Annual Campus Security Report

2007-2008 Annual Campus Security Report

A written copy of this report is available at the Public Safety office or the Plant Secretary's office, both located in Tanner Hall or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 912.260.4401.

Location of SGC Public Safety Department

The office for the Campus Public Safety Department is located in Tanner Hall, across the street from the Engram Student Union. If no one responds to the doorbell, there is an emergency telephone call box on the front porch next to the doorbell.  Please push it and you will speak directly to the officer on duty on that officer’s radio.

Departmental/Officer Qualifications and Authority

The South Georgia College Public Safety Department is the primary law enforcement agency on this campus. It is recognized by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council (POST) as a police agency and its authority stems from Georgia law. All Public Safety Officers are certified peace officers of the State of Georgia and certification comes only after successful attendance at a recognized police academy. In addition, officers meet annual POST training requirements in order to retain their arrest powers.

These officers are responsible for traffic control and the prevention of crime on campus and, by Georgia law, have the authority to arrest violators of criminal and traffic laws on the campus and for 500 yards adjacent to the campus. 

In addition to having Public Safety Officers Patrolling the college campus there are Security Officers that patrol the campus also.

Campus Patrol

These uniformed, armed, Public Safety Officers and/or Security Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. While patrolling the campus for violations of criminal and traffic laws, officers also check for safety hazards and crime conducive conditions, such as security lighting that is out, hedges that have grown too high, etc. Any deficiencies are noted and referred to Physical Plant for correction.  In addition, Officers also routinely check parking lots and, after the hours of darkness, do not permit loitering in the parking lots.  Repeat offenders may be barred from the parking lot or the campus or have other administrative action taken.

Regulation of Access to Campus Facilities

Access to residence halls is limited to current residents and their registered guests.  Visitation rules are enforced. Residence hall doors are protected by intruder alarms and video cameras. Public Safety responds to requests for assistance from residence hall managers concerning unauthorized guests, disturbances, etc. Public Safety officers also routinely check residence hall lobbies and other facilities, such as the swimming pool and the gymnasium, for unauthorized visitors. 

Relationship with Other Police and Emergency Agencies

SGC Public Safety Officers and Security Officers have the capability of receiving additional assistance simply by calling for it on their radios, which have frequencies that connect them to the local 911 center, the Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, and other police agencies. Through the local 911 center, fire trucks, emergency medical services, etc., can be quickly dispatched to the campus. 

The campus, in the center of the city of Douglas, is easily reached by any agency called by Public Safety. The Public Safety Department maintains a good working relationship with the Douglas Police Department, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department, the Georgia State Patrol, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, all of which have offices near the campus. While SGC Public Safety officers are the first responders to calls concerning criminal activity, these agencies provide back-up assistance when called upon and also respond when additional investigative assistance is needed.

Reporting Incidents

The SGC Public Safety Department provides first responder assistance for reports of fire, medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and criminal activity. That means that if you want any assistance, you should first attempt to contact SGC Public Safety, not the local 911 Center, as the 911 Center will, upon your report, contact SGC Public Safety to handle the call.

If you have knowledge of any criminality on the campus you are encouraged to promptly and accurately report that information so that the appropriate action may be taken.  There is a system in place on the Public Safety Web Page (Report-A-Crime) by which you may confidentially report, or provide information about, criminality or suspected criminality.  This information will also be used as a reference for the compilation of the Annual Crime Statistics.

Emergencies
In emergencies the Public Safety Officers and Security Officers can be reached directly on their radios by telephone simply by dialing 6.4444 if on campus or 912.260.4444 if off-campus. If you call this number it is being broadcast on the radio and anyone could be listening in on a scanning device. 

At various parking lot locations on the campus are Emergency call boxes. These boxes are easy to use. Push the black button on the front of the call box to open the door. Once the door is open, a blue light on top of the pole will begin flashing and a signal is transmitted automatically to the Public Safety officer on duty that someone is attempting to use that call box. A red button is located on the inside of the box and can be pressed to talk, released to listen, to the Officer on duty.

