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Public Safety and Security

At Heartland Community College, your safety is our top priority. That’s why our Public Safety Officers maintain a 24/7 security presence, including our desk located at the main entrance of the Student Commons Building.

Contact us at 309-268-8300, or in case of an emergency, call 911. Stop by for a campus map, to make a report, or ask us a question!

Our Public Safety Officers are trained in CPR/AED/First Aid, FEMA Hazardous Materials Awareness, and the FEMA Incident Command System in order to work seamlessly with local emergency response agencies. HCC Public Safety is actively engaged with student government, campus organizations, and the student body.

Security Capabilities and Services

17 “Code Blue” emergency poles on campus, all equipped with audio and video connected to the Public Safety Desk. (Normal campus only)
21 “Areas of Rescue Assistance” located in stairwells, connected to the Public Safety Desk. ARA phones are only located on the Normal campus.
A campus-wide tornado warning system. (Normal campus only)
AED’s and First Aid kits in every campus building, in the Public Safety vehicle, and at the Public Safety Desk.
All elevators are equipped with an emergency phone connected to the Public Safety Desk. (Normal campus only)
The Public Safety Desk is equipped with monitors for the over 200 video cameras on all campuses, as well as modern alarm systems.
Public Safety Officers are available to escort students to their destinations upon request. (Call the Public Safety Dest at 309-268-8300)
Personal safety and crime prevention presentations are available for all student groups.

Emergency Text Alerts

Heartland Community College utilizes an emergency text alert system for sending important notifications for two types of information. Opt in today!

This voluntary text messaging service can deliver two types of information:

Emergency Alerts (HCC-ALERTS) – Notification of a serious concern affecting campus, including any campus closures due to severe weather
Temporary Interferences (HCC-ACCESS) – Notification of an interference to campus access such as elevator repairs, blocked stairs, sidewalks and closed entries and parking areas

For Emergency Alerts

Text JOIN HCC-ALERTS to 31389

Scan the QR Code below and click SEND

Text LEAVE HCC-ALERTS to 31389 to opt out of the emergency text message service.

For Temporary Interferences

Text JOIN HCC-ACCESS to 31389

Scan the QR Code below and click SEND

Text LEAVE HCC-ACCESS to 31389 to opt out of the temporary interference text message service.

The system will reply with an acknowledgment that you have signed up to receive notifications!

HCC does not charge a fee for this service. Review your particular mobile device texting and data plan for service details specific to your account. Message and data rates may apply.

HCC will not share your mobile number or information with any other organization. Information gathered from HCC Alerts or HCC Access will not be used for marketing purposes.

To view the College’s policies on emergency messages, view the HCC Alerts Terms and Conditions, Clery Emergency Notification Policy (PDF) and the Timely Notice Policy (PDF).

For more information about the college's related policies and terms view our Information Privacy Policy (PDF), Appropriate Use Policy (PDF) and Information Security Policy (PDF).

Emergency Response

Please familiarize yourself with the Immediate Action Guide (PDF) which will help you make decisions in emergency situations.

Planning for emergencies is a constant and ever-evolving process. The latest information will always be available in the Emergency Response Planning (PDF), and you should check back periodically for updates.

The College has established the Emergency Management Planning Committee (EMPC) to coordinate and facilitate emergency planning for the College. In addition, the EMPC is responsible for overseeing the activities of the College Violence Prevention Committee and the Behavioral Intervention Team. See the EMPC policy (PDF) for more information.

Behavioral Intervention

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is the College's required Threat Assessment Team. They can review information and conduct inquiries to help identify behaviors, and they will assist anyone who may be on a pathway to violence.

Making a Report

If there is an emergency where anyone’s health and safety are in danger, contact 911 immediately

If you are concerned that someone may pose a threat to themselves or others, or you have a friend that has displayed alarming or concerning behaviors; you can contact the College’s Behavioral Intervention Team, or BIT. The College, in compliance with Illinois law, has a multi-disciplinary team that is designated to address persons with alarming or aberrant behaviors. The BIT members do not replace assistance from law enforcement or mental health professionals, and their focus is to assist the person by assessing the situation and helping to facilitate assistance where possible.

To contact BIT and speak to a member of the team, you can call the 268-SAFE (309-268-7233) phone 24-hours a day. You may also send an email to BIT.Report@heartland.edu, but the BIT email account is only monitored during weekdays from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. You may also contact Student Counseling Services or the Dean of Students.