2025 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

Introduction

This report is provided in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, as amended. It offers students and employees of Taft College (“College”) information regarding the College’s security arrangements, policies, and procedures. It also outlines educational programs addressing topics such as drug and alcohol abuse, awareness of various types of sex offenses, and general crime prevention.

Additionally, this report explains the procedures the College will follow to notify the campus community in the event of an emergency. The goal is to equip students and employees with information that supports informed decisions about their personal safety and the safety of others.

Policy for Preparing the Annual Report

This report is prepared by the Director of Campus Safety and Security in cooperation with local law enforcement authorities. It includes information provided by those agencies as well as from the College’s campus security authorities and other relevant departments.

Each year, an email notification is sent to all enrolled students and employees with a link to access the report online. Prospective students and employees are also informed of the report’s availability. Hard copies of the report are available at no cost by contacting Campus Safety and Security at 29 Cougar Court, Taft, CA 93268, or by calling (661) 763-7872.

Taft College is committed to taking the necessary steps to provide a safe and secure learning and working environment for all students and employees. Security procedures are based on established best practices in the field and are regularly reviewed and evaluated for effectiveness.

Clery crime statistics for Taft College may also be accessed through the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool.

General Safety and Security Policies

Campus Security Personnel & Relationship with Local Law Enforcement

Taft College Campus Safety and Security is responsible for campus safety at the College.

Taft College Campus Safety Officers receive training pursuant to California Education Code 72330.5. Their goal is to keep Taft College a safe and welcoming environment. Campus Safety Officers can enforce traffic and parking regulations pursuant to California Vehicle Code 21113, but otherwise do not possess law enforcement authority.

While the College does not have any written agreements with local law enforcement agencies, it does maintain a close working relationship with local police.

Campus Security Authorities

The College has designated certain officials to serve as campus security authorities. Reports of criminal activity can be made to these officials. They, in turn, will ensure that the crimes are reported for collection as part of the College’s annual report of crime statistics. The campus security authorities to whom the College would prefer that crimes be reported are listed below:

Reporting a Crime or Emergency

The College strongly encourages prompt and accurate reporting of all criminal actions, emergencies, or other incidents occurring on campus, College-owned property, or nearby public property. Reports should be made to the appropriate administrator and police agencies. This applies even if the victim chooses not to report the crime or is unable to do so.

Confidential Reporting

The College is committed to protecting the confidentiality of victims. Only individuals with a legitimate educational or safety need to know the victim’s identity for purposes of investigation, providing assistance, or imposing discipline will be informed.

In accordance with the Clery Act and California law, professional counselors and pastoral counselors (if the College had any) are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the College’s crime statistics, when acting in their role as counselors. The College currently has professional counselors but no pastoral counselors.

Professional counselors are encouraged, when appropriate, to inform individuals they are counseling of the option to report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the College’s annual crime statistics. These reports can help identify patterns and threats to the campus community without revealing the victim’s identity.

Victims of other crimes (e.g., aggravated assault, burglary) who do not wish to pursue action through the College or the criminal justice system are still encouraged to make a confidential report to a Campus Security Authority (CSA). This allows the College to include the incident in annual statistics and take steps to prevent future occurrences.

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

All academic buildings are secured during evenings, weekends, and holidays. Access is restricted to faculty and staff members, as well as students accompanied by faculty or staff. Access to the Ash Dorms and the Cougar Dorms is controlled by locked gates, which must be unlocked for each entry. The gates have electronic locks activated by issued key cards. The Center for Independent Living (CIL) dorm rooms are each equipped with electronic locks. Campus Safety Officers patrol the residence areas and the rest of the campus throughout the evening, including vehicle patrols of parking lots and surrounding areas.

Students and employees are reminded to stay alert and adhere to safety practices and procedures:

Keys or electronic access to offices, laboratories, and classrooms will be issued to employees only as needed and with proper authorization. Each department supervisor is responsible for ensuring their area is secured and locked.

Employee and student identification cards may be used to verify the identity of individuals suspected of being in campus facilities without permission.

Security Considerations in the Maintenance of Facilities

The Campus Safety & Security Department collaborates with the Facilities, Maintenance, and Operations Department to identify and address maintenance issues that may pose safety hazards on campus. Regular safety checks are conducted to identify malfunctioning street or safety lights and to determine if shrubs or other landscaping need trimming. Facilities personnel and Campus Safety personnel routinely inspect to ensure adequate lighting on pathways and that egress lighting is functioning properly in hallways and stairwells.

