Crime Prevention TIPS and Information

Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act

The following information is designed to provide a greater understanding of the facts and figures related to campus security operations. The information presented is not designed to serve as any agreement or contractual arrangement for providing security services to members of the campus community, nor to guarantee an individual's personal safety when utilizing the campus facilities or grounds. PUBLIC SAFETY URGES ALL MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY TO FOLLOW PERSONAL SAFETY GUIDELINES AS THE BEST METHOD FOR PREVENTING CRIME. The information presented is designed to meet the guidelines of the Tennessee 1989 "College and University Security Act," and the Federal 1990 "Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act."

I. Introduction
II. Crime on Campus
III. Personal Safety
IV. Sexual Assault
V. Property Crime
VI. Alcohol and Dangerous Drugs
VII. Telephone Harassment
VIII. Weapons on Campus
IX. Traffic Enforcement
X. Other Law Enforcement Agencies
XI. Other Resources
XII. Computer Safety TIPS

I. Introduction

Public Safety is an independent police agency recognized as such by the FBI and State of Tennessee. The department currently employs 30 full-time officers and operates 24 hours a day. Officers of Public Safety determine the appropriate response for all requests for assistance. Also utilized when requested are officers from the Murfreesboro Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department and other law enforcement agencies, as well as numerous other full-time and student personnel in auxiliary roles.

There is one non-commissioned security guard who receive department training for the Murphy Athletic Center security positions. Additional department support consists of one executive aide, one microcomputer specialist, one technical clerk, and approximately 25 part-time student employees. Students assist with the office operations, dispatch, and student patrol security services.

All full-time officers are commissioned and certified with the State of Tennessee. All officers have graduated from a fully accredited law enforcement training academy and are required to meet all minimum standards set forth for police officers by the State of Tennessee. The department also provides continuing education for its officers in excess of what is required by these minimum standards.

II. CRIME ON CAMPUS

MTSU is an open campus located in an area rapidly growing in population. A CAMPUS ENVIRONMENT CAN FOSTER A FALSE FEELING OF SAFETY among its community. This is a potentially dangerous illusion. Each year over 100,000 crimes are reported on college campuses. Included on this web site are the latest crime statistics for MTSU. A comparison with other universities will show that we are among the safest universities in the nation and the state. We attribute this record to the aggressive performance of duties by Public Safety and also to the awareness of the MTSU community. Despite our safety record DON'T TAKE CHANCES OR BE CARELESS with regard to your personal safety and property. MTSU has always been open about the fact that crime does occur here. We hope that increased awareness on the part of the community will help keep our campus safe.

MTSU and Public Safety are active supporters of CrimeStoppers of MTSU, Murfreesboro and Rutherford County. You are urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 893-STOP (7867) if you have information about a crime that has occurred and wish to remain anonymous. If the information leads to an arrest and prosecution, you may receive a cash reward up to $1,000.00.

All members of the University community are urged to report crime and suspicious activity to Public Safety as soon as possible. The department may be reached 24 hours a day at (615)898-2424 (2424 from campus telephones). All emergency calls for fire, medical, or police assistance should be made to this number. All "911 Emergency" calls will be rerouted to Public Safety by 911 personnel, so what may be a critical loss of time is eliminated with calls directly to 2424. Emergency phones and call boxes are installed at various locations around campus to make it easier to contact the department.

A CRIME ALERT NOTICE will be distributed campus wide by Public Safety when it could be reasonably believed that a reported violent crime may endanger additional campus citizens, i.e., employees, students and guests.

III. PERSONAL SAFETY

The most effective means of dealing with an attack on your person is to AVOID IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. The following are some common sense rules for your personal safety:

[Walking at Night]

1. Never walk alone at night on campus or anywhere in the city. Walk in groups of two or more people. If you are ever stranded on campus, call Public Safety at 2424 for an escort to your dorm or car.

