Campus Security Report 2009

Prepared to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f), 34 C.F.R. § 668.46)
Download a PDF version of the complete report

Welcome to the University of Utah!

The Department of Public Safety staff is here to help make your time on campus pleasant.  We endeavor to do all that is possible to build an environment that promotes a feeling of safety and security.

The University campus covers over 1,800 acres and supports over 29,000 students, 13,000 staff and faculty, and thousands of visitors to our three major hospitals, football stadium, sports arena, and marvelous cultural venues. 

Whether your business here is as an undergraduate student, patron of the arts, faculty member, staff member, hospital patient, conference visitor, athletics fan, or for any other reason, we are working hard to make the campus a place in which you can comfortably live, work, learn or recreate.

Our police officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide any police related services needed on campus. Our officers are fully certified Utah state police officers. The police department is backed by a security staff of over 50 people.  The job of the officers and security staff is to assure the physical safety of University buildings and occupants.  They do so by monitoring and responding to alarms, controlling access to university facilities, high-visibility patrol of work spaces and parking areas, and after dark escorts to those who request it. If you need help because your car won’t start, or you’ve locked your keys in the car, we can help with that, too.

Calls for police or security service are answered by our dispatch office, which is always staffed and ready to respond to requests for help or service.  Immediate police or security response is available by calling the main dispatch number, (801) 585-COPS (2677). 

We offer a variety of programs and information to help the University community deal with public safety issues. If you would like a presentation on any safety or security related topic, please call Sgt. Arb Nordgran at (801) 585-1166.

The University of Utah Campus Security Report provides current crime statistics and other public safety related information.  Please take a moment to review the rest of this report for information on some of the safety programs offered by the University and tips on staying safe.   Please enjoy your campus experience, and call on us if we may be of service.

Scott Folsom
Chief of Police

General Information

Phone Numbers

Staying Safe and Healthy at the U

Tips for Staying Safe

Campus Resources: Counseling Services

Annual Security Report for 2009: Campus Security Policies and Programs

Safety on Campus

Reporting Criminal Actions and Emergencies Occurring on Campus

Emergency Response and Evacuation

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

Campus Law Enforcement

Off-campus Student Organizations

Alcohol and Drugs on Campus

Sexual Assault

Annual Security Report for 2009: Statistics of Security Act Offenses

Appendix: Map of Emergency Phones

Emergencies:
Campus Phones: Dial 9-9-1-1
Other Phones: Dial 9-1-1

University of Utah Police Department
1795 E. South Campus Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
http://www.uupd.utah.edu
(801) 585-COPS (2677)

Campus Alerts

The University of Utah maintains a campus alert system capable of providing students and employees information about unforeseen events and emergencies on campus such as snow closures, building closures, significant traffic interruptions, severe power outages, gas leaks, and threats such as bombs or gunman.  Students and employees can sign up to receive alerts via phone, email, or text messaging.  For more information or to sign up for campus alerts, visit http://www.campusalert.utah.edu.

Regulations Library

The University of Utah Regulations Library includes the text of University policies and links to University Rules, Procedures, Guidelines, Forms, and other information.  Individuals can access the Regulations Library at http://www.regulations.utah.edu.

The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others who make use of campus facilities.  While the University makes efforts to keep campus safe, individuals should take steps to ensure their own and others’ safety. 

Tips for Staying Safe

• Develop a relationship with neighbors that will encourage checking on one another often.
• Report suspicious persons or activities to University Police.
• Lock up wallets, purses, jewelry, and other valuables.
• Report safety hazards, unsafe lighting, and defective equipment.
• Be aware of your surroundings, know where you are, know where you are going and what to expect.
• Avoid walking alone and let people know where you are going.
• Plan your walking trips in advance and choose a safe, well-lighted and populated route.
• Remember, most crime is committed in response to opportunity, so the best prevention is to eliminate opportunities.
• Keep your residence doors locked at all times on and off campus.
• Limit or restrict access to your living area.

