Public Safety « Augusta State University

Crime Report

Augusta State Universitys annual security report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by Augusta State University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The full report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting the Department of Public Safety or by accessing our web site.

Theft of both personal property and university property is the most prevalent crime on campus. Please help keep Augusta State University safe by reporting all suspicious and criminal activity to the Department of Public Safety at EMERGENCY 706-729-2911 or 706-737-1401 non-emergency.

Criminal Offenses - On Campus
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Sex offenses - Non-forcible	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	0
Aggravated assault	0	0	0	0
Burglary	5	2	8	1
Motor vehicle theft	0	0	0	0
Arson	0	0	0	0
Hate Crimes	0	0	6	0

Criminal Offenses - On Campus Residence Halls
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Sex offenses - Forcible	1	0	0	0
Sex offenses - Non-forcible	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	0	0	1
Aggravated assault	0	0	0	1
Burglary	3	3	6	1
Motor vehicle theft	1	0	0	0
Arson	0	0	0	0
Hate Crimes	0	0	2	0
Criminal Offenses -Reported by Local Police
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Negligent manslaughter	0	0	0	0
Sex offenses - Forcible	0	0	0	0
Sex offenses - Non-forcible	0	0	0	0
Robbery	0	5	0	2
Aggravated assault	0	0	0	0
Burglary	0	0	0	1
Motor vehicle theft	0	0	1	0
Arson	0	0	0	0
Hate Crimes	0	0	0	1
Arrest on Campus
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Illegal weapons possession	0	0	0	1
Drug law violations	0	0	0	4
Liquor law violations	0	0	0	1
Arrest on Campus - Residence Halls
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Illegal weapons possession	0	0	0	0
Drug law violations	11	4	2	5
Liquor law violations	3	0	13	17
Disciplinary Actions on Campus- Residence Halls
	2008	2009	2010	2011
Illegal weapons possession	0	1	0	0
Drug law violations	0	6	0	4
Liquor law violations	0	5	16	16

The following report is in response to 20 USC 1092(f) (disclosure of campus security policy and campus crime statistics act of 1990). It contains an abridged statement of the requirements and addresses our compliance.

Current campus policies regarding procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions on campus and policies concerning the Institutions response to the reports.

Augusta State University employs a campus police law enforcement agency. The agency is registered with the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and the National Criminal Information Center (NCIC). The Augusta State University Police Department submits crime reports to these agencies monthly.

The Augusta State University Police Department records all crimes or other emergencies occurring on the campus. Faculty, staff, students and visitors are asked to report all criminal activity immediately. An e-mail is sent to all faculty and staff once a year requesting information on drugs, alcohol, guns and any other criminal activity that may have not been reported to the campus police when it occurred. ASU does not have a voluntary confidential reporting system for annual crime statistics. When a crime is reported, a written report is made according to the Uniform Crime Report standards. This information is also maintained in our Automated Report Management System. Faculty, staff, and students are made aware of the procedures to report all crimes to the Augusta State University Police Department during new employee and student orientations.

A 24-hour emergency phone number, 706-729-2911, is widely publicized. An emergency call phone (yellow box) that automatically dials the University Police emergency number is located beside the entrance to the University Police Building. There are currently (15) emergency Blue Light phones located around campus. These phones can also be used after hours to contact a University Police officer. Campus police 24-hour emergency phone number, 706-729-2911; non-emergency number 706-737-1401.

Augusta State University police officers possess criminal arrest authority and are trained and certified by the Georgia Peace Officer's Standards and Training Council. Training is equal to or surpasses many of the local municipal agencies in the Central Savannah River Area. They are also equipped and trained to carry firearms. University police officers and investigators prosecute law violators through the local court system (Richmond County) when apprehensions or arrests are made.

Crimes that occur on or within the University jurisdiction may end with the violators or victims being outside campus police jurisdiction. The University police department works closely with the Richmond County Sheriffs Department and with agencies throughout the state to apprehend anyone who has violated the laws of the State of Georgia within the jurisdiction of the campus.

