Annual Campus Security Awareness and Fire Report
Annual Campus Security Awareness and Fire Report - Printer friendly version (PDF)
This security and fire report,
prepared by UNK Police and Parking Services, introduces you to the University
of Nebraska Kearney, its services, security measures, fire measures, policies and
regulations that promote campus safety. Current crime statistics related to the
university are also provided.
Disclosure
In accordance with the Student
Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 the
University of Nebraska each year e-mails currently enrolled students and
employees notifying them of the Annual Campus Security, Crime Awareness and Fire
Report. A web site is included with this e-mail directing them where to access
the report. Copies of the report may also be obtained at the Police and Parking
Services office in the General Services Building at 2507 19th Avenue
or by calling (308) 865-8517. A link to this report is located on the
employment webpage and the student admissions web page. Upon request applicants
for enrollment or employment will be given a copy of this report. UNK also
provides this information to the United States Department of Education. Crime
statistics which reflect offenses reported to campus authorities during the
three preceding school years are included in this report.
University Profile
The
University of Nebraska is a state-supported institution of higher education
comprised of four main administrative units, the University of Nebraska at
Kearney (UNK), the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL), the University of
Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and
such other institutions and units as may be designated by the Legislature. UNK
is a community of approximately 6,750 students, employing approximately 975
faculty and staff members. UNK is located in the community of Kearney, Nebraska
which has a population of approximately 30,700.
Although
the area, with its small-town feel and neighborly attitude, is perceived to
have a relatively low crime rate, crime prevention remains a high priority for
the University. UNK does its part to ensure a safe, protected and orderly
environment for its community by having its professionally trained police force
partner with the University community.
Campus Authority Campus authority at UNK is any
person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to
particular issues on behalf of the institution. This is to include but not
limited to the Chancellor, Senior Vice Chancellor of Academic/Student Affairs, Vice
Chancellor of University Relations, the Dean-Student Affairs, Police Officers, Community
Service Officers, the Student Conduct Officer, Residence Life staff, Greek
Affairs staff, Student Health Care staff, Athletics, Human Resources and the
Ombudsperson. Other officials may be identified by additional policy generated
by the Chancellor or his/her designee as deemed necessary and the university
will maintain, revise, and disseminate procedures as required to effectuate
this legislation. Professional mental health, pastoral, and other licensed
counselors when functioning in that capacity are not considered campus security
authorities, however, all members of the university community including the
above listed are encouraged to report crimes or criminal activity to the Police
and Parking Services Department or anonymously at the Universities “Silent
Witness” web page http://www.unk.edu/offices/Police/UNK_Silent_witness. Further
professional mental health, pastoral, and other licensed counselors are
encouraged to let their clients know their options for reporting such crimes.
Law Enforcement Authority/ Working Relationship with State and Local Police
Campus safety and security is
coordinated by the Police and Parking Services Department, which has 8 full-time
officers who have full police and arrest powers. University police officers
enforce University regulations and laws of the State of Nebraska within their
jurisdiction which includes all university-owned, leased or controlled property
and the streets adjoining and adjacent to the university, and in support of the
Kearney Police Department. Police officers
are responsible for a full range of public safety services, including
investigations, medical emergencies, fire emergencies, traffic accidents,
enforcement of state and local laws and all other incidents requiring police
assistance to include arresting necessary persons. University police officers conduct foot,
bicycle and motorized patrol of campus 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
The University Police and Parking
Services Department works closely with the Kearney Police Department, the
Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol. Although there are no written memoranda of
understandings between the agencies all agencies actively assist each other as
needed. Incidences that cross jurisdictions require additional personnel, or
equipment beyond the University’s abilities will be conducted jointly with
another agency. The Kearney Police
Department also responds to any off-campus incident involving students or
student organizations. Police and Parking Services will assist them upon their
request. University police officers have direct radio communication with both the
Kearney Police Department and the Buffalo County Sheriffs Department and are
part of the Buffalo County 911 Emergency Center as they dispatch for the
university.
University police officers are
graduates of the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center and are commissioned
by the Governor of the State of Nebraska as Special Deputy State Sheriffs. They are trained in all phases of law
enforcement, including the use of firearms; however, university police are not
equipped with firearms. They further complete on-going training to upgrade and
maintain their professional skills as law enforcement officers.
Reporting of Criminal Activities and Emergencies
Faculty, staff, students and
guests should report all crimes and public safety related incidents which
happen on campus promptly to Police and Parking Services for further
investigation. Police and Parking Services can be contacted by dialing (308) 865-8517
during business hours, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday or (308) 627-4811 or (308)
237-2104 at anytime. If the situation
that is occurring is an emergency or is occurring off campus dial 911. If a
student or employee is unsure who to report a crime to or would like assistance
in the reporting process they may contact Police and Parking Services. If you want
to stay anonymous we encourage you to report the crime on line at the University’s
Silent Witness web page at, http://www.unk.edu/offices/Police/UNK_Silent_witness.
This report will assist the university in taking steps to ensure the future
safety of yourself and others. With such information the university can also
keep accurate records of the number of incidents involving students, determine
where there is a pattern of crime and alert the campus community to potential
dangers.
UNK is further equipped with ten outdoor
emergency telephones. These phones are programmed to dial 911 when activated.
To activate a phone simply push the button displayed on the phone.
Upon receipt of a call, University
Police Officers are dispatched to the site of the complaint to investigate the
situation. They prepare and submit incident reports for the use of UNK
authorities, other law enforcement agencies, and city, county, state or federal
prosecutors. All incident reports involving UNK students are forwarded to the Student
Conduct Officer for review and potential disciplinary action. In the case of a
sex offense and other crimes of violence, victims may wish to make reports
anonymously to the Dean-Students Affairs (in cases involving students) or Human
Resources (in cases involving employees). Regardless of how a report is made,
it is important to report incidents promptly so that an investigation can be
conducted promptly and evidence preserved