Campus Resources: Counseling Services

The University Counseling Center is available to students, faculty and staff of the University of Utah.  The Center is located in Room 426 of the Student Services Building and can be reached at (801) 581-6826.  All services are confidential.  The counseling is based upon a reasonable fee schedule, and the first session is free.  Counseling services can assist individuals with career planning, study skills, anxiety or depression, relationship issues, family issues, test anxiety, relaxation, stress management skills and any other personal concerns.  The Center’s hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

The Center for Student Wellness ((801) 581-7776) and the Student Health Advisory Committee (at the Student Health Center, (801) 581-6431) have established annual and ongoing programs to assist students in a variety of areas.  Additionally, student athletes can contact “SAM” (Student Athlete Mentors, (801) 581-7776), a group of student athletes who provide information, education, referrals and support to fellow team members with personal or team issues. 

Safety on Campus

The University of Utah takes seriously the safety and security of campus.  The University of Utah Police Department (“UUPD”) and other departments on campus provide various programs and trainings to facilitate the safety of students and employees.  Several of these programs are listed below.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD).  Rape Aggression Defense is a six-week, practical self-defense course incorporating physical training and classroom education.  The course, intended for women twelve years of age and older, is taught three to four times a year by certified RAD instructors at UUPD. For more information or schedules, visit the “Crime Prevention” portion of the Department of Public Safety webpage (www.dps.utah.edu) or contact Sergeant Arb Nordgran at (801) 585-1166.

After Dark Escort.  After dark, or in any uncomfortable situation, University security personnel or police officers will come to your campus location and walk or drive you to your residence hall, car, shuttle, bus or TRAX stop.  For this service, call (801) 585-2677.

Emergency Phones (E-Phone or Blue Light phone).  Over 150 emergency phones are strategically placed on campus in campus walkways, parking lots, parking structures, some elevators, and other locations.  These phones provide direct emergency access to campus police dispatchers to report an emergency or to get immediate help.  A map of phone locations is provided at the end of this Security Report.

Campus Alert System.  The University employs a campus alert system used to inform students and employees about emergencies on campus.  Students and employees can sign up to receive alerts via phone, email, or text messaging.  For more information or to sign up for campus alerts, visit http://www.campusalert.utah.edu.

“Dealing with Disruptive People” Presentations.  Prepared and presented by UUPD in conjunction with University Human Resources and the Dean of Students office, this presentation focuses on identifying disruptive, threatening, or violent behaviors and taking appropriate actions when encountering individuals with these behaviors. It is provided on request.

Student Parent Orientation.  These orientation sessions are sponsored by University Student Affairs.  At the sessions, UUPD presents information about crime statistics, self-defense, RAD, the After Dark Escort, E-Phones on campus, and other programs.  Additionally, UUPD shares information on how students can keep themselves and their property safe.  UUPD presents at these orientations approximately sixteen times a year.                                                                             

Campus Staff and Faculty Safety Meetings.  UUPD typically gives ten to fifteen presentations each year to various departments on campus.  These presentations address topics ranging from specific crime-related issues to safety tips, crime prevention, and safety awareness.  UUPD will provide these presentations on request of any department on campus.

Plazafest in the Union Building and Plaza Areas.  This campus event is held annually at the beginning of fall semester.  As part of Plazafest, UUPD provides a booth staffed with police officers and security personnel who provide information to students about the University police department, the After Dark Escort program, personal safety and crime prevention tips, the RAD program, crime statistics, policies for skateboard use, and other similar information.

Preview Day.  This all-day event is held on a Saturday in Spring Semester for newly admitted first-year students and their parents.  The event provides workshops for students and their parents to gather information about the University.  As part of the event, UUPD personnel discuss the Department, crime statistics, crime prevention, safety tips, safety programs, and questions asked by students and parents.  Additionally, UUPD maintains a booth at the event to provide information and answer questions.

University Student Apartments (USA) Block Party.  UUPD participates in this family event, held annually on a Saturday in the West Village Bowl.  The event also includes representatives from the University’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety, Student Health Services, and the Salt Lake City Police and Fire Departments.  UUPD provides security personnel and police officers to:

• Teach bicycle safety skills.  UUPD sets up a bicycle course through which children pedal their bicycles.   Additionally, UUPD personnel and officers check and help fit the children’s bicycles and helmets.
• Provide crime prevention and safety tips.
• Provide information about the neighborhood watch program.
• Provide information about campus safety, skateboard policies and the RAD program.
• Provide information about the escort program.
• Provide safety tips for Halloween.

