Guide to Campus Safety

AUTHORITY:

It is the objective of the Delta State University Police Department to provide and maintain a safe and secure environment for the students, staff, faculty, residents and visitors of Delta State University. The University Police Department employs 10 sworn Law Enforcement Officers, 2 Communications Officers, 1 Senior Secretary, and includes the following sections:  Patrol, Investigations, and Special Services.

University Police officers are armed and have arrest powers and authority on all property owned or governed by the university. All police officers are employed fulltime and meet the professional criteria as established by the Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training, and are certified by a law enforcement training academy. Officers also regularly attend other advanced and in-service training programs.

University Police officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. Police officer functions include, but are not restricted to the following:

• Vehicle, foot, and bike patrols of campus to ensure the safety of persons and property.
• Responding to reports of crime in progress on University property.
• Investigating offenses that have been committed and preparing required reports.
• Assisting other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
• Providing motorist assistance, unlocking vehicles on campus, providing vehicle boosts on campus and providing escorts.
• Responding to calls from emergency phones and other similar emergencies.
• Enforcing state laws and university regulations.
• Educating the DSU community on methods to keep themselves as well as their property safe.

            Our goal is to protect life and property, to understand and serve the needs of the campus community, and to improve the quality of life by building capacities to maintain order, resolve problems, and apprehend criminals in a manner consistent with the law and reflective of shared University values.

PREVENTION:

The Delta State University Police Department has an active crime prevention program which is dedicated to reducing criminal opportunities and encourages the members of the campus community to take responsibility for their own safety and security, and the safety and security of others. Crime prevention programs are available for all students, staff, and faculty.  Some of the topics include, but are not limited to personal safety and property security, alcohol and DUI awareness, drug abuse awareness, fire safety, sexual assault/date rape prevention.

The Crime Prevention Program also coordinates Operation I.D., which is a program to assist students in identifying and recording property in case of theft. A bicycle registration form is available to students who bring bicycles on campus. A copy of the form is kept on file at the University Police Department.

The University is equipped with nine (8) emergency telephones which have been strategically placed on campus. Each phone is identified with a reflective sign stating “Emergency Phone”. In case of emergency, one can contact the police by depressing the button, which will automatically dial the University Police Department. If possible, the caller should state their name, location, and the nature of the emergency. The emergency phones are located at the following locations:

Zeigel Hall
Broom Hall
Walter-Caylor Hall
School of Nursing
Cain-Tatum Residence Hall
Cleveland Residence Hall
Whittington-Williams Residence Hall 
Bond-Carpenter Residence Hall

Safety on a college campus is a genuine concern. Delta State University offers many different services and crime prevention programs in an effort to continuously improve safety in the university community. Ultimately, each person is responsible for his/her own safety, but practice of preventive methods can help to reduce the probability of one becoming a victim of crime. During the year, the police department will offer workshops and presentations on crime prevention. You should take the opportunity to attend these programs.

If you have any questions or comments concerning campus safety, please call us at 846-4155 or send e-mail to police@deltastate.edu.

AWARENESS:

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Delta State University has implemented a policy to express its commitment to the elimination of alcohol and drug abuse. Please refer to the “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy” section of the student handbook and employee handbook. The student handbook is available through the University Police Department or Office of Student Affairs. The employee handbook is available through the Office of Human Resources.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

The Delta State University Police Department provides programs throughout the year to promote awareness of sexual assault, date/acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses. Prompt reporting of sex offenses is strongly recommended. University Police Officers are available 24 hours a day to assist victims in obtaining medical attention and reporting offenses.

WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

Section 97-37-17-2 of the Mississippi Code makes it a felony for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any firearm on University property.

USE OF CELL PHONE WHILE OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE

As a driver, your first responsibility is the safe operation of the vehicle you are driving. If you must use a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle, please keep in mind the following precautions:

1.      Never dial the phone while driving. If possible, dial while the car in not in motion, such as at a traffic light or stop sign.

2.      Keep calls brief.

3.      Make sure the phone is easy to reach and see.

4.      Learn about all the features on your phone, such as voicemail and speed dial

5.      If a passenger is in the vehicle, let the passenger answer the phone and relay the information to you or take a message for you to return the call at a later time.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:

The University community is encouraged to report all suspicious or criminal activity to the Delta State Police Department for investigation. If a crime occurs off campus it should be reported to the law enforcement agency having legal jurisdiction of that area. If you are unsure which department has legal jurisdiction, contact DSU Police for assistance.

When reporting an offense or incident to the University Police try to be as detailed as possible and consider the following information:

Name, location, and phone number of caller
Nature of offense/incident
Location of offense/incident
Description of any person(s) or vehicle(s) involved.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

This page is maintained by Lynn Buford.