The College aims to enhance campus security and the safety of its community members by periodically presenting educational programs. These programs inform students and employees about campus security procedures and practices, encourage them to take responsibility for their own security and the security of others, and provide crime prevention information.

At the beginning of each academic term, the College disseminates information about its security procedures and practices to students and employees. This information is shared through posters, displays, website articles, and social media posts. It emphasizes the importance of reporting criminal activity, identifies to whom crimes should be reported, and outlines practices for timely warnings and emergency notifications.

Crime prevention programs are presented each semester by Student Services. Additionally, periodic email blasts are sent to students and employees with crime prevention and safety tips. Information on crime prevention is also available in the Campus Safety and Security Office. The Campus Safety and Security Office regularly posts safety tips, crime reporting information, and reminders on campus social media accounts.

Monitoring Off Campus Locations of Recognized Student Organizations

The College does not have any officially recognized student organizations with off-campus locations and, therefore, does not monitor or record criminal conduct occurring at such locations.

Disclosure of the Outcome of a Crime of Violence or Non-Forcible Sex Offense

Upon written request, the College will disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence (as defined in Section 16 of Title 18, United States Code) or a non-forcible sex offense, the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the College against the student accused of such crime or offense. If the alleged victim is deceased as a result of the crime or offense, the next of kin will be treated as the alleged victim for this purpose.

This disclosure procedure does not apply to victims of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Under the Violence Against Women Act, both the accused and the accuser in these cases receive the results automatically without needing to make a written request.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

The College is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free of alcohol abuse. The possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages on campus or as part of any College activities are prohibited unless conducted in accordance with applicable College policies. The College also cooperates with law enforcement authorities to enforce state underage drinking laws.

Additionally, the College enforces federal and state drug laws. The possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited on campus or as part of any College activities. Violators of the College’s policies or federal and state laws regarding illegal drugs will face disciplinary action and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Federal Drug Laws

Denial of Federal Benefits (21 U.S.C. § 862)
A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits such as student loans, grants, contracts, and licenses. For drug trafficking convictions, benefits may be denied for up to five years for a first offense, ten years for a second offense, and permanently for a third offense. For possession convictions, benefits may be denied for up to one year for a first offense and up to five years for subsequent offenses, at the court’s discretion. Successful completion of a drug treatment program, periodic testing, and community service can be conditions for reinstating benefits.

Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate (21 U.S.C. § 853)
Anyone convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison is required to forfeit personal and real property related to the violation. Property may be seized at the time of arrest if charges could lead to forfeiture.

Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 U.S.C. § 841)
Penalties for federal drug trafficking vary based on the type and quantity of the drug involved. For Schedule I or II substances, penalties include up to 20 years in prison. If the illegal distribution leads to death or serious bodily injury, the offender may face life imprisonment and fines of up to $10 million. For Schedule III substances, penalties include up to 10 years in prison, or up to 15 years if death or serious injury occurs, with fines up to $500,000. For less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, the sentence may be up to five years and fines up to $250,000.

Drug Trafficking Near Schools (21 U.S.C. § 860)
Drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school or university results in penalties that are double those of the base offense, with a mandatory minimum of one year in prison, unless the offense involves five grams or less of marijuana.

Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 U.S.C. § 844)
A conviction for possession of a controlled substance can result in up to one year in prison, a mandatory fine of at least $1,000, or both for a first offense. Subsequent convictions lead to increased prison terms and fines, including up to 90 days to three years in prison for further offenses.

Drug and Alcohol State Laws

Possession of Marijuana

Controlled Substances

California statutes cover a wide range of offenses related to the delivery, sale, furnishing, transfer, possession, or manufacture of controlled substances, including those formerly classified as “narcotics” and “restricted dangerous drugs.” See Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 11350–11392. Penalties vary depending on the type and amount of the controlled substance, the offender’s prior criminal history, and the intent (e.g., personal use, sale, or manufacturing). See Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 11350, 11377.

Engaging a minor in any drug-related activity—whether using, employing, inducing, or selling to a minor, or operating in locations where minors are present—is a distinct offense and carries enhanced penalties. See Cal. Health and Safety Code §§ 11353–11354 and 11380. For instance, first-time possession of opiates (Schedule I substances) without a valid prescription can result in up to 1 year in jail and a fine of at least $1,000. Possession of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB or “date rape drug”) with the intent to commit sexual assault is punishable by up to 3 years in prison.

