As the first few weeks of summer session at Rio Hondo rolled by, campus President Teresa Dreyfuss issued a message for new and returning students who would be utilizing the facilities during the summer.

The bulk of the letter revolves around students educating themselves about personal safety while on the campus and attending off-site locations. Dreyfuss reminds students that the Rio Hondo College campus is “open to the public and is patrolled 24 hours/day, every day, by contract security personnel.”

She also emphasizes the need for foresight and responsibility in preventing crimes by simply protecting personal property, as well as deterring it by locking car doors; not leaving valuables in sight within vehicles; and by reporting suspicious or unusual activity. Students are also encouraged to seek assistance in the Evening College Office (located in the Administration Building).

At night, Dreyfuss points to simple tactics such as walking with others to remain safe.

In emergencies, use of the Blue Light phones in the parking lots and in the Upper Quad, or dialing 911 or Campus Security at 562-463-3490, should be the first options. However, in case of immediate emergencies or threats, students should always contact 911.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department station in Pico Rivera provides police service for the Rio Hondo campus; students are reminded to call the Sheriff themselves to file a formal complaint and/or report. Cooperate with College Security personnel when asked to file a report with the Sheriff, it will only help in earning the necessary response for the incident.

Cooperation and adherence with these could help prevent and deter unwanted or illegal behavior on your campus.