Presentations for International Students.  This presentation, provided by UUPD, discusses safety, crime prevention, domestic violence, and other social issues.  The presentation answers questions and discusses differences in laws and policing between the United States and other countries.  The presentation is given on request of the International Center. 

Health and Wellness Fair.  The campus Health and Wellness Fair is held each October in the Olpin Union Building.  At the fair, UUPD maintains a booth to provide information about the Department, campus safety, RAD, crime prevention and other services the department offers.

Early Childhood Education Center and Village Day Care Centers.  UUPD’s “Officer Friendly” talks to kids about Halloween safety, bike safety and stranger-danger.

Greek Summit.  This presentation is given by UUPD to fraternity and sorority members about campus safety, drugs and alcohol, RAD, crime statistics and services provided by UUPD.

Active Shooter Video and Presentation.  Students and employees can view a video, available at the “Staying Safe on Campus” portion of the Department of Public Safety’s website (www.dps.utah.edu), entitled “Shots Fired on Campus.”  The video provides information on how to respond to an active shooter on campus and steps students and employees can take to prevent such a situation.  Additionally, on request, UUPD will show the video and facilitate a discussion on appropriate safety precautions, having a survivor mindset, and maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings.

The Utah Experience.  This program welcomes athletes to the University football program. The program features short presentations on a wide variety of topics designed to assure a successful experience for athletes on the football team.  One portion of the program is presented by UUPD, and discusses appropriate behavior toward and treatment of women, the affect of drugs and alcohol on judgment, and sexual assault prevention.

Good Choices.  This training is presented by Housing & Residential Education.  The program focuses on the choices students make that enhance or impact their safety and their collegiate experience.

Presentations on any campus related safety, security or law enforcement topic can be arranged by contacting Sergeant Arb Nordgran of UUPD at (801) 585-1166.

Reporting Criminal Actions and Emergencies Occurring on Campus

The University of Utah does not have an official policy about procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions and emergencies occurring on campus, including the University’s response to these reports (such as by providing timely warnings to the campus community).  The University is currently developing such a policy.

Individuals should report crimes and emergencies occurring on campus to the University of Utah Police Department by phone at (801) 585-COPS (2677) or in person at 1795 E. South Campus Drive.  The University Police will, as appropriate, investigate and respond to reports.  Individuals can report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis for inclusion in the annual crime statistics, though confidential reporting may hinder further investigation by the University Police.

The University maintains a campus alert system capable of providing information about unforeseen events and emergencies on campus to students and employees via phone, email, and text messaging.  Students can sign up to receive alerts at http://www.campusalert.utah.edu.

The University Police Department compiles crime statistics for the yearly annual disclosure.  The Department does this in accordance with the requirements of federal law in the Clery Act and corresponding regulation (20 U.S.C. § 1092(f), 34 C.F.R. § 668.46).

Emergency Response and Evacuation

The University of Utah does not have an official policy regarding emergency response and evacuation procedures for dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees on campus.  The University is currently developing such a policy.  The University is also currently revising its Emergency Operations Plan.

While there is no official policy, the University does have, as discussed previously, a campus alert system used to provide such warnings.  For more information, or to sign up for campus alerts, visit http://www.campusalert.utah.edu.

Security of and Access to Campus Facilities

The University of Utah does not have an official policy about security of and access to campus facilities.  The University is currently developing such a policy.

The University takes steps to ensure the safety of residential living areas, including locking entrances to residence halls on a 24-hour basis and nightly rounds by residence hall staff members. Access to residence halls is by University ID card, and only students living in a specific building have access to the building.  Doors are locked 24-hours a day at Officers Circle historical housing, and residents have a separate key for entrance.  

The University of Utah maintains some academic and research facilities for 24-hour access by students and staff.  The majority of buildings are secured when not open to the public.  The Department of Public Safety remotely locks some buildings, while others are physically locked by the security staff.  Random foot patrols of any building on campus are made by security personnel and police officers.