Non-Emergencies
If it is not an emergency, call the Public Safety Department at 6.4401 (or 912.260.4401 if off campus). If no one is at this number, the call will automatically be forwarded to the patrol officer on the patrol officer’s radio. 

Missing Persons

If the SGC Public Safety Department receives a report that a resident student is missing, an investigation to determine the whereabouts of the student will be made.  This investigation will include, within 24 hours of receiving the report, a telephonic check with the student's parents, or if appropriate, any other individuals listed in college records as an emergency contact.

Documentation of Incidents/Statistics

The Public Safety Department maintains a Case Log of all Incident Reports and that log is available for any faculty, staff, students, or guests to review at the Public Safety Department during regular working hours.

In compliance with The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, statistics for certain specific crimes are published annually and disseminated campus wide. These statistics include crimes at the Baptist Student Union building (located at the College Avenue Baptist Church) and other locations adjacent to the campus that are reported to the Douglas Police Department. 

Procedures are also in place for the Public Safety Department to anonymously gather statistics from the on-campus counselor or Vice President for Student Affairs when victims of sexual assaults do not wish to report the offenses to the Public Safety Department, but are willing to anonymously provide the statistical information through the counselor or Vice President for Student Affairs. There is also a system in place on the Public Safety Web Page (Report-A-Crime) by which you may confidentially report, or provide information about, criminality or suspected criminality.  This information will also be used as a reference for the compilation of the Annual Crime Statistics. These annual statistics are published in this web site, in the Public Safety Manual and in a brochure. Copies of the manual are available at the Public Safety office during regular working hours for students, faculty and staff. (Note:  The Public Safety website contains the same information as the manual.)  Copies of the brochure are also available for visitors, parents of students, prospective students, as well as students, faculty and staff.

Notifying students and employees of serious incidents

Notice of violent crimes and other crimes or incidents occurring on or off campus considered important for the safety and welfare of people on campus are disseminated in a timely manner through the Public Safety web site (Crime Alert), e-mail,  called meetings of appropriate organizations, the South Georgia College Semaphore, or other College media.  The Director of Public Safety is responsible for issuing those warnings.

Information for Stalking Victims

If you feel that someone is stalking you now, or that it is possible someone from your past may come here to stalk you, contact Public Safety. 

If you know for certain you are being stalked and know the person, Public Safety may advise you to take out a warrant on the person for stalking and/or a court order for that person not to come near you. Public Safety officers can explain to you how to do that. 

If you take out a warrant or a court order for that person to stay away from you, make sure that Public Safety has a copy of the warrant or court order, with a complete description and photo if one is available of the stalker. Public Safety can then take legal action against the stalker.

Even if you do not take out a warrant for that person’s arrest or a court order for them to stay away from you, if you are truly afraid, let Public Safety know so that they can keep an eye on you and your vehicle. We will do our utmost to protect you.

