A Report on Crime At Missouri S&T
2007

Crime Statistics

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

Crime

It is unfortunate that criminal activity occurs on college campuses. Campuses nationwide, investigate and make public the nature of crimes, the quantity and how they are investigated. The University of Missouri-Rolla / Missouri University of Science & Technology supports this approach and feels that the public should know how active the University is in crime prevention and detection.

Reporting Crimes

All crime victims are highly encouraged to report incidents to the University Police regardless of how seemingly insignificant the crime. Futhermore, all incidents involving alleged violations of state statutes occurring on campus are required to be reported (Policy for Reporting Campus Incidents, Policy Memoranda III-55). To report a crime, the victim or witness need only call the Missouri S&T Police. A police officer will meet with the person to gather information and prepare an official report. A log of all reported crimes is posted at the University Police station (G10 Campus Support Facility) to meet Clery Act requirements stipulating crime information be made available to the public within two working days. In addition, incidents from the previous day are made available to key Missouri S&T staff, other law enforcement agencies, and, if necessary, the Prosecuting Attorney. Missouri S&T has been keeping crime statistics since 1972 and began reporting these statistics to the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1989 when that agency began compiling state crime statistics. The annual Clery Act mandated "disclosure of campus crime statistics" is prepared by collecting and compiling applicable data from Missouri S&T Police reports and Rolla Police Department records information. Statistics concerning liquor, drug and weapons law violation referrals for disciplinary or judicial action are collected from the Student Affairs Campus Judicial Officer and the Director of Residential Life. Missouri S&T policy requires employees to promptly report all criminal acts occurring on campus. The University does not have a voluntary confidential or anonymous crime reporting system.

University Police

The mission of the University Police is to support the academic and campus community in fulfilling its commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Missouri S&T Police are empowered under Chapter 172.350 of the Missouri Revised Statutes as follows:

"The curators of the University of Missouri may appoint and employ
as many university police officers as it may deem necessary to protect
persons, property and to preserve peace and good order in the public
buildings, properties, grounds and other facilities and locations over
which it has charge or control."

Chapter 172.355  also provides the University Police with:

"...the same authority to maintain order, preserve peace and make
arrests as is now held by peace officers. The university police officer
may in addition expel from the public buildings, campuses and grounds,
persons violating the rules and regulations..."

Consequently, the University Police are fully certified, armed and commissioned police officers who patrol on foot and by vehicle all properties owned by Missouri S&T and those non-university owned areas in the vicinity. They are responsible for the maintenance of peace and order, and the investigation of crimes occurring on University property. To help insure that this is accomplished, the campus community must report incidents, including health or safety emergencies, in a timely manner (Reporting Campus Incidents, Policy). The University Police Department also employs Security Guards, who perform physical security on main campus during evening hours, and Campus Service Officers, (work/study students called "CSO"s), who are available at all times and assist with most aspects of safety and security. Neither guards nor CSOs have arrest authority. They provide a "watchman" function, observing and reporting campus problems to the police officers.

The University Police Department shall attempt to monitor and record, in cooperation with local police agencies, criminal activity at off-campus locations of students and student organizations which are recognized by Missouri S&T, including those student organizations with off-campus housing facilities. Local law enforcement agencies are routinely notified of violations of law and other incidents occurring on campus that may affect the off-campus community. Police reports involving criminal activity are routinely turned over to the Prosecutor's Office. Certain University officials, because of the nature of their responsibilities, will be informed of cases involving students, faculty, and staff. Information concerning student conduct not required to be referred to the Prosecutor's Office will be forwarded to the University's Student Judicial Officer. Timely warnings shall be made to the campus community on crimes occurring on- and/or off-campus which are considered to be a potential threat to students and/or employees. These warnings are Crime Alert Bulletins, which are posted on the university police website and distributed by e-mail to all registered users.  Many departments also post the Alerts on common area bulletin boards as well.  These Alerts are intended to raise awareness regarding criminal activity so the community can increase or implement personal safety strategies.

Actual Crime at Missouri S&T

The table in the following link, prepared according to Federal guidelines mandated by the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act", lists incidents that are reportable in required annual publications which are made available to all Missouri S&T students, employees and to any individual who requests a copy.

