The GSC Campus Police have complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on-campus and areas immediately adjacent to the campus. Per Georgia law, the Campus Police Department's jurisdiction extends 500 yards from any Board of Regents property. If minor offenses involving College rules and regulations are committed by a College student, the campus police may also refer the individual to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action
All crimes occurring on campus should be reported to the campus police or campus security. Major offenses such as rape, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and auto theft are reported to the campus police and investigative efforts are deployed to solve these crimes. If necessary, campus police will work in conjunction with local law enforcement assets to solve these serious crimes. The prosecution of all criminal offenses occurring on the Gainesville campus, both felony and misdemeanor, are conducted at the State Court of Hall County.
All crimes occurring on the Oconee campus are referred to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office through campus security.
Campus Police work closely with local, state, and federal police agencies and have direct radio and telephone communication with the Hall County Sheriffs' Department on the county emergency radio network. The GSC Campus Police Department is also a part of the Hall County 911 Emergency System.
By mutual agreement with state and federal agencies, The GSC Police Department maintains NLETS terminal (National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Network) access through the Hall County 911 system. Through this system police personnel can access the National Crime Information Computer system as well as the Georgia Crime Information Center System. These computer databases are used for accessing criminal history data, nationwide police records, driver/vehicle identification information, as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement information.
Through coordination with local law enforcement agencies, any criminal activity engaged in by students at off-campus locations of student organizations, is monitored and recorded. This information is provided to the Dean of Students for any action or follow-up that may be required.
Oconee County Campus Security Authority
GSC Security officers have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Gainesville State College. GSC security officers have the authority to issue parking tickets, which are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty, and staff. Security officers do not possess arrest power. Criminal incidents are referred to the local police who have jurisdiction on the campus.
The Department of Public Safety Office at Gainesville State College maintains a highly professional working relationship with the Oconee County Sheriff's Department and the Watkinsville City Police. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to the campus Security Office and the appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.