Information for victims of sexual assaults

• If you are a victim of a sexual assault: Try to keep a cool head and notice everything you can about the person: his speech, hair, clothes, scars, height, weight, age, and direction of travel. If you are assaulted someplace other than your home (a car, strange apartment) remember everything you can about the setting.
• Try to leave your fingerprints everywhere you can, as well as some personal belonging that can be traced back to you.
• Get to a safe place as soon as you can.
• Try to preserve all physical evidence. Do not wash, use the toilet, or change clothing if you can avoid it. If you do change clothes, put all the clothing you were wearing at the time of the attack in a paper, not plastic, bag.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible to make sure you are physically well and to collect important evidence in the event you may later wish to take legal action.
• If on campus, contact Public Safety at 6.4444. If off campus, but within this county, call 911. If you are off campus and do not know whom to contact, call Public Safety at 912.260.4444. If it is off campus, we will even provide someone to go with you to the local authorities if you wish.
• You do not have to take out a warrant for your attacker’s arrest if you choose not to. Even if you think initially that you will not want to seek prosecution, you may later change your mind. Please allow the collection of evidence and tell the investigators exactly what happened. 
• If you do choose to take out a warrant, Public Safety will assist you in the process. 
• Public Safety will not release your name to the media or the public. Your identity will be treated as confidential by all campus authorities that have a need to know it.
• Public Safety will refer victims not wishing to seek prosecution to the Vice President for Student Affairs (telephone: 912.260.4431).
• You may talk with a counselor who will maintain confidentiality, help explain your options, give you information, and provide emotional support. South Georgia College will make counseling and referrals available to victims of sex crimes. For on-campus counseling or referrals, contact the Vice President for Student Affairs at 912.260.4431. Counseling is also available at the Mental Health Clinic, 1003 S. Shirley Ave., Douglas, GA, telephone: 912.389.4430. 
• If you choose not to contact Public Safety, but desire to speak solely with the South Georgia College counselor, that counselor must maintain your confidentiality unless you give the counselor permission to provide information to someone else.  We would hope that you report the incident to Public Safety or at least provide certain information so that the community can be warned of any possible continuing threats and/or so that the information may be used in the college statistics.  A system has been established whereby you may report this information anonymously to the counselor.  You do, however, have a right to refuse to allow the counselor to provide anyone any of that information.
• You may contact someone you trust to be with you and support you. If you do not know anyone, but would like someone of your own gender to be with you we will locate someone for you. 
• The Vice President for Student Affairs may, with the cooperation of the victim of a sex crime, initiate on-campus disciplinary procedures as set forth in the South Georgia College Code of Conduct (found in the South Georgia College Student Handbook). This action may be taken regardless of the victim’s decision concerning criminal prosecution. Possible sanctions, following the final determination of an on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible, include academic suspension, fines and penalties, expulsion from the institution, or other disciplinary action.
• The accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and the accuser and accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a crime of violence. 
• Under certain conditions and provided such changes are reasonably available, the Vice President for Student Affairs may assist in changing academic and living situations after a sexual assault incident if so requested by the victim.

Information for victims of sexual harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature can constitute sexual harassment and should be reported to the SGC Personnel Director at 912.260.4377.  Sexual harassment involving stalking, threats, physical violence, or sexual assault should be immediately reported to the Public Safety Department. 

Information for all victims

Victims have a right to be notified of:

• the arrest of the accused 
• the availability of victim service programs
• the availability of compensation for victims of violent crimes, if requested 
• any court hearings where release of the accused will be considered 
• the release of the accused 
• court proceedings during prosecution of the case, if you request this in writing 
• the motion for new trial or appeal dates, if you request this in writing 
• the parole or change in status of defendant, if you request this in writing 

You have the right to:

• express your opinion on the release of the accused pending court proceedings 
• express your view on the outcome of the case prior to plea negotiations or sentencing of the accused 
• complete a Victim Impact Statement 

The Victim-Witness Assistance Program of the District Attorney’s Office, located in the Coffee County Courthouse, 101 South Peterson Avenue, Douglas, GA, provides victims and witnesses with information and support. Their telephone number is 912.383.7600.

Public Safety has brochures on the Victim-Witness Assistance Program that further explain the program and are available to all victims and witnesses.

Possession of weapons on campus

South Georgia College is a "School Safety Zone" and, as such, by Georgia law (Code 16-11-127.1) no weapons are allowed on campus or within 1,000 feet of the campus, or in school vehicles, except those weapons employed by Public Safety officers. These weapons include firearms, missile devises, blunt instruments, knives used for offense or defense, nun chucks, throwing disks or stars, stun guns, or tasers. Violation of this law is a felony and punishable by a fine of up to $10,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not less than two nor more than ten years. 

There is no hunting season exception! 

SGC Public Safety enforces all possession of weapons laws.

