Crime Security Awareness

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Through teamwork, we can achieve a safe campus community.

Campus Security and Crime Awareness

The safety and security of all members of the university community are of paramount concern to the University of North Texas and the UNT Dallas Campus (UNTDC).

Through the teamwork of the university and campus community, UNT consistently strives to be among the safest large college campuses in Texas. We work to achieve this by developing a partnership with students, administrators, faculty, and staff. With a university population of more than 40,000, the UNT campus is reflective of the communities it serves and not immune to societal problems.

Preventing or reducing crime in any community is a tough job. Success in crime prevention and safety at UNT depends in large part on the education and participation of the campus community. The campus community is provided information about safety programs and services, but are advised that they are ultimately responsible for their own security and safety. Each year the university publishes an annual report concerning campus security and crime statistics. This brochure provides information for reporting of crimes, important university policies and procedures, law enforcement authority on campus, and support services for victims of crimes.

It is the policy of UNT to provide an environment conducive to an educational mission; thus any conduct that is prohibited by state, federal, or local law is subject to discipline under the provisions of policies stated in the Student Handbook and the University of North Texas Policy Manual as appropriate. The university monitors and reports to area law enforcement agencies any illegal conduct of students, faculty, or staff on university premises or off-campus locations. In addition, university officials may refer any evidence of illegal activities to the proper local, state, or federal authorities for review and potential prosecution.

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Policy for Preparing the Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics

The University coordinates the collection and reporting of crime statistics as specified in the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Each year, the University notifies all enrolled students and employees, via email or campus mail, that they can view the report online. Copies of this report also may be obtained from the UNT Police Department (UNTPD) or the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Prospective employees may obtain a copy of this report from Human Resources.

The report is prepared in cooperation with the UNTPD, local law enforcement agencies and the Division of Student Affairs. Each entity provides current information about its safety and security educational efforts and programs. The University provides annual guidance to employees on campus who are likely to receive reports of criminal activities, including but not limited to directors, deans, department chairs, and department heads. These "designated campus officials" are asked to immediately inform the UNTPD of reports of certain crimes made to them that might have occurred on university property or on property contiguous to campus. Additionally, a letter is sent annually to designated campus officials requesting information about all reports of certain crimes that have been made to them during the year. The UNTPD follows up on all reports of criminal activity in areas under its jurisdiction. Counseling Department and Student Health and Wellness Center representatives inform their clients of the procedures to report crime to the University Police on a voluntary or confidential basis, should they feel it is in the best interest of the client. A procedure is in place to anonymously capture crime statistics disclosed confidentially during a session with a mental health or medical provider. Reports of criminal activity given to designated campus officials, anonymous reports, and reports of crimes made to local law enforcement agencies are collected and included in the crime report as required by the Clery Act.

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Suzanne's Law

Time is of the essence when a person is missing.  The National Child Search Assistance Act now allows police to report missing persons under twenty-one years of age to the National Crime Information Center and begin an investigation as soon as a missing person report is received.  If you receive reliable information that a student cannot be located, please call the UNT Police Department immediately at (940) 565-3000.

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Access and Security of Campus Facilities

UNT and UNTDC are open campuses and public streets run though the areas. However, access to the campus and university facilities is controlled by written policy and state law. Only authorized students, faculty, staff, and visitors may enter upon or use university facilities. Unauthorized persons, once identified, are asked to leave the campus. Those persons failing to comply with policy, directives, or state law can be prosecuted for trespassing.

Security of Campus Facilities

University police and/or security officers regularly patrol the grounds and buildings on the UNT and UNTDC campuses. Facilities personnel maintain university facilities with a concern for safety and security. Lighting surveys are conducted on a regular basis to spot any lighting concerns or areas in need of repair. In addition, defective lighting conditions are reported as detected by building service personnel, police, and security officers. The university maintains a Safety Committee that addresses concerns including lighting, risk assessment, etc.

The University of North Texas Police Department conducts security surveys as needed to continually assess facility security needs. Key control is established by university policy and access to building master keys is restricted. Security alarm systems are managed under the control of the university police department.

A building representative program identifies a person in charge of every university facility. The building representative works in partnership with police, maintenance, risk management, and safety personnel to identify and resolve security and safety issues.

