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Crime Awareness And Campus Security Report 2004

Clery Act Information

Introduction
This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by UTSA and on any public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Crime Prevention Officer at 210.877.4006 or by accessing our web site at http://www.utsa.edu/utsapd/ (Crime Awareness Act).

Crime Reporting Policy, Procedures And Responses
The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department prepares this report to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. The full text of this report can be located on our Web site at http://www.utsa.edu/utsapd. You will also be able to connect to our site via the University of Texas at San Antonio Home page at http://www.utsa.edu. This report is prepared in cooperation with the Police agencies surrounding each of our campuses, University Housing, Student Judicial Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs and Counseling Services. Each entity provides updated information on their educational efforts and programs to comply with the Act.
The University does not recognize any off campus fraternity or sorority houses. Likewise, student organization recognition does not extend beyond the University, and student organizations are not recognized to engage in activity off-campus. Copies of the report may also be obtained at the UTSA Police Department (MS 1.00.02) or by calling 210.458.4242. All prospective employees may obtain a copy from Human Resources (5723 University Heights Blvd., Suite 500). A partial version of this report is located in the Student Bulletin. Directions to locate the report on the Web site are located in the class schedule and university bulletin.

Access To Campus Facilities And University Housing
Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests and visitors during normal business hours. Access to buildings after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is available through Late Hour Entry Doors (LHDs) controlled by the University Police Department. Access to classrooms and office buildings for special events after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is available through LHDs in each building. LHDs are controlled by the University Police Department. The University Police Department monitors building LHDs and critical areas via closed circuit television. A computer based electronic monitoring system located at the University Police Department monitors a comprehensive network of intrusion detection and duress alarms.
Faculty, staff and students are required to have a UTSA ID CARD in their possession at all times and to present their UTSA ID CARD upon request. The UTSA ID CARD is available at both the 1604 and Downtown campuses.
The exterior doors to student residence halls remain locked 24 hours a day. Unlimited access is available to residents only via an electronic access control system. Guests and visitors to the student residence halls may gain admission at a centralized desk and must be escorted when in the residence halls. Access to the University Oaks Apartment complex is through electronic access gates. Residents should immediately report lost access cards, lost keys, malfunctioning locks and gates to their respective Director of Housing.

Security Considerations Used In Maintenance
University Police Crime Prevention Specialists and University Police Officers regularly test the emergency telephones and submit work orders for repair; survey the campus grounds and recommend the trimming of shrubbery, trees and other vegetation to ensure that they do not impede light disbursement or interfere with walkways; and conduct periodic lighting surveys. Officers report the need for replacement of lights and any other physical hazards they notice. Periodic security assessments are conducted when a crime trend occurs or upon the physical changes of office space and equipment when requested by an administrator. Many buildings, offices, labs, computer rooms and other areas of campus are equipped with card key access and door alarms that report to the University Police Department.
Lighting improvements are constantly being evaluated. Improvements have included the placement of high intensity sodium vapor lights in buildings, in parking lot areas, in areas with heavy landscaping and trees, and along pathways frequently traveled by students. Outdoor courtesy telephones are located at many locations throughout the campus. All courtesy telephones are connected directly to the University Police Department.
The campus community is encouraged to report any safety concerns, exterior lighting and courtesy telephone malfunctions to The University Police Department at 210.458.4242.

Jurisdictional, Enforcement And Arrest Authority Of University Police
University safety and security is coordinated by the University Police Department (MS 1.00.02). The department has a force of 38 sworn police officers with full arrest powers and 20 non-sworn support employees. University police officers receive their police authority via Article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 51.203 of the Texas Education Code. Commissioned peace officers employed by UTSA have jurisdiction within the county where the University of Texas System owns or leases property; however, patrol activity is limited to the boundaries of property owned, leased or otherwise under the control of UTSA (1604 Campus, Downtown Campus and the Institute of Texan Cultures). University police officers must meet specific employment qualifications and training requirements in order to be licensed peace officers by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE). TCLEOSE requires a minimum of 618 hours of basic police training and a minimum of 40 hours of additional training every two years. University police officers receive their commission as peace officers upon successfully graduating from The University of Texas System Basic Peace Officer Course. This course consists of 884 hours of law enforcement education and training. All sworn officers have been trained in first aid and CPR and are authorized to enforce all regulations on the university campus. University Police Officers are armed with firearms. They conduct foot, bicycle and vehicular patrols on all University property and throughout the University Housing community 24-hours a day.

Working Relationships With State And Local Police
The University Police Department maintains close working relationships with the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, federal, state, and other law enforcement agencies and routinely shares investigative information. The University Police Department also works closely with the San Antonio Fire Department and EMS.
A number of recognized student organizations maintain meeting and living facilities off campus. The University Police Department is routinely informed by other local law enforcement agencies of any criminal activities involving UTSA student organizations. The information in these reports is subsequently shared with the Office of Student Life.

