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| | === Definition phrase or word === | | === Definition phrase or word === |
| | : Definition summary | | : Definition summary |
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| − | == Policy and Procedure Statements ==
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| − | '''4.2 University Police Services'''
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| − | '''Fingerprinting''' - The University Police offers a fingerprinting service for university students who may need their fingerprints taken for selective reasons (such as a required attachment to an employment application). The hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
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| − | '''Blue Light Emergency Phones''' - There are over 65 emergency blue light telephones located across the campus. These phones only require one button to be pushed and the call will ring directly into the University Police Telecommunications Center. The blue light phone system automatically displays the callers location so the telecommunicator can quickly dispatch an officer to assist the caller. These phones are located at residence hall entrances, in parking lots, in tunnels and other strategic locations.
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| − | '''Watauga County CrimeStoppers''' - The Appalachian State University Police Department is an active supporter and participant in the Watauga County CrimeStoppers? Program, CrimeStoppers? pays to to $1,000 cash for information that leads to the arrest of anyone who commits a crime, recovery of stolen property, seizure of drugs and location of wanted persons. CrimeStoppers? allows you to remain anonymous when providing information. Their telephone number is 262-4555.
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| − | '''Crime Alerts''' - The University Police Department posts Crime Alerts on campus when serious incidents occur. The Crime Alerts inform the University community as to the nature of the crime, description of suspects and provides instruction on how to prevent or report crime.
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| − | '''Investigation''' - The University Police Department has investigators on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are a victim of a crime immediately call the University Police Department so the incident can be investigated and a report filed. If time is wasted, evidence can be destroyed or lost. Call 8000, or come by the office at 173 Dale Street.
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| − | '''Lost and Found''' - The University Police Department offers a place for individuals to turn in or claim lost and found items. Please call 262-2150 if you need assistance with any lost and found items.
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| − | '''Vehicle Assistance''' - If you have locked your keys in your vehicle the University Police can either assist you directly or call a locksmith. The University Police will not attemp to unlock any vehicle with side airbags or power locks. If you think you have a dead battery, the Partking and Traffic Department has a jump pack you can check out by showing your Appalachian State University ID card.
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| − | '''Bike Registration''' - The University Police Department offers a bicycle registration program for all Appalachian students, faculty and staff. All bicycle riders are encouraged to register their bicycles as a deterrent to crime and to promote safety. There is NO CHARGE for this service. All registration information is stored on computer for future reference. You may contact any of our bicycle officers for a registration form or stop by the Police Department.
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| − | '''Possession of Weapons''' - GS 14-269.2, in North Carolina Law and Procedures makes it unlawful for anyone other than police officers to carry or possess firearms or weapons on campus. This applies even if the weapon is concealed or not concealed. The definition of weapons includes BB guns, air rifles, air pistols, bowie knives, dirks, daggers, slingshots, leaded canes, switchblade knives, blackjacks, metallic knuckles, razors and razor blades (except for personal shaving), and sharp-pointed or edged instruments except instructional supplies, unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparing food instruction, and maintenance. This law is strictly enforced by arrests, in all cases. Student violators are also referred to the student disciplinary process.
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| − | '''On-Campus Alcohol Policy''' - The possession and use of alcohol on the campus of Appalachian State University must comply with the laws of the State of North Carolina and with campus regulations and procedures. The acquisition, possession, transportation and consumption of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited. Alcohol may be possessed or consumed on University property only by persons 21 years of age or older in their rooms or in appropriately licensed and/or approved campus facilities. Persons are expected to assume responsibility for their own behaviors while drinking and must understand that being under the influence of alcohol in no way lessens their accountability to the university community. Offenders will be dealt with through established university policies and procedures.
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| − | '''Illegal Drug Policy''' - Appalachian's policy prohibits the unlawful possession, use or distribution of controlled substances or illicit drugs by students, staff, and faculty. The university will take all actions necessary to eliminate the use of illegal drugs from the university community. Appalachian State University adheres to the "University of North Carolina Policy on Illegal Drugs" adopted by the Board of Governors on January 15, 1988. A complete version of the university's policy on illegal drugs can be found in the Student Handbook, published and distributed annually. Appalachian does offer, through the Counseling Center, Student Health Services, Residence Life and the University Police, drug and alcohol educational and counseling services.
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| − | '''University Police Sex Offense Response Policy''' - Sex offenses including date or acquaintance rape, are a serious concern of the University Police. If you feel you are a victim of a sex offense on campus, call the University Police at (828) 262-8000 any time of the day or night. Your University Police will:
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| − | *Meet with you provately, at a place of your choice, to take a complaint report.
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| − | *Not release your name to the public or the press as long as such release is likely to pose a threat to your mental or physical helth or personal safety. However, the law requires notification of the campus community of crimes that are "considered to be a threat to other students and employees" and disclosure of the time, date, location and nature of a violation.
