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Campus Security

SMU-in-Legacy-- Plano, Texas

SMU - MAIN Campus, Dallas (Crime Statistics)
SMU-IN-LEGACY, Plano (Crime Statistics)
SMU-IN-TAOS, New Mexico (Crime Statistics)

Facilities Security 

The SMU-In-Legacy campus is located at 5236 Tennyson Parkway within the city limits of Plano.  The campus is situated in Legacy Park Business District.  The campus is composed of four buildings utilized to conduct credit and non-credit courses, certification programs and conference services.

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests and visitors during normal business hours.  Access to buildings after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is restricted unless they are sites for specific classes or special events.  Some buildings may be accessed after normal business hours through prior approval of the building facility manager. 

There are no residential facilities located on the SMU-In-Legacy campus.

Visitors to campus are welcome, but are expected to adhere to all campus regulations and policies.  Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Facilities Office located in Building 3 for information on university regulations.  The University reserves the right to restrict the access of any person who does not adhere to University policies and procedures.  ANY person may be required, upon request by the Police Department or University Official, to present identification while on campus.

Faculty, staff and students are required to have an SMU ID CARD in their possession at all times and to present their SMU ID CARD upon request by a University Official.  The SMU ID CARD is available at the Park N’ Pony Office located on the 2nd floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center on the main campus in Dallas.

Faculty, staff, students, guests and visitors are encouraged to report all suspicious people to SMU-In-Legacy staff.

Maintenance, Grounds and Lighting

University facilities, lighting, and landscaping are maintained so as to reduce hazardous conditions. Malfunctioning lights and other unsafe conditions are reported to the Facilities Office in Building 3 for repair or correction on a daily basis.

Crime Prevention Programs 

The SMU Police Department conducts crime prevention and information sessions at each scheduled student/parent orientation meeting. Prospective students and parents are encouraged to ask questions of a safety and security nature.  They are presented with the information on how to obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report.  At the beginning of the school year, the police department also briefs incoming international students, as well as all students who live in the residence halls. Upon invitation, the department provides crime prevention programming to any student organizations and faculty/staff gatherings.  Officers are encouraged to make unscheduled "crime prevention contacts" with students and employees of SMU as they patrol the campus. 

Crime prevention is a tool utilized to encourage students, faculty and staff to be aware of ways to reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime.  While it is impossible to prevent all crime, awareness is the key to preventing the opportunity for crimes to be committed.  The SMU Police Department offers the following crime prevention programs and services free of charge: 

SHARP Program:  The Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape Prevention program, taught by one of the SMU Police Officers, is offered once a week throughout each semester through the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.  This is a self-defense program designed specifically for women.  The program is also conducted in the residence halls and sorority houses. 

Operation ID:  This is an on-going program that involves engraving a driver’s license or student identification number on valuable items of personal property.  Engravers are available at the SMU Police Department on the main campus. 

Hilltop Watch:  This is a campus watch program focusing on crime prevention and long-term safeguards against terrorism and disaster.  

Silent Witness Program:  The SMU Police Department has created an anonymous reporting program called Silent Witness.  Students, faculty, staff or any concerned community member may provide information about suspicious or criminal activity and remain anonymous.  Students may leave a tip on a voice-mail only phone line by calling 214-SMU-2TIP (768-2847) or via an online form at www.smu.edu/2TIP, which will send an untraceable e-mail directly to the police department.  All information received is verified and investigated by the police department.  Individuals who utilize this reporting method assist police in protecting their campus while maintaining their anonymity. These reporting formats are not monitored 24 hours a day.  For in-progress emergencies, call 911.

Monitoring of Off-Campus Student Activity 

When a SMU student is involved in an off-campus incident, SMU police officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with local, state or federal law enforcement.  The Plano Police Department routinely work and communicate with the SMU Police Department on any serious incidents occurring in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding the Legacy campus.   

Jurisdiction of the University Police 

Law Enforcement Authority of Campus Security Personnel

Southern Methodist University police officers are licensed by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education.  These officers are sworn law enforcement officers commissioned under the provisions of the Texas Education Code § 51.212 and are vested with all of the powers, privileges and immunities of peace officers while on the property under the control and jurisdiction of Southern Methodist University or otherwise in the performance of their assigned duties. 

However, there is currently no police officer assigned to the Legacy campus.  One uniformed, private security guard patrols the campus during the evening hours. 

