Program helps inform students, prevent crime

The Crime Watch program across all campuses of TCC works to inform students, faculty and staff on how to report crime around campus and help prevent it. Collegian file photo
The Crime Watch program across all campuses of TCC works to inform students, faculty and staff on how to report crime around campus and help prevent it.
Collegian file photo

by Devin Simkins/reporter

TCC has a Crime Watch program, and the college’s police department would like more students to know about it.

Part of Officer Abu Baba’s job is telling students how to respond to suspicious activity.

“The police department’s Crime Prevention Unit would like the students to know that crime prevention is everybody’s business,” he said. “All information is appreciated, regardless of how inconsequential it may seem.”

Not all students are involved and might be unsure if what they know is worth sharing, Baba said. But the unit believes every little tip helps. They would like students to become more involved in their campus’ safety.

“The college community is very adept at noticing those things that seem ‘out of place’ or suspicious,” assistant chief C. Leigh Dietrich said. “And it is most helpful for our officers to receive those tips and be able to act upon them.”

If everyone works together, the campus can eliminate the criminal activity districtwide, the police department believes. The more eyes watching, the better these chances are.

“Crime prevention is part of what I do,” Baba said. “And the Crime Prevention Unit strives to be proactive on any anticipated issues that come to our knowledge.”

The unit wants to protect students and keep them safe. The program helps students, faculty and staff work together to create a crime-free and drug-free campus environment that allows for safe learning and living, according to the department’s annual security report.

“Tarrant County College places a high priority on the safety of its students and staff,” Baba said.

The Crime Watch program not only depends on cooperation from staff and students but also from the surrounding communities. The people nearby need to always keep a watch for suspicious activity for the safety of the students, Baba said. The campus community does help and is always willing to when called upon, he said. Students, staff and community members help each time they report a crime or suspicious activity or call the TIPS line.

As members of the campus community, it is important to become another set of eyes and ears for the police force and help them report crimes on or adjacent to campus property, the annual report states.

Individual officers and members of the unit attend new student orientation sessions to discuss safety and security, Baba said.

“The information is beneficial to all students and is one of the many ways that we attempt to increase awareness among the campus community,” he said.
Other students can find out more about Crime Watch when officers set up tables on each campus with crime prevention and safety information, Baba said. Students can come by to pick up information or even speak with a crime prevention officer regarding any questions they may have.
“TCC continues to promote the ‘See Something, Say Something’ campaign, which encourages everyone to report suspicious activity to their local police department,” he said.

The Crime Watch Hotline is 817-515-TIPS (8477) or 58477 from a campus phone. The Police Central Dispatch is 817-515-8911 or 58911 from a campus phone.

When giving any information, students should know to use the four W’s and H principle — who, what, when, where and how, according to the annual security report. People who call can remain anonymous if they want to.

“It remains imperative that students, faculty and staff be as observant and informed on crime prevention techniques as possible,” Dietrich said. “By acting together, utilizing the information provided and working with the police department, the opportunity for criminal activity will be eliminated.”