Alcohol and Minors

A minor who purchases or consumes alcohol at an on-sale premises is subject to a fine of $250 or required to complete 24 to 32 hours of community service. For second or subsequent offenses, the penalty increases to a fine of up to $500 and 36 to 48 hours of community service. See Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code § 25658.

Anyone who sells, furnishes, or gives alcohol to a minor is guilty of a misdemeanor, as is a minor who purchases alcohol. Furnishing alcohol to a minor carries a fine of $1,000 and at least 24 hours of community service. If the minor consumes the alcohol and causes great bodily injury or death to themselves or another person, the individual who provided the alcohol may be imprisoned for 6 months to 1 year and fined $1,000. See Cal. Bus. and Prof. Code § 25658.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

It is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. It is also illegal to drive if addicted to the use of any drug. See Cal. Veh. Code § 23152. Violating these provisions constitutes a misdemeanor. See Cal. Veh. Code § 40000.15. For a first offense, the punishment ranges from 96 hours to 6 months imprisonment, with a minimum of 48 continuous hours, and a fine between $390 and $1,000. See Cal. Veh. Code § 23536.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The College has a drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program and conducts a biennial review of this program to evaluate its effectiveness. For more information, see below:

The College also offers alcohol awareness and drug awareness programs at least once per academic year.

Consistent with applicable laws, the College prohibits dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The College’s policies and procedures for addressing these complaints, including filing, investigating, and resolving them, may be found in:

The following sections outline the College’s educational programs aimed at raising awareness of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. They also provide guidance for students and employees on the procedures to follow and the services available if they become victims of one of these offenses. Additionally, these sections detail the disciplinary procedures that will be followed in the event of an allegation.

Primary Prevention and Awareness Program

The College conducts a Primary Prevention and Awareness Program (PPAP) for all incoming students and new employees. The PPAP informs campus community members that the College prohibits the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also covers topics such as relevant definitions, risk reduction, and bystander intervention.

Crime Definitions

The following definitions include both the Clery Act definitions and the most relevant California statutory definitions. Where California law does not use the same term as Clery, the closest applicable state statute is provided for clarity.

Dating Violence

Clery Act definition: Violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The existence of such a relationship is determined based on the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved.

California law: While California law does not specifically use the term dating violence, Penal Code §§ 243(e)(1) and 273.5, and Family Code §§ 6211 and 6209, define acts of abuse between individuals in intimate or dating relationships, including cohabitants, former cohabitants, fiancés/fiancées, or persons with whom the individual has had a dating relationship.

Domestic Violence

Clery Act definition: A felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner, a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, a person who is cohabitating or has cohabitated as a spouse or intimate partner, a person similarly situated to a spouse under state domestic or family violence laws, or any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

California Family Code § 6211: Abuse perpetrated against any of the following persons:

(a) A spouse or former spouse
(b) A cohabitant or former cohabitant (Cal. Fam. Code § 6209)
(c) A person with whom the respondent is having or has had a dating or engagement relationship
(d) A person with whom the respondent has had a child together
(e) A child of a party or subject to an action under the Uniform Parentage Act
(f) Any other person related by consanguinity or affinity within the second degree

California Penal Code §§ 242 and 243(e)(1) also provide penalties for battery against these persons. Penal Code § 273.5 establishes felony penalties for inflicting corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition.

Stalking

Clery Act definition: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or suffer substantial emotional distress.

California Penal Code § 646.9: Any person who willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly follows or harasses another person and makes a credible threat with the intent to place that person in reasonable fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family.

Sexual Assault

Clery Act definition: An offense that meets the definition of rape, fondling, incest, or statutory rape as used in the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program.

California law: Although “sexual assault” is not a named offense in California statutes, the following crimes meet the Clery definition:

Clery guidance: Consent must be informed, freely given, and mutual. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms.

California Penal Code §§ 261.6, 261.7: Consent means positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to the exercise of free will. A current or previous relationship or the act of requesting or using birth control does not, by itself, constitute consent.

Risk Reduction

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable sexual situation, the following tips may help reduce your risk. These suggestions are meant to support general crime prevention and are not intended to place blame on victims. Remember, it is never your fault if you are targeted by any crime. These tips are not guarantees but tools to enhance personal safety.

If you are initiating sexual activity, these tips may help reduce the risk of being accused of misconduct:

Warning signs of a potentially abusive person may include:

These signs alone do not confirm abuse, but multiple indicators may justify concern.