Security of the campus is augmented by random patrol of the Plano Police Department.  Reports of criminal activity may be reported to the Facilities Staff, security guards or the Plano Police Department.  The Plano Police Department has the responsibility and duty to enforce all local, state and federal laws and to effect arrests and refer criminal cases to the City of Plano and Collin County judicial systems. Criminal violations will be processed through the Collin County District Attorney’s Office or Federal criminal justice system. 

Municipal Law Enforcement Jurisdiction  

Plano police officers regularly patrol the campus and augment SMU PD during criminal incidents and emergencies.  The Plano Police Department and the Plano Fire Department are within a one-block radius of the Legacy campus and provides police services, fire fighting and emergency paramedic services to the campus.

Reporting Crime 

Procedures for Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies 

All University community members and guests of the University are encouraged to report suspected criminal activity to the police as soon as possible. Fires, health emergencies and all criminal activity should be immediately reported to the Plano Police Department via the 911 system or to personnel in the Facilities Office either in person at Building 3, Room 134.  Violations of University policies and procedures by anyone may be reported to other University Officials including the Dean of Student Life Office in Room 302, Hughes-Trigg Student Center (main campus) or by calling 214-768-4563.  The department also has an anonymous tips program where community members can leave information without providing their identity.  The Silent Witness anonymous tips phone line is 8-2TIP on campus or 214-SMU-2TIP from cell phones/off campus phone lines.  An anonymous tip may also be sent to the police department via an online form at www.smu.edu/2TIP, which will send an untraceable e-mail directly to the police department.

Reporting Crimes to Other Campus Security Authorities 

Who Are Campus Security Authorities?

§         Vice President for Student Affairs

§         Dean of Student Life

§         Director of Residence Life and Student Housing

§         All Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches for all areas in the Athletic Department.

§         All Associate Athletic Directors

§         Law School – Associate Dean for Student Affair.

§         Director of SMU-in-Legacy

§         Director of SMU-in-Taos

The intent of including non-law enforcement personnel as campus security authorities is to acknowledge that many people, students in particular, are hesitant about reporting crimes to the police, but may be more inclined to report incidents to other campus-affiliated individuals.

Examples of individuals who DO NOT meet the criteria for being campus security authorities include a faculty member who does not have any responsibility for student and campus activity beyond the classroom, clerical staff, custodians and maintenance personnel and cafeteria staff.   A pastoral or professional counselor on campus does not have significant responsibility for student and campus activity and are exempt from reporting crimes to the campus police.  However, physicians and nurses of the Memorial Health Center who treat a victim of a violent crime that occurred on the campus or a facility, under the control of the university, must disclose the reported crime to the university police.  They are not required to release the names of victims/patients. 

Responsibilities of Campus Security Authorities

Because of the law’s complex reporting requirements, the most reasonable and effective way to manage the reporting is as follows:  If Campus Security Authorities observe any crime listed below, or if any person reveals to a Campus Security Authority, in good faith, that he/she learned of or were the victim of, perpetrator of, or witness to any crime listed below, the Campus Security Authority must immediately notify the SMU Police Department.   

Crimes that should be reported are:

Definitions of these crimes may be found at http://www.smu.edu/srk/Safety/safetycrimedefs.asp.

Clery Act crimes reported to local municipal police will be included as long as the municipal police agency notifies the SMU Police and the reported crime occurred in an area for which the institution is responsible. 

Reporting Crimes Outside of the Patrol Jurisdiction of SMU PD 

The SMU Police Department makes a good faith effort to stay informed of all criminal activity involving students at off-campus locations.  Surrounding municipal agencies, state law enforcement agencies and federal agencies routinely inform campus police about incidents where their officers contact SMU students.

Timely Warnings

CRIME ALERT

In order to keep the SMU community informed about serious crimes and security issues, timely warnings may be issued in the form of a Crime Alert.  Crime Alerts are issued on a case-by-case basis in a manner that will provide notification to the campus community about certain reportable criminal incidents that occur on or very near the campus.  The institution must also believe the criminal incident poses a continuing threat to the community and the alert will aid in the prevention of similar crimes in the future.

* SMU will not necessarily issue timely warnings for every Clery Act criminal incident that is reported since that specific incident may not pose a continuing threat to the community.  Certain Clery Act crimes like motor vehicle theft, for example, occur infrequently on the campus at random locations.  Suspect information is often never provided or determined.  This is also true of the Plano area.  Individuals should exercise due care and caution to avoid being victimized.  Check out the crime prevention tips posted by the SMU Police to deter these crimes or attend a crime prevention briefing.  

