Frequently Asked Questions
In performing their general course of duties each day, Delta officers often run into students, staff, teachers and general members of the public who have questions. These questions can range from general law enforcement questions, to questions specifically regarding Delta College. For your convenience, we have arranged the most commonly asked questions by topic.
General Information
Is the District Police Department P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified?
Yes, the Delta College Police Department is P.O.S.T. certified. Delta College District Police Department gained P.O.S.T. certification on January 6, 1984, for adhering to the standards for the selection and training of peace officers as established by the laws of the State of California.
Where is the Police Station located?
The District Police Station is located in the Lourn Phelps Police Services Building. The Police Department is on the north side of the main campus, just north of the Shima 1 and 2 parking lots. Police Service also maintains a Sub-Station on our South Campus at Mountain House Campus. Located in room 302-B.
Are the Police Officers at Delta College really Stockton Police Officers?
No. San Joaquin Delta Community College is its own jurisdiction, just as the city of Stockton is a jurisdiction. All Police Officers that work at Delta College are employed as such by San Joaquin Delta College and are in no way affiliated with Stockton Police Department.
How large is the Police Department?
The Delta College District Police Department currently consists of 10 sworn Peace Officers, 3 Sergeants, 1 Chief of Police, 6 full-time Dispatchers, 1 part-time Dispatcher, 4 full-time Campus Safety Officer II, 1 part -time Campus Safety Officer II, 4 part-time Campus Safety Officer I, 1 full time IT- technician and 7 Student Service Officers.
Do SJDC officers have to contact Stockton Police Department when a crime occurs on campus?
No. Delta College Police Officers investigate all crimes that occur within the jurisdiction of the Delta College District, however, if a crime occurs that is beyond the scope of resources available to SJDC officers, they may contact other local police agencies for assistance. Delta College officers will assist ("fill") on calls with other local agencies if requested. Other agencies will offer assistance if requested by a Delta officer.
Parking Information
When do you issue parking citations? Is there a certain time when you do not cite?
Parking citations are issued for various reasons. The most prominent reason is for not having a permit displayed in your vehicle windshield. The District Police issue citations for permit violations beginning Monday at 6:00am and ending on Friday at 6:00pm. Between these times, permit violations are enforced 24 hours a day. In addition to permits, District Police also will site for general parking violations. General violations will be enforced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Why are so many curbs on campus painted and what do the different colors signify?
On campus, you will find the following colored curbs: Red, Yellow, Green and Blue. Each of these colors have a specific meaning.
- Red Curbs: Are fire zones. No vehicle may stop, stand, or park in a red zone, whether the vehicle is attended, or unattended.
- Yellow Curbs: Are loading and unloading zones. The are designed for the loading and unloading of passengers or freight for the time specified by local ordinance. On campus, that time is 15 minutes.
- Green Curbs: Indicate time limit parking specified by local ordinance. You will notice green curbs in the metered parking areas on campus.
- Blue Curbs: Indicate parking exclusively for disabled persons. You will notice these spaces in almost every parking lot on campus. You must have a valid disabled persons placard to use these spaces.
Are there any free parking lots on campus?
Delta College does not offer any free parking areas. All staff, students and visitors are required to have a valid parking permit when parking at Delta College.
Where can I get a parking permit?
Semester parking permits are available for purchase online at : https://mycampuspermit.com/delta-college.html. Semester parking permits cost $30.00 for the Fall and Spring semesters and $20.00 for the Summer semester. Daily parking permits are available from dispensers located in each of the parking lots. Daily parking permits may be purchased online as well. The cost of for a daily permit is $2.00. Daily and Semester Permits must be displayed.
Crime Questions
Is there crime at Delta College?
Delta College is a small community within a large community. As with any community, Delta College has its share of crime. Delta College has had very few crimes of a serious or violent nature. It is important to not take this fact for granted, however. Always remember to use common sense and good judgment when walking about campus. Please read our Crime Prevention Page for information on how to avoid, detect and protect yourself from danger.
