Right to Know

RIGHT TO KNOW

Campus Security

CRIMES NOTIFICATION

The security and well being of our community is of great concern to Southern Methodist University. The SMU Police Department and all other employees of the University are dedicated to keeping the campus a great place to live and work. However, this type of environment depends on the cooperation and involvement of individuals in safeguarding themselves and others.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act

Pursuant to 20 United States Code section 1092(f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act," and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires that each institution of higher education in the United States which participates in federal student aid programs must produce and distribute an annual report containing crime statistics and statements of security policy. A failure to provide required information, or the inclusion of inaccurate information can result in fines up to $27,500 per violation imposed by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).

The Campus Security Act – Legal Requirements

Publish an annual report every year by October 1^st that contains three (3) years worth of crime statistics and certain security policy statements including sexual assault policies.
Disclose crime statistics for the campus, unobstructed public areas immediately adjacent to or running through the campus, and certain non-campus facilities including Greek housing and remote classrooms. The statistics must be gathered from campus police or security, local law enforcement, and other University/College officials who have “significant responsibility for students and campus activities”.
Provide “timely warning” notices of those crimes that have occurred and pose an “ongoing threat to students and employees”.
Disclose in a public crime log any crime that occurred on campus or within the patrol jurisdiction of the campus police or the campus security department and is reported to the campus police or security department.”

Release of the Annual Security Report and Crime Statistics

Each year by October 1, a bulk e-mail notification is made to all employees and enrolled students regarding the availability of the Annual Security Report for each campus. A printed copy of these reports may be obtained by writing the SMU Police Department at P.O. Box 750334 Dallas, TX 75275 or by coming in person to the SMU Police Department administrative offices located at 3128 Dyer Street in Patterson Hall during normal business hours Monday - Friday. The reports are also published on the SMU Police Department web page and may be accessed through the following links:

SMU - MAIN

SMU - LEGACY

SMU - TAOS

Timely Warnings (All Campuses)

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. Timely warnings are handled in the same manner for all campuses.

The crimes that typically result in a timely warning are referred to herein as "Clery Act Crimes". These crimes, as defined by 34 CFR 668.46(b) (c), are listed below:

Criminal Homicide

(1) Murder and Non-Negligent Manslaughter

(2) Negligent Manslaughter

Forcible Sex Offenses

(1) Forcible Sexual Assault

(2) Forcible Sodomy

(3) Sexual Assault with an Object

(4) Forcible Fondling

Non-Forcible Sex Offenses

(1) Incest

(2) Statutory Rape

Robbery

Aggravated Assault

Burglary (this does not include burglary of a motor vehicle)

Motor Vehicle Theft

Arson

These crimes must have occurred within those areas of the campus that are specifically defined in 34 CFR 668.46(a). These areas are broken down into four categories:

On Campus Property

Residential Facilities (Definitions for these categories can be viewed by visiting www.securityoncampus.org )

Non-Campus Property

Public Property

* 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 Dallas/Ft Worth 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 patrol 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 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.