CRIME ALERT (Off Campus)

SMU may post a Crime Alert (Off Campus) for certain Clery Act crimes occurring outside the jurisdiction of the SMUPD, when timely notification is received by the SMU PD and the offense is considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to the students and employees of SMU-in-Legacy due to the nature of the crime, and/or proximity to the campus

Even though this action is not required by law, SMU strongly believes in supporting the spirit of the Clery Act by informing the community about certain crimes that are reported in the areas immediately surrounding our campus; yet still outside the normal SMU police patrol area. 

When are timely warnings issued?

In accordance with the published guidelines used to interpret 34 CFR 668(e), the decision to issue a timely warning is made on a case-by-case basis in light of all facts surrounding the crime, including factors such as the nature of the crime, the continuing danger to the community, and the possible risk of compromising law enforcement efforts.  Neither the Clery Act nor the Department of Education defines "timely". The Department of Education has stated the warning should be issued as soon as the pertinent information is available. 

SMU will attempt to issue the warning within 24 hours from the time the offense is reported to the SMU Police.  Furthermore, timely warnings may be issued for other offenses not covered by this regulation if a determination is made that the warning will aid in preventing similar offenses from occurring.

How are Timely Warnings Issued?

Timely warnings will be printed on brightly colored posters and distributed around campus in all residence halls, dining halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings, and parking garages.  The SMU News and Information office may send out a campus wide email message containing the alert information if deemed necessary.  The Daily Campus newspaper will also be asked to print the warning in the next available issue.  Timely Warnings will also be published on the SMU Police Department web page.

In extreme cases where there is an imminent and immediate threat to the university community, SMU (Office of Emergency Management) has designed a redundant notification system that employs campus-wide text messages, voice messages, emails, web pages and city sirens that are public address capable.  In addition, low-tech solutions include bullhorns, walkie-talkies, and runners delivering messages word of mouth, all with the goal of notifying the campus community, regardless of disaster-related communication failures.

Sex Offender Registry and Access to Related Information

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under State law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, or is a student.

State law requires persons convicted of or placed on deferred community supervision for certain offenses to register as sexual offenders. Offenders who committed "sexually violent" offenses (most contact offenses) must register for the remainder of their life, even after completing probation or parole. Others (some non-contact offenses) may quit registering ten years after completing their term of supervision.

You can access the sex offender registration files for Texas free of charge through the Texas DPS http://www.txdps.state.tx.us website.

Sexual Assault Policy 

SMU is a community of trust whose very existence depends on adherence to standards of conduct. Student conduct that violates these standards is handled through the University Judicial System. Cases of alleged student misconduct involving serious physical or psychological harm are referred to the Serious Offense Judicial Board. This includes cases involving sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault or attempted sexual assault. (What follows is a summary of policies and procedures on sexual misconduct and sexual assault. Please consult the University Judicial Code section for these policies and procedures in their entirety.)

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE AWARENESS

The Coordinator of Psychological Services for Women will conduct educational programs on sexual assault for students through the Wellness Program, the Orientation Week Program, the Extended Orientation Program (EOP) in the residence halls, and seminars for specific groups as requested. In addition, confidential, ongoing counseling for student survivors of sexual assault is available with the Coordinator of Psychological Services for Women and can be arranged through the Counseling and Testing Center. Confidential, ongoing counseling for faculty and staff survivors of sexual assault is available through the Counseling and Testing Center on a fee basis.

Women's Center:  The Women's Center of Southern Methodist University empowers women and men on campus through educational programming and leadership opportunities designed to increase awareness of gender equity issues. Through advocacy, information, and referral services, the Women's Center provides a safe haven for students struggling with issues of injustice and oppression.  The Women's Center annually sponsors a Women's Symposium.  The Center also unites with other community and campus partners on violence prevention, which includes sexual assault. 

The Women's Center is located at 3116 Fondren Drive (@ the intersection of Airline & Fondren). 
Hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 
Extended hours and weekends are available by reservation only. 
Call 214-768-4792 or fax 214-768-3475 to schedule.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report sexual assaults to Plano Police Department, as well as the SMU Police Department, whether the assault occurs on or off campus, no matter who the alleged assailant is. Students may report sexual assaults to the Plano Police, SMU Police, the Dean of Student Life Office, any University official, or the SMU Women’s Center. Reporting a sexual assault to University officials or a pastoral counselor does not automatically initiate a criminal investigation. It is important for persons who have been sexually assaulted to contact the police who will arrange for immediate medical attention and initiate a criminal investigation.  The Coordinator of Psychological Services for Women is available to accompany students who have been sexually assaulted to the hospital and for counseling, if desired. A medical examination called a "Rape Kit Exam," conducted by an area hospital, will help preserve important evidence of the sexual assault if the person who has been sexually assaulted decides later to prosecute.

