Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

2006-2007 Annual Security Report

Summary  

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi's Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crime that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings, and on public property adjacent to and accessible from the campus. This report is in compliance with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1999.

Note* The term "off campus building/property" refers to any area where the University sponsors programs. The following properties are included in this report: American Bank Center 1902 S. Shoreline C.C. TX, Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N. Shoreline C.C. TX, Antonio E. Garcia Art Education Center 2021 Agnes C.C. TX, Hamlin Center 3801 S. Staples C.C. TX.

The term "public property" refers to any thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities that are within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The following location was used in preparing data for this report: 6300 - 6515 Ocean Dr.

Campus Law Enforcement

It is the mission of the University Police Department (UPD) to provide law enforcement in a manner which should ensure the environment which is best suited for an institution of higher education. The University Police Department is a state certified police agency and is responsible for law enforcement on the campus of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. The University Police Department reports to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration. The department is located on Oso Lane and is ready to assist twenty four hours a day every day of the year.

The University Police Department employs sixteen police officers who are all graduates of Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education training academies and have passed the state exam to receive a Texas Peace Officers License. Each officer must receive 40 hours of in-service training every two years. The University Police conduct preventive patrol through out campus by foot, vehicle, and bicycle. The police officers of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi have full arrest powers and are authorized to carry firearms. The University police officers and dispatchers are all certified in CPR and in the use of Automatic External Defibrillators.

The Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi Police Department maintains a close working relationship with all local and state law enforcement agencies. The University Police Department is capable of obtaining information from these other agencies which consist of any criminal activity that has occurred at off-campus locations where the University sponsors programs.

The campus community is encouraged to report all criminal activity in a timely manner to the University Police Department at ext. 4444 or from off campus (361) 825-4444.

Reporting an Emergency or Crime

Individuals may report any criminal activity or other emergencies that occur on the campus of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi by any of the following means:

Call the University Police Department (UPD) at ext. 4444 or go to the UPD in person.

Use one of the emergency phones located throughout campus. The emergency phones are designated by a blue light on a white pole marked "Emergency".

Contact an officer on patrol.

Students who prefer to do so may contact any of the following "Campus Security Authorities" which are designated by the Crime Awareness Act:

Office of Student Affairs

Director of University Housing

Director of Resident Life and Resident Assistant

Director of Athletics and Coaches

University Counseling Services

University Health Services

911 should be utilized to report medical emergencies or fires.

The University Police Department investigates all reports of criminal activity. The University Police Department responses include but are not limited to the following:

Investigation of reports following UPD procedures.

Arrest, file charges with the appropriate courts when such action is necessary.

Referrals to the Office of Student Affairs

When a Serious Crime Occurs (Timely Warnings)

When a serious crime occurs on campus that represents a threat to the University community, the University Police Department will publicize a warning. Warnings will be sent via the e-mail system, campus newspapers, campus television monitors, voice mail systems, and with flyers posted in places where students/employees are most likely to congregate.

Security of Campus Facilities/Housing

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi is committed to providing a safe environment for the campus community and its visitors. The facilities of Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi are well maintained. Police officers patrol the University and record all safety hazards including out-door lighting and landscaping. All hazardous conditions are promptly reported to the Physical Plant so that proper repairs can be made.

Students, faculty, and staff at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi have access to all academic, recreation, and administration facilities. Access to private offices and certain other areas are restricted through the issuance of keys. Visitors to the campus have access to those areas officially opened for study, work, or related functions. The general public can attend cultural and recreational events on campus. The University Police Department patrols campus and closely monitors the security of all buildings to assure that no unauthorized persons have access after closing hours.

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi has residential apartments and residence halls. Access is limited to the residents and their invited guests. Room keys are provided to the residents only. Residents are instructed not to lend or duplicate their keys. If a resident loses his/her key the lock(s) to the residence will be changed.

Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi has information kiosks at both entrances to the campus. The Kiosks are staffed by employees of the University Police Department. After hours all guest of on campus residents must register with the East Kiosk. It is the responsibility of the resident to make sure their guests are aware of the University and housing policies. Residents are encouraged to report individuals who can not be identified as a resident or guest of a resident.

 Crime Prevention and Awareness Programs

Throughout the year the University Police Department conducts many different crime prevention programs. These programs are held during orientations, special events, and upon request of classes and student organizations. Some of these programs include:

Personal Safety

Sexual Assault Prevention

Date Rape

Alcohol Awareness - Fatal Vision Program

Protecting Personal Property against Theft and Burglary

Annual Safety Walk on Campus

Any other topic as requested

The University Police Department provides crime prevention tips through brochures distributed among campus and as part of the department's web page.

