Nichols College is a safe college...and we work to keep it that way.

The Nichols College campus is a small community within the rural town of Dudley. The serenity and relatively small size of the campus population could create the illusion that Nichols is sheltered from real world problems such as crime. Historically, there have been few violent incidents on the Nichols campus, but it would be unrealistic to believe that violent crime is impossible anywhere.

The Department of Public Safety exists to help provide a safe environment for students, faculty and staff to work and study. It is recognized, however, that the responsibility for crime prevention does not rest solely with the College administration or campus public safety authorities; it is shared with all members of the community. The success of any prevention effort depends largely on each person following sound practices and recognizing and immediately reporting suspicious or criminal activity to the public safety staff. A truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of students, faculty, and staff.

-Jack Caulfield, Director of Public Safety

Location & Services

Located in the lower level of Alumni Hall, the Department of Public Safety office is open 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. However, Public Safety Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year. In order to report a crime or other emergency, public safety personnel can be reached at any time via campus telephone at extension 5555 or from any phone at (508) 949-0737. The Department of Public Safety management and uniformed services are available for assistance in any way possible and provide the campus with the protection of life, and property in the performance of their duties.

Staff Training and Relationship with Local Authorities

Nichols Public Safety Officers are highly recruited and receive updated trainings on all aspects pertaining to their jobs. All staff members are trained in emergency medical response procedures. They are trained to at least the First Responder level, and all are CPR / AED certified. Some members of the force are Emergency Medical Technicians. Our officers are trained to mitigate situations and to form an environment which is conducive for achieving one's educational goals through mutual respect.

The College also falls under the jurisdiction of the Dudley Police Department. The Nichols Department of Public Safety maintains am excellent working relationship with the local department. Public Safety efforts will be supported by a "Community Policing" effort and work in conjunction with the Dudley Police whenever necessary. Students may contact either or both departments if they are the victims of a crime. Public Safety will notify the Dudley Police Department if there is an immediate need for back-up or other assistance.

Programs and Services

Public Safety Officers respond to complaints of disturbances, crimes, suspicious persons, motor vehicle-related problems, lock-outs, and to any emergency or request for assistance. Officers are responsible for performing investigations, preparing incident reports, and upholding the rules and regulations of the College, including Housing Regulations and the Standards of Conduct for Students. Officers also note security-related problems such as broken windows and malfunctioning lights and locks. Services offered include: Operation I.D., Vehicle Assistance Service, Escort Service, and Lost and Found. Programs put on by the Department of Public Safety are part of an educational effort coordinated by the College throughout the year. The department works with representatives of the Office of Residential Life to ensure that programs presented in the residence halls are informative and timely.

Each year, new students receive crime prevention tips in an information session that is part of orientation. Pamphlets and brochures on a wide variety of crime prevention topics are available at the Public Safety Office and any member of the College community may borrow any crime prevention related videos. The Director of Public Safety or selected officers will speak with any concerned individual or small group about crime prevention or safety concerns.

Access to Campus Facilities

With the exception of residence halls, most College facilities are open to the public during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. When the College is closed, buildings are locked and only faculty, staff, and students with proper I.D. are admitted.

The entrances to selected residence halls are locked at all times. Each Nichols resident student is issued key(s) or an ID card that can be used to gain entry to the front door of his/her building and his/her individual room.