Safe. Supported. Secure.
The Columbia College Police Department is dedicated to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every member of our campus community. Our team of trained, certified officers works around the clock to protect our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, because safety here isn’t just a policy, it’s a promise.
Our Commitment to Safety
We take pride in fostering a community built on trust, respect, and care. Columbia College Police provide fair and equitable treatment to all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. With integrity and impartiality, our officers enforce federal, state, and local laws while maintaining the close-knit, personal feel that defines our campus.
Emergency Number: 803.786.3333
Non-Emergency Number: 803.786.3343
“The safety and security of our campus is my top priority, and providing excellent customer service is my focus. We are situated in a great community, and we have a beautiful campus.” - Howard Cook, Chief of Police
About Our Officers
The Columbia College Police Department consists of certified officers trained through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Each officer holds full arrest and law enforcement authority and carries the same level of responsibility as municipal police.
Our team patrols the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, both on foot and by vehicle, and maintains a visible presence at major campus events, including athletic contests held on and off campus.
Safety Resources & Services
Courtesy Services
The Courtesy Services Division offers transportation for up to three students upon request between parking areas and residence halls during evening hours (5 p.m.–7 a.m.). To request a ride, call 803.786.3333.
Courtesy officers also assist with locking and unlocking classrooms, buildings, and residence hall rooms. While they are not sworn police officers and do not carry firearms, they serve as a vital support system for our campus community.
Please note: transportation is limited to parking areas and residence halls. If courtesy officers are assisting elsewhere, a police officer may provide temporary coverage.
Call Boxes
Emergency call boxes are located throughout campus parking lots and near key buildings, including the Police Contact Point adjacent to Hudson Hall.
Students can use these call boxes to immediately contact Campus Police in the event of an emergency or to request transportation. After making a call, lock your car and wait safely until an officer or courtesy vehicle arrives. Flash your headlights to help officers locate you quickly.
Campus Safety Reports
Transparency matters. Columbia College provides access to official Campus Safety Reports that outline security practices, crime statistics, and emergency procedures in compliance with federal requirements.
At Columbia College, we’re more than a campus, we’re a community that looks out for one another. Safety starts with care, and that’s something we take personally.