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| − | *Not prejudge you. Treat you and your case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity, understanding and professionalism.
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| − | *If you feel more comfortable talking with an officer of one gender rather than the other we do our best to accommodate your request.
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| − | *Assist you with transportation to a local hospital or other medical treatment facility. Assist you in privately contacting counseling and other available services.
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| − | *Fully investigate your case and keep you informed about the progress of the investigation and/or prosecution.
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| − | *Continue to be available to answer your questions and explain the legal systems and processes involved. If an arrest is maded certain information that had previously been held confidential will become public record.
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| − | *Consider your case seriously regardless of your gender or the gender of the suspect.
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| − | '''If a sexual assault occurs on campus: Get medical attention; notify University Police immediately; find and maintain a support system (a rape hotline is a good place to start)'''. Remember, any victim of sexual assault has the right to file a complaint with law enforcement authorities. If an assault occurs off-campus, University Police will help you file a report with the appropriate law enforcement agency.
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| − | To aid the police investigation, take these steps to preserve evidence:
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| − | *If the rape has just occurred, don't shower or bathe before the medical exam.
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| − | *Try not to touch any smooth surfaces that the rapist may have touched until the police have dusted for fingerprints.
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| − | *Save all your clothing and personal items from the crime and tell the police what you have.
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| − | *Document any injury you suffered, either by photograph or by showing it to someone you trust.
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| − | '''Annual Campus Safety Report (Clery Act)''' - It is the policy of Appalachian State University to publish by October 1st of each school year an annual security report that informs current students and employees of its safety and security policies, procedures and practices. The annual report also discloses statistics from the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property, either owned or controlled by the University and owned or controlled by student organizations recognized by the University and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This information will also be made available to prospective students, prospective employees and others upon request.
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| − | '''Skateboard Policy''' - The use of skateboards, skates, roller blades, or similar devices is prohibited on property owned or controlled by Appalachian State University. Anyone observed skateboarding on University monuments, steps, benches, retaining walls, rails and other structures or inside a building shall be issured a university citation. Students will be issued a university citation and their skateboards will be confiscated as evidence. The skateboards will not be released without approval from the Student Judicial Affairs Office. Non-students will be arrested and charged criminally for damage to property when appropriate, and their skateboards will be confiscated as evidence. They will also be given a university citation banning them from campus.
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| − | '''Medical Transport Policy''' - The University Police department will make ALL non-emergency medical transports. Requests for non-emergency medical transports should be made to the University Police Department at 262-2150. This policy does not provide for transport to or from doctors appointments. For Emergency Medical Transports, call 9-911 or 8000.
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| − | '''4.3 Vehicle Registration and Parking'''
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| − | See Parking & Traffice section of Resource Manual
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| − | '''4.4 Criminal Trespass Warning'''
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| − | North Carolina Law - Under the Laws of North Carolina (GS 14-159.12 and 14-159.13), Appalachian State University has the right to forbid a person to come on its property, in order to maintain an atmosphere in which people in the University community can go about their varied activities. No person has the right to be on the University campus unless he or she is there to conduct some type of business or is invited by University personnel.
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| − | The following procedures have been established for University personnel when they have observed incidents involving person(s) who are a nuisance or a perceived threat. As an employee of the University should you be faced with the situation of dealing with a person(s) that is unruly, a nuisance, or you feel threatened, you have the option of advising this person to leave the premises. He or she could be charged with trespassing, or you may call the University Police Department for assistance in removing this person from campus. Refusal of the person to comply with this request could result in his or her arrest for trespassing.
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| − | It is necessary that the grounds for such warnings be consistent and that warnings be given adequately. Therefore, the following guidelines should be followed when such trespassing warnings are necessary.
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| − | GROUNDS FOR A TRESPASSING WARNING
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| − | Guidelines - Appalachian State University is open to its faculty, staff, students, and legitimate visitors. Legitimate visitors would include those who come to visit the University or people here, to see the sights and those who drive across the campus from one place to another. Persons to whom the campus is open do not always have the "right" to be in specific areas at any time. (Example: residence halls, class rooms, business offices, etc.) Therefore, any person can be trespassed from specific parts of the campus, and the rest of the campus may remain open to him or her.
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| − | Trespass Warning - In order to issue a trespass warning, there must be a reason based upon his or her actions, or the location and the time of day. The person's race, age, or appearance cannot enter into the reason for the trespass warning. Furthermore, since numerous persons walk around campus at all hours, the time of day alone is rarely a reason for a trespass warning.
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| − | *Persons may be issued a trespass warning for any of the following reasons:
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| − | *Been observed prowling around buildings or parking lots without explanation
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| − | *Committed any crime on campus
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| − | *Been a nuisance to any member of the University community
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| − | *Refused to identify him or herself
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| − | *Behaved suspiciously or disorderly
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| − | Arrest - When a trespass warning has been given it is hoped that an arrest will never be necessary; however, arrest may be necessary in some cases. The following situations clearly indicate that an arrest is indicated:
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| − | *A person has been warned but refused to leave the campus.