Faculty, Staff, and Students SHOULD REPORT ALL CRIMES TO THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Students may also report crimes to the Dean of Students whose office is located in Bellevue Hall, or to any University Housing staff member who will then report information received to the Augusta State University Police Department. Information on ongoing or serious criminal activity should BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY in order for ASU to notify the ASU community in a timely manner. Officers and investigators inform victims of their rights under the "Victims Bill of Rights. The staff of the University Police Department are ready to assist victims in any way possible.

Current campus policies concerning security of and access to campus facilities, including residences.

Most campus facilities are normally unlocked during daytime business hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Some computer labs are open twenty-four hours. Employees, students, or visitors needing access to facilities after normal business hours must notify the University Police. They must have a valid reason for entering a restricted area. For example, students are allowed to work in certain labs any time, but they must produce a current university I.D. card and be pre-authorized to enter these areas (pre authorization must be obtained prior to the students desire to enter the secure area, this is accomplished through faculty members submitting the required paperwork to Public Safety). Students have electronic access to most high traffic areas through the use of their Jag Card. On or in facilities, visitors or staff must show proper I.D. as well. During semester breaks and holidays in which the campus is officially closed, students will be denied general access to closed facilities. The overall physical security of the campus is shared by public safety and physical plant. When police officers on patrol note safety issues, a work order is submitted to physical plant for correction. Parking lots have been rented and rearranged in order to accommodate the changes due to construction. Crime reduction is an ongoing educational process involving the university community. While we have very little serious crime on campus, we have a significant number of thefts, which occur each year. The department has targeted theft reduction of both university and personnel property through information on flyers and programs offered to university groups. Drug and alcohol issues have increased with the addition of university housing.

The campus after hours policy states:

Must have a valid ASU ID.
Must have prior WRITTEN PERMISSION from the Administrator in Charge of the area where access is needed.
Must have a Lab Partner (another student) in certain restricted areas designated by the university for safety reasons.
Students are not allowed to bring non-students / unauthorized persons into ASU facilities

Facilities are defined as buildings, labs, athletic fields, and / or other real property owned or leased by ASU. Continuing Education students who use the facilities generally will not have a problem with building access afterhours or on weekends. University Police and the Continuing Education Division coordinate usage of the facilities daily. Several campus buildings are equipped with electronic camera systems. Many of the buildings on campus use exterior night lighting. Most campus parking lots are illuminated. The Physical Plant Department in conjunction with Public Safety maintains all bulb replacement and maintenance of lighting fixtures on campus. University Village is a gated community with limited access and is patrolled by the department. Residents have an access ID card for entry to the complex as well as their apartment. All police matters are handled by the departments police officers and all administrative matters are handled by UV staff.

Current policies concerning campus law enforcement including the enforcement authority of institutional security personnel and policies that encourage prompt reporting of all campus crime to the campus police and local police.

The Augusta State University Police Department employs 17 sworn police officers certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Their duties include law enforcement, safety, and security. Georgia Law (O.C.G.A. 20-3-72) gives University System officers their authority to make arrests. The reporting of crimes, promptly and accurately, is encouraged through publications, the web page, through new employee/student orientation programs and through classroom instruction.

The relationship between University Police and the Richmond County Sheriffs Department is excellent. They verbally exchange information about crimes that have occurred close to college property. Campus police and municipal agencies work closely together to locate victims, witnesses, or suspects, and to serve civil papers; e.g., garnishments, or court subpoenas for non-support. Both agencies also have shared radio channels for emergencies as well as day-to-day activity.

The Augusta State University Police Department records all crimes or other emergencies occurring on the campus. Faculty, staff, students and visitors are asked to report all criminal activity immediately. An e-mail is sent to all faculty and staff once a year requesting information on drugs, alcohol, guns and any other criminal activity that may have not been reported to the campus police when it occurred. Faculty, Staff, and Students SHOULD REPORT ALL CRIMES TO THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Students may also report crimes to the Dean of Students whose office is located in Bellevue Hall, or to any University Housing staff member who will then report information received to the Augusta State University Police Department. Information on ongoing or serious criminal activity should BE RE PORTED IMMEDIATELY in order for ASU to notify the ASU community in a timely manner.

ASU's Emergency Notification SystemClick here to opt-in to Jaguar Alerts.