Bystander Intervention

Individuals can take safe and positive steps to prevent harm and intervene when there is a risk of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaign

The College also conducts an Ongoing Prevention and Awareness Campaign (OPAC) targeting all students and employees. OPAC covers the same material as the PPAP but is designed to deepen understanding and improve skills for preventing and responding to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

PPAP and OPAC Programming Methods

Prevention and awareness programs are conducted using a variety of strategies and tailored to specific audiences. These methods include:

Program highlights:

Procedures to Follow if You Are a Victim of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

If you are a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking:

Victims will be notified in writing of the following procedures:

  1. To whom and how the offense should be reported (Title IX Coordinator or other resources listed in this report)

  2. The importance of preserving evidence necessary for criminal or disciplinary proceedings, or for obtaining a protective order

  3. Options for notifying law enforcement:

    • Notify on-campus or local police
    • Be assisted by campus security authorities if desired
    • Decline to notify authorities
  4. The victim’s rights and institutional responsibilities regarding:

    • Protective orders
    • No-contact orders
    • Restraining orders
    • Other lawful court-issued protections

Preservation of Evidence & Forensic Examinations

Victims of physical assault should avoid changing clothes or cleaning up, as clothing may contain fiber, hair, and bodily fluid evidence. Avoid bathing or altering the environment where the assault occurred.

A forensic exam can be obtained at:

Mercy Southwest Hospital
400 Old River Road
Bakersfield, CA 93311
(661) 663-6000

You are not required to file a police report to obtain a forensic examination. Preserving evidence now ensures that you retain options later.

Victims should also retain electronic evidence, such as:

This may be especially critical in stalking cases.

Security/Law Enforcement & How to Make a Police Report

To file a report:

The College does not issue protection orders but cooperates with law enforcement and victims in obtaining and enforcing them.

Trespass warnings may be issued pursuant to California Penal Code § 626
Institutional no-contact orders may be issued between students or employees when appropriate

For assistance in obtaining a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), contact:

Open Door Network: (661) 322-9199
Open Door Network Services

If you already have a protection order:

In the event of a violation:

Additional Contacts:

Available Victim Services

Victims will be provided written notification about available services—both on campus and in the surrounding community—including counseling, health services, mental health support, victim advocacy, legal assistance, immigration and visa assistance, and financial aid.

College Resources

State and Local Resources

National Resources


Accommodations and Protective Measures

The College will provide written notification to victims about available accommodations and protective measures, including changes to:

Requests should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at (661) 763-7810. Measures are available regardless of whether a formal report is filed.

In determining reasonableness, the College may consider:

The College will keep accommodations confidential to the extent possible. However, some information may need to be shared with third parties to carry out certain measures. In such cases, the victim will be informed in advance, including what information will be shared, with whom, and why.


Procedures for Disciplinary Action

Complaints of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking are handled under the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Reports may be made to:

Title IX Coordinators

Heather del Rosario
Vice President of Human Resources
(661) 763-7805
hdelrosario@taftcollege.edu

Rashitta Brown-Elize
Interim Vice President of Student Services
(661) 763-7810
relize@taftcollege.edu

Once a report is filed:


Rights of the Parties

Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to:

  1. A prompt, fair, and impartial process

    • Transparent procedures consistent with institutional policy
    • Timely notice of meetings
    • Equal access to evidence used in proceedings
    • Proceedings conducted by trained officials free from conflict of interest or bias
  2. Processes led by officials trained in:

    • Evidence use
    • Witness interviewing
    • Procedural fairness
    • Conflict of interest avoidance
  3. Equal opportunity to have an advisor of their choice present

  4. A decision based on a preponderance of the evidence

  5. Simultaneous written notification of:

    • Outcome of the proceeding
    • Appeal procedures
    • Final decision and rationale
    • Any changes to the decision

Possible Sanctions or Protective Measures That the College May Impose for Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking

After a final determination in the disciplinary process, the College may impose sanctions based on the circumstances of the case. Possible student sanctions include:

For employees, potential sanctions include one or more of the following:

A student or employee subject to suspension must meet with the appropriate administrator (Vice President of Student Services or Vice President of Human Resources) to discuss re-entry and future expectations.

Protective measures may also include:


Publicly Available Recordkeeping

The College will complete all required public recordkeeping, including Clery Act reporting and disclosures, without including personally identifiable information about victims. This includes reports of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, to the extent permitted by law.


