Community
Policing and Crime Prevention
At St. Edward’s University the term “Community Policing” is
more than a buzzword being used in law enforcement circles. The University Police
Department (UPD) has long embraced the concept of the community participating in
the protection of our campus. Our police officers know they cannot be effective
in protecting the campus without members of the community being actively involved
in reporting any criminal or suspicious activity. Responding to a report of suspicious
activity often results in the prevention of a crime, and we are convinced that
it is easier and safer for all concerned to prevent a crime than it is to arrest
a criminal committing a crime. More important, if we prevent a crime from occurring,
there is no victim.
Community Policing is a proactive approach to law enforcement
that requires an informed community. We believe a well informed community can better protect
itself and aid in the prevention of crime. To encourage this, the University
Police Department invites discussion of potential safety or security problems on
campus.
In addition, our officers serve as resources for students
residing on the campus. There is one officer assigned to each residence hall
and two assigned to the student apartment complex. The officers are a direct contact
for students who want to provide information, need assistance or have questions
about safety/security/law enforcement issues. We have adopted a well used slogan, “Ask
Me … I
can help.”
Throughout the year, our officers take every opportunity to speak
on personal safety, crime prevention and crime reporting. Information on safety
and security is provided to students, faculty and staff members regularly through
video presentations, bulletins, crime alerts, posters, brochures, guest speakers
and the student newspaper.
The University Police Department also distributes pamphlets on various topics
of crime prevention, which are available to all students, faculty and staff members.
Any student, staff or faculty member may schedule a crime prevention presentation
at no charge by contacting UPD. Topics include:
- Police services
- General crime prevention
- Operation ID
- Bicycle safety and security
- Rape awareness and rape/sexual assault
Department personnel also hold sessions each semester on the above topics.
Escorts are provided from dusk to dawn for the safety of anyone walking on campus
at night.
Call 448-8444 or campus extension 8444, and the on-duty officer will respond to
assist you. The officer will escort you to any on-campus parking area or residence
hall. You may also call these numbers for additional information regarding campus
crime prevention programs or other police services.
The Physical Plant Department maintains the university buildings and grounds with
an eye to safety and security. Campus facilities are regularly inspected for any
safety or security problems such as broken windows or locks. Repairs are made promptly.
The UPD assists Physical Plant personnel by reporting potential safety and security
hazards. For example, officers working the night shifts conduct regular checks
of all exterior lights. Lights that are not working are reported to the Physical
Plant Department the following morning. Students, faculty and staff members are
also encouraged to call the Physical Plant (448-8787) to report any safety or security
concerns they may have.
Except for residence halls, most university facilities are open to the public
during the day and evening hours when classes are in session. When the university
is officially closed, all buildings are generally locked and only faculty, staff
and some students are admitted with proper identification.
For information concerning these or other campus crime prevention
programs contact Lt. M. Dan Beck or Sgt. Andres Sosa at 448-8444 or campus extension
8444.
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