Crime Statistics

The University Police Department has been designated to gather the information and statistics related to the Clery Act. The Director of University Police will oversee the preparation and posting to the web of the annual report. This report will include crime statistics from the previous three calendar years.  All students, faculty and staff with a registered e-mail address will receive notification concerning availability of the annual report.  Those students, faculty and staff members without a registered e-mail address will be sent a letter of notification through the US Postal Service.  

A paper copy of the annual report on the web will be available upon request from the University Police Dept at G10 Campus Support Facility. In addition, all prospective students and employees are informed about the availability of the report through a statement on their respective applications. The annual report will be made available by October 1 of each year.

The Student's Role

A high percentage of campus crimes are incidents of opportunity. For example, students, faculty, or staff contribute to situational crimes and needlessly place themselves or their property at risk by leaving a door or window open or unlocked. Crime will occur, but prevention efforts can be effective in reducing the opportunity for criminal activity. Everyone plays a key role in crime prevention and safety. Be cautious, alert, and protective of your person, your possessions and of university property.

Physical Security

Campus buildings are secured during the evening hours at the earliest reasonable time. Any campus building open after normal operating hours should have an open-building permit. During the academic year in which residence halls are open, those halls are secured during the evening hours according to the Department of Residential Life regulations. Faculty, staff, and students can prevent access by unauthorized personnel in both residence halls and other campus buildings by verifying any door entered or exited has closed and locked behind them.  Do not provide others access to secured facilities unless you know the persons are authorized to be there.  

Many of the offices, labs, computer rooms and other areas of campus have electronic or mechanical locks, card key locks, alarms and/or video camera monitoring. Campus Service Officers (CSOs) conduct monthly checks of Missouri S&T Emergency Phones to insure their proper operation. CSOs and Security Guards patrol the buildings and grounds of main campus nightly, reporting lighting and other security concerns. University Police Officers patrol all properties owned by the university and report safety concerns as well. Members of the campus community are encouraged to report any security problem, such as inoperable emergency phones, broken locks, windows or doors as soon as possible to the university police or the Physical Facilities Department, who shall rectify the potential security concern in a timely manner through a Repair Order system. Repair persons from the Physical Facilities Department enter residential facilities only when specifically assigned a work order from their department and after checking out a pass key from the University Police Dept .

Alcoholic Beverages

The use or possession of any alcoholic beverage is prohibited on all University property, except in certain regulated situations or areas.  Contact Student Activities for permission to host an event involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages.  Further information pertaining to alcoholic beverages can be obtained from the Missouri S&T Alcohol Handbook or Campus Policy.

The State of Missouri also has a "Zero Tolerance Law" concerning the consumption of alcohol by minors .

Illegal Drugs

University of Missouri Regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by University students and employees on University-owned property and at University sponsored or supervised activities (Campus Policy). Local, state, and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. In addition to arrest and criminal or tort charges, violation of these University of Missouri regulations and federal and state laws can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees.

Drug and Alcohol Education

Resources exist for drug and/or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation programs. Confidential consultation, assessment, and referral services are available free of charge to faculty, staff, and students. A variety of prevention and education programs are also offered. For detailed information concerning University and community resources, students and employees may contact the Student Health Services, located at 12th and Pine St., 341-4284, or the Counseling Center, located at 204 Norwood Hall, 341-4211.

The University of Missouri has a system-wide Parental Notification Policy concerning extremely serious or repeated infractions of the student conduct code(s) relating to drugs and alcohol.

"Tips For Parents"

Crime Prevention Programs

Educational programs provided by the University Police upon request:

•         Rape / sexual assault prevention seminars
             Refuse To Be A Victim
             Sexual Harassment Assault Rape Prevention (SHARP)
             Rape Aggression Defense

•         Burglary / theft prevention

•         Room / building security surveys

•         Property engraving programs

•         Campus watch

•         Floor security programs

•         Party security programs

•         Alcohol / liquor law programs

•         Drug violation programs

There is no specific schedule for these programs, but they are presented once, and some numerous times during the year. Any or all can be given upon request to any student, faculty, staff, or university related group. Scheduling should be done as far in advance as possible to insure the program you are interested in can be arranged at your convenience.

