is safe to say that the service and structure of our campus police staff is a definite curiosity.

The ACCD Police Department protects and serves students 24 hours per day, every day. From 2003-2007, 209 crimes were reported at Palo Alto College.

"The biggest problem we have on this campus is graffiti. It is an actual felony," said Eric Perez, Campus Corporal. "You can go to jail for two years."

Perez is the campus coordinator in charge of security. He keeps an eye on what goes on at our school. According to Perez, graffiti is more common in the Ozuna Building. Security cameras are going to be placed around every building. Perez said that all newer buildings will soon have cameras.

The campus safety plan starts with a "roll" call, normally getting every officer on call in a matter of seconds.

"The more aggressive the call, the more officers we get out," said Perez. "We all just went to an alert training class a couple of weeks ago where we trained for 16 hours to simulate an actual active shooter inside a building and eliminate the threat."

As soon as the ACCD officer hears a single gunshot fired, an orange panic button on his or her radio is pressed, immediately getting every other officer’s attention to quickly assist.

Campus Safety training for students, faculty and staff is being coordinated by the office of Dr. Robert “Bobby” Garza, director of Distance & Extended Education & Community Outreach, Room 109 in the Administration Building. To schedule a session, call (210) 486-3964.

Criminal Justice Major Richard Rios, a sophomore, said, "I'm here from 11 in the morning until six at night, and I was pretty concerned about crime violations because you hear about everything that happens around the campuses, but I have never had any problem here at Palo Alto."

As early as next spring, a Courtesy Patrol Program created by Steve Mardock, Criminal Justic assistant professor, and Peter Van Dusen, Evening and Weekend staff manager, will be in service. The patrol will consist of Criminal Justice students who will roam the campus. They will have their own radios and vests, and they will assist people, helping to be an extra set of ears and eyes for Palo Alto.

In case of an emergency, dial (210) 222-0911 and assistance will be at your service. For non-emergencies, dial (210) 485-0099.

A weekly blotter, a summary of police-related incidents on campus, may be viewed at the Alamo Community Colleges’ Police Department website 24 hours a day.