Annual Security Report Awareness and Fire Report PDF
Annual Security Report
The annual security and fire report, prepared by UNK Police and Parking Services, introduces you to the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK), 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 individuals 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 7,100 students, employing approximately 1,200 faculty and staff members as of the fall of 2011. 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 and surrounding 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 Resource, Ombudsperson, Title IX Coordinator and student organization advisors. 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 seven 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 or 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 within the city limits. 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 or reports that occur in the residence halls are forwarded to the Student Conduct Officer or the Office of Residence Life for review and potential disciplinary action. Incidents of sexual assault/harassment are forwarded to the University Title IX Coordinator. To keep anonymity while seeking assistance contact the Counseling Care department. 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.