What is the best source for Crime Statistics at Delta College?
There are several places where you can see crime statistics of Delta College. They can be viewed on this website at our "Crime Statistics" page. They can also be found in the student handbook readily available throughout campus. You can also come to the Police Department and ask department personnel.
Where are crime alerts posted on campus?
Crime Alerts are posted on the District Police web page. In the event of a serious crime, the alert will be posted on the District Police web page, flyers will be distributed to classrooms and personnel from the Police Department will also give notification to instructors and students in such an incident. In addition to the means listed, there are bulletin boards located throughout campus that will hold information when necessary.
Traffic Questions
Can Delta College Police make traffic stops off of campus?
Yes. District Police Officers have the same authority as a city Police Officer and may make traffic stops whenever they see a violation occur, even if the violation occurs while the officer is off of campus. As a general rule, we do not deliberately go outside of our jurisdiction seeking to enforce traffic, as we are paid to protect Delta College, however, we do have the authority and will take such action when public safety dictates.
What do I do if I am stopped by a Police Officer in my car?
Traffic stops are one of the most dangerous actions a Police Officer encounters. The officer never knows exactly what they are approaching. When emergency lights are activated behind you, pull IMMEDIATELY to the right and come to a stop. Do not try to find a good area to stop. The officer will instruct you with their public address system if they wish you to continue to a safer area. Turn off your engine and place both of your hands on the steering wheel. DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR, unless the officer instructs you to do so. Provide all documents requested of you. The officer may, or may not cite you for the violation. If you do get cited, sign the ticket and continue on your way after the officer instructs you to leave.
Do I have to sign the ticket?
Yes. It is important to know that you are not admitting you committed the violation when you sign the ticket. You are simply signing a written "Promise to Appear" notice. If you refuse to sign the ticket, you may be arrested and transported to jail. If you wish to dispute the ticket, do not refuse to sign the ticket. Sign it and take the officer to Traffic Court. Let the judge hear your side of the story and make a ruling on the matter.
How can I appeal a traffic citation?
Within 21 days of receiving your traffic citation, you will receive paperwork from the court, advising you of the violations and associated fines. In that paperwork, you will find information on how to appeal the traffic ticket. If you decide to appeal the citation, you will be required to appear in court at a later date for a traffic hearing. At this time, the issuing officer will inform the court as to why the citation was issued. You will then have the opportunity to make a statement and directly ask the officer questions regarding the citation, or the circumstances that led to the citation. The judge will then make a ruling based on the evidence presented.
Reporting Questions
Can I report a crime on-line?
With the launch of this website, District Police implemented its very first on-line crime report form. This form is called the Anonymous Tips Page. It gives people the chance to report a crime that they have heard will occur, or one they have seen occur in a condition of anonymity.
What happens if someone reports a crime incorrectly? Will they be punished, or suffer liability?
The most important thing to remember when reporting a crime is to be as factual as possible. If a person erroneously reports a crime, which they truly believed was about to occur, or had occurred, they have not committed a crime. On the other hand, if a person knowingly files a false report, they have committed a misdemeanor per section 148.3(a) of the Penal Code. If a false report is knowingly filed and injury is suffered as a result, that person who reported the incident has committed a felony per section 148.3(b) of the Penal Code.
How does a report get handled by District Police?
Once a person contacts District Police to file a report, an officer will be dispatched to meet with that person. The officer will take all necessary information, get a case number issued, then write out a Police report and conduct an investigation.
When reporting a crime, do I have to give my name?
Reporting a crime is the most important part of crime prevention. Although it is not required that you give your name when reporting, it does assist the dispatcher in determining the validity of the call. It also helps the officer contact you and gain needed information, should follow-up be needed.
Blue Phone Questions
What are the blue phones that I see on campus?
The blue phones are telephones that are linked directly to the Police dispatch center. If you ever need assistance, just open the door and pick up the receiver. You do not need to dial anything. It will automatically ring to the dispatcher.
Are the blue phones for emergency use only?
