Director's Message
The Augusta State University Campus is a safe and secure environment due to the efforts of a number of departments. The University Police department is under the direction of Chief Jasper Cooke, consists of 17 sworn police officers, an office manager, six dispatchers, three parking employees and two student workers. The police officers, certified by the state of Georgia, are armed and have full arrest powers. University Police Officers are kept abreast of current police trends and changes through training and membership in the Georgia Chiefs Association, the East Central Georgia Traffic Network, the Georgia Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Association, and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.
We have initiated a number of activities to increase safety and to promote positive relations on campus. Blue light emergency phones have been placed in strategic areas on campus to provide an emergency communication point in parking lots and large open spaces on campus. Lighting is consistently being evaluated to ensure the safety of our night students. Emergency weather radios were placed in strategic areas on campus. Emergency information for home and campus is located on the departments web site. University Police employees regularly attend student meetings, judicial hearings, community meetings and campus meetings to promote safety awareness.
The overall physical security of the campus is shared by University Police, Physical Plant, students, faculty and staff alike. When University Police officers on patrol note safety issues, a work order is submitted to physical plant for correction. Faculty, Staff and students are able to notify the University Police through different means about potential safety issues and criminal activities. They can do this in person, via telephone, email or even anonymously using the ASU website. 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.
All University Police employees are qualified in first aid, AED, and CPR. All student and visitor first aid reports are channeled through the department. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to report all safety related issues to the University Police Department. A building manager's committee meets at least twice yearly to discuss safety-related items and issues as well as serving as a focal point for the release of information. The University Police Chief has compiled a comprehensive emergency document, which has been distributed to essential personnel on campus.
The University makes a coordinated effort to provide a safe and healthy environment at ASU. University Police crime reports and first aid reports indicate the success of these efforts and we will continue to evaluate how and what we do to continue to make ASU a safe and healthy place conducive to learning, research and related university work activities. Police, Fire, and Medical Emergencies Dial 706-737-1401 or 706-729-2911.
-Jasper A. Cooke, Director of Public Safety
Communications
The University Police Department maintains 24-hour communications for Police Services. Communications personnel have access to both national and statewide law enforcement databases. Dispatch and patrol have direct radio communication with area law enforcement agencies. Code Blue Emergency Telephones have been placed in strategic locations throughout campus. All campus elevators are equipped with emergency telephones for emergency contact with the University Police department.
Patrol
The University Police department maintains a 7 day / 24 hour police patrol of all University property. Officers patrol in vehicles, on bikes, and on foot. They provide accident reports, incident reports, and all other normal police department functions.
Lost and Found
The University Police department maintains lost and found property for the University. These services are located at the Public Safety Building. If you have lost some property you can stop by the University Police department and have an officer complete a lost Property Form. In the event the property is turned in or found, you will be notified. Found property should be turned in to the University Police department. We will make every effort to locate the legal owner. ASU ID cards are delivered to the Jag Card Office. All other real property is held for sixty days and then disposed of according to Georgia law.
Motorist Assistance
The University Police department officers can provide assistance in jumping off dead car batteries and unlocking vehicles. Due to insurance restrictions, officers are not allowed to change flat tires.
Officer Escorts
The University Police department officers are available to provide personal Safety escorts upon request.
Crime Prevention
Crime prevention and personal safety information is available from. The University Police department officers provide class lecture, handout materials and or instruction for interested groups both on and off campus. Crime prevention programs are provided to university housing students on a regular basis.
First Aid Injuries / Safety Hazards Reporting
For first aid assistance, you should call the University Police department at 706-737-1401 (non-life threatening) or 706-729-2911 for serious injuries. All injuries, which occur on ASU property no matter how minor, should be reported to the university police department and a student / visitors / employee injury report filed. Any unsafe working condition, unsafe acts or safety hazards should also be reported to the University Police department immediately at the numbers listed above.
CPR, First Aid and AED Training
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training is available through the University Police Department. Officers are certified by The American Red Cross to deliver this life-saving training. Instruction is also available for the use of an Automatic External Defibulator (AED). Annual training is provided to University Police, Physical Plant, Athletics, and other university employees. Others can receive this training through the ASU Continuing Education Department by calling their office at 706-737-1636. Visit site.
Child Safety Restraint
University Police Officers can provide instruction and or information relating to Child passenger safety. Georgia State law 40-8-76 requires that all children under the age of five be in an approved child safety seat.
Community Involvement and Collaboration
The University Police department personnel are active in many professional organizations such as: International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, Georgia Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators Georgia Council on Child Abuse, East Central Georgia Traffic Enforcement Network, Safe Communities Coalition, Augusta Judicial District Domestic Violence Task Force, Prevent Child Abuse Augusta, Rape Crisis & Sexual Assault Services of Augusta, and others. Officers also participate in The Richmond County Adopt-a-School program by providing various services at Joseph Lamar Elementary School Augusta, Ga.
Fire Safety
As part of our Fire Safety Program here at ASU, The university police department conducts monthly inspections on all campus fire extinguishers. Annual fire extinguisher training for staff, faculty, and students is provided in conjunction with the Augusta-Richmond County Fire Department.
Grant Collaboration Goals
To enhance and expand each of the service areas listed above through directed police patrol, more efficient police services, and increased involvement between the department, campus and community groups to identify, address and reduce criminal activity in our jurisdiction and the surrounding community.
