Student Handbook - Tougaloo College

Response to Reports of Crime
All crimes reported to Public Safety are considered serious and treated with the appropriate
concern and attention toward solving the crime. All reasonable avenues of investigation will be
pursued concerning a complaint.
A log of reported crime is maintained by the department and shared with interested people or
organizations on a daily basis. Crime logs are located in the Blackmon Administration building,
Health and Wellness Center, Jamerson Hall, Warren Hall, Library, and all residential halls.
Additionally, the campus community will be notified immediately about any crimes or incidents
that seriously threaten campus safety.
Public Safety and Access to Campus Facilities
Although the Tougaloo College campus is open to the public, its facilities are limited to college
academic and administrative activities and programs sponsored by university groups. Anyone
requesting after-hours access to facilities must have the approval of the appropriate authority
prior to being allowed access.
Each resident is provided with a key to his or her room. Entrance to the residence halls are by
card access 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students may access his/her residence hall regardless
of the hour with a valid Tougaloo College student identification card. Entrance to the residence
halls should be through doors with card readers only. “Exit Only” and “Emergency Exit Only”
doors should be locked to prevent outside entry.
College Search Policy
The Board of Trustees and the Administration affirm the right of the individual to the privacy of
his/her room. Authorized college personnel may enter student rooms for normal inspection and
maintenance purposes.
The student’s personal property is not subject to search without expressed approval of the
student, except when a reasonable belief or probable cause exists that the room is being used for
a purpose which is illegal or which would otherwise seriously interfere with campus discipline or
safety.
The search of a student’s personal property can e authorized by the Vice President of Student
Affairs and Dean of Students, or the Director of Residential Life. A search will be conducted by
at least two members of the Department of Public Safety or one officer and a Student Affairs
professional. The occupant(s) of the room will be asked to produce identification at the time of
the search and be requested to remain in the room. The presence of the student(s) assigned to the
room is preferred but not mandatory at the time of the search. The reason(s) for the procedure of
the search will be explained to the occupant(s) of the room prior to the search if occupants are
available. All areas of the room are subject to search. Automobile searches are also in the realm
of the policy.
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