2. Stay away from dark, poorly-lighted areas, especially buildings, parking lots, and alleys.

3. Always walk away from bushes and hedges.

4. Avoid short-cuts. Use designated sidewalks and lighted walking malls that run north to south and east to west on campus.

5. Never talk to strangers. Never accept rides from a stranger or mere acquaintance. ALWAYS INFORM ANOTHER PERSON about your destination and expected time of return. This could save you life.

6. Maintain a tight grip on your purse or belongings. NEVER LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS UNATTENDED.

7. If you think you are being followed by a vehicle, try to get its description and license number. Reverse and walk in another direction (the car will have to turn around to follow). Run to a lighted residence or public area and notify the police.

8. Do not walk with your head down. WALK CONFIDENTLY AND WATCH AROUND YOU AT ALL TIMES.

[Driving at Night]

1. After parking, always lock your car and remove the keys.

2. PARK IN WELL LIGHTED AREAS.

3. Always check the back seat of your vehicle before entering.

4. Keep windows up and doors locked while driving.

5. NEVER PICK UP HITCHHIKERS.

6. If you are being followed, do not park and get out of you car.

7. Drive to Public Safety or another police station or an open business for help. Do not drive to your home or dorm.

8. Look around for loiterers before leaving your vehicle.

9. NEVER STOP TO AID A DISABLED MOTORIST. Notify a service station or the police.

10. If you have car trouble, raise your hood and WAIT INSIDE WITH THE DOORS LOCKED. If strangers stop, ask them to report your predicament to the police or a service station.

[If You Are Held Up]

1. Do not resist if you think or know that the person is armed.

2. Quickly turn over your wallet or purse.

3. As soon as you are safe, turn and run away. If people are nearby, scream.

4. Take no chances because many criminals carry weapons.

[If You Are Attacked]

1. Every emergency situation is different. Only you can be the judge of what course of action is appropriate. THERE IS NO MAGIC TECHNIQUE or weapon which can by used and guaranteed to work on every attacker.

2. Be realistic about your ability to defend yourself. An immediate reaction to resist physically or by yelling may give you a chance to escape, but it also may lead to further harm.

3. If your life is endangered, passive resistance such as vomiting, urinating, or telling your attacker that you are diseased may be your best defense.

IV. SEXUAL ASSAULT

Any student who has experienced sexual assault or attempted assault is well aware of the trauma associated with such an act. Sexual assault can range from stranger rape to being emotionally coerced for sex by someone the victim knows. Statistics estimate that approximately one in every four women will be a victim of date or acquaintance rape during her college career. Students should be aware that any sexual intercourse without the consent of their partner is rape. Furthermore, sexual intercourse with a partner who is unconscious or unable to consent for any reason is rape.

If you are the victim of sexual assault, you are encouraged to report the assault and seek medical treatment. You may report this crime by calling Public Safety at (615)898-2424 (if you are on campus dial 2424) or the Murfreesboro Police Department. You may request assistance in reporting the crime by contacting any of the offices in the Unit of Student Life or contacting your resident assistant, hall director, or area coordinator. It is important to report the assault so that evidence may be preserved to provide proof of criminal sexual assault if and when the victim chooses to make a criminal complaint.

Complaints of alleged sexual assault should also be lodged with the Office of the Assistant Dean of Students, located in Keathley University Center (KUC). MTSU will investigate all reported sexual assaults or attempted assaults and, where appropriate, will hold a disciplinary hearing to adjudicate these assaults according to procedures outlined in the MTSU Student Handbook. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a disciplinary hearing. Any student found guilty of a sexual assault whether by MTSU or a criminal court shall be appropriately punished. A range of sanctions up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University are possible, depending upon individual circumstances. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any on-campus disciplinary proceeding.