Augusta State University has established an Emergency Notification System that will be used to distribute emergency information to the campus community. This is an opt in service, which means that you must sign up for the service to receive messages. In the event of an emergency, participants in this service will receive voice, email or text messages containing official instructions from the university administration. This system is tested twice yearly and information requarding Jaguar Alert system is consistently made available to everyone in the campus community.

If you are a current student, faculty, or staff member and would like to opt into this service through your ASU Pipeline account, please provide the information requested on the registration form located on the Elroy tab in ASU Pipeline.

Applicable charges for text messaging will apply.

PLEASE NOTE: if you choose not to opt into ASUS Emergency Notification System,you will not receive emergency messages through the system. If you do opt into this service, messages will be sent to the devices and provider you supply. If you change your number or service provider and wish to continue receiving emergency messages, please remember to update your information at http://pipeline.aug.edu. By opting in, you are providing us with your permission to send information, which may include information protected under confidentiality rules, to the telephone number you provide. You may opt out of the Emergency Notification System at any time.

Emergencies or disasters may occur at any time on or near the Augusta State University campus. Types of emergencies or disasters range from technological or natural disasters to civil disturbances. Regardless of the type of emergency or disaster, the initial activation and implementation of the Augusta State University Emergency/Disaster Operations Plan (EDOP) should always be the same. Because stress and confusion are to be expected at the emergency scene, quick, efficient implementation of the plan will provide clear directions, responsibility, and continuity of control for key offices. Augusta State University is committed to the use of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) in the management of all significant emergency incidents. NIMS is to be incorporated into all emergency planning, preparedness, response, and recovery documents and guidelines. Use of NIMS also provides for a smooth integration of university emergency operations with those of county, state, and federal emergency operations as needed. Appropriate personnel within the university are required to train, exercise, and utilize the emergency management principles as outlined in NIMS. The public version to the EDOP in located at: http://www.aug.edu/public_safety/ and contains more detailed information about emergency response and guidelines for the ASU community.

Descriptions of programs designed to inform students and employees about campus security procedures and to encourage them to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.

Publications are distributed through the campus news media and Pipeline to inform students and employees about campus security procedures. The University police web page also contains valuable information. University police employees talk with employees in the business office, bookstore, cafeteria, and other departments throughout the campus to explain what to do if certain emergencies arise. Police officers also conduct training classes each semester for our students living at University Village on crime and fire safety.

The department also has certified Red Cross CPR and first aid instructors, who are available to teach employees and students. The Augusta State University Emergency/Disaster Operations Plan, the Safety Policies Manual, the ASU Human Resources Handbook, and the ASU Student Handbook contain helpful information about security policies. The chief of police meets with student government representatives, and all ASU 1000 student classes (available to all clubs and organizations on campus) to provide information about department services, criminal activity and crime prevention methods.

Description of programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of crime on campus.

The police department publishes timely information in the student newspaper, Pipeline, flyers and through e-mails to inform all students, faculty, and staff as to criminal activity that has occurred on campus. The chief of police or his designee speaks when requested to campus organizations to provide information about security policies, building access, location of emergency phones, crimes that occur, and other safety information of interest.

In cases where any Part I crime of murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, or motor vehicle theft occurs that is considered to be a threat to other students and employees, a timely report will be released to the campus community with the assistance of the Universitys Office of Public Relations in a manner that will aid in preventing further occurrences.

Policy concerning the monitoring and recording through local police agencies of criminal activity engaged in by students at off campus locations including off-campus student housing.

Augusta State University maintains one off site housing unit for 400 students. University Village is a gated community with limited access and is patrolled by the University Police Department. All police matters are handled by the departments police officers and all administrative matters are handled by UV staff.

For all other off campus issues, a written agreement was entered into between Augusta State University Police and the Richmond County Sheriff's Department as to how both agencies would handle reported crime. The county Sheriffs Department will promptly notify Augusta State University police officers as well as other university officials when students have engaged in criminal activity. A written report follows the verbal notification.

Policy regarding the Possession, Use, or Sale of Alcoholic Beverages and the enforcement of underage drinking laws.