Some buildings on campus have restricted-access areas.  Normally these areas are closed to the public because of the nature of the research performed or because of valuable documents stored therein.  Only authorized students and staff are allowed in these areas.  On campus generally, members of the campus community survey campus each year for areas in need of enhanced lighting and trimming of shrubs and trees.

Campus Law Enforcement

The University of Utah does not have an official policy about campus law enforcement, including the authority of the University of Utah Police and the relationship between the University Police and other law enforcement agencies.  The University is currently developing such a policy.

University of Utah police officers have the same authority as city police officers.  This includes the authority to arrest individuals violating applicable laws and ordinances.  Additionally, University police officers have the authority to enforce University of Utah regulations.  See Utah Code Ann. § 53B-3-105.  The University Police Department has jurisdiction over the campus of the University of Utah.  The University Police may also perform law enforcement duties in areas immediately surrounding campus.  Additionally, the University Police Department maintains a mutual aid agreement with Salt Lake City to assist off campus, and to be assisted on campus, when necessary.   

Both the University of Utah and the University Police encourage the accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to either the University Police or to another appropriate police agency.

Off-campus Student Organizations

The University of Utah does not have an official policy for monitoring and recording, by local police agencies, of criminal activity by students at off-campus locations of officially recognized student organizations.  The University is currently developing such a policy.

The University’s Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities provides that students may be subject to sanctions for behavioral misconduct “on premises over which the University has supervisory responsibility pursuant to state statute or local ordinance.”  University of Utah Policy 6-400.  A Salt Lake City ordinance “regulate[s] the establishment and operation of fraternities and sororities in residential areas of the city.”  Salt Lake City Ordinance 21A.36.150.  The ordinance’s stated purpose is to “ensure [fraternities’ and sororities’] compatibility with the character of existing residential neighborhoods adjacent to a university and to preserve the peacefulness and privacy of residents.”  Id.  The ordinance requires roving police patrols of fraternities and sororities on weekend nights.  These patrols are “responsible for monitoring compliance by . . . fraternities and sororities with all applicable city and county ordinances, state laws, and college or university regulations.”  Id.  The Salt Lake Police Department sends reports from this patrol to the University’s Assistant Dean of Students.

Alcohol and Drugs on Campus

University of Utah policies prohibit the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages on University premises except when expressly permitted by law and University regulations.  The University also prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of any controlled substances on University premises.  Violations of these policies may result in sanctions.  See University of Utah Policies 5-113 and 6-400.  These do not specifically address enforcement of underage drinking laws or enforcement of federal and state drug laws.  The University is currently developing a comprehensive policy on drugs and alcohol.

The University provides a variety of drug- and alcohol-abuse education programs and resources.  These include the Crimson Nights late night program, Residence Hall Association programs, Associated Students of the University of Utah programs and events, Prime for Life Drug and Alcohol Education course, Alternative Fall and Spring Break programs, Student Advisory Health Committee, Student Athlete Mentors, passive programming through various posters and messages in the residence halls, and Alcohol and Drug assessments through the University Counseling Center.  Information about these programs is available online at
http://www.wellness.utah.edu/wellness_as_prevention.htm and
http://www.wellness.utah.edu/pdf/BiennialReview06-08.pdf. 

Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

On October 1, 2009, the University adopted Interim Rule R5-120: Sexual Assault Prevention and Response.  The text of the Rule follows.

A.        Campus Education Regarding Sexual Assaults:  The University educates the student community about sexual assaults and date rape through mandatory freshman orientations each semester. The University Police Department offers sexual assault education and information programs to University students and employees upon request. Literature on date rape education, risk reduction, and University response, as well as educational programs about the same, is available through the University’s Office of Housing and Residential Education.