Policies on drugs and alcohol on campus

• South Georgia College supports the provisions of the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. The College strictly prohibits the possession, manufacture, distribution, or use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the College campus by students and employees. This policy also extends to employees under federal contracts or grants, as well as students or employees conducting College-related business/activities off campus. 
  • Employees or students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion from the College and referral for criminal prosecution. 
  • By law, students convicted of drug offenses will lose their student-aid eligibility for a specified period of time.
• Any disciplinary action will be consistent with the College’s and the Board of Regents’ policies and local and Federal laws.  
  • Board of Regents Policy Manual, Section 406.03:  Disciplinary sanctions for students convicted of a felony offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession or use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs shall include the forfeiture of academic credit and the temporary or permanent suspension or expulsion from the institution.  All sanctions imposed by the institution shall be subject to review procedures authorized by the Board of Regents.
  • Board of Regents Policy Manual, Section 405.03:  The Board of Regents has determined that the use of marijuana, controlled substances or other illegal or dangerous drugs constitutes a serious threat to the public health, welfare, and academic achievement of students enrolled in the University System of Georgia.  Therefore, all student organizations, including, but not limited to societies, fraternities, sororities, clubs, and similar groups of  students which are affiliated with, recognized by or which use the facilities under the jurisdiction of institutions of the University System, are hereby charged with the responsibility of enforcing compliance with local, state, and federal laws by all persons attending or participating in their functions and affairs, social or otherwise.
  • As provided by the Student Organization Responsibility for Drug Abuse Act, any such student organization which through its officers, agents, or responsible members knowingly permits, authorizes or condones the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, serving, consumption or use of marijuana, controlled substances, or other illegal or dangerous drugs at any affair, function, or activity of such student organization, social or otherwise, is hereby declared to be in violation of the laws of this state and shall have its recognition as a student organization withdrawn and, after complying with the constitutional requirements of due process, shall be expelled from the campus for a minimum of one calendar year from the date of determination of guilt.  Such organization shall also be prohibited from using any property or facilities of the institution for a period of at least one year.  Any lease, rental agreement or other document between the Board of Regents or the institution and the student organization which relates to the use of the property leased, rented or occupied shall be terminated for knowingly having permitted or authorized the unlawful actions described above.  All sanctions imposed by this policy shall be subject to review procedures authorized by the Board of Regents (Article IX of the Bylaws).  An appeal to the Board of Regents shall not defer the effective date of the adverse action against the student organization pending the Board’s review unless the Board so directs.  Any such stay or suspension by the Board shall expire as of the date of the Board’s final decision on the matter.
• No student may possess or consume any alcoholic beverage on the college campus, or while participating in a college sponsored trip or activity.  Any student on or returning to the campus who is unable to control himself or herself because of consumption of an alcoholic beverage is in violation of this code.
  • The maximum penalty for the violation of this code is suspension from school. 
• The Public Safety Department will enforce all state and federal laws pertaining to the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages, including underage drinking.  The Public Safety Department will also notify parents of underage students that are involved in alcohol or drug related crimes.

Some Alcohol Related Crimes in Georgia:

• Minors (persons under the age of 21) to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.  Under Georgia law any person under age 21 who purchases any alcoholic beverage shall have their driver’s license revoked.
• Parents or other adults to contribute to the delinquency of a minor through the purchase, sale or providing alcoholic beverages to a minor – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.  Parents may sue anyone who serves or gives alcohol to their minor child without their permission.
• Anyone to use a false driver’s license or birth certificate or any other false identification card to obtain illegally any alcoholic beverage – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.  Under Georgia law any person under age 21 who misrepresents his/her age in any manner, including using false identification, for the purpose of purchasing or obtaining illegally any alcoholic beverage shall have his/her driver’s license revoked.
• Anyone to possess an alcoholic beverage on public school grounds a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $300.
• Anyone to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if the person is “legally entitled” to use the drug – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000 and a suspension of driver’s license.
• Anyone to drink alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks, alleyways, parking areas, public parks or other open areas – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Anyone to give an alcoholic drink to a person who is in a state or noticeable intoxication – a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
• Anyone to possess an open container of alcohol while operating a motor vehicle – a misdemeanor, punishment includes a fine not to exceed $200 and an assessment of two penalty points.
• Any school bus driver who is convicted of DUI while driving a school bus will be punished by imprisonment from one to five years and/or receive a fine of from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Upon the arrest for a fourth DUI, the defendant’s motor vehicle will be seized.  Upon conviction, the DA will file a civil condemnation suit, sell the vehicle and place the proceeds in the general treasury of the political unit whose law enforcement personnel seized the vehicle.

