CRIME PREVENTION

 Patriot Self Defense

Security Awareness and Crime Prevention

A continuing partnership between the University Police Department and everyone who lives, works and studies at the University of Texas at Tyler is the key to a safe campus.

We encourage students, faculty and staff to be responsible for their own safety and the safety of others. Alertness, common sense precautions and concern for others are keys to preventing crime and helping us ensure the safety of our campus.  The University of Texas at Tyler Police Department urges you to be aware of your surroundings and environment in order to maintain the highest possible level of safety within the U.T. Tyler campus community.In accordance with the Campus Security Act of 1990, the University of Texas provides the following information and programs:

• Daily Crime Log:  A daily crime log in maintained at the University Police Department located at 3410 Varsity Drive and is open to public inspection during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.  The Daily Crime Log includes any crimes occurring on the Tyler, Palestine, or Longview campuses.  The Daily Crime Log is also accessible online at www.uttyler.edu/police/DailyActivityLog.htm
• Freshman Orientation:  The University of Texas provides all incoming freshman students with information concerning safety and security.  In addition, the University Police Department speaks to parents of incoming freshman students regarding campus security policy, safety and security.
• Emergency Flip Charts:  Located in every building on campus, these emergency charts provide recommended courses of action to take in the event of an emergency.
• Amplified Outdoor Emergency Notification System:  During certain emergencies the system will be utilized to notify the campus community of the emergency and recommended course of action.
• Crime Prevention Materials and Presentations: These are available at the University Police Department upon request.
• Self Defense Program for Women: Program teaching the fundamentals of crime prevention as well as hand on physical defense techniques.  This program is available upon request through the University Police Department at no cost to participants.
• Crime Prevention Compensation Act: Information is available at the University Police Department and is given to anyone who is a victim of a violent crime or a relative of a victim of a violent crime.
• External Awareness: Crime prevention statistics and information are distributed through the campus newspaper, bulletin boards, special bulletins and annual reports.
• Security Surveys: Performed regularly to assure that the physical elements that contribute to crime are reduced, i.e., doors are locked, vegetation is under control and internal and external lighting is appropriate.
• Safe Walk Program: Upon request, the University Police Department provides students and employees an escort to their vehicles and/or on campus housing.
• Operation ID: Electronic etching pencils are available for checkout at the Police Department if students and employees wish to engrave their driver's license number on their property. This method is valuable in the identification of stolen items.

General Safety

Fire AlarmIf you hear a Fire Alarm:
*Turn off electrical equipment
*Close door against fire
*Don't use elevators
*Use fire exit stairwells
*Calmly evacuate to an open area 100 yards away from the affected buildingFire
If you discover a Fire:
*Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station
*Dial 911
*Notify other in your area
*Calmly evacuate to an open area 100 yards away from the affected buildingBomb Threat
If you receive a Bomb Threat:
* Elicit as much information as possible
* Calmly notify others in your area
* Dial 911
* Check your immediate area for suspicious objects. DO NOT HANDLE ANY OBJECT FOUND.
*Calmly evacuate to an outside area 300 yards away from the affected building· Weather Emergency
In the event of a Weather Emergency:
*Take cover in designated "safe areas" or under heavy furniture on the ground floor in the center of a building,
away from the outside walls and windows.
*If outside, take cover and lie flat in the nearest drainage ditch, excavation or ravine.
*Avoid auditoriums, lecture halls, laboratories, studios and hazardous chemical storage areas.Medical Emergency
If you experience a Medical Emergency:
*Dial 911.
*An employee should also report the injury to his or her supervisor. 

 Evacuation and Lockdown Notifications

In certain emergencies, for the safety of the campus community, it may be necessary to either evacuate or to lock down building(s).  During these emergencies, the University emergency personnel will utilize a multi-layered warning system in an effort to inform as many members of the campus community as possible.  These warnings will be disseminated by several means including but not limited to emergency text notification system, campus email, voice mail notifications, and amplified outdoor warning systems.It is highly recommended that all members of the campus community sign up for emergency text notifications.  Subscribing to the service is free.  The campus community may sign up for the service on the police department front webpage at www.uttyler.edu/police

 Safety Tips

  Driving:

• Always tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. Never pick up hitchhikers. Have your keys out and ready. Make an inspection of the interior before you enter your vehicle.  Once inside, lock all doors and windows. Park in well-lighted areas.  Do not park where suspicious persons are loitering. 
• Trust and follow your instincts.

 Off Campus:

• Keep doors and windows locked at all times.  All exterior doors should be equipped with deadbolt locks. Know whom to call in an emergency.  Do not open your door for anyone you do not know.  If a person in uniform knocks and you did not call for assistance, contact the person’s place of employment to verify the reason for the visit.
• Use outside lighting and keep shrubbery trimmed around windows and doors.

 On Campus:

• Never leave your personal property unsecured or unattended. Look around and be aware of your surroundings when you enter and exit a building. Be aware of your surroundings and think about how you would defend yourself.  Develop a “game plan” for prevention. Avoid walking alone, particularly after dark.  If walking alone is unavoidable, be aware of your surroundings. Walk with confidence and determination, holding your head up.  Look behind and around you frequently. Avoid shortcuts.  The shortest route is not always the safest route. Dress for mobility, particularly after dark. Carry your personal belongings in a backpack or similar container that will enable your arms and hands to be free at all times. Never allow someone to predict your route of travel.  Whether you are driving, biking, walking or jogging, frequently alter your route between campus and your residence.
• Call (903) 566-7300 for an escort to your car or campus residence if you for any reason fear for your safety.

 On Dates:

• Know your sexual limits and communicate them clearly and firmly. Do not allow your body language to send a different message than what you are verbally communicating. Avoid the use of mind-altering drugs. (This includes alcohol.)
• Listen to and respond to your instincts.  They are usually correct.

 Residence Halls:

• Never prop your door open, even if you will be gone for only a few minutes.  Always lock doors, screens, and windows to prevent uninvited access to your room. Do not go inside your residence if you return and find that the door is ajar.  Immediately notify the police. Do not give anyone a key to your room.  If you lose your room key, report it immediately to your Residence Advisor. Do not leave valuables in plain sight.  Register, engrave, mark, and/or photograph all your valuables including bicycles, stereos, jewelry, vehicles, computers, etc. Be aware of suspicious persons and activities.  If you observe someone or something suspicious, notify the residence staff and the UTT Police Department.
• Report any obscene, annoying, or threatening telephone calls to the UTT Police Department.