Alcohol is not allowed for sale or consumption on Augusta State University property. No functions held by school officials or outside interests will be allowed to posses, consume or distribute alcohol on University property unless approved by the president. Underage consumption of alcohol is a misdemeanor in the state of Georgia and punishable under Georgia Law. University Police Officers are trained to enforce violations of Georgia Law, which may include, but are not limited to: Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Violation of Open Container Law, and underage drinking. Abuses of alcohol or alcohol violations will be prosecuted under Georgia Law. ALCOHOL: The storing or possession of kegs, beer balls or other containers containing large quantities of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on the University Village property. In addition, alcoholic beverages in open containers are prohibited on balconies, patios and in common areas including, but not limited to, stairways, breezeways, entranceways, volleyball courts, swimming pool, clubhouse, courtyard, and parking lots. Alcohol and Drug Policy Specification: University Housing Specifications:

The University Village Alcohol and Drug Policy, as published in the Guide to Living at UV Resident Handbook, is applicable to all residents and visitors of University Housing.
Residents who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to purchase, possess, and consume alcohol, however if any roommate in the same apartment is under the age of 21 alcohol cannot be kept in common areas of the apartment. Alcohol must be kept in the confines of the residents individual bedroom.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in common areas (e.g. pool, balcony, parking lot, lounge area).
Common source containers (keg, pony keg, trashcan or other similar device used for storing or mixing a quantity of beverage from which a quantity of beverage is distributed to, or consumed by, more than one individual) are not permitted.
The distribution of alcoholic beverages to minors is prohibited.
Guests who are 21 years of age or older are not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages in an apartment where all of the residents are under 21 years of age.

II. Violations

If a housing official (e.g. Resident Assistant, UV Management representative) finds a student in violation of this policy, the official will make a student misconduct report to the Coordinator of Residence Life or contact Public Safety who will make a student misconduct report to the Coordinator of Residence Life. Public Safety could issue a citation, even with a first offense. If the violation is drug-related, the official will contact Public Safety immediately.
If a Public Safety officer finds a student in violation of this policy, the officer will make a student misconduct report to the Coordinator of Residence Life. The officer could issue a citation, even with a first offense. If the violation is either the unlawful possession of illegal drugs or Driving Under the Influence (DUI), the officer will issue a citation.
When a group of students are found in violation of this policy, the entire group could be reported or issued citations.

III. Sanctions

First Offense:

1. 10 hours of community service
2. Alcohol EDU sanction, Point of Contact: Gina Thurman, Assistant to the Dean of Students at 706-737-1411
3. Written reprimand in judicial and/or residential file
4. Letter to parents/guardian if the student is under 21

Second Offense:

1. 20 hours of community service
2. Alcohol EDU and assessment through Counseling Services
3. Judicial and/or residential probation
4. Letter to parents/guardian if the student is under 21
5. Other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Coordinator of Residence Life and/or Dean of Students on a case-by-case basis

Third Offense:

1. Judicial and/or residential probation
2. Removal from University Housing
3. Letter to parents/guardian if the student is under 21
4. Other sanctions deemed appropriate by the Coordinator of Residence Life and/or Dean of Students on a case-by-case basis

Failure to complete assigned sanctions will result in a hold being placed on future registration activities and removal from University Housing.

Non-ASU students violating this policy will be criminally prosecuted and trespassed by University Department of Public Safety.

Policy regarding possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs.

Possession of any illegal drug by any member of the faculty, staff, or student body will not be tolerated. Violations will be dealt with in accordance to existing state and federal law. Employees in "high risk" positions are required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen. They are also subject to random drug screening. Employees may be terminated for violations of this policy. Students may be expelled from school or removed from university housing for violations of this policy.

Student Use, Possession, and/or Distribution of Narcotics or Illegal Drugs

ASU has a ZERO TOLERANCE DRUG POLICY. Any individual found in possession of illegal drugs will be automatically removed from campus housing and face disciplinary action with ASU. Parents of those students under 21 years of age will be notified. The individual will have no more than 48 hours to vacate and there will be NO refund of housing charges whatsoever, and the remainder of your lease agreement must be paid, unless other arrangements have been made. ASU strictly prohibits the use, possession, or trafficking of narcotics or drugs that are illegal as defined by local, state, and federal law. Any guests found to be in possession of illegal drugs will be arrested and prosecuted while their University Village host/hostess will face disciplinary sanctions by the University.

A description of any drug and alcohol abuse programs.