No. Although the Blue phones are in place primarily for emergency use, we do encourage you to use them if you are in need of information. If you are lost, need an escort or have a question, pick up the blue phone and the dispatcher will assist you.
Where are the blue phones located?
Blue phones are located on every floor of every building on campus. Generally, the phones are next to the elevators, or within sight of the elevators. There are also several blue phones located along the pathways to some of the parking lots.
Will I get into trouble if I do a prank call from a blue phone?
Yes. The blue phones on campus are very similar to the local 9-1-1 systems that you dial from your homes when you have an emergency. Every time a blue phone rings into the dispatch center, the dispatcher is prepared to handle an "emergency call". To assist the officers in emergency response, dispatch is able to immediately recognize exactly which blue phone is being accessed. Officers respond to all blue phone calls, whether they are actual calls, or pranks. If you make a prank call on the blue phones and are caught, be prepared to be talking with a Police Officer. It is illegal.
Immigration Enforcement Questions
What federal immigration enforcement officers might seek access to the campus, and what authority do they have?
The immigration officers who seek to apprehend and remove (or “deport”) an individual unlawfully present in the United States are most often officers of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who are part of the agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers could also seek to apprehend and remove individuals on certain campuses. These ICE and CBP officers work for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and they typically act on civil authority, not criminal authority.
The warrants these officers carry to apprehend individuals are generally administrative (civil) warrants that do not authorize officers to enter limited access areas of the District without consent. In some cases, ICE and CBP officers may be exercising criminal enforcement powers or may work with law enforcement officers who may present a criminal arrest or search warrant that has been signed by a judge (a judicial warrant). These judicial warrants do not require consent and provide greater authority for ICE or CBP officers to enter premises that are not open to the general public on campus.
What is the likelihood that ICE or CBP would carry out federal immigration enforcement activities on a Delta College campus?
Both ICE and CBP currently have policies in place to avoid immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, including schools, unless there are exigent circumstances or prior approval from a supervisor.
Although it has been said that President Trump is looking into changing these policies, the reality is that ICE and CBP simply do not have the resources available to target a community college with such a large, un-housed student population. The difficulty in trying to locate individuals in a large public location, such as this college, is time-consuming and resource-prohibitive.
Are there exceptions to ICE and CBP policies that allow them to come onto college campuses?
Yes. Some of these exceptions are:
- Reasons unrelated to enforcement (e.g. recruitment or presentations)
- Enforcement actions on campus in the case of emergencies that are related to national security, terrorism, or public safety.
Will District Police Officers work with federal immigration officers to apprehend and remove individuals from campus on the basis of immigration enforcement?
No. Jurisdiction over enforcement of federal immigration laws rests with the federal government and not with the District Police. District Police are devoted to maintaining a safe and secure environment to support San Joaquin Delta College’s commitment to student success. The District Police Department will not divert its resources from this mission in order to enforce federal immigration laws.
Can the District or the District Police prevent federal immigration enforcement officers from coming on campus or entering District buildings or property?
Generally, no. Delta College is a public college and a large portion of District property is open to the general public. The District does not have the authority to prohibit federal immigration enforcement officers from coming on campus or entering buildings to enforce federal law. The areas on campus that are open to the general public are also open to federal immigration enforcement officers.
However, public access is limited in certain areas of District campuses and property because of privacy concerns, operational needs or safety considerations. Campus buildings and spaces in which access is physically restricted, such as by key card, locked doors, or monitored entryways, fall into this category. Limited access spaces also include some that may normally be left unlocked during the workday, including, for example, administrative or faculty offices, classrooms while classes are in session, clinic exam rooms, locker rooms, kitchens and food preparation areas, maintenance areas, storage facilities, and physical plant operations.
Additionally, the District has recently re-affirmed its status as a sanctuary college. With this status, the District will not provide student information to assist ICE or CBP through an administrative warrant. The District will only comply with judicial warrants and subpoenas signed by a judge.
What should I do if a federal immigration enforcement officer presents me with a warrant?