Some efforts by the university police to familiarize the campus of security procedures at Missouri S&T are:

•         24-Hour Police Dispatching Service

•         Emergency Telephone System

•         Emergency 911 Dialing

•         University Police Dept"Quick Reference" Website

•         24-Hour Preventive Patrol by Uniformed Officers

•         Additional Campus Patrol by Uniformed Security Guards and Student Workers

•         24-Hour Campus Personal Safety Escort Service

•         Bicycle Registration

•         Property Engraving Program

•         Seminars Presented to any University Group or Organization

•         Pamphlets Provided to Students, Faculty, and Staff

In addition to preventing crime, considerable effort is devoted to crime intervention. All reported crimes are investigated on a timely basis. Where multiple incidents occur, surveillance techniques can be implemented to help identify and apprehend violators.

Missouri S&T programs to prevent sexual crime:

•        Rape / sexual assault prevention seminars
             Refuse To Be A Victim
             Sexual Harassment Assault Rape Prevention (SHARP)
             Rape Aggression Defense

•        Missouri S&T Tech's Sexual Awareness Course

•        Recognizing Relationship Abuse

•        The Missouri S&T Counseling Center's "Acquaintance/Date Rape" Information Program

•         Sexual Harassment Prevention (on-line training)

•         Sexual Harassment Brochures

•         Missouri S&T Harassment Policy

•         24-Hour Campus Personal Safety Escort Service (provided by University Police Dept)

•         Campus Watch

•         Floor Security Programs (campus housing)

•         Crime Alert Bulletins

Convicted 'sex offenders' must register with state law enforcement where they reside. Additionally, pursuant to the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, if they are working at, volunteering at or attending any institution of higher education, they MUST register their presence at that institution and the information MUST be made available to all law enforcement agencies of jurisdiction where the institution is located.
Consequently, as required by that same law, a list of convicted 'sex offenders' residing in Phelps county is available from the Phelps County Sheriff's Office, 301 W. 2nd Street in Rolla, 364-1818.

Missouri convicted sex offender information is available online at the Missouri State Highway Patrol site and also from family-oriented, public-service organizations on the Web, like FamilyWatchdog that will let you locate convicted 'sex offenders' residing in your neighborhood!

Reporting Sexual Assaults

Reporting options include Direct Reporting, where the victim speaks directly with a law enforcement officer from the University Police or other local law enforcement agency. If the victim wishes to facilitate the prosecution of the offender, direct reports are required and should be made as soon as possible. Campus authorities will assist victims in contacting law enforcement personnel upon request.

Reporting by Third Party involves law enforcement being contacted by someone other than the victim, such as University personnel, who reports the details of the assault. This option should be used only when the victim is unwilling to report the sexual offense directly. However, it is unlikely any prosecution of the assault will be made unless the victim agrees later to make a direct report.

Through an Anonymous Report the victim contacts authorities and reports the details of the assault but does not disclose her/his identity. Again, although this type of reporting may be useful in preventing additional assaults on campus, it cannot be used for investigation and prosecution of the assault.

Preserving Evidence if a Sex Offense Occurs

Receiving medical care immediately following a rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault is extremely important for the victim's well being. It is essential the victim of the assault obtain:

•        an emergency medical exam for serious injuries;

•         a general medical exam for unknown injuries;

•         a medical/legal medical examination for the collection of evidence if prosecution is a possibility;

•         testing for sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and possible pregnancy (as part of the follow-up treatment).

For medical emergencies call University Police ( 341-4300) who will subsequently have an ambulance dispatched. It is STRONGLY ENCOURAGED that a report to the University Police be made as soon as possible after the sexual assault. A report can be made at the hospital or the University Police Department.

Successful apprehension and/or prosecution of the offender depends greatly on a rapid and accurate report of the crime. Information about the assault can assist law enforcement authorities in providing and improving prevention strategies for the protection of the victim and others in the community.

Making a report assists the police in protecting the community. While the actual prosecution of the offender is pursued by the Phelps County Prosecutor (NOT BY THE VICTIM), prosecution is unlikely to occur without the consent and assistance of the victim. Contacting University Police in no way obligates the victim to take further action.

