TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-TEXARKANA
CAMPUS SAFETY REPORT - 2008
Texas A&M University-Texarkana is committed to putting the health and safety of our students, employees and visitors above all other priorities. There is nothing more important than a human life. This report is designed to inform students and employees of various policies, procedures and prevention methods employed by the University. This report also informs students and staff of the type and amount of crime that has occurred on the campus over the past three years.
Security
The A&M-Texarkana Risk Management/Security Office is responsible for preparing the annual Campus Crime Report. This would include maintaining a daily crime log showing all reported crimes each month. The Risk Management/Security Office will compile annual crime and arrest statistics, as well as student referrals for campus disciplinary action for non-arrest situations involving drug, alcohol and illegal weapons possession violations. Daily crime logs for the previous 60-day period are available for inspection in the Risk Management Office during normal working hours. The Risk Management/ Security Office has one licensed, commissioned Police Officer and two Security Officers. These officers will readily assist students, staff and faculty in any way possible. The Police Officer is defined as a Peace Officer under Article 2.12 Of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and is fully empowered by the State. As such, this officer has the same authority as municipal, county and state officers, is authorized to carry a firearm and make arrests. A close working relationship has been maintained with the Texarkana College Police (an adjoining junior college), Texarkana Texas Police Department, Bowie County Sheriff’s Office and other State and Federal Agencies.
Students are encouraged to report any criminal activity or suspicious circumstances in order to prevent crime. These reports can be made on an anonymous or confidential basis. In the event of an emergency, or to report any criminal activity or suspicious circumstance, on the A&M-Texarkana Campus, call the University Reception Desk by dialing ‘0’ from any University phone or contact the University police Dept. at 903-223-3114 or cell phone # 903-2278-3707. The evening and weekend security officer can be reached by dialing “0” from any University phone or by calling 903-293-3784. Your request for assistance will be handled immediately. The University also has a mutual assistance agreement with the Texarkana College Police. They can be reached at 83-333 from any campus phone if additional assistance is required. The Texarkana Texas Police Department can also assist in emergencies by dialing 9-911 from campus phones.
Crime Prevention
Providing a secure campus is of the utmost importance to the University. The University, through various crime prevention programs, has made every attempt to provide a safe, secure environment for students and staff. Students and staff must also assist the University, being responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. While A&M-Texarkana is a commuter campus, with no housing, crime can still occur. Campus safety is promoted through regular maintenance of buildings and grounds, including the prompt replacement of non-operating lights and the trimming of bushes and hedges from building entrances and walkways. An up to date Crisis Management Plan is in place to direct students and staff in exact procedures to follow in any given emergency. A security officer is on duty at night, until 10:00 p.m., and will assist any student or staff in getting to their vehicle safely. Security will also assist in opening locked car doors and providing jump-starts when needed. Texarkana College Security also patrols the University parking lot and will assist students or staff upon request. The Security Department has an I.D. Program to help protect property from theft by engraving drivers license numbers on personal property. Engravers are available for check out at the Security Department, room 209. All outside doors are locked at 7:00 p.m.,
with the exception of the main entrance, which is monitored by the University Receptionist and University Security. As a public institution, the University maintains an open campus. The University does retain the right to refuse entry of persons having no legitimate reason to be on campus or to eject any undesirable person from the property on his refusal to leave.
General Safety and Crime Prevention Tips
. Avoid walking alone, especially at night
. If this is unavoidable, go to the University receptionist area, first floor of the Aikin Center, and have security escort you to your vehicle
. Park in well-lighted areas
. Before entering your vehicle, have your keys out and ready. Check the interior before entering
. Never leave personal property unsecured or unattended. Lock items in the trunk of your car
. Avoid shortcuts. The shortest route is not always the safest
. Carry personal items in a backpack or similar device, to keep your hands and arms free at all times
. Report any suspicious activity or persons to campus security by contacting the campus switchboard, by dialing 0 from any campus phone
. Alter your route of travel between home and the campus. Whether walking, jogging, biking, or driving, never let anyone predict your route
. If you are walking and a vehicle stops, do not approach it
. Engrave valuables with your drivers license number. Engravers can be checked out at no charge, at the Security Office, room 209 of the Aikin Building
. Always be alert and ready to respond to any situation. Plan ahead. Have a method of defense planned in advance
Drugs and Alcohol
All members of the campus community are expected to abide by state and federal laws regarding controlled substances, illegal drugs, and alcoholic beverages. The possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs (as defined by the Texas Penal Code) on campus is a violation of state law. Violations can result in both university disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. The possession, sale, consumption, manufacture, or furnishing of alcoholic beverages on A&M-Texarkana property is strictly prohibited. Alcohol violations can also result in university disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. A&M-Texarkana provides drug and/or substance abuse prevention information and referral counseling services to any A&M-Texarkana officer, employee, or student. For information, contact the Student and Academic Support Services Office, Room 227 of the Aikin Center. Persons can also call the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Hotline locally, at 832-9623. Personal counseling is available through the Career Counselor in the Student and Academic Support Department. Referrals to outside agencies may be made as well. For information, contact the Student and Academic Support Services Office, Room 225 of the Aikin Center.