Some Drug Related Crimes under Georgia & Federal Laws

Georgia Laws:

• To possess one ounce or less of marijuana – a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 12 months or a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or both.
• To possess more than one ounce of marijuana – a felony, as it indicates the intent to distribute, punishable by not less than one year nor more than 10 years imprisonment.
• To manufacture, deliver, distribute, dispense, administer, or sell marijuana – a felony, punishable by not less than one year nor more than 10 years imprisonment.
• To possess, use, or sell other “controlled substances,” such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cocaine base, PCP, LSD, hashish,  etc., also carries severe penalties, including up to 30 years imprisonment.  It is even a felony, punishable by imprisonment from one to 10 years to possess, manufacture, deliver, sell, etc., a counterfeit of such drugs.
• Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor involving marijuana or controlled substance possession will have his/her drivers’ license suspended for at least 180 days.  Restoration after that period depends upon satisfactory completion of a risk reduction program and payment of a restoration fee.  Suspensions of three and five years are imposed for second and third convictions, respectively.
• Any and all assets, including real and personal property of any kind, may be seized and sold when such assets are associated with, used, or intended to be used, in the commission of any drug offense.

Federal Drug Related Crimes:

• To possess Controlled Substances carries a penalty for a first conviction of up to one year imprisonment and a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both.  After the first conviction the penalty is at least 15 days in prison,    not to exceed 2 years and a fine of at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both. After 2 or more prior drug convictions:  at least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.    Special sentencing provision for possession of crack cocaine:  Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000 or both if: 
  • 1st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams.
  • 2nd conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams.
  • 3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 1 gram. 
• To traffic in marijuana (less than 50 kg), hashish (less than 10 kg), or hashish oil (less than 1 kg) carries penalties for the first offense of not more than 5 years imprisonment, a fine of not more than $250,000, or $1,000,000 if other than an individual.  The penalties for second offenses double.
• To traffic in marijuana (50-100 kg), marijuana plants (50-99 plants), hashish (10 to 100 kg), or hashish oil (1 to 100 kg) carries penalties for first offenses of not more than 20 years imprisonment (if death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life), a fine of not more than $2 million individual, $5 million other than one individual.  For second offenses, not more than 30 years imprisonment; if death or serious injury, life imprisonment; and a fine of $2 million for an individual and $10 million other than an individual.
• To traffic in marijuana (100 kg to 1,000 kg, or 100-999 plants), carries penalties for first offenses of not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years; if death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life; fine not more than $2 million individual, $5 million other than individual.  Second offenses carry penalties of not less than 10 years, not more than life; if death or serious injury, not less than life; fine not more than $4 million individual, $10 million other than individual.
• To traffic in marijuana (1,000 kg or more; or 1,000 or more plants carries penalties for first offenses of not less than 10 years, not more than life; if death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life; fine not more than $4 million individual, $10 million other than individual.  Second offenses carry penalties of not less than 20 years, not more than life; if death or serious injury, not less than life; fine not more than $8 million individual, $20 million other than individual.
• For trafficking in Methamphetamine (10.99 gm or 100.999 gm mixture), heroin (100-999 gm mixture) cocaine (500 – 4, 999 gm mixture), cocaine base (4-49 gm mixture), PCP (10-99 gm or 100-999 gm mixture), LSD (1-10 gm mixture), Fentanyl (40-399 gm mixture ), or Fentanyl Analogue (10-99 gm mixture), carries first offense penalties of not less than 5 years or more than 40 years imprisonment; if death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life imprisonment; fine of not more than $2 million individual, $5 million other than individual.  Second offenses carry penalties of not less than 10 years, not more than life imprisonment; if death or serious injury, not less than life imprisonment; fine of not more than $4 million individual, $10 million other than individual.
• For trafficking in Methamphetamine (100 gm or more than 1 kg or more mixture), heroin (1 kg or more mixture) cocaine (5 kg or more mixture), cocaine base (50 gm or more mixture), PCP (100 gm or more or 1 kg or more mixture), LSD (10 gm or more mixture), Fentanyl (400 gm or more mixture ), or Fentanyl Analogue (100 gm or more mixture), carries first offense penalties of not less than 10 years or more than life imprisonment; if death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life imprisonment; fine of not more than $4 million individual, $10 million other than individual. Second offenses carry penalties of not less than 20 years, not more than life imprisonment; if death or serious injury, not less than life imprisonment; fine of not more than $8 million individual, $20 million other than individual.
• Trafficking in other controlled substances also carries very severe penalties. 