Campus housing provides a range of services and security procedures designed to ensure the reasonable comfort of residents and invited guests. Campus residence halls are supervised by trained staff members who are assisted in their efforts to maintain security by uniformed officers from UNTPD. Services include attention to lighting (including emergency lighting during power failures), locking of all entrances on a regular schedule, security programming (including fire safety drills, tornado drills, and rape awareness programs), installation of viewers in all individual student room doors, UNTPD patrol 24 hours per day and enforcement of the guest escort policy. Entrances to residence halls after hours are accessible only with a student room key.

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Campus Law Enforcement

UNTPD jurisdiction includes the main campus, the UNT Health Science Center campus in Fort Worth, and the UNTDC. UNTPD commissioned police officers are empowered by the state and have authority to stop vehicles, make arrests, and enforce all laws throughout Denton, Tarrant, and Dallas counties. UNTPD has a cooperative arrangement with the Denton Police Department as well as the Denton County Sheriff's office. UNTPD maintains liaison with other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in support of campus security and safety efforts.

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Safety and Security Programs

Security Escort Services: The police department provides a security escort service for the UNT community.  The service is available during the evening/night hours (after dark), but is limited to on-campus locations.  Call (940) 565-3000 or use an emergency phone to request an escort.

Emergency Phones: Emergency phones have been placed at strategic locations on the Denton and Dallas campuses. When the emergency button is pushed, the location of the call is automatically identified and the caller is connected to the police department. Locations of the telephones are marked on all parking maps. Individuals with hearing impairments should dial (800) RELAY TX (TTY).

Motorist Assistance: The UNTPD assists the university community when individuals are unable to start their vehicles, retrieve locked keys, etc. Some services are not available at all times, but the UNTPD will assist people to obtain services from another source.

Crime Prevention Programs

Programs designed to make community members aware of campus police and security procedures, and crime prevention efforts, and to encourage individual involvement in personal safety are regularly conducted on the UNT campus. Programs are provided each semester and are available through the UNTPD, Dean of Students Office, Human Resources Department, UNT Housing, Student Health and Wellness Center, Counseling and Testing Center, and other departments that coordinate activities on campus. At the UNTDC, programs are available through the Student Affairs Office. Crime awareness programs are also part of freshman and new employee orientations. Prevention programs include:

  • Personal Safety/Self Defense
  • Theft Prevention
  • Safety and Security in the Workplace
  • Alcohol Abuse and Binge Drinking

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Policies and Crime Reporting Procedures

Individuals should immediately report alleged criminal actions (including sex offenses) or emergencies that occur on or off campus of the university through any of the following means:

For Emergencies:
Dial 911 on campus, or any emergency telephone located throughout the campus. Emergencies include any crime in progress, medical emergencies, a person being forced into a vehicle, a strange car repeatedly driving in the same area of campus, any intoxicated person, a safety hazard, or any situation that you believe is suspicious or dangerous. Individuals with hearing impairments should dial (800) RELAY TX (TTY).

For Non-Emergencies:

  • call the University of North Texas Police at (940) 565-3003 or personally visit the UNT police station at the Sullivant Public Safety Center;
  • use a marked emergency telephone in locations throughout the campus (the phones are distinguished by a blue light on a green pole marked Emergency);
  • contact an officer in uniform on patrol or at the information booth (located at the intersection of Ave. C and Chestnut);
  • request that any campus official assist with reporting the alleged crime.
  • TTY callers: (800) RELAY TX

At the UNTDC:

  • call security at (940) 565-3000;
  • use marked emergency call boxes in the center's parking lots.

Campus Crime Authority

You are encouraged to report alleged crimes by using the above means; however, there are campus officials to whom you may also report a crime who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities, but do not have significant counseling responsibilities. These officials include all deans, directors, department chairs, and administrators at the vice presidential level or higher. For names and numbers of such officials, please use the University Directory or call the university operator at (940) 565-2000.

The UNTPD will review reports of alleged criminal activity and either send an officer immediately or refer the report for subsequent investigation, depending upon the nature and seriousness of the offense involved. Individuals reporting an alleged crime should attempt to preserve evidence that might prove the crime was committed. All criminal incidents are investigated by UNTPD.

UNTPD response(s) include, but are not limited to:

  • immediate response to emergencies through dispatch of one or more officers;
  • investigation of reports in accordance with UNTPD procedures;
  • arrest and filing of charges, depending upon the circumstances of the incident;
  • referring alleged offenders to appropriate campus agencies, such as the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities; and
  • making timely warning and reports of crimes that represent a continuing threat to students and employees.

Timely Warnings

UNT and UNTDC provide timely warning to the campus community by posting crime awareness alerts when a crime is considered to represent a continuing threat to students or employees.