The Human Resources Department periodically distributes brochures concerning alcohol and drug abuse. They also publish an updated list of available counseling centers in the Augusta area. A drug abuse video is available for staff and students that can be obtained through the Human Resources office. Annually a statement is released further stating the position of the college on alcohol and drug abuse. Human Resources also provide new employees a copy of the College Drug Awareness Statement. Individual counseling is available for students and employees in the Counseling Center. If additional help is needed beyond counseling, referrals are made. A link to the complete university policy can be found at: http://www.aug.edu/student_activities/aa.html The ASU Counseling Centers educational programs include: Alcohol and Other Drugs Counseling Program for students, faculty, and staff; Annual Fall Alcohol/Drug presentation/speaker during Week Of Welcome for students (University Village residents, student athletes, Greeks, Clubs and other organizations); Alcohol Awareness Week Educational Programs and Activities Safe Spring Break Educational Programs and Activities Outreach Providing Educational Literature/Information during the Annual Health Fair with the Nursing Program.

Institutional policy statement on campus sexual assault programs aimed at prevention of sexual offenses and on procedures followed once a sexual offense has occurred.

Students and employees wishing information on campus sexual assault may contact the University Police Department, the Counseling Center, University Village manager, or the Dean of Students.

Augusta State University has a sexual assault incident report and policy designed to ensure the safety and rights of the victim as well as the arrest of the offender. This policy can be found online here.

DESCRIPTION OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF RAPE, ACQUAINTANCE RAPE AND OTHER FORCIBLE AND NON FORCIBLE SEX OFFENSES:

Sexual assault prevention programming at University Village during WOW (in conjunction with Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services); Interpersonal Violence Information sessions (formal presentation, given to classes at facultys request); Participation in Violence Awareness Week activities; Various activities during Sexual Assault Awareness month, including the Take Back the Day Walk to Prevent Sexual Violence, the Take Back the Night Rally, a lecture on PTSD and Sexual Assault; a film showing of the documentary Rape Is, Clothesline Project t-shirt making events at ASU and Paine College, Clothesline Project display, Sexual Assault Awareness Display Board, and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes display.

Institution shall distribute the Crime Report by October 1st of each year to the campus community.

This document is posted to the university police web site by August 1st of each year. It is e-mailed to all faculty, staff, and students at the beginning of fall semester and is available in print form at the university police department. ASUS crime stats are submitted each year to the department of education per federal guidelines.

Annual Fire Safety Report. A link to the Annual fire safety report can be found at:

http://www.aug.edu/public_safety/ The fire log for the university is housed in the University Police dispatch center.

Missing Student Notification:

A link to the Missing Student Policy can be found at: http://www.aug.edu/public_safety/ All Missing Student Reports should be reported to University Police immediately.

ASU's Emergency Notification System Click here to opt-in to Jaguar Alerts.

Although college campuses are usually safe places, emergencies and disasters do occur. ASU is committed to keeping you as safe as possible through effective communication prior to, during and following emergencies. ASUS Emergency Notification System allows you to receive emergency messages on multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ASU emergency system work?

Registrants can enter up to two telephone numbers, two email addresses and one device for text to receive emergency alerts. Emergency messages are broadcast to all contact numbers and email addresses provided.

Is it difficult to register?

No. It is very simple and straightforward. Registrants must have a valid ASU email, pipeline account and password to register. The only information you provide is your contact numbers and email address (es).

What should I do if I receive an emergency call or email from ASU Emergency Notification System?

You should take the warning very seriously as this system will only be used when there is an immediate threat. Follow the instructions provided and take immediate action.

How will this system be used to send out information?

This system will only be used when there is a severe threat to public safety and health of the entire campus that has not been contained or controlled and when immediate action is required on the part of the recipient group(s), (e.g. chemical spills impacting public health, tornado warnings, active shooters, etc.) It will not be used for non-emergency notifications such as lane closures, crime updates, inclement weather closings, localized building emergencies, situations that have been contained, situations where a threat does not exist, rumor control, situations where notification is merely a convenience or other situations when Pipeline is the most appropriate communication method. It will not replace Pipeline for non-urgent messages. It will be tested twice a yearduring the February severe weather drill and again near the beginning of the fall semester. Additional information about emergency situations when Jaguar Alert is activated will be posted on the ASU Home Page at www.aug.edu.

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