B.        Reporting Sexual Assault

1.      The first priority of a person who has been subject to sexual assault should be to get to a place of safety and then to obtain necessary medical treatment. The University Police Department strongly advocates that a victim of sexual assault report the incident in a timely manner. Time is a critical factor for evidence collection and preservation. An assault should be reported directly to the University’s Police Department, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (“OEO/AA”), the Dean of Students and/or to a Housing and Residential Education representative. Individuals are encouraged to file a police report. Filing a police report will not obligate the victim to prosecute, nor will it subject the victim to scrutiny or judgmental opinions from officers. Filing a police report will

• • ensure that a victim of sexual assault receives the necessary medical treatment and tests, at no expense to the victim;
  • provide the opportunity for collection of evidence helpful in prosecution, which cannot be obtained later (ideally a victim of sexual assault should not wash, douche, use the toilet, or change clothing prior to a medical/legal exam); and
  • assure the victim has access to free confidential counseling from counselors specifically trained in the area of sexual assault crisis intervention.

2.      Students may request any campus authority to assist them in notifying law enforcement authorities about a sexual assault.  If so requested, the campus authorities shall provide such assistance.

3.      When a sexual assault victim contacts the Police Department, the OEO/AA Office and the Office of the Dean of Students will also be notified. The victim of a sexual assault may choose for the investigation to be pursued through the criminal justice system and through a University disciplinary process (for students, faculty or staff), or only the latter. Victims may choose not to proceed as a complainant in the disciplinary process.  A University representative from the Police Department or the Office of the Dean of Students will guide the victim through the available options and support the victim in his or her decision.

C.         Counseling Options:  Various counseling options are available from the University through the University Counseling Center, the Women's Resource Center and Employee Assistance.  Support services are also available outside the University from the Rape Crisis Center and from other sources.  The offices of the Dean of Students, the University Counseling Center, the Women’s Resources Center and Employee Assistance can provide referrals to other non-University counseling options.

D.        Disciplinary Proceedings: 

1.      University disciplinary proceedings for students accused of committing sexual assault, as well as special guidelines for cases involving sexual misconduct, are detailed in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (“Student Code”), Regulations Library, Policy 6-400, Section III.

2.      University disciplinary proceedings for faculty employees accused of committing sexual assault are detailed in the University’s Academic Senate Policy, Consolidated Hearing Committee for Faculty Disputes (“Senate Policy”), Regulations Library, Policy 6-002, Section 10.

3.      University disciplinary proceedings for staff employees accused of committing sexual assault are detailed in the University’s Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures (“Harassment Complaint Procedures”), Regulations Library, Procedure 5-210. 

4.      The Student Code, the Senate Policy, and the Harassment Complaint Procedures provide, in part, that the accused and the victim will each be allowed to choose one person to advise them throughout the hearing. Both the victim and accused will be informed of the outcome of the hearing.

5.      Students and employees found responsible for sexual assault could be criminally prosecuted in the state courts and may be terminated from employment or suspended or expelled from the University for the first offense.

E.         Academic and Living Situations:  Student victims have the option to change their academic and/or on-campus living situations after an alleged sexual assault, if such changes are reasonably available.

Notice Regarding Sex Offenders
Additionally, in accordance with the "Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act" (amends 42 United States Code 14071), the Utah Sex Offender Registration Act (U.C.A. 77-27-21.5) requires notice to be given to institutions of higher education of persons required by the act to register who are affiliated with the institution.  The Utah Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registration Program Office will inform the University of Utah Police Department of registered sex offenders who are affiliated with the University of Utah.  This information will be available at the University of Utah Police Department, 1735 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, (801) 585-2677 (COPS).

Individual wishing to learn additional information about registered sex offenders may go to the Utah Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry web site at http://corrections.utah.gov/asp-bin/sonar.asp. 

*The numbers for “Residential Facilities” are a subset of the “On Campus Property”.  Residential Facilities
include University Student Apartments and Housing & Residential Education.

Hate Crimes: There were no reported hate crimes for the years 2006, 2007, or 2008.

Property Classification Definitions (34 C.F.R. § 668.46(a))

Campus: (1) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution's educational purposes, including residence halls; and

(2) Any building or property that is within or reasonably contiguous to the area identified in paragraph (1) of this definition, that is owned by the institution but controlled by another person, is frequently used by students, and supports institutional purposes (such as a food or other retail vendor).

Noncampus building or property:(1) Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the institution; or

(2) Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonably contiguous geographic area of the institution.

Public property: All public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

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