Based on the circumstances of the crime alert, bulletins are sent to campus and local newspapers, posted on campus bulletin boards or other appropriate locations, sent out on campus e-mail, and distributed in residence halls.

Crime Stoppers
Anyone with information on criminal activity can call (940) 898-5777 and will receive a cash award if the tip leads to the arrest and indictment of the criminal offender. The cash award comes from the Denton County Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization. You may remain anonymous when you report your crime tip. Students and employees are urged to use this reporting option when anonymity is a primary concern, e.g. drug usage of acquaintances.

Important Phone Numbers for UNT

EMERGENCYDial 911
UNT Police Department (non-emergency)(940) 565-3003
Denton Police Department (non-emergency)(940) 349-8181

 

Important Phone Numbers for UNT

EMERGENCYDial 911
UNTDC Security(972) 780-3620
Dallas Police Department (non-emergency)(214) 671-3001

 

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Off-campus Criminal Activity

University police jurisdiction includes off-campus properties owned or controlled by registered student organizations. Regular UNTPD contact with the Denton Police Department aids in the coordination of the activities of the two agencies. The Denton Police Department provides UNTPD information about criminal activity at off campus properties owned or controlled by registered student organizations.

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Sex Offenses

Victims of sexual assault that have occurred on campus, should notify the UNTPD or UNTDC security immediately. Victims may seek assistance of other campus personnel such as residence hall personnel or counselors, or staff from the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities to assist in reporting a sexual assault to the police department. If the assault occurred outside of the UNT campus, call the local police department where the assault occurred.

Following the assault, in order to preserve evidence necessary for the proof of criminal sexual assault, victims should not bathe, douche, or change clothes. After reporting the assault to police, victims should go to a hospital emergency room for a sexual assault examination. Victims may choose to have someone take them to the hospital or a police officer can meet them at their location to provide transportation. The police officer will need to obtain a statement describing the details of the assault.

A counselor from the Denton County or Dallas Rape Crisis centers will be contacted to meet with victims at the hospital. The counselor will talk with victims and inform them of their options involving counseling. Counseling and Testing offers professional counseling to sexual assault victims. Off-campus counseling options include:

Off-Campus Counseling

 
Denton County MHMR Crisis Hotline(940) 387-5555 or (800) 762-0157
Family Violence Shelter (Denton County Friends of the Family)(940) 382-7273 or (800) 572-4031
Family Violence (Genesis Women's Center)(214) 942-2998
Rape Crisis
Dallas(214) 590-0430
Denton(940) 382-7273
Fort Worth(817) 927-2737

 

The sexual assault victim may choose a pseudonym (fictitious name) and address to maintain the confidentiality or a pseudonym will be assigned at the request of the victim. If the victim presses charges, the UNTPD will conduct a thorough investigation. There is a possibility that some courtroom testimony may be required if the case goes to trial.

The university provides assistance in changing academic schedules and on-campus living situations after an alleged sexual offense if so requested by the victim and if accommodations are reasonably available. Arrangements for changes in academic schedules can be made by contacting the Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities. Arrangements for changes in (or moving to) on-campus living accommodations should be made through the Department of Housing. Other assistance is available from these departments:

Counseling and Testing Center: confidential counseling or individual and group therapy (940) 565-2741.

Student Health and Wellness Center: medical services related to injuries, post-sexual assault, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy testing, and referrals to appropriate community services (940) 565-2333.

UNTDC Student Affairs Office: confidential counseling, information and referral (972) 780-3632.

Policies and procedures regarding campus disciplinary proceedings are described in UNT Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs, the Student Handbook, and on UNT's website at www.unt.edu. The accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding and both will be informed of the outcome of such proceedings. Sanctions range from probation to permanent expulsion.

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Alcohol and Drug Policies and Penalties

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs by members of the university community is incompatible with the goals of our academic institution. Substance abuse programs have been developed at UNT in order to ensure alcohol and other drugs do not interfere with the goals of the student or staff member. These programs offered at UNT are designed to:

  • publish and enforce policies for employees and students that promote an educational environment free from the abuse of alcohol, illicit or other drugs;
  • educate the campus community about the health risks associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs;
  • provide confidential, effective assistance to students and employees who seek help for substance abuse problems; and
  • create a campus environment that promotes and reinforces healthy lifestyles and responsible decision making.