If you are presented with a warrant by a federal immigration enforcement officer seeking to enter the campus or other limited access areas of your workplace on District property, you should immediately contact and inform the Superintendent/President’s office. As mentioned previously:
- A civil and administrative warrant does not authorize entry into limited access areas without consent.
- A criminal search or arrest warrant may authorize entry without District consent.
Because it may be difficult to distinguish the difference between the different warrants, you should:
- Ask the officer for their name, badge or ID number, and agency affiliation
- Ask for a copy of the warrant(s) and/or subpoena(s)
- Inform the officer that you are not trying to obstruct their process but need to consult with the Superintendent/President for guidance.
- Under no circumstances should you try to prevent the officers physically.
What should you do if a federal officer asks you for, or gives you a subpoena, for personally identifiable private information or records about a student or patient?
Personal and personally identifiable information is in the District records, and those records themselves are protected by a wide variety of privacy laws and District policies, including the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
As a District employee, you are required to maintain the confidentiality of personal and personally identifiable information, as well as records containing such information. The District generally requires that law enforcement officers produce a valid subpoena authorizing the disclosure of student records that contain personal or personally identifiable information. Generally speaking, law enforcement officers do not have greater access to students of other District records than any other member of the public unless they have a valid judicial warrant or subpoena.
If you receive a request for personal or personally identifiable information or records containing such information, or if the federal immigration enforcement officer gives you a warrant or subpoena seeking such records, you should take steps to ensure you have the authority to provide access to the specified records.
Because it may be difficult to distinguish the difference between the different warrants, you should:
- Ask the officer for their name, badge or ID number, and agency affiliation
- Ask for a copy of the warrant(s) and/or subpoena(s)
- Inform the officer that you are not trying to obstruct their process but need to consult with the Superintendent/President for guidance.
- Under no circumstances should you try to prevent the officers physically.
Are District employees required to assist federal immigration authorities in granting permission to enter limited access spaces when officers do not have a judicial warrant?
No. District Employees are not required to assist federal immigration authorities as suggested above. However, they are required to direct the immigration officials to the District Superintendent/President’s office.
Although you are not required to assist, it is important to understand that federal law prohibits you from hiding evidence, concealing or hiding individuals who are the subject(s) of law enforcement activity, or interfering with an arrest. Further, you should never place yourself in physical danger.
Does it make a difference if a student is an international student?
International students are subject to different requirements. Colleges are required to exchange data with federal immigration agencies on the status of international students on F-1, J-1, or M visas through the use of the government database named “SEVIS,” which is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). In addition, certain information about those students is required to be retained and produced by the District upon request from DHS and ICE.
According to the Department of Education, FERPA permits institutions to comply with information requests from DHS in order to comply with the requirements of the SEVP program. However, this does not create a blanket waiver of an international student’s FERPA rights; the information that can be disclosed is limited to the categories listed in DHS regulations, and a request must be made to a campus Designated School Official (DSO). Other information about international students is entitled to the same FERPA protection that otherwise governs student records.
All DHS, ICE, and CBP requests should be referred to the Superintendent/President’s office for vetting.
Will the District Police Department contact, detain, question, or arrest an individual on the basis of being a suspected undocumented immigrant?
District Police officers will not contact, detain, question, or arrest an individual solely on the basis of suspected undocumented immigration status or to discover the immigration status of any individual. District Police will not undertake joint efforts with federal immigration enforcement authorities to investigate, detain, or arrest individuals for violation of federal immigration law.
If ICE or CBP operations were to take place on campus, what would the District Police Department do?
As previously mentioned, the likelihood of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers conducting immigration enforcement activities on campus is extremely low. In the very unlikely event that federal immigration enforcement activities were to occur on any of our campuses, it is important to know that the District Police Department does not have the authority to prevent or stop ICE or CBP from conducting an enforcement operation.
Should this unlikely scenario happen, the District Police Department would do everything possible to try to limit trauma and ensure that the physical safety of our students is maintained and work to prevent injuries and property damage.