A:  The Department of Public Safety consists of three divisions:  Police, Security Staff, and Student Patrol, all working cooperatively to enhance the quality of life at Western New England College. The Police staff consists of a director (Chief), two Lieutenants, four Sergeants and nine Officers, and handle the law enforcement and community policing aspects of the Department. There are four Emergency Communications Dispatchers who assist the police and administrative staff.  The Security Staff regulates the circulation of people within the Alumni Healthful Living center and the S. Prestley Blake Law Center. The Student Patrol assists all divisions of the department, primarily during the evening hours.

All campus police officers are have the same authority on the campus as municipal police. Each officer obtains his/her power of arrest under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 22C, Section 63. All police officers attend a basic recruit academy instructed by the Massachusetts State Police at the State Police Academy in New Braintree, MA. Campus police have the power of arrest for criminal offenses committed on the lands of Western New England College.

Q:  Are the Police Officers armed?

A:  Yes.  Police personnel sworn under MGL Ch 22C Sec. 63 (above) are authorized to carry firearms while on duty. 

Q:  Where is the Department of Public Safety Located?

A:  The Department of Public Safety is located on Evergreen Road, between the Alumni Healthful Living Center and the Plymouth Residence Hall.

Q:  How do I contact you?

A:  Our contact information is as follows:

     Mail:
          Western New England College
          Department of Public Safety
          1215 Wilbraham Road
          Springfield, MA  01119
      Phone:
          Business: 1.413.782.1207 (ext. 1207 on campus)
          Administrative: 1.413.782.1651
          Emergency: 1.413.782.1411 (ext. 1411 on campus)
          Fax:  1.413.783.3567
      Email:
          police at wnec dot edu
      Website:
          http://www1.wnec.edu/dps or http://www.wnecpolice.net

Q:  What are your hours?

A:  The Department of Public Safety provides 24/7/365 police and security service and is available by calling the business or emergency numbers above. Our office is always open and you are more than welcome to call or stop in with any questions at any time.  However, sometimes you may be referred to contact our administrative assistant during normal business hours (M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)

Q:  What is the number to so-and-so's room or such-and-such's office?

A:  The Office of Information and Technology has posted an online communications directory at the College's website.  This Department does not have a listing of faculty home phone numbers.  If you need to contact a student for a dire emergency, we will send an officer to the student's residence or class and deliver a message, but this is in the case of emergencies only. All other questions regarding student phone numbers should be directed to the office of Residence Life by calling 413-782-1317 during normal business hours.  The College's primary switchboard can be reached by calling 413-782-3111 and is probably the most efficient way of finding the faculty or staff office you are looking for.

INCIDENT REPORTING

Q:  Should I call 911?

A:  Dial 911 in an emergency situation (police, fire, medical.) However, 911 is answered by Springfield Police and a delay in service may result. Although we know when someone calls 911, and where the call is made from, we will not know what the problem is. Since our response to emergency calls would be much quicker, we would like you to call our emergency number, 413-782-1411 instead. If we need additional police/fire/ambulatory services, we will make the calls. An emergency is any situation where there is a threat to lives or property, which is occurring at the time of call, or has just occurred.

Q:  What  makes a person or a vehicle "suspicious?"

A: What is "suspicious" is a subjective decision on the part of the caller. Manner of dress, for example, may indicate a workman employed by the college while an actual burglar may be attired in a suit and tie. A person apparently loitering for some length of time, peering into cars, or attempting to find concealment would be suspicious. The person just may not fit into the college surroundings. It is up to the caller to make that decision, acting on the "better safe than sorry" principle.

Q:  What can I do about my neighbor's loud noise/music/party?

A:  If your peace is being disturbed by some inconsiderate neighbors, give us a call. Officers will respond to the scene and seek the cooperation of the residents. If the noise continues and other complaints are received, officers will work with residence life staff to solve the problem and quell the noise by ending the event.

Q:  Do you handle medical emergencies?

A:  Four of our officers are trained as Emergency Medical Technicians. All officers are trained First Responders who are capable of rendering First Aid, Basic Life Support, and CPR. The department of Public Safety is also equipped with an AED (automated external defibrillator).  For more information, please reference the EMS section of this website.

Q:  How do I file a report?

A:  You can do one of two things: Call the Department of Public Safety and briefly explain the situation to the dispatcher.  An officer will then be sent to your apartment or office to take more detailed information from you.  If required, a report will be written to document the complaint or incident. No reports will be taken via Internet email.

Q:  If I call to file a report or a complaint, will my name be mentioned?

A:  You will be required to give your name and your address to the dispatcher when you call. This is because the responding officer(s) might need to ask you more detailed questions about an incident. Your name will not be made available to any offender(s) at the time of the call. However, your name may appear in written reports. If the incident requires criminal charges, you might also be needed to appear in court as a witness.

Q:  Can I get a copy of the report?

Reports are available upon written request for Insurance Agencies, Attorneys, or Law Enforcement Agencies. These requests must be made on company letterhead and will be filled at the discretion of the Director of Public Safety. Due to certain laws in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, some reports and information will not be made available to the public.

KEYS & ID CARDS

Q:  I'm locked out of my room, can you let me in?

A:  The Department of Public Safety will allow access to students who are locked out of their rooms. We advise everyone to first attempt to contact their Resident Advisor to allow them access, simply because they are usually right there in the building. Positive identification must be presented at the time the service is rendered.

Q:  My student ID/Access Card was lost, stolen, or broken, can I get another one?

