Tonikos Vandiber, Bishop State Chief of Police

A Safe and Secure Campus is Our Priority

Welcome to the Bishop State Community College Campus Police Department webpage.

As your Chief of Campus Police, I am committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all campus community members: students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Our department is dedicated to serving and protecting you.

This website contains important information about our department, including our mission, values, and services. It also includes crime statistics, safety tips, and emergency procedures.

We encourage you to explore our webpage and learn more about how we work to keep our campus safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Together, we can create a safe and welcoming campus for all.


Mission Statement


The Bishop State Community College Police Department is committed to improving campus safety. We strive to create a safe campus community by utilizing technology and working collaboratively with campus-wide partners. we strive to develop and implement innovative, community policing and crime prevention strategies. These strategies have the intent to create safe learning environments that promote career pathways through open access to an affordable, quality, education, and a diverse and inclusive environment.


Vision Statement

To provide high-quality solutions to meet the changing needs of our campus community.


Contact Information

Bishop State Police Department Contact Information
Downtown Campus Police251.405.7060
Carver Campus Police251.331.1815
Southwest Campus Police251.331.1175
Theodore Site251.405.7060
Truck Driving Sites251.405.7060
Campus Police EmailCampusPolice@bishop.edu


Police Department Directory

NameEmailPhone NumberRole/Title
Tonikos Vandibertvandiber@bishop.edu251.405.7062Chief of Police
Anthony Pattonapatton@bishop.edu251.405.7056Police Officer
Karen Harriskharris@bishop.edu251.665.4085Police Officer
Prendis Sullivanpsullivan@bishop.edu251.662.5399Police Officer
Nathaniel Jamesnjames@bishop.edu251.405.7060Police Officer
Halbert Clark IIhclarkii@bishop.edu251.405.7060Police Officer
Venita Warmackvwarmack@bishop.edu251.405.7069Dispatcher

Click Here: 2024 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

College Closing Policy

In the event of inclement weather, mechanical or power failure, or other emergencies, students, faculty, and staff will be notified via the Wildcat Alert notification system's email, text, and voice alerts and periodically updated on the College's status of campus closings and openings during the duration of the situation.

When weather conditions prevent the opening of the College or cause a delayed opening of the College, every effort will be made to make announcements via Wildcat Alert, campus e-mail, on the Bishop State Web site homepage, and the local radio and TV stations.

Note: Cancellation of day classes does not necessarily imply that evening classes will be canceled. The decision to suspend evening classes will be announced within a reasonable time.

Bishop State Campus Safety App

Bishop State Community College utilizes its Live Safe application to make timely notifications and it puts the resources of campus police right at your fingertips.

Emergency Alerts: The app is configured to send push notifications and text messages directly to students' and staff's smartphones in case of emergencies on campus. This allows for immediate awareness of situations like fires, active shooters, or severe weather.

Crime Reporting: The Live Safe app offers a platform for reporting crimes that have occurred on campus. This can include things like assault, theft, or vandalism. Timely reporting allows the college to investigate the incidents and issue warnings to the community if necessary.

Safety Resources: The app provides a centralized location for accessing important safety resources. This includes campus maps with first aid kits, AED and stop-the-bleed kits highlighted, contact information for campus security or local law enforcement, and CPR instructions.

By combining these features, the Live Safe app significantly improves the timeliness of notifications during emergencies and suspicious activities.


Wildcat CARE

Wildcat CARE helps find solutions for students experiencing academic, social, and crisis situations including mental health concerns. Members of the college community can report a concern for a student who might benefit from services. We review these reports to understand each student's issue and the on and off-campus resources that may guide them to success.

Learn more about Wildcat CARE here

Run. Hide. Fight.

Run, hide, fight is a strategy that is often taught as a response to active shooter situations. The strategy is based on the idea that the primary goal is to get out of the situation and that the best option is to run away if possible. If that's not possible, then hiding in a secure place is the next best option. As a last resort, if you are confronted by the shooter, you should use any available means to defend yourself and others.

Run

  • Wherever you go, be aware of alternate exits.
  • Quickly and cautiously evacuate in a direction away from the attacker.
  • Don’t hesitate. Seconds matter.
  • Remember windows and emergency exits.
  • Leave belongings behind. Keep empty hands raised and clearly visible.
  • Follow all instructions from the police.
  • Don’t stop until you are sure you have reached a safe location.

Hide

  • If there is no safe escape route, find a good hiding place.
  • Lock and barricade the door.
  • Silence cell phones.

Fight

  • Fight only as a last resort.
  • Use available objects as improvised weapons.
  • Use teamwork and surprise. A coordinated ambush can incapacitate an attacker.
  • You are fighting for your life. Don't fight fair!

These training videos demonstrate the three tactics you can use to keep yourself and others safe during an active shooter attack — run, hide, and fight. Learning these principles now will prepare and empower you to put them into practice and survive – should the unthinkable occur.