Remember-If you have been sexually assaulted:

  1. Call 911 on campus.
  2. Contact the SMU Police for assistance and liasion with Plano PD at 214-768-3388.  
  3. DO NOT shower, bathe, or douche.
  4. Have a trusted friend take you to Presbyterian Hospital of Plano.  A highly trained SANE nurse (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) will perform a rape kit examinations. Take the clothes in which you were assaulted with you to the hospital. If reported to the SMU Police, clothing and other items will be provided to you at the hospital.
  5. Call the Coordinator of Psychological Services for Women at 214-768-4795. She will meet you at Parkland Hospital.
  6. Obtain counseling services through the SMU Counseling and Testing Center at 214-768-2211 or call 214-768-4796 for a community referral.
  7. Remember it is not your fault. You will recover.

(Some information obtained from the Women's Center website.)

HOW TO FILE A SEXUAL ASSAULT COMPLAINT

In order to file criminal charges, the complainant should contact the Plano Police Department, as well as the SMU Police Department, who will coordinate the investigation with the Plano Police Department.  The complainant may also report the sexual assault to the Facilities Office by calling (972)-473-3400.

If the complainant elects not to file criminal charges, but still wishes to proceed with formal administrative charges, an investigation is conducted, and the case is referred to the SMU Serious Offense Judicial Board, a group specially trained to hear serious offense cases. This board is composed of six members (three students, one faculty member, one staff member, and one nonvoting SMU Law School faculty member, who serves as chair). A hearing is held following the procedures outlined in The University Judicial Code, Section V, Serious Offenses - Student Judicial Procedures. Such procedures include opportunities for both the complainant and the accused: to attend the hearing and present evidence on their own behalf; to challenge any member of the Serious Offense Judicial Board on grounds of prejudice; to have their parents and one support person for the SMU community attend; to present either in writing or in person the testimony of witnesses; to cross-examine witnesses; to request to have her/his living arrangements (if living in campus housing) modified pending the outcome of the student judicial proceedings if the accused is living near the complainant; and not to have his or her sexual history discussed during the hearing. However, evidence of a recent sexual relationship between the accused and the complainant may be considered if the accused asserts consent as a defense. In addition, the accused has the right to appeal the decision of the Serious Offense Judicial Board to the University Judicial Council. Students found responsible for sexual misconduct or sexual assault face sanctions imposed by the student judiciary ranging from judicial reprimand to expulsion.

Drug Policy

Every SMU student shall be responsible for compliance with all local, state, and federal laws regarding controlled substances including, but not limited to, their use, sale, distribution, possession, or manufacture. Violations of any local, state, or federal law regarding controlled substances may subject the person to disciplinary proceedings in the University Judicial System without regard to any proceedings in local, state, or federal courts.

When the standards of conduct regarding illicit drugs are violated, sanctions will be imposed by the appropriate judicial body. Possible sanctions include, but are not limited to, a fine, assignment to community service hours, notification of parents, probated suspension, time-frame suspension or expulsion.

Sanctions upon conviction in the criminal court system for possession, distribution or manufacture of controlled substances range from fines to probation to imprisonment. Amounts of fines, terms of probation or years of imprisonment generally are contingent upon the circumstances and amounts of drugs in possession, sale, distribution or manufacture.

University Education Programs

The Southern Methodist University Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Education and Intervention Program philosophy is rooted on the premise that problems associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs transcend individual responsibility. We believe that the community in which it occurs shares in the responsibility for its prevalence to the extent it accepts, condones and enables individual and group behavior that is supportive of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. An extension of this philosophy is the firm belief that communities have the responsibility to take ownership of the problem, identify effective responses and institutionalize these responses. It is within this philosophical framework that we developed the program at SMU.

Center for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention

Memorial Health Center, 2nd Floor
6211 Bishop Boulevard
P.O. Box 750195
Dallas, Texas 75275-0195
ph. 214-768-4021

The Memorial Health Center is located at 6211 Bishop Blvd on the SMU Campus, just to the north of the Meadows School of the Arts and south of the Umphrey-Lee Center.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday

The Center offers several Substance Abuse Education Classes to include AlcoholEdu for College, E-Toke, Marijuana 101 (online), 'Because I Care' and other on campus and off campus (state-certified) classes.  The university has created a Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention, as well as supporting a peer-education program called BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students).  A 'Live Responsibly" campaign was started in 2007 establishing a dedicated website for information related to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as other emergency and medical resources.

