/Institutions/Palm-Beach-State-College/json/2021-2022/Student-Handbook-local.json

/Institutions/Palm-Beach-State-College/json/2021-2022/Student-Handbook.json

Campus Safety and Security

A Drug-Free Campus

The Federal Controlled Substances Act provides penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000 for unlawful distribution or possession with intent to distribute narcotics. For unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a person is subject to up to one year of imprisonment and fines of up to $5,000. Any person who unlawfully distributes a controlled substance, including alcohol, to a person under 21 years of age may be punished by up to twice the term of imprisonment and fine otherwise authorized by law.

Under Florida law, Palm Beach County, and city ordinances, it is unlawful for any person to sell, purchase, manufacture, deliver or possess with the intent to sell, purchase, manufacture or deliver a controlled substance. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a felony of the first, second or third degree, which is partially determined by the type of drug and the quantity involved. Violators may be subject to the stiffest penalties available.

Under Florida law, the maximum penalty for trafficking specific amounts of cocaine or any mixture containing cocaine, including, but not limited to crack, is a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Under certain circumstances, such an offense is a capital felony punishable by death.

Based on the quantity involved, penalties for trafficking in illegal drugs including but not limited to the narcotics morphine, opium and heroin range from a mandatory imprisonment of three years and a $50,000 fine to 25 years and a $500,000 fine.

Based on quantity involved, other penalties for trafficking in illegal drugs including but not limited to marijuana, inhalants, depressants, and other stimulants range from five years’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine to 30 years imprisonment and a $15,000 fine.

Further, it is unlawful for any person to use or to possess with intent to use or deliver drug paraphernalia.

It is unlawful for any person to sell, purchase, manufacture or deliver, or to possess, with the intent to sell, purchase, manufacture or deliver a controlled substance on or within 200 feet of the real property comprising a public or private college, university, or other postsecondary education institution.

For further information, please consult Florida Statutes, Chapter 893, and Palm Beach County and local city ordinances.

Alcoholic Beverages

The legal age for drinking alcoholic beverages is 21 in Florida. Selling, giving, or serving alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 is unlawful. Possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21 is prohibited by Florida law. The minimum penalty is 60 days in jail or a $500 fine. Alcoholic beverages include, but are not limited to, beer, wine, distilled spirits, wine coolers and liqueurs. Students are prohibited from possessing, selling, or using alcoholic beverages on campus or at any College function.

It is unlawful for any person to misrepresent or misstate his or her age. This includes the manufacture or use of false identification. Use of altered identification for the purpose of procuring alcoholic beverages is a misdemeanor. Use or possession of a counterfeit license or identification is a felony.

It is unlawful to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Penalties range from a mandatory suspension of a driver’s license for 90 days to fines up to $500, to hours of community service, to imprisonment for six months. Students shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the College authorities.

Children on Campus

Palm Beach State faculty/instructors and staff assume no responsibility for minors not officially enrolled at the College. Minors not officially enrolled at the College are prohibited from using College facilities except with the permission of a faculty/instructor, supervisor, or other College official.

Any unaccompanied minor who creates a disturbance or appears to be lost and unattended shall, for their safety, health, and welfare, be put in the care of the supervisor of campus security or an appropriate College administrator to locate a responsible person for the minor.

Faculty/instructors and staff are forbidden from entertaining on campus their own minor children or children for whom they are responsible who are not enrolled at the College. This prohibition does not deny entry of minor children to campus activities to which they are officially invited.

Restraining Orders -- Court Issued

Students who have obtained a restraining order should provide the campus Security Office and the campus dean/assistant dean of student services with a copy. College personnel will assist the students in providing as safe an environment as possible.

Violators of restraining orders properly filed with the College will be referred to local law enforcement for removal from campus.

College Issued No Contact Order

In order to provide reasonable protection for our students, College administrative restraining orders are issued by the campus dean/assistant dean of student services when a student provides written notification of harassment or stalking by another student. A student who receives a college administrative restraining order is required to abide by its directions or face disciplinary action. College administrative restraining orders do not take the place of civil or criminal restraining orders issued by the court; students are urged to pursue this avenue of protection as well. Students who receive a restraining order may discuss their options with the dean/assistant dean of student services. A no contact order is imposed as an interim measure. If the investigation does not support continued enforcement, it may be lifted through written notification to both parties.

Sexual Offender/Predator Policy/Procedure

Pursuant to the Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, and Sections 775.21, 943.0435 and 944.607, F.S., the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is required to notify PBSC when a convicted sexual offender intends to seek or maintain admission. Sexual offenders who are approved for admission will be asked to meet with a representative of the Department of Student Services to assure that they do the following:

• Carefully follow the PBSC Student Code of Conduct and any other conditions required as part of the admission process;
• Not enter or come within the proximity of any PBSC childcare or child development center;
• Not seek College-sanctioned volunteer experiences on or off campus where children are involved.

Student Accident (Education/Training) Insurance

Palm Beach State College students who are enrolled in classes that may result in injury during training or clinical experience situations (e.g., in certain Criminal Justice, Health Sciences, Public Safety and Trade & Industry programs) are responsible for all medical and/or personal expenses resulting from treatment of any such injury. To assist with this expense, all students in covered programs are covered by Student Accident (Education Training) Insurance coordinated by the College and paid for by the student as part of the course registration fee.

Firearms on Campus Policy for Law Enforcement Officers Attending Palm Beach State

Law enforcement officers in uniform may carry their weapon in view. Officers in civilian clothes are encouraged to carry their firearm concealed and/or follow their employing department’s guidelines on the carrying of firearms on or off duty.

Emergencies

Fire: In case of fire, an alarm will sound (short, repeated rings). File out quickly to the red Safe Assembly Pole nearest to the building. Reenter the building only after getting an “all clear” from the authorities in charge of the situation.

Accident/Incident: Call 911 immediately for medical emergencies. Report all incidents involving accident, illness, or injury as well as those involving property damage or theft to the Security Office.

Emergency-related information should be directed to the campus Security Office.

Palm Beach State College allows visitors and guests on campus and at certain campus activities. Guests and visitors are expected to conduct themselves appropriately while on campus. Guests and visitors who do not maintain appropriate conduct will be asked to leave by Campus Security. Failure to leave when requested may result in a trespass order being issued by the local law enforcement agency. Anyone wishing to appeal such a request or trespass will need to contact the Security Supervisor at the campus.