Alcohol Policies

The legal drinking age in Texas is 21. Because a large percentage of UNT students are not of legal drinking age, the university has established specific policies for drinking on campus:

  • Individuals under the age of 21 may not use or possess alcoholic beverages in or on any property under the control or jurisdiction of the University of North Texas.
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be served, consumed or possessed by persons of legal drinking age in or on any property under the control or jurisdiction of the university except at specific locations, time, and under conditions designated by the university.
  • On-campus possession of open containers and consumption of beer, wine and/or distilled spirits by individuals of legal age is prohibited in all public areas of university owned or controlled facilities and grounds except for those specifically designated by the Policy on Alcoholic Beverages or those specifically approved on a per-event basis.
  • Employees may not use or possess alcoholic beverages while on active duty and are prohibited from working while intoxicated.

In regard to alcohol, Section B.7. of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline states "use, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations, or public intoxication" is not permitted.

Drugs and Inhalants

  • Students and employees may not use, possess, sell, manufacture, or distribute illegal drugs, inhalants, or controlled substances (narcotics or dangerous drugs), be in possession of drug paraphernalia, or misuse any legal drug or other substance in or on university owned or controlled property or as a part of any university sponsored activity.
  • Employees may not work under the influence of illicit drugs and may not abuse legal drugs or inhalants.

The University of North Texas has a policy prohibiting drugs and the illegal use of alcohol. Section B.6. of the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline states: "illegal use, possession, sale, manufacture, distribution or effective control of chemical precursors, controlled substances, controlled substance analogues or dangerous or illegal drugs; misuse of a legal drug or other substance which when not used in accordance with legal intent could cause harm to the user; possession of drug paraphernalia; or being a party to the above, whether on or off campus" is not permitted.

Penalties

Students: Penalties that may be imposed for conduct related to the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs or alcohol are: probation (both conduct or disciplinary), payment for damage to or misappropriation of property, loss of rights and privileges, suspension for a specified period of time, expulsion, or such other penalty as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances.

Employees: The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in conduct prohibited by university policy regarding the manufacture, sale, possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs will result in penalties that range from mandatory counseling to dismissal. Continued employment/re-employment may also be contingent upon participation in or successful completion of university approved drug/alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs. Information regarding alcohol and drug violations can be found in the University of North Texas Policy Manual, Volume I, Sections 1.2.10 and 1.2.12. The "UNT Policy on the Use of Alcoholic Beverages" can be found in the University of North Texas Policy Manual, Volume II, Section 10.14.

The use or possession of alcohol or drugs by an employee on university premises (except as authorized by the university) is defined as misconduct by the University of North Texas System's "Policies and Procedures for Discipline and Dismissal of Employees." The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by an employee is prohibited by the University of North Texas System's "Policy on Drugs and Alcohol."

Individual students, employees and organizations violating university policies or engaging in conduct that is prohibited by state, federal, or local law are subject to discipline under the provisions of policies stated in the Code of Student Conduct and Discipline and the University of North Texas Policy Manual, as applicable. In addition, university officials may refer any evidence of illegal activities to the proper local, state, or federal authorities for review and potential prosecution.

Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Treatment Resources

UNT has implemented a positive program of drug education, counseling, prevention, and treatment. The Substance Abuse Resource Center, located in the Student Health and Wellness Center, is available to all students. Self referrals, supervisory and departmental referrals, and consultations are welcomed. Through licensed, certified alcohol, drug abuse, and general counselors, confidentiality is strictly observed to the limit of the law. The following are components of this campus-wide approach to eliminate the abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs:

  • assessment/diagnosis/follow-up services
  • referrals and resource information
  • individual therapy
  • group therapy
  • departmental consultation
  • speakers, presentations, and training
  • research, materials, pamphlets, and tapes
  • sponsorship of student groups, and
  • clearinghouse for alcohol and other drug information on a local, state and national level

In addition to Substance Abuse Resource Center, EAP (Employee Assistance Program) is provided through the UNT Human Resources Department to assist employees and their families with personal problems by referral to agencies, facilities, or individuals that may best be able to meet their needs. To contact the EAP coordinator, call (800) 343-3822.

