Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights and Responsibilities When Interacting with Springfield College Police Department (SCPD)

The information below outlines what members of the Pride community can expect when asked to produce a Springfield College Identification Card (SCID) by a College official, including a Springfield College Police Department (SCPD) officer.

We recognize that these requests can sometimes feel uncomfortable or cause anxiety. This page explains when, why, and how identification may be requested, what standards of professionalism the SCPD upholds, and how community members can help ensure positive, constructive encounters.

About the SCID

Springfield College provides students, faculty, and staff with an identification card (SCID) that allows access to numerous activities and locations across campus. These cards:

• Allow entry into College buildings and offices
• Identify employees and students for campus business transactions
• Provide access to events open only to members of the Springfield College community

With over 3,000 students and hundreds of employees, SCID cards serve as an essential way to identify members of the Springfield College community and are a key part of maintaining campus safety.

All community members are responsible for carrying their SCID card while on campus and must present it upon request by any properly identified College official.

When Identification May Be Requested

Your SCID may be requested for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Access to areas that are normally closed or locked
• Identification after hours, on holidays, or weekends when the College is closed
• Identification in an emergency, medical or otherwise
• Confirming whether an individual is a member of the College community or an authorized visitor
• Documenting witnesses or participants in an event (e.g., in a police report)
• Situations where SCPD has reasonable basis to believe someone may be on campus in violation of College regulations or involved in criminal activity

Non-Discrimination Policy

College identification may not be requested based solely on any of the following:

• Race
• Age
• Sex
• National origin or ethnicity
• Religion
• Gender, gender identity, or gender presentation
• Sexual orientation

Requests must be based on specific, articulable reasons related to campus safety or authorized access.

For more details, view the Springfield College Student Handbook — view page 20 for the full Identification Policy.

Routine Contacts with SCPD Officers

SCPD officers regularly engage with students, faculty, staff, and visitors for a variety of reasons. Most interactions are routine and informal, such as:

• Providing directions or information
• Taking reports or responding to calls for assistance
• Discussing safety concerns

Officers are expected to conduct all interactions respectfully, helpfully, and courteously. When safety requires officers to stop community members for information, SCPD recognizes the importance of doing so with sensitivity and care, reflecting the diversity and inclusivity of the Springfield College community.

What to Expect if You Are Stopped

If you are stopped by an SCPD officer, you can expect:

• A courteous and professional interaction
• The encounter to be as brief as possible
• An explanation for the stop (though not always at the very beginning)
• An apology for any inconvenience, if appropriate
• Officers to identify themselves by name and badge number upon request
• Plainclothes officers to clearly identify themselves as law enforcement and display their badge

What You Should Do

If approached by a law enforcement officer: 

• Remain calm and respectful
• Do not walk or run away
• Comply with the officer’s directives and present your SCID if asked
• Wait for an appropriate time to ask questions
• Note the officer’s name and badge number for your records

Providing Feedback

The SCPD welcomes feedback about community interactions — whether concerns, complaints, or compliments.

You can contact:

• On-Duty Supervisor – (413) 748-3516 (available 24/7)
• Chief Tiraboschi – (413) 748-3659 (hours may vary)
• Public Information Officer – (413) 740-3366 (hours may vary)

You may also submit feedback through the Rave Guardian App using the “Text a Tip” feature.

You can choose to include your name and email address or remain anonymous.

Important Reminder

The moment of an encounter with law enforcement may not be the best time to address concerns or dissatisfaction. If you believe an officer’s conduct did not meet the College’s standards of professionalism, please use one of the feedback options listed above to share your experience after the interaction.