Encouragment Of Prompt Reporting Of Crimes Or Emergencies
Police, Fire, EMS - Dial: 911
The University Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, security and emergency response at all UTSA campuses. The primary office of The UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT is located on the 1604 campus in the Multidisciplinary Studies (MS) building, 1.00.02. The University Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, staffed by commissioned Texas Peace Officers and supported by civilian personnel and non-commissioned security officers. For non-emergency assistance at all UTSA campuses dial 210.458.4242.
A number of well-marked exterior courtesy telephones are located throughout the campuses (in most parking lots and all elevators). These courtesy telephones can be used to report crimes, emergencies or to request police services.

Crime Prevention
UTSA strives to prevent crimes from occurring rather than react to crimes after the fact. The following crime prevention programs and services are offered by The University Police Department free of charge:
Safety Escort Program - Safety escorts are provided to locations on campus during hours of darkness.
Crime Prevention Presentations - Crime prevention presentations pertaining to personal safety, sexual assault prevention, alcohol and drug awareness, burglary and theft prevention are conducted as needed for faculty, staff and students. Specialized crime prevention presentations are available upon special request.
Printed Crime Prevention Literature - Crime Prevention literature related to personal safety, auto theft prevention, residential security and consumer awareness is available at various locations throughout the campus. Specialized crime prevention literature is available upon special request.
Operation Identification - Operation Identification is an on-going program that involves the engraving of driver's license or student identification numbers on valuable items of personal property. Engravers are available at the UTSA Police Department.
Sexual Assault Prevention - Sexual assault awareness, education and prevention presentations are made each year to members of the campus community.
Security Surveys - Campus buildings, University Oaks Apartments, Chisholm Hall Dormitory and other campus areas are surveyed for safety and security concerns regularly.
For additional crime prevention information or to schedule a crime prevention presentation please call the Crime Prevention Division at 210.877.4006 during normal business hours.

Sexual Assault
Victims of sexual assault or persons who have information regarding a sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the University Police Department immediately. It is the policy of the University of Texas San Antonio Police Department to conduct investigations of all sexual assault complaints with sensitivity, compassion, patience and respect for the victim. Investigations are conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and the Bexar County District Attorney's Office.
All information and reports of sexual assault are kept strictly confidential. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures Art. 57, victims may use a pseudonym to protect their identity. A pseudonym is a set of initials or a fictitious name chosen by the victim to be used in all public files and records concerning the sexual assault. The victims of sexual assault are not required to file criminal charges or seek judicial actions through the university disciplinary process. However, victims are encouraged to report the assault in order to provide the victim with physical and emotional assistance.
Information and assistance is available through the University Counseling Services (458-4140), Student Health Services (458-4142), Rape Crisis Hotline (349-7273), Rape Crisis Center (521-7273), and the Office of Student Life (458-4720). If requested these departments will assist the victim in contacting the University Police Department.
The University of Texas Police Department Crime Prevention Division is available to all victims to provide information about personal safety, Texas Crime Victims Rights, Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund and other information upon request. The Office of Student Life can assist the victim with issues including, but not limited to, class schedule changes, withdrawal procedures, or campus housing relocation.
Information concerning Sex Offender Registration information is found at the Texas Department of Public Safety web site for Sex Offender Registration at https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/soSearch/default.cfm.


Alcohol And Other Drugs
UTSA is a drug-free school. The Drug Free School and Communities Act of 1989 requires institutions of higher education to adopt and implement programs to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Information concerning these programs must be distributed to students annually. For information regarding theses policies please refer to the following: Drug Free School and Communities Act provided by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Standards of Conduct: Subsection 3.21 of Chapter VI, Part One of the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System.
State law prohibits the medically unsupervised use, possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of drugs classified as illegal. Individuals determined to be in violation are criminally prosecuted and referred for university disciplinary action.
The use, possession and distribution of alcoholic beverages on any UTSA campus must comply with Texas law and University policies and procedures. All state laws related to alcohol apply and violations can result in criminal citations or arrest. Violations can also result in University disciplinary action. Additional policies regarding alcohol may apply at University Oaks Apartments and Chisholm Residence Hall.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services on Campus
Student Health Services (458-4142) is located on the first floor of the Recreation Wellness Center (RWC), room 1.500; no appointment is required.
Student Counseling Services (458-4140) provides short-term counseling for students and employees. The office is located in the University Center, room 2.01.04.

Weapons
In accordance with Texas Penal Code Ch. 46, it is a felony to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly possess a firearm, illegal knife or prohibited weapon (with or without a concealed handgun permit) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, to include any buildings or passenger transportation vehicles under the direct control of the educational institution.

Crime Reporting
Efforts are made to inform members of the campus community on a timely basis about campus crime and crime related issues. These efforts include the following:
Annual Report- Crime statistics are compiled yearly and are available to the media or any member of the campus community.
Student Newspapers - The weekly student newspaper, “The Paisano”, publishes a summary of crimes that occurred on campus the preceding week. The summary is prepared by the University Police Department.
Campus Alert Flyers - In special circumstances printed crime alerts are prepared and distributed selectively or randomly throughout campus.
The University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department, Vice President for Student Affairs, Director of University Housing, Director of Student Counseling, and the Director of Student Health Services provide voluntary confidential reporting for annual crime statistics for the purpose of making timely warnings and annual statistical disclosure.

 

CAMPUS CRIME STATISTICS 2002-2004