Crime Reporting

Crime Reporting

Crime victims, and witnesses to a crime regardless of the crime, are encouraged to promptly report incidents to Public Safety or other appropriate police agency.

To report a crime, the victim or witness needs only to call the security phone number and an officer will meet with them to gather information. An official report will be made with copies available to the victim after a completed investigation. Each day the incident from the previous day, excluding names, are summarized and made available to the public, staff, faculty, students, other law enforcement agencies and the media via the Internet.

Each year the number of incidents in each category of crime are counted and reported to the state and federal government in compliance with the Clery Act of 1990.

Non-Emergency Reporting:

These reporting forms are for non-emergency reporting only. If any person may be in danger, call 911 immediately. Reports will be reviewed within 1-2 business days of submission. Based on the type of report, you may be contacted for additional information (if you provide your name or contact information). Though anonymous reports are permitted, doing so may limit the university’s ability to investigate and/or respond.

Crimes in Progress:

To report a crime in progress, a victim or witness can dial 911 or (606) 218-5940. Any reporting method will stimulate the response of police, fire, ambulance or security, whichever is needed. In addition, the victim of a serious crime may request support personnel, such as ministers and rape crisis or domestic violence counselors, during or after reporting the incident. Prompt reporting of criminal activity to Public Safety enables a quick response, timely warnings and makes the campus safer for everyone.

If you are a victim of a crime or witness to one, you should do the following:

1. Call Public Safety immediately
   • 911 (for emergencies)
   • (606) 218-5940 (Public Safety office)
   • (606) 477-0262 (Public Safety Cell)
2. Obtain a description – Attempt to obtain a description of the offender(s), including gender, age, race, hair, clothing and distinguishable features. Also attempt to obtain a description and license number of any vehicle(s) involved. Note the direction of travel of any offender(s) or vehicle(s) and report these to security.
3. Preserve the crime scene – Do not touch any items involved in the incident. Close off the area of the incident and do not allow anyone in the crime area until Public Safety arrives.

See Something, Say Something

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that may indicate pre-operational planning associated with crime. Some activities could be innocent, but trained officials can determine whether the behavior warrants further action.

The “See Something, Say Something” campaign encourages the public to report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., someone breaking into a restricted area), rather than one’s appearance, to authorities. Remember: Factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity are not suspicious.

If you see suspicious activity, report it to Public Safety and describe specifically what you observed, including:

• Who or what you saw.
• When you saw it.
• Where it occurred.
• Why is it suspicious.

Types of crimes reported to Public Safety

1. Sexual assault – If you are a sexual assault victim, report it to Public Safety immediately. Preserve the physical evidence. Do not bathe, douche, use the toilet or change clothing. If you have been raped, you should seek medical treatment immediately, regardless of whether you report the matter to the police.
2. Telephone harassment – Obscene or threatening telephone calls should be reported to Public Safety immediately. Other harassing phone calls should be reported if they persist. If you receive such a call, remain calm and hang up. Always record the exact time and date you received the call. This information will assist investigators.
3. Bomb threats – If you know of a bomb threat, contact Campus Police immediately at (606) 477.0262 or dial 911. Notify your supervisor, department head or residential advisor and wait for further instructions. Record as much information about the call as you can remember.
4. Burglary and larceny – Property crimes are the highest reported crimes on college campuses. To aid Campus Police in locating property, we recommend you always record the serial numbers of any items of value (such as televisions, stereos and VCR’s). If you feel you have been a victim of a property crime, report the incident immediately to Campus Police.
5. Assault and battery – The best thing to do when confronted in an assault situation is to try and escape and immediately notify Public Safety.
6. Other crimes – There are other crimes which can occur on campus. Generally, you should protect yourself and others and report information to Public Safety as soon as possible.