Victims of sexual assault should recognize the importance of obtaining and/or receiving help in dealing with the crime. Existing counseling, mental health or student services for victims of sexual assault:

• MTSU COUNSELING AND TESTING CENTER - 898-2670

• MTSU JUNE ANDERSON'S WOMEN CENTER - 898-2193

• CRISIS PREGNANCY SUPPORT CENTER - 893-0228

• RAPE RECOVERY AND PREVENTION CENTER - 494-9262 OR 494-9881

• THE GUIDANCE CENTER - 893-0770 EMERGENCY 1800-704-2651

• SUICIDE PREVENTION AND CRISIS PREVENTION 244-7444

All numbers begin with area code (615)

Assistance is available in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault if requested by the victim and if such changes are reasonably available. The assistant dean of students will assist the victim in making these changes. Continuing education programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other sexual offenses take place during CUSTOMS Orientation and Sexual Assault Awareness Week. Further educational programs take place within the residence halls and for student organizations upon request. Contact 898-2424 for more information.

The most serious ongoing risk of crime at MTSU concerns the theft of both private and public property. Once again, a university campus is not a safe haven from crime. Theft of property is the single greatest source of income for the purchase of illicit drugs and there is a vast marketplace in today's society for stolen property. There are many suggestions for protecting your property.

[Burglary]

1. Be careful to lock the doors and windows of your residence. The more time it takes a burglar to gain entry, the less likely he or she will be to burglarize your residence.

2. Do not leave valuables or money lying around unattended in your dorm room or apartment. CONSIDER LEAVING ITEMS OF GREAT VALUE AT YOUR PERMANENT RESIDENCE.

3. If you do have expensive or hard-to-replace items in your college residence, be sure to make a note of manufacturers' serial numbers for identification purposes. You may also consider applying your driver's license number to expensive items.

4. You may want to check into the coverage of the homeowner's insurance policy on your permanent residence to see if thefts while away at school are covered. You may also wish to invest in "Renter's Insurance."

5. In the dormitory, never leave your room unlocked and unattended. While taking a shower or making a short trip down the hall, LOCK YOUR ROOM and take the key with you.
   

[Theft]

1. Do not leave your books unattended at any time. They can easily be sold for quick money. If your books are stolen, file a report with Public Safety and file a lost or stolen book report promptly in  Keathley University Center Lost and Found.

2. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE UNATTENDED. Don't leave it in an unlocked desk drawer. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

3. Be careful to secure bicycles to the bicycle racks provided around campus. Lock them THROUGH THE FRAME with a sturdy lock and chain. There are locks available that, if properly utilized and defeated, provide insurance coverage for the loss of your bike. Keep a record of the serial number of your bicycle.  We provide FREE BICYCLE REGISTRATION, click here for more information...

4. When using lockers which are provided on campus, be sure to use a sturdy padlock to safeguard your property.

[If You Lose Your Purse or Wallet]

1. File a report with Public Safety.

2. Report the loss of credit cards to the issuing companies to avoid liability for unauthorized charges. 

3. Be especially prompt in reporting a loss of your ATM (automatic teller machine) cards. To limit your liability, immediately report the loss to the issuing company.  Report this loss even though you are sure that your secret code was not written in your purse or wallet.

4. Inform the bank immediately upon the loss of your checkbook. Close your account and open a new one to avoid liability for forged checks.

5. Apply for a new driver's license. You can usually get a temporary one immediately.

6. Call the Social Security Administration for a new card. It takes about three weeks to get a new one if you know your number.

7. Change the locks on your residence if your keys were also lost or stolen. You are particularly vulnerable because your address is on your driver's license and other things.

8. If you had any receipts for dry cleaning or repairs on valuable merchandise, call the business and explain what happened. They may let you pick up the items if you describe them.

9. If you lost a video rental card, call the business and advise them to make your card invalid. 

10. You may obtain a replacement MTSU identification card through the department of Information Technology.

[Motor Vehicles]

1. NEVER LEAVE YOUR KEYS INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE. That makes stealing your car easy, and you may be liable for negligence if a thief uses your vehicle in the commission of a crime. A car is stolen every 15 seconds in the United States.

