On May 20^th a student reported suspicious activity near the main campus and it was determined that a lockdown was the best course of action. The lockdown process includes locking all exterior doors, calling the police, making an announcement, and alerting staff and students using our Emergency Alert system. If you have not signed up for this service, we encourage you to do so at https://www.seattlecolleges.edu/about/safety-and-security/emergency-alerts so that you can receive important safety messages. If there is a lockdown, here are some tips to help keep you safe.

• When you receive the lockdown message, immediately stop what you're doing and find a safe place to hide. This could be in a locked classroom, bathroom stall, behind a wall, or other place that is out of sight. There is no time to collect your things or socialize.

• Turn off the sound of your cell phone and stay as quiet as possible.

• Do not attempt to leave the building or room.

• Wait until emergency personnel give you an “all clear!” This will be done using the public address system, emergency alert system, or in person.

If you see someone with a weapon on, or near, the campus, please contact Campus Security at 206-934-5442 and the police at 9-1-1 immediately.

Dear Seattle Central Community,

On Monday night and early Tuesday morning, someone used rocks and other objects to break several windows at the Mitchell Activity Center on the Nagle Place side across from Cal Anderson Park. Police are investigating the incident, which left more than $30,000 worth of damage. The building was not occupied at the time, so no staff member was injured or threatened.

Since then, several of our facilities staff assigned to clean up the damage have been harassed by individuals near the MAC, with rocks thrown at them. We have notified police and asked them for more patrols of our campus.

If you need to visit our Broadway campus, please avoid Cal Anderson Park and Nagle Place. The area has become a growing illegal encampment and it is not safe for pedestrians.

We are working with Seattle Police and the city of Seattle to address the unsafe conditions of the area.

If you witness any ongoing criminal activity, please call 911. Our security staff will also escort you to the Harvard Garage or to the light rail station upon request. The office is available at 206.934.5442.

Over the past year, our campus community has witnessed some disturbing acts of hate in the form of vandalism that is counter to the values we collectively hold. Hate has no place on our campus and we take these acts very seriously!

Hate crimes are defined by law (RCW 9A.36.080) and include a person's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability. Crimes can include being the victim of physical injury, property damage, and/or making threats. While there are legal consequences to these acts, there are also school based sanctions that can be implemented if the offender is a student

We strive to create a campus that is a positive environment, safe, free from hate speech, and conducive to learning. We would like to take this opportunity to remind students, staff, and faculty that if they witness any form of discrimination, hate, bias, or are a victim of an assault on campus, they should report the incident to the Campus Security Department as soon as possible at 206-934-5442 for stop by BE-1108. It is important that these crimes get documented so that we can get help for those affected and, in the case of vandalism, remove the offending language.

With the holiday shopping season upon us, it is especially important to make sure that you do not leave anything of value in your vehicle that is in plain sight. Often, car prowlers will go from vehicle to vehicle “window shopping” until they find something that they can steal. Your car window can be broken, and your valuables stolen in seconds, without anyone in the area knowing.

Make sure that packages, store bags, electronics, and anything else of perceived value are not left in your vehicle. If you have no other place to store your things, then make sure they are secured in your car trunk or out of sight. We have already had one car broken into in the past couple of weeks on campus property and do not want you to be the next victim.

Hello Campus Community. We would like you to be aware of a scam that is going around. Here's what is occurring: a stranger will approach you and say that they are unable to cash a check because their bank is closed (or some other excuse). The person will then ask if you will give them cash in exchange for their check and, in return, they will give you some extra money for helping them out. In most cases, the check is bad, and you will lose your money. They may also follow you to the cash machine and take your money once it is dispensed.

Stay alert and do not fall victim to this scam! Please report suspicious activity to the Campus Security Department at 206-934-5442 or stop by our office in room BE-1108.