Victims to Receive Written Notification of Rights

When a student or employee reports to the College that they have been a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking—regardless of where the offense occurred—the College will provide a written explanation of their rights and options, as detailed in this section.


Sex Offender Registration Information

In accordance with the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act of 2000 (which amends the Clery Act) and California Penal Code § 290.46, members of the campus community can obtain information about registered sex offenders through resources maintained by law enforcement.

California law: Individuals required to register must do so with the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where they live, work, or attend school. The California Department of Justice maintains an online database at the California Megan’s Law Website. Information can also be obtained in person at the Taft Police Department, 320 Commerce Way, Taft, CA 93268, or by calling (661) 763-3101.

The Taft College Campus Safety and Security Department is a non-sworn security agency and does not register sex offenders. The College coordinates with local law enforcement to receive relevant information and, when necessary, will issue timely warnings to the campus community if a registered sex offender is determined to pose a threat, in accordance with the Clery Act and California law.

Timely Warnings and Emergency Response

Timely Warnings

If criminal activity occurs on or near campus and, in the judgment of the Director of Campus Safety and Security or the Vice President of Human Resources, presents a serious or continuing threat to the campus community, a campus-wide timely warning will be issued. Examples may include incidents such as a sexual assault or a pattern of vehicle thefts.

Timely warnings will be communicated through one or more of the methods listed below. Updates will be provided as appropriate.

Anyone with information warranting a timely warning should report it immediately to:

The College has also requested that local law enforcement notify the College of any reports that may require a timely warning.

Emergency Response

The College maintains an emergency management plan designed to provide a timely and effective response to significant emergencies or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to health or safety. These may include incidents such as:

The College has requested that local law enforcement alert it to situations that may require an emergency response.

Students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to report emergencies or dangerous conditions to the Director of Campus Safety and Security at (661) 763-7872.

The Vice President of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Director of Campus Safety and Security and other administrative personnel, will confirm the emergency and initiate the College’s response. If necessary, local emergency services will be contacted.

The College will, without delay—and taking into account the safety of the campus community—determine the content of the notification and initiate the emergency notification system. However, if issuing a notification would compromise efforts to assist a victim or contain, respond to, or mitigate the emergency, notification may be delayed.

The Director of Campus Safety and Security will consult with appropriate College officials to determine which segment(s) of the campus community should be notified. Emergency notifications may include instructions to shelter in place, evacuate, or take other protective actions.

The Vice President of Human Resources (or designee) will direct the issuance of emergency notifications using one or more of the methods listed below. Additionally, at the direction of the Superintendent/President (or designee), local law enforcement and media outlets may be notified to alert the broader community.

Methods for Issuing Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications

Method Sign-Up Instructions
Emergency Alert Portal (phone, text, email) All students are automatically enrolled using the email address provided during registration. Students can manage contact preferences via the Emergency Alert Portal.
In-building notifications Broadcast via telephone speakers in classrooms and offices. No sign-up necessary.

Testing and Documentation

The College conducts at least one annual test of its emergency response and evacuation procedures. These tests will be announced. No unannounced tests of this type will be performed.

Additionally, the Campus Safety and Security Committee meets periodically to evaluate and refine the College’s emergency response plans.

The Director of Campus Safety and Security maintains records of all tests and training exercises, including:

At least once per year, in connection with a test, the College will distribute information to students and employees reminding them of the emergency response and evacuation procedures.

Missing Student Policy

If a member of the College community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, that information should be reported immediately to:

Any College employee receiving a missing student report should immediately notify Campus Safety & Security at (661) 763-7774 so that an investigation can be initiated.

Students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify, confidentially, an individual to be contacted by the College only in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. If a student has designated such an individual, the College will notify that person no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing.

The option to designate a confidential contact is in addition to any general emergency contact information the student may have provided; however, the same individual may be designated for both purposes. A student’s confidential contact information is accessible only to authorized campus officials and will be disclosed only to law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing student investigation.

Students may designate a confidential contact by completing the appropriate portion of the Dorm Contract provided during dorm orientation and submitting it to the Dorm Supervisor.

If, after investigating a missing person report, it is determined that the student has been missing for 24 hours, the College will notify local police authorities unless local law enforcement was the agency that made the determination.

If the missing student is under the age of 18 and not emancipated, the College will also notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian within 24 hours, in addition to any other contact person designated by the student.

Reportable Crime Statistics

Hate Crimes

Crimes Unfounded by Law Enforcement

Data from Law Enforcement Agencies

The chart below covers Clery-reportable statistics for the past three calendar years.