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| − | *A person is stopped and records indicate that the person has received a previous trespass warning.
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| − | Normally an arrest should not be made when the warning is over one year old, unless the warning has been given in court by a judge for a longer period of time.
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| − | If there is doubt concerning the arrest, the officer can give another trespass warning and escort the person from campus. The officer should review the case with the appropriate supervisor and take out a warrant if necessary.
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| − | Who can issue A Warning? - All University administrators and law enforcement personnel can issue a trespass warning anywhere on Appalachian State University property. All SPA, EPA staff (includes Residence Directors) and full-time temporary employees can issue a trespass warning when in their area of job assignment (this would include offices, class rooms, residence halls, etc.).
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| − | Miscellaneous Information - When a trespass warning has been given verbally by an Appalachian State University administrator, faculty or staff member, he or she will be required to sign the warrant and appear in court should this action result in an arrest.
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| − | When the warning is issued by an administrator or law enforcement officer in written form, the faculty or staff member may not have to appear in court.
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| − | In the event a non law enforcement person issues a trespass warning, the situation has the potential to worsen and we encourage all staff and faculty to notify the University Police Department as soon as possible. Promptly contacting the Office of Public Safety/ University Police will permit the responding officer to issue an official warning and if necessary make an arrest.
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| | == Additional References == | | == Additional References == |
Function - The University Policy Department is responsible for protecting life and property at Appalachian by providing emergency and non-emergency law enforcement services, crime prevention, safety and criminal investigation services. The Department consists of 22 full time state commissioned police officers including a Chief of Police, 9 civilian support staff and 4 security guards.
Location and Hours - The University Police Department is currently located in the parking deck on Rivers Street. The professional and courteous staff is ready to assist faculty, staff and students 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
To Report A Crime - Any suspicious or criminal activity or other police emergencies should be reported to the University Police Department by dialing "8000" or by stopping in at the office. Reports of crimes made to other campus officials, such as Residence Life staff, professors and counselors should also be referred to the University Police. Crimes reported to the University Police will be investigated and the perpetrator(s) will either be prosecuted, referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs for discipline under the Student Code of Conduct, or both. Reports of felony violations and certain misdemeanor violations which occur on campus are reported monthly to the Division of Criminal Information of the State Bureau of Investigations.
University Police Authority and Jurisdiction - Appalachian State University police officers are state certified by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards Division. The officers have complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone who violates North Carolina State law while on campus. When an Appalachian student commits minor offenses involving University rules or regulations, the officers may refer them to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs by issuing them a University citation. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and other local law enforcement agencies may assist with investigations upon request. By mutual aid agreements with the Boone Police Department and the Watauga County Sheriff's Department, the officers may enforce violations of North Carolina law off campus when requested.
Community Policing Philosophy - Public safety is a joint responsibility of both the Police and the community they serve. The Community Policing Philosophy emphasizes Crime Prevention and solving crime through partnerships, education and awareness programs, pro-active police patrols and quality officer training and education. The department's goal is to decrease crime and increase the quality of life on campus. To help achieve this goal, students, staff and faculty are encouraged to participate in the problem solving process.
Crime Prevention - Crime Prevention is the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce the risk. The University Police Department advocates a proactive approach to Crime Prevention. Various education and information programs provided for faculty, staff and students by the University community to be responsible for their own security as well as others. Our Crime Prevention Specialist is the liaison between the Police Department and the University community. Education and awareness programs are designed to make students more aware of crimes that happen both on and off campus and to educate them on crime prevention techniques.
Security of and Access to Campus Facilities - Academic buildings generally are closed at predetermined times each evening. Opening and closing times are scheduled by the deans of the colleges through the Office of Business Affairs. University police officers and security guards routinely check each building between 5:00pm and 5:00am. Campus residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and residents gain access with their student identification card. Resident hall rooms are secured by door locks. A student monitor is on duty in each hall from midnight to 5:00am. Safety and security checks are made periodically by student monitors who contact the University Police as needed. Additionally, residence assistants are available on all residence hall floors and a resident director lives in each resident hall on campus. If an ID card does not work, it should be reported to Appalachian State Food Services during their operating hours. After hours, contact the University Police Department. Report all lost or stolen cards immediately.
Criminal Activity Off-Campus - Normally, the University does not regulate the off-campus conduct of students. The University relies on local law enforcement agencies to handle off-campus crimes. However, the University reserves the right to address allegations of off-campus crimes through the Code of Student Conduct when appropriate.
Telephone Number - The administrative telephone number for the University Police Department is 262-2150.