Every student and staff member should read and become familiar with the policies on alcohol and other drugs that are discussed in the UNT Student Handbook and University of North Texas Policy Manual. The ABCs for Residential Living (generated by the Department of Housing) further address policies for which students are responsible. In addition, more information is available on the health risks associated with drugs in the Substance Abuse Resource Center and Student Health and Wellness Center. If you have any questions concerning regulations or health risks associated with alcohol and other drugs, please contact the following offices:

Off-Campus Counseling

Off-Campus Counseling
Counseling and Testing Center(940) 565-2741
Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities(940) 565-2039
Department of Housing(940) 565-2610
Student Health and Wellness Center(940) 565-2333
Human Resources (EAP)(940) 565-2281
Substance Abuse Resource Center(940) 565-2787
UNTDC Student Affairs Office(972) 780-3632

 

A brochure, Illegal Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, is also distributed through the Human Resources Department.

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Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Public Law 101-226, is intended to combat substance abuse on college campuses through methods of punishment, rehabilitation, and prevention. This act requires that colleges certify that annual alcohol and drug information is distributed to each employee and student. This information must include the consequences of unlawful drug or alcohol possession, as well as information about available drug and alcohol counseling.

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Federal Crime Definitions

Following are the definitions and terms used in the FBI Uniform Crime Reports and UNT Crime Statistics reported herein.

Arson: Any willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn, with or without intent to defraud, a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle or aircraft, personal property of another, etc.

Assault, Aggravated: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is usually accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

Assault, Non-aggravated: Assaults and attempted assaults where no weapon is used and that do not result in serious or aggravated injury to the victim.

Burglary (Breaking or Entering): The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or theft. Forced entry is not a required element of the offense; it may be accomplished via an unlocked door or window, so long as the entry is unlawful (constituting a trespass). Included are attempts to commit burglary where force is employed, or where a perpetrator is frightened off while entering an unlocked door or climbing through an open window.

Drug Abuse Violations: Violations of laws prohibiting the possession, production, distribution and/or use of certain controlled substances and the equipment or devices utilized in their preparation and/or use.

Hate Crimes: Any of the offenses listed and other crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected because of the actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim.

Larceny/Theft: The unlawful taking, carrying, leading or riding away of property from the possession of constructive possessions of another. Examples of offenses in this classification include pocket-picking and purse snatching (where no more force is employed than that necessary to take the property).

Liquor Law Violations: Violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages (does not include "driving under the influence" or drunkenness).

Motor Vehicle Theft: Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter: The willful (non-negligent) killing of one human being by another.

Negligent manslaughter:The killing of another person through gross negligence.

Robbery: The taking, or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.

Sex Offenses, Forcible: Any sexual act directed against another person, forcibly and/or against that person's will; or, not forcibly or against the person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

Sex Offenses, Nonforcible: Unlawful, nonforcible sexual intercourse.

Weapons Possessions: Violations of laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession, concealment, or use of firearms, cutting instruments, explosives, incendiary devices, or other deadly weapons.

As defined in the Clery Act...

Campus: Any building or property owned or controlled by an institution of higher education within the same reasonable contiguous geographic area of the institution and used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to, the institution's educational purposes, including residence halls.

Non-campus building or property: Any building or property owned or controlled by a student organization recognized by the institution; and any building or property (other than a branch campus) owned or controlled by an institution of higher education that is used in direct support of, or in relation to, the institution's educational purposes, is frequently used by students, and is not within the same reasonable contiguous geographic area of the institution.

Public property: All public property that is within the same reasonable contiguous geographic area of the institution, such as a sidewalk, a street, other thoroughfare, or parking facility, and is adjacent to a facility owned or controlled by the institution if the facility is used by the institution in direct support of, or in a manner related to the institution's educational purposes.

Click here for a complete map of campus indicating the above boundaries.

As defined by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code Possession of Alcohol by a Minor (MIP) - A minor (a person under the age of 21) commits an offense if he or she possesses an alcoholic beverage.

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Campus Crime Statistics

Visit Jeanne Clery Report for this information.

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Office of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs
University of North Texas
P.O. Box 311274, Suite 319, University Union
Denton, TX 76203

(940) 565-4373, (940) 369-7849(fax)
(800) RELAY TX (TTY), www.unt.edu

 

The Division of Student Affairs provides opportunities for students and the campus community to cultivate academic, personal, and professional success. We enhance the student experience through a wide array of intentional programs, services and activities that support the life cycle of our students.

 
 
Eagle Network
 

If you're looking for a job, on- or off-campus, the Career Center's Eagle Network will help you find one. With the Eagle Network you can sign up for interviews, register to attend career events and much more.

 
 
Loans
 

Do you have an emergency you need cash for? The Student Money Management Center offers three short-term loan options for funding your educational needs, including tuition, books or any unanticipated expense.