Clery Act Annual Security Report

Reportable Crime Statistics

The table below presents Clery Act crime statistics for Taft College covering the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. All reported offenses within campus geography are included.

Crime Type On Campus Student Housing On Campus Total Non-Campus Public Property
202420232022 202420232022 202420232022 202420232022
Murder or Non-Negligent Manslaughter000000000000
Manslaughter by Negligence000000000000
Rape000000000000
Fondling001001000000
Incest000000000000
Statutory Rape000000000000
Robbery000000000000
Aggravated Assault000001000000
Burglary000020010000
Motor Vehicle Theft000100000000
Arson000016000001
Domestic Violence000000000000
Dating Violence000000000000
Stalking000000000000
Liquor Law Arrests000000000000
Drug Law Arrests000000000000
Weapons Law Arrests000000000000
Liquor Law Referrals000000000000
Drug Law Referrals000002000000
Weapons Law Referrals000000000000
©

Annual Fire Safety Report

Housing Facilities and Fire Safety Systems

The College maintains on-campus housing for its students. Below is a description of fire safety systems and the number of fire drills conducted during the previous calendar year.

Campus: Taft College, 29 Cougar Court, Taft, CA 93268

Facility Fire Alarm Monitoring Done on Site Partial Sprinkler System Full Sprinkler System Smoke Detection Fire Extinguisher Devices Evacuation Plans & Placards Number of evacuation (fire) drills in previous calendar year
Ash Dorms, 715 Ash Street X X X X X 0
Cougar Dorms, 29 Cougar Court X X X 0
Living Classrooms (CIL), 29 Cougar Court X X X X X 0

Policies on Portable Appliances, Smoking and Open Flames

The use of open flames, such as candles, and the burning of such things as incense, and smoking are prohibited in campus housing. Only surge-protected extension cords are permitted. Only the following portable cooking appliances are permitted to be used in campus housing: microwave ovens. Also, tampering with fire safety systems is prohibited and any such tampering may lead to appropriate disciplinary action.

The College reserves the right to make periodic inspections of campus housing to ensure fire safety systems are operational and that the policy on prohibited items is being complied with. Prohibited items, if found, will be confiscated and donated or discarded without reimbursement.

Fire Evacuation Procedures

In the event of a fire, the College expects that all campus community members will evacuate by the nearest exit, closing doors and activating the fire alarm system (if one is nearby) as they leave. If circumstances permit at the time of the alarm, additional instructions will be given regarding where students and/or staff are to relocate.

Fire Education and Training Programs

Fire safety education programs for all residents of on-campus student housing and all employees with responsibilities related to that housing are held at the beginning of each academic year. Their purpose is to: familiarize everyone with the fire safety system in each facility, train them on procedures to follow if there is a fire and inform them of the College’s fire safety policies. Information distributed includes maps of each facility’s evacuation route and any fire alarms and fire suppression equipment available in the facility. Attendees are advised that participation in fire drills is mandatory and any student with a disability is given the option of having a “buddy” assigned to assist him or her.

Reporting Fires

The College is required to disclose each year statistical data on all fires that occurred in on-campus student housing. When a fire alarm is pulled and/or the fire department responds to a fire, these incidents are captured. If you encounter a fire that presents an emergency situation, ensure your own safety and then please call 911.

There may also be instances when a fire is extinguished quickly and an alarm is not pulled or a response by the fire department was not necessary. It is important that these incidents be recorded as well. Therefore, if you are aware of such a fire, see evidence of one or hear about one, you should contact the Director of Campus Safety and Security at (661) 763-7872. When providing notification of a fire, give as much information as possible about the location, date, time and cause of the fire.

Appendices

Appendix A: BP 5500 Standards of Student Conduct

The current version of this policy can be found here.

Appendix B: BP 3550 Drug Free Environment and Drug Prevention Program

The current version of this policy can be found here.

Appendix C: AP 3540 Sexual and Other Assaults on Campus

The current version of this policy can be found here.

Appendix D: BP 3540 Sexual and Other Assaults on Campus

The current version of this policy can be found here.

Appendix E: AP 3434 Responding to Harassment Based on Sex under Title IX

The current version of this policy can be found here.

NOTE: The policy linked reflects the currently published version. However, the Title IX Coordinator for students is currently the Interim Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Rashitta Brown-Elize (relize@taftcollege.edu, (661) 763-7810).