Public Safety Provides Highlights, Updates

The College of Charleston Department of Fire and EMS and Department of Public Safety continue to be at the forefront of setting a standard in collegiate public safety.

The department remains accredited through the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) which is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in accreditation for police agencies. Recently, the department was also awarded their first South Carolina Law Enforcement Accreditation award that adds yet another layer of agency accountability in performance of maintaining law enforcement best practices.

Public Safety recently designed a new shield (badge) for the team to wear. The shield now worn captures the rich history or our university with the inclusion of Randolph Hall, the bricks which form our foundation and our beloved college mascot, the Cougar.

In the end, this shield is not just a piece of metal: It reflects who they are, who they serve and why they do what they do. It is built from our history, inspired by our surroundings and grounded in our mission to protect and serve.

Active Aggressor Response

Public Safety continues to focus its training for police officers in active aggressor response and continues to expand that initiative. Officers have trained extensively in a variety of campus buildings that provide realistic training that often includes role players.

Multiple CRASE (active aggressor) instructors are now on staff and continue to offer training to the campus community throughout the year. To date, over 700 faculty and staff members have been instructed in the latest active aggressor preparation. In the future, this training will be offered to off-campus groups so they too can better prepare for an event. Participants in CRASE not only receive the latest U.S. Department of Justice approved training, but are also instructed in “Stop the Bleed,” which is endorsed by the American College of Surgeons. Participants learn proper tourniquet application, as well as other methods to reduce bleeding from traumatic injuries. The department plans to offer this training to students in the coming year, as well.

If you are interested in hosting a CRASE training course for your department, please contact Deputy Chief Rusty Myers at [email protected].

Emergency Medical Services

“Stop the Bleed” kits are now located within all automatic electric defibrillator (AED) boxes around campus. Those red bags in each contain tourniquets, pressure bandages and absorbent gauze for use in severe casualty situations. In addition, we also deploy trauma kits in many of our patrol vehicles.   

In 2024, the College initiated an enhanced EMT program. Four Public Safety members recently completed an emergency medical technician program offered through Trident Technical College that culminates in becoming a certified EMT. Public Safety currently has five EMTs certified through this program and plans to send additional personnel in the future. This allows them to enhance critical care for anyone with an on-campus injury at a moment’s notice.

The collegiate EMS team continues to provide medical services to our campus community. This unit also partners with Charleston County EMS to provide extended services outside our campus footprint, as needed. The students in this award-winning group are all certified EMTs and contribute a significant amount of personal time as they volunteer to provide yet another level of safety on campus. 

Cougar Police Academy

Public Safety hosted the first-ever Cougar Police Academy earlier this year. This five-week program introduced 23 campus members to the department, offering a behind-the-shield view of operations. The program was an overwhelming success, and the second cohort is currently underway with 17 members participating. The partnerships formed through this program strengthen our resolve to create a safe campus community.

Other News

Public Safety recently partnered with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office to position a Naloxone stand outside Public Safety Headquarters (89 St. Philip St.). The Narcan housed in this stand is free to the public without question. Also, there is now a drop box within the Public Safety lobby where unwanted or unused prescription medicine can be deposited. That medication will be secured and held for destruction. 

The use of drone technology (UAS-Unmanned Ariel Systems) is becoming increasingly useful among law enforcement agencies across the country. Drones provide a quick response to situations and can provide feedback to officers before they arrive on scene. Public Safety has utilized its drone fleet for large events, such as move-in, commencement and facility-damage checks after significant weather events. This program will continue to grow and is another way we are striving to enhance our capabilities.

^{Drone images from the Department of Public Safety}

Your Public Safety team members are here to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The non-emergency number is 843.953.5609. Always dial 911 in emergencies! And the campus community is always invited to stop by and visit the Public Safety Headquarters at 89 St. Phillip St.