Other Federal Penalties Which May be Imposed in Drug Cases:

• Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment.
• Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.
• Civil fine of up to $10,000 
• Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to 1 year for first offense, up to 5 years for second and subsequent offenses.
• Ineligible to receive or purchase a firearm.
• Miscellaneous:  Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol:

• Alcohol
• Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident.  In 1996 there were 17,126 alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
• Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increases the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse.  Studies show that at least 1/3 of all offenders of violent crimes were using alcohol at the time of the offense and that in cases where the offender and victim were “intimates,” i.e., boyfriend-girlfriend, married, formerly married, etc., at least 67 percent of the violent crimes involved alcohol usage.
• Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. 
• Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death.  If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the same effects.
• Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence.  Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.  Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. 
• Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.
• Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome.  These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation.  In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.
• Cannabis (marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, hashish, hashish oil)
  • Physical effects are:  substantial increases in the heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite.
  • May impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car.  Research shows that people do not retain knowledge when they are high.  Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. 
  • Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis.
  • Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system.  Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke. 
  • Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect.  The drug can become the center of their lives.
• Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline and peyote, amphetamine variants, phencyclidine, psilocybin, etc.)
  • Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check.  Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries. 
  • The effects of PCP vary, but users frequently report a sense of distance and estrangement.  Time and body movement are slowed down.  Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled.  Speech is blocked and incoherent. 
  • Chronic users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties.  Some of these effects may last six months to a year following prolonged daily use.  Mood disorders -depression, anxiety, and violent behavior – also occur.  In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations.
  • Large doses of PCP may produce convulsions and coma as well as heart and lung failure.
  • Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”) cause illusions and hallucinations.  The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors.
  • Sensations and feelings may change rapidly.  It is common to have a bad psychological reaction to LSD, mescaline, or psilocybin.  The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control.  Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even after use has ceased.
• Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines) phenmetrazine, methylphenidate, etc.)
  • Stimulants (some of which are known as speed, uppers, black beauties, crank, crystal meth, etc.) can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite.  Users may also experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. 
  • Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, convulsions, even physical collapse, possible death.
  • An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure.
  • In addition to the physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody.  Higher doses intensify the effects.  Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. 
• Depressants (chloral hydrate,  barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, gluthimide, tranquilizers, etc.)
  • The effects of depressants (also known as downers, bars, blue devils, red devils, yellow jackets, quaaludes, valium, librium, etc.) are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol.  Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception.  Very large doses can cause respiratory depression and death.
  • The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks.
  • The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence.  Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed.
  • When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety to convulsions and death.
  • Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born.  Birth defects and behavior problems may also result.
• Narcotics (opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, hydromorphone, meperidine, pethidine, methadone, etc.)
  • Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that is often followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.  Users also may experience constricted pupils, water eyes, and itching.
  • An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and death.
  • Tolerance (the need for more to do the same thing) to narcotics develops rapidly and dependence (i.e., physical and psychological addiction) is likely. 
  • The use of contaminated syringes may result in diseases such as AIDS, endocarditis, and hepatitis.
  • Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
• Inhalants (nitrous oxide (laughing gas), amyl nitrite, butyl nitrite, chlorohydrocarbons, hydrocarbons)
  • The immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays may also decrease the heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. 
  • Amyl and butyl nitrite (also known as poppers, snappers, rush, bolt, locker room, bullet, and climax) cause rapid pulse, headaches, and involuntary passing of urine and feces.  Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain damage.
  • Deeply inhaling the vapors or using large amounts over a short time may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death.  High concentrations of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing the oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops.
  • Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue.  Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can permanently damage the nervous system.
• Others:
  • GHB (Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate), also known as a date-rape drug, can lead to:dizziness, nausea, breathing problems,  memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness and, in some cases, death.  Particularly life threatening when ingested with alcohol and/or other drugs.
  • Rophynol (flunitrazepam), a potent tranquilizer is similar in nature to Valium, but many times stronger.  Sedation occurs 20-30 minutes after administration of a 2-mg table and lasts for about 8 hours.  Has been used in sexual assaults to render a victim helpless.  It produces sedative effects, including amnesia, muscle relaxation and psychological dependence, which increases with dose and duration of use.
  • Ecstasy (MDMA), a “designer drug” often distributed at “rave” parties, is a synthetic psychoactive drug that possesses the stimulant properties of methamphetamine and hallucinogenic qualities most similar to mescaline. Its use can lead to:  sensory distortion and heightened arousal, severe thirst, heat exhaustion, anxiety, paranoia, cardiac difficulties and can permanently alter serotonin levels in the brain.