If the victim is considering a medical exam for legal purposes, the only resource in Rolla is the Phelps County Regional Medical Center Emergency Room. To obtain physical evidence that will be useful, the medical/legal exam must be conducted within 48 hours of the assault and the victim must absolutely NOT clean up before the exam to avoid contamination of the evidence which can hinder and/or preclude prosecution /conviction of the perpetrator. If the victim pursues this course of action, the University Police and the Rolla Police will be contacted by Phelps County Regional Medical Center. The police will be notified by the Emergency Room personnel and will arrive at the hospital to begin their investigation upon completion of the exam.

In the case of student related incidents, the chair of the Sexual Assault Prevention Committee will be contacted and will coordinate the University's response to the assault.

Other sources of medical exam information for victims include Student Health Services, located at 12th and Pine Sts., whose services are available 24 hours a day (341-4284), and Planned Parenthood, located at 1032 Kingshighway, where appointments are required (364-1509).

Sanctions for Sex Offenses

Possible student sanctions for rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses following an on-campus disciplinary procedure range from a written warning to probation to suspension to expulsion. Information involving any crimes committed on campus and investigated by the University Police will be submitted to the Prosecutor's Office.

Sexual Assault On-Campus Disciplinary Action

There are two possible situations which may arise as a result of an accusation of sexual assault or rape. The policy/procedures for dealing with the situations involving students are defined in "The Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri, Section 200.020, Part C: Rules and Procedures in Student Disciplinary Matters" in the Manual of Information, and are approved by the Board of Curators. The situations which may arise are:

•         The victim has reported a rape or sexual assault to a law enforcement agency. The appropriate campus official(s) will be notified by the University Police.

•         The victim does not report the rape or sexual assault to a law enforcement agency, but wishes the University to take action against the alleged perpetrator under Section 200.010 of "The Collected Rules and Regulations of the University of Missouri: Standard of Conduct." The victim may report the incident to someone in Student Affairs or Student Activities, an Advisor, a Residential Life employee, or other staff or faculty member who will provide the information to the Campus Judicial Officer. The Campus Judicial Officer will inform the victim that an investigation may take place, and that action may be taken without the victim's consent if it is deemed in the best interest of the University community.

The accused will be contacted by the Campus Judicial Officer after information has been gathered. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during a campus disciplinary proceeding, and both will be informed of the outcome of any campus disciplinary proceeding involving a sexual assault complaint.

Changing Academic and/or Living Status

If the accused and the victim may be in close contact with each other because of class schedules and/or on-campus living arrangements, two situations may arise:

•         The Director of Residential Life has the authority to give the victim and/or accused the option of changing on-campus living arrangements if reasonably available. If the victim and the accused refuse to change living arrangements, the Director has the authority to change the living arrangements of either person without their consent. Contact should be made with the Residential Life office, 341-4218, for assistance in this area.

•         The judicial officer shall give the parties the option of changing class schedules to avoid contact. However, change of class schedules cannot be required until AFTER disciplinary proceedings have concluded. Contact can be made with the judicial officer in the Student Affairs Office, 341-4292, for assistance in this area.

Counseling and Mental Health Services

The Missouri S&T resource for crisis intervention is the Counseling Center, 341-4211. University counselors are trained professionals who will assist victims of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, coping with trauma, distress, stress or victimization issues. There is no cost to the student for these services. The victim has the right to decline an immediate interview with the Missouri S&T Counseling Center. These services are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL and contacting this support service does not obligate the victim to take any further action. Other counseling and mental health services in the community include Pathways Counseling Services, 364-7551, and the Phelps County Regional Medical Stress Center, 341-2350.

Glossary of Phone Numbers (when dialed from campus)

•         Emergency medical services --- 911

•         Missouri S&T Police --- 4300

•         Rolla Police --- 3-364-1213 / 1529

•         PhelpsCounty Regional Medical Center(Hospital) --- 3-458-8899

•         PCRMCStress Center and affiliate organizations--- 3-458-8899 or 3-364-2007

•         Student Health Services --- 4284

•         Student Affairs --- 4292

•         Missouri S&T Counseling Center--- 4211

•         Human Resource Services --- 4241

•         Sexual Harassment (information)

            students --- 4211

            employees --- 4241

•         Missouri S&T Police "Campus Information" Line --- 4111

•         Pathways Counseling Services --- 3-364-7551

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Revision Date: 09/27/07