For more information regarding the Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Preventions and related programming, visit http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation.

Additional information regarding Drug Free Schools and Campus Act/Penalties for Drug and Alcohol Offenses can be found at: 

Drug Free Schools and Campus Act:  http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation/adp_drugfreeinfo.asp

Penalties for Drug and Alcohol Offenses:  http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation/adp_drugfreedetails.asp

Alcohol Policy

The University is dedicated to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests. All members of the University community are expected to maintain self-control. Conduct should be consistent with ideals of academic excellence, health and responsible social behavior, including recognition of the rights of others. In recognition of the University's being owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, community members are urged to adhere to the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church which states:

We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for persons. Since the use of alcohol and illegal drugs is a major factor in crime, disease, death and family dysfunction, we support educational programs encouraging abstinence from such use. (The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, para.66j).

It is also recognized that Southern Methodist University is a community of free and open inquiry in which adults are encouraged to make responsible decisions in their lives, including abstinence from or careful use of alcohol. The University recognizes the freedom of conscience that determines such issues, but cautions that such freedom does not imply license to violate the law or university policy.

Texas State Law

All members of the University community should at all times be cognizant of and comply with state and local liquor laws. It is unlawful in the state of Texas for any person under the age of 21 to possess, purchase, or drink alcoholic beverages, except when with either a parent or adult spouse. Providing alcoholic beverages to minors other than where the law provides is prohibited. A violation of this policy subjects the offender(s) to internal disciplinary and/or law enforcement action.

Possession and Consumption

The University prohibits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus, with the exception of adult individual residential rooms and during certain special events such as official University receptions and in specified areas on home football game days.  For both exceptions, those individuals possessing and consuming the alcoholic beverages must be 21 years of age or older.  Kegs and other similar containers - including, but not limited to, 1/2 kegs, party balls or pony kegs - are not permitted anywhere on campus. Various functions sponsored by the Office of Development will continue to operate under special policies.

University Education Programs

The Southern Methodist University Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Education and Intervention Program philosophy is rooted on the premise that problems associated with the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs transcend individual responsibility. We believe that the community in which it occurs shares in the responsibility for its prevalence to the extent it accepts, condones and enables individual and group behavior that is supportive of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. An extension of this philosophy is the firm belief that communities have the responsibility to take ownership of the problem, identify effective responses and institutionalize these responses. It is within this philosophical framework that we developed the program at SMU.

Center for Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention

Memorial Health Center, 2nd Floor
6211 Bishop Boulevard
P.O. Box 750195
Dallas, Texas 75275-0195
ph. 214-768-4021

The Memorial Health Center is located at 6211 Bishop Blvd on the SMU Campus, just to the north of the Meadows School of the Arts and south of the Umphrey-Lee Center.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday

The Center offers several Substance Abuse Education Classes to include AlcoholEdu for College, E-Toke, Marijuana 101 (online), 'Because I Care' and other on campus and off campus (state-certified) classes.  The university has created a Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention, as well as supporting a peer-education program called BACCHUS (Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students).  A 'Live Responsibly" campaign was started in 2007 establishing a dedicated website for information related to alcohol and drug abuse, as well as other emergency and medical resources.

For more information regarding the Center for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Preventions and related programming, visit http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation.

Additional information regarding Drug Free Schools and Campus Act/Penalties for Drug and Alcohol Offenses can be found at: 

Drug Free Schools and Campus Act:  http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation/adp_drugfreeinfo.asp

Penalties for Drug and Alcohol Offenses:  http://www.smu.edu/healthcenter/alcoholeducation/adp_drugfreedetails.asp

HELPFUL NUMBERS:

Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergency -  911

Plano Police (Non-Emergency)                972/424-5678

SMU Police (Non-Emergency)                 214/768-3333

SMU Police Administration -                   214/768-1582

SMU Police Operations                          214/768-1580

Director of SMU-in-Legacy                      972/473-3401

Facilities Office-Legacy                          972/473-3400

Facilities Manager                                  972/473-3413

Dean of Student Life                               214/768-4560

Judicial Officer                                       214/768-4562

SMU Women’s Center                            214/768-4792

SMU Counseling and Testing                  214/768-2211

SMU Health Center                                214/768-4021

 

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