Web sites for more information on drugs and their effects:

• www.theantidrug.com
• www.drugfreeamerica.org
• www.clubdrugs.org
• www.streetdrugs.org

Getting Help with a Drug or Alcohol Problem:

• South Georgia College does not provide formal programs of drug and/or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry for students and employees.  Referrals for off-campus services are made for students by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (ext. 4244) and for employees by the Director of Personnel (ext. 4249).
• In Douglas/Coffee County contact the Alcohol & Drug Counseling Services at 912.389.4188.
• Toll-Free Information:
  • 1.800.Cocaine:  Cocaine Helpline  A round-the-clock information and referral service.  Recovering cocaine addict counselors answer the phones, offer guidance, and refer drug users and parents to local public and private treatment centers and family learning centers.
  • 1-800-NCA-Call  National Council on Alcoholism Information Line  The National Council on Alcoholism, Inc., is the national nonprofit organization combating alcoholism, other drug addictions, and related problems.  Provides information about NCA’s State and local affiliates’ activities in their areas.  Also provides referral services to families and individuals seeking help with an alcohol or other drug problem.
  • 1-800-662-Help  NIDA Hotline  Operated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is a confidential information and referral line that directs callers to cocaine abuse treatment centers in the local community.  Free materials on drug use also are distributed in response to inquiries.
  • 1-800-241-9746  Pride Drug Information Hotline  A national resource and information center, Parents’ Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) refers concerned parents to parent groups in their State or local area; gives information on how parents can form a group in their community; provides telephone consultation and referrals to emergency health centers; and maintains a series of drug information tapes that callers can listen to, free of charge, by calling after 5:00 p.m.
• Web sites:
  • www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/  College Drinking
  • www.madd.org/home/  Mothers Against Drunk Driving
  • www.casacolumbia.org/  The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University

Reportable Crime Statistics for Calendar Years 2004-2006*

Crime Reported	2004	2005	2006	Location of  Offense*
Criminal Homicide	0	0	0
a. Murder & Non       negligent        Manslaughter	0	0	0
b. Negligent        Manslaughter	0	0	0
Forcible or    non-Forcible Sex    Offenses	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0
Burglary	1 2	0 1	1 6	(On Campus) (Student Res. Fac.)
Arson	0	0	0	(Off Campus)
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	(On Campus)
Hate Crimes	0	0	0

Arrests (or other administrative actions) reported for Certain Crimes on Campus

Liquor Law    Violations	2 18	0 21	0 10	(On campus) (Student Res. Fac.)
Drug Abuse    Violations	0 0	0 0	2 1	(On Campus) (Student Res. Fac.)
Weapons Violations	0 0	0 0	0 0	(On Campus) (Student Res. Fac.)