As part of the crime prevention program the University Police Department has an escort service for students, faculty, and staff. The escorts are on duty after daylight hours until midnight. During the times escorts are not on duty, the University police officers are available to provide escorts. Escorts can be requested by dialing ext. 4444.

Alcohol /Illicit Drugs/Weapons

Alcohol

The use, possession, and distribution of alcoholic beverages on University property must comply with Texas state law, local ordinances, and University policies and regulations. Misconduct may result in arrest, and/or University disciplinary action and penalties. Among the violations that could result in penalties are:

The purchase, consumption, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages by anyone under the age of twenty-one. (State Law). The furnishing of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of twenty-one (State Law).

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Public Intoxication as defined by Texas Penal Code 49.02

Consumption of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to student rooms or apartments of individual students who are of legal age, and shall be subject to all requirements of state law, local laws, and University regulations. Any use of alcoholic beverages should be in moderation, to ensure residents' rights to privacy, sleep, and study within their rooms or apartments. Loud or disruptive behavior, interference with cleanliness of housing facilities, or drinking habits that are harmful to the health or education of an individual or those around him/her are reasons for appropriate disciplinary action by the University.

Drugs

The use, possession, consumption, sale, manufacture, or furnishing of illicit drugs and narcotics, including marijuana and drug paraphernalia, is prohibited by state law and University regulations.

Violations may result in arrest and/or suspension from the University.

Substance Abuse Programs

There are many types of substance abuse education programs on campus. These programs are made available through the University Police Department, Students Affairs, Judicial Affairs, University Counseling Service, University Health Services, and University Housing.

 Weapons

The use, possession, or carrying of any kind of firearm on the property of an institution of higher education is a violation of state laws and University regulations. Violations may result in an arrest, and or suspension from the University. The only exceptions are for authorized law enforcement officers.

Sexual Assault

On college campuses, acquaintance and date rape are more apt to occur than rape by strangers.

Research on college women indicates that as many as twenty percent of the female population may at some time be coerced by acquaintances. While some people may not think of forced sexual relations as rape, such action constitutes a serious crime and is a felony under section 22.011 of the Texas Penal Code.

Educational programs to promote the awareness of rape, acquaintance rape, and other forcible and non forcible sex offenses are offered by a variety of campus agencies and units.

Sexual Assault is defined as attempted or actual unwanted sexual activity.

Forcible Sex Offense - "any sexual act directed against another person, forcible and/or against that person's will where the victim is incapable of giving consent."

Non-forcible Sex Offense - acts of unlawful, non-forcible sexual intercourse such as incest or statutory rape.

If a sexual offense occurs on campus, the victim has the option and will be encouraged to notify the University Police Department. Assistance with notifying the police will be provided by campus authorities if desired by the victim. It is important for the victim to receive prompt medical attention and for evidence to be preserved.

The victim will be notified of existing counseling services on campus as well as off-campus services such as the Women's Shelter.

What to do if you are a victim of sexual assault

Do not destroy evidence by bathing, douching, washing hands, brushing teeth, changing clothes or linens, eating or drinking. It is important to preserve evidence to assist in the investigation.

Notify a friend or family member to help you collect your thoughts. If the rape happened on campus notify the University Police (4444), if the rape occurred off campus notify the Corpus Christi Police Dept. (911)

Seek medical attention in the ER of a local hospital. You need to have a rape exam even if you decide not to press charges. The exam is used to collect evidence as well as to assure you that you did not sustain injuries, which may not be visible. Take a change of clothes to the hospital.

Write down the details about the rapist and the circumstances of the assault as soon as possible.

Seek counseling. The University Counseling Center has counselors available to students twenty-four hours a day. You can also notify the Women's Shelter and ask to speak with a counselor. 

The University will provide students assistance in changing academic and on-campus living situations after an alleged sexual offense if so requested by the victim and if accommodations are available.

The Office of Student Affairs conducts campus disciplinary proceedings in cases of alleged sexual offenses. Possible sanctions to be imposed following the determination of an on-campus disciplinary procedure regarding rape, acquaintance rape, or other sex offenses, forcible or non-forcible, include the appropriate action such as loss of privileges, block of enrollment, probation, suspension, dismissal or expulsion. Accusers and the accused are both entitled to have others present during the disciplinary proceeding, accuser and accused will be informed of the outcome of the disciplinary proceeding.

Important Phone Numbers

University Police Department................................................825-4444 or 911

University Health Services.....................................................825-2601

University Counseling Center................................................825-2703

Office of Student Affairs........................................................825-2612

Corpus Christi Police Department.........................................886-2600 or 911

Women's Shelter....................................................................881-8888

Crime Victims Assistance......................................................852-3791

Crime Stats 2006

Crime Stats 2005

Crime Stats 2004