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University POLICE Home Page

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.

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 an 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.

Avoid walking alone, particularly after dark. If walking alone is unavoidable, be aware of your surroundings. Look behind and around you frequently. Stay in well-lighted areas.

Carry a cellular phone with UPD’s number programmed for quick dialing. Also, add a contact in your cellular phone named “ICE” (in case of emergency) with information regarding your emergency contacts.

Avoid shortcuts. Remember that the shortest route is not always the safest route.

Park your car in a lighted area. Lock car doors and conceal any valuables left inside the car.

Dress for mobility. Carry your personal belongings in a backpack or similar container that will enable your arms and hands to be free at all times.

Do not get close to a vehicle if you are walking and a vehicle approaches you.

Never allow someone to predict your route of travel. When you are walking, driving, biking, or jogging, vary your route.

Register, engrave, mark and/or photograph all your valuables including bicycles, stereos, jewelry, vehicles, computers, etc. Engraving tools are available in Holy Cross Hall G13, as a part of Operation Identification.

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 give anyone the key to your room.

Do not leave valuables in plain sight.

Never let strangers into your hall. This puts you and others in danger.

Be aware of suspicious persons and activities. If you observe someone or something suspicious, notify the residence hall staff immediately.

Report any obscene or irritating telephone calls to the Dean of Students or University Police.

Security in Campus Buildings

Never leave your personal belongings unattended. Look around and be aware of your surroundings when you enter and exit a building.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.