If your ID card is lost or stolen, notify this Department immediately, since you don't want someone to use your card to get into your residence hall. We can deactivate your old card and make you a new one. A $20 replacement fee applies to ID cards that are lost or stolen or cards that are broken from neglect or abuse. If your card is simply defective, the replacement fee is waived.

Q:  My room key is lost or has been stolen, what do I do?

A:  If you key has been lost or stolen, you must go to the Office of Residence Life during normal business hours and request a "Core Change Order." You must then bring the Core Change Order to the Department of Public Safety between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The lock on your room door will be changed within 24 hours, but usually that day. You will then be notified that your locks have been changed and you will need to come back to our station to pick up and sign for your new key. If you have roommates or suite mates, they will also have to pick up their new keys in our office. The cost of changing your lock(s) is $100.00 and it is billed to your account.

Additional Key/Lock and ID Card information.

VEHICLE RELATED

Please also see:   Vehicle / Parking Regulations

Q:  The battery in my car is dead, can you help me jump-start it?

A:  Unfortunately, we can not use the cruiser's to jump-start any vehicles. But, we do lend out jumper cables and two "Booster Packs." The Booster Pack is a stand alone device that will jump start your car and attaches to your car's battery, just like jumper cables. To use one of the devices, simply stop by the Department of Public Safety. You will be required to fill out a form and leave an ID while you borrow one of the devices.

Q:  I locked my keys in my car, can you open my car?

A:  In some cases, "Yes."  Depending on the type of car you drive, we might be able to open your car for you. However, with newer cars, there is a better chance of doing damage to the car's locking mechanisms. We will require you to sign a release form before we attempt to open your car door. Sometimes, we may just recommend that you call your auto club or a local tow service to open your car.

Q:  I was involved in a car accident, what should I do?

A:  If your car was involved in an accident while on the College campus, you should contact this Department immediately. However, if the accident occurred off campus or on one of the surrounding streets, then you should contact Springfield Police or the city or town in which the accident occurred. This Department frequently responds to accidents that occur on the perimeter of the college property to render medical assistance if necessary. However, the accident investigation is handed over to Springfield Police when they arrive because they have primary jurisdiction. All accidents on campus roads and parking lots are handled by the Department of Public Safety.

Q:  Do I need to wear my seat belt while driving my car on campus?  Do I need to wear a helmet when I drive my motorcycle on campus?

A:  Massachusetts laws governing the operation of motor vehicles requires that everyone in your car wear a seat belt . . . even while driving on campus. Helmets must be worn by operators of motorcycles and their passengers as well.  It's the law and it could save your life.

Q:  Why did I get a ticket?

A:  Probably because you violated one of the college parking/vehicle regulations. The college ensures that there is a place for you to park your car. It may not be right at the door step to your apartment, but there will be a space for your car. Parking is on a first come - first serve basis. If you come home late at night, the only spaces available might be further away from your residence. We simply ask for your compliance in obeying the parking rules set forth by the college. For more information about the parking regulations, check out the online version or stop by the Department of Public Safety and pick up a copy of the parking regulations booklet. Repeated violation of the College's parking regulations could result in your car being immobilized, towed from campus, or your parking privileges may be revoked.  Please refer to the campus Vehicle / Parking Regulations.

Q:  How do I pay parking tickets?

A:  Tickets can be paid at the Student Administrative Services office during normal business hours. If you do not pay your ticket, the fine will be attached to your next billing statement.

Q:  Can I appeal traffic citations?

A:  Yes. You have seven (7) calendar days from the date the citation was written to obtain an appeal, however, not all citations may be appealed. Stop by the station and file a parking appeal form, and an appeal date will be arranged for you.  Or, you can write a narrative and attach it to the appeal form if you waive your right to appeal the citation in front of the Parking Review Board.  For more information, refer to the campus Vehicle / Parking Regulations.

Q:  How do I register my car for a parking permit?

A:  There are two ways. Stop by public safety and fill out the necessary paperwork. Or go to the Vehicle / Parking Regulations section of our website and download the proper forms. You'll still have to print out the online forms and bring them to the station to receive your permit, but it's much quicker than filling out all the forms in our station. There is no charge for parking permits, but we do seek your cooperation in adhering to the parking regulations, and we do enforce them.

WEATHER RELATED

Q:  I'm traveling to the college from out of state, what are the road conditions there?

A:  This Department does not make recommendations on whether you should drive to the college during inclement weather. We don't know the driving conditions at your location and we don't know your driving capabilities.  We suggest that you should use your common sense and your best judgment. Please refer to this site for a local weather conditions, and this site for regional radar.

Q:  It's snowing, is school canceled or is it going to be canceled?

A:  The Department of Public Safety does not decide whether the college is open or closed due to weather conditions; sometimes we are the last to know.  If you are reading this website, a red and yellow banner will appear across the top of every web page with cancellation information.  We otherwise encourage students, faculty, and staff to call the main number to the College:  413-782-3111 for school cancellations and early closings.  This includes the School of Law.  If the recording says "the college is open and all classes and functions are being held," the College really is open.  We get about as much notice as you do when it comes to canceling classes.  Notice of the College closing is also broadcast on many of the local television and radio stations.

Q:  Maintenance plowed my car in with snow, can you help get my car out?

A:  We do have a limited number of shovels, provided by Buildings & Grounds Department for your use. Ask us to borrow one, but please return it as soon as possible for other students to use. However, we can not use our cruisers to assist vehicles that are plowed in. If it's been snowing, and you have to be somewhere, plan on spending a few minutes shoveling your car out, and cleaning the snow off of it.