2. Always lock your car and roll up the windows.

3. Avoid leaving ANYTHING of value inside a parked and unattended vehicle. A radar detector or purse is just a burglary waiting to happen.

4. If you want to install EXPENSIVE STEREO EQUIPMENT in your car, seriously CONSIDER AN AUTOMOBILE BURGLAR ALARM.

5. Park in well-lighted areas.
   

The possession, sale, or transportation of alcohol and illicit drugs is strictly prohibited at MTSU. It is also STRICTLY ENFORCED.

[Drinking and Driving]

1. About 25,000 people die in alcohol-related automobile accidents on US highways each year. Alcohol-related injuries exceed 500,000 each year.

2. Alcohol is absorbed quickly by your bloodstream but is slowly collected and processed out of your system.

3. Alcohol slows your thought processes, affects your concentration and vision, slows your reaction time, and seriously affects your judgment.

4. A .08% or higher blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is legal evidence of driving under the influence in most states, including Tennessee. 

5. Your BAC increases depending on many variables:

   • body weight

   • type of drink consumed

   • how fast you drink

   • your mood

   • the amount of food in your stomach.

6. There are many misconceptions about how long it takes a person to "sober up." Your liver processes the alcohol in your system at the same rate regardless of what "cures" you use. Black coffee, a cold shower, exercise or fresh air will do nothing at all to lower your BAC. NOTHING BUT TIME WILL SOBER YOU UP.

7. Most states now have mandatory sentencing for conviction of DUI. In Tennessee, first offenders receive NO LESS THAN 48 hours in jail, 250.00 fine, revocation of driver's license for one year, and mandatory attendance of a traffic safety instruction course. The mandatory minimum sentencing increases dramatically for repeat offenders. Tennessee drivers may soon have their vehicles confiscated upon repeat offenses. Public Safety DOES enforce the offense of driving under the influence.

8. Alternatives to drinking and driving:

   • DON'T DRINK ALCOHOL.

   • Drink alternative beverages such as juice or soda.

   • Utilize a DESIGNATED DRIVER WHO DOES NOT DRINK. Take turns among your friends.

   • Sip drinks, don't gulp them.

   • Eat before or as you drink to help slow down the absorption of alcohol in your system.

   • Stop drinking well before you plan to drive.

   • Know what and how much is in each drink. Don't let someone surprise you.

   • Set a limit for yourself and stick to it.

   • If you have been drinking, get a ride from a SOBER friend, use public transportation, or stay overnight.

   • TAKE CARE OF FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN DRINKING. Arrange other transportation or a place for them to sleep. Take their car keys from them if necessary.

VII. TELEPHONE HARASSMENT

If you receive a harassing or obscene telephone call, hang up quickly without saying anything to the caller. KEEP A LOG RECORDING THE DATE AND TIME OF THE NUISANCE CALLS YOU RECEIVE. If the calls you receive are threatening or extremely harassing over a long period of time, contact Public Safety to report it.

VIII. WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

Lethal weapons of any kind, most notably firearms and knives, are prohibited on the MTSU campus. The penalty for possession of deadly weapons is enhanced by state law to a FELONY if that possession takes place on campus.

IX. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

CAUTION: Thousands of students are crossing our streets daily, drivers must be extra attentive to these conditions. Parking can be a problem at MTSU as it is at most major universities. There is adequate parking available on campus, but not at the campus' core. Learn to leave yourself enough time to walk to your destination from one of the parking lots provided and/or use the Raider Express Bus Service.  Public Safety enforces all MTSU and State Traffic Laws. Numerous city streets run through and around the campus, so please be aware of and obey the posted speed limits and traffic control devices. MTSU experiences in excess of 100 traffic accidents a year; some are serious. WEAR YOUR SEATBELTS AT ALL TIMES - IT'S THE LAW.

BEWARE: You have not arrived safely on campus until you have parked your vehicle.

X. OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

Public Safety has a close working relationship with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Assistance from local, state, and federal agencies is requested as required. The local law enforcement agencies have been requested to forward Public Safety copies of their reports of all criminal activity occurring on off campus properties belonging to campus affiliated organizations recognized by MTSU. These along with crimes occurring on campus are reported monthly to the FBI and TBI by Public Safety.

The annual report is prepared by March for the previous year. These results are published and distributed via the (1) Public Safety Calendar, (2) Semester Class Schedule Booklet, (3) Employee Orientation Material and (4) on this web site under crime statistics.

XI. RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. The campus and facilities of the University are restricted to students, faculty, staff, guests, and invitees of the University, except when part or all of the campus, buildings, or facilities, are open to the general public for an approved and designated time and purpose. All persons on the campus of the University, including faculty, staff, guests, and invitees, shall be subject to all rules and regulations of the University and the Tennessee Board of Regents which are applicable to the conduct of students on campus, and to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

   All persons on the campus of the University shall provide adequate identification upon request to appropriate officials and security personnel of the University. Personnel and students of the University who refuse to provide such identification may be subject to disciplinary action; other persons who refuse to provide such identification shall be requested to leave campus, and if they refuse, may be subject to lawful removal and prosecution.

2. The use of firearms is strictly prohibited in effecting the apprehension of misdemeanants. Officers are authorized to use necessary force, including deadly force, to protect themselves or other persons from death or serious bodily harm. MTSU officers are specifically not authorized to shoot a fleeing felon unless the above conditions apply. (Officers' duty weapons are issued by Public Safety. All officers meet the firearm proficiency standards required by the Tennessee P.O.S.T. Commission.)

   Possession of firearms (or other statutorily defined weapons) on campus is prohibited pursuant to TCA 39-17-1309 and subject to the exceptions contained therein and to the affirmative defenses enumerated in TCA 39-17-1310. Similarly, the General Regulations on Student Conduct and Disciplinary sanctions prohibit the possession or use of any unauthorized firearm or dangerous weapons of any kind.

3. MTSU does not collect information on criminal records of applications for admission to the University. The application for employment of all employees except faculty requires that the applicant state whether he/she has been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony. Acknowledged conviction of any crime results in an evaluation of the applicant's fitness for employment in consultation with legal staff. MTSU requires that employees notify the institution of any drug convictions resulting from a violation in the workplace no later than five days after the conviction.

4. Public Safety personnel report all hazardous or unsafe campus conditions found to exist on a daily basis. These reports are sent directly to each respective vice president and department chairperson to ensure expeditious corrective measures. A  security activity report is prepared and provided to the President, the Assistant Vice President for Finance, and the Vice President for Student affairs as needed. A daily summary of all criminal activity is made available to the general public at the office of Public Safety (Media Log).

5. Public Safety enjoys a close working relationship with the student newspaper publication staff and News and Public Affairs. The Department welcomes and encourages media interest concerning security matters.

6. Public Safety Personnel welcomes new entering students each semester at the orientation function. A security program is presented and an information packet is distributed to all new students who attend the orientation sessions. This information is also available at Public Safety upon request. Additional Crime Prevention Programs, which include Assault Awareness, i.e., "Date/Stranger Rape," Alcohol Awareness, Individual Security, and Operation ID are presented throughout the academic year upon request. Contact Sgt. Scott for further information and requests.

OTHER RESOURCES

• See Student Handbook for further information (Adobe PDF reader Required)

• Housing and Residential Life 

Computer Safety TIPS

Familiarize yourself with the POLICIES AND PROCEDURES available at: http://www.mtsu.edu/~oit/policies/

Never give out any personal information including accounts, pin numbers and passwords to your accounts.

Always use a secure connection when available. (NOTE: A secure connection is generally indicated by a small padlock on the bottom right hand corner of the browser.

If you are in doubt, call the ITD help desk at 5345.

If you believe you have been a victim of online fraud, contact your credit card provided and make a report and follow up with a report at the police department.