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault and Aggravated Sexual Assault are serious felony crimes. A&M-Texarkana considers it essential to provide Sexual Assault Awareness Programs for students and employees, aimed at the prevention of such crimes. The campus police officer is well trained in all aspects of sexual assault investigation. The Campus Security Office and the Student and Academic Support Service Office, offer brochures and other literature aimed at promoting awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses. In addition, speakers from various agencies are invited to the campus each year, to present programs on sexual assault awareness and prevention.
If a sex-related offense does occur on campus, the victim is encouraged to report the incident to Campus Security and/or the Texarkana Texas Police Department. It is extremely important for the victim to receive immediate medical treatment, while preserving any physical evidence related to the crime. For this reason, the victim should not bathe, shower, douche, or change clothes prior to a medical exam. A representative from the Rape Crisis Center will be contacted to meet with the victim at the hospital. Additional counseling can be obtained by contacting the Student and Academic Support Services Office, room 225 of the Aikin Center.
Victims of sexual crimes must decide whether to call the police and press charges in these cases. Most rapists are repeat offenders and your report may prevent future acts from occurring.
On-campus disciplinary action in cases of alleged sexual assault will be handled in accordance with the Policy on Sexual Harassment in the University Policy and Procedures Manual. Both the accuser and the accused have the same opportunity to have witnesses present during a campus disciplinary proceeding. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding brought, alleging sexual assault. If the accused is a student at A&M-Texarkana, the Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services shall appoint a Hearing Committee who shall hear the facts of the case. If the Hearing Committee determines the student’s behavior violates acceptable University conduct, the VP-SASS may suspend or expel the student from the University. Victims of sexual assault will be notified of various options for changing academic schedules upon their request.
Sex Offender Registration Information
The Federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act requires institutions of higher education to advise the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained.
In the State of Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the statewide source of information on sex offenders required by law to register. The DPS Sex Offender Registration open record information may be obtained at the internet location: http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/soSearch/default.cfm
Disciplinary Action-
On-campus: No Arrest
Type of Crime 2005 2006 2007 Type of refferal 2005 2006 2007
Murder 0 0 0 Liquor law
Manslaughter 0 0 0 violations 0 0 0
Sex Offenses Drug law
Forcible 0 0 0 violations 0 0 0
Non-Forcible 0 0 0 Illegal weapons
Robbery 0 0 0 possession 0 0 0
Aggravated Assault 0 0 0
Burglary 0 0 0
Vehicle Theft 0 0 0
Simple Theft 0 0 2
Arson 0 0 0
Hate Crimes (by prejudice)0 0 0
race 0 0 0
religion 0 0 0
sexual orientation 0 0 0
gender 0 0 0
disability 0 0 0
ethnicity 0 0 0
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Totals 0 0 2
Illegal Weapons 0 0 0
Drug Abuse 0 0 0
Liquor Laws 0 0 0
Totals 0 0 0
Warning notices of reported serious/violent crimes occurring on campus will be clearly posted on bulletin boards throughout the University as soon as the information is available for dissemination.
* A&M-Texarkana Campus consists of two adjoining buildings and a shared library, which is totally surrounded by Texarkana Community College. All crime that occurs on adjacent public property next to Texarkana College should be reported by the Texarkana College Campus Police Department.
A&M-Texarkana is a commuter University and has no dormitories or off-campus sites.
In compliance with the Federal Student Right to Know Act and the Clery Act, information regarding graduation rates can be obtained from the Admission’s Office by calling (903) 223-3068.