The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard Community College, and Brevard County’s public safety community announced today a partnership to strengthen both security and safety as BCC transitions into State College. BCC will have a new name – Eastern Florida State College – to reflect its heightened status starting July 1, 2013.
BCC President Dr. Jim Richey and Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced several steps in coordination with Brevard County’s local police and fire departments to ensure the College is safer for its 35,000 students, faculty and staff. The steps follow a review of all BCC operations that Dr. Richey initiated when he became president last year and as the College actively prepares to offer four-year degree programs.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our students, faculty, staff and any member of the public who visits our campuses,” said Richey. “We’re working closely with our Sheriff’s Office and Police Departments to create a comprehensive approach to safety. The College’s 48 active Security Officers will continue to provide around-the-clock protection for our four campuses, playing a key role in safeguarding the College while expanding their already excellent working relationship with law enforcement.”
Sheriff Ivey was joined by Cocoa Police Chief Mark Klayman, Melbourne Police Chief Steve Mimbs, Palm Bay Police Chief Doug Muldoon, Titusville Police Chief John Lau and Dr. Richey as the partnership was presented to the BCC Board of Trustees.
“This renewed focus and partnership will reinforce security measures that are based on an existing foundation forged by our outstanding relationship with BCC and the entire public safety community,” added Ivey. “This program is very consistent with the partnership recently initiated with the Brevard County School Board. These efforts are designed not only to ensure that our educational environment is safe, but, more importantly, this partnership will result in better preparing our citizens to protect themselves. A well informed community is a safer community.”
The Sheriff’s Office will coordinate efforts with Brevard County Fire Rescue, and the Titusville, Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay Police and Fire Departments to:
1. Conduct comprehensive security reviews of each campus and familiarize themselves with campus layouts.
2. Integrate the College’s emergency response plan with the Sheriff’s Office and municipal police and fire departments.
3. Lead coordinated crisis-response training program with College officials.
4. Create substations on each campus for Deputies and Police Officers to increase campus presence and help provide a safe educational environment.
5. Offer crime awareness courses for new BCC students as well as current students, faculty and staff.
6. Develop awareness programs at each campus for our citizens, which will provide valuable crime prevention information.
