SECURITY AWARENESS AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
It is the philosophy of UNC that we would much rather prevent crimes from occurring than to react to them after the fact. A primary vehicle for accomplishing this goal is the University’s comprehensive crime prevention program, which is based on dual concepts of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities whenever possible, and encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. The following is a list of the most frequently used crime prevention programs employed by UNC:
- ESCORT PROGRAMS – Provide both walking and golf cart escort service by police officers or student security officers during hours of darkness for persons wanting to take extra precautions.
- RIDE ALONG PROGRAMS - Students and community members may ride along with an officer. This experience allows for first hand exposure and insight into campus policing and law enforcement.
- EMERGENCY TELEPHONES – Both interior and exterior emergency phones are linked directly to University Police Department and are located throughout the University.
- CRIME PREVENTION PRESENTATIONS - Numerous crime prevention presentations are made annually to campus groups such as University employees, commuter students, residence hall students, international students, disabled students, student government, faculty and staff, specific campus departments, recognized student organizations and intercollegiate athletics. Typically over 150 programs are presented to over 5,000 people annually.
- PRINTED CRIME PREVENTION MATERIALS - Printed crime prevention brochures and posters related to substance abuse, personal safety, seat belt use, motor vehicle security, bicycle security, residence hall security, employee security, and sexual assault prevention are distributed at crime prevention presentations and at various locations throughout the University’s campuses.
- ELECTRONIC ALARM SYSTEMS – A sophisticated computer-based electronic monitoring system located at the University Police Department monitors a comprehensive network of intrusion, fire, and environmental alarms. A backup system is located in the Facility Operations building.
- SECURITY SURVEYS - Comprehensive security surveys or audits are made for a number of campus facilities each year.
- FACILITY SURVEYS - Surveys of exterior lighting, exterior doors and grounds are conducted by the officers on a continual basis.
- OPERATION IDENTIFICATION – (Operation ID), the logging of personal identification numbers, engraved, or owner recognized number, on items of value, is strongly promoted in student residence facilities when the students move in.
- BICYCLE REGISTRATION - Formal identification of bikes is made to deter theft and aid in their recovery if lost or stolen.
- VICTIM ADVOCACY - Victims of sexual assault are counseled and supported by members of a special team from ASAP (Assault Survivors Advocacy Program) who work directly with victims and Police. Advocates are trained and sensitized to the emotional and physical needs of the victims.
- SEXUAL ASSAULT AND PERSONAL SAFETY AWARENESS, EDUCATION AND PREVENTION - In cooperation with the SAFE (Sexual Assault Free Environment) committee and ASAP (Assault Survivors Advocacy Program), numerous sexual assault and personal safety awareness, education, and prevention presentations are made each year to members of the campus community. In addition, a "Safe Week’ is sponsored by SAFE every year.
- ALCOHOL ENFORCEMENT/EDUCATION - Programs are presented/co-hosted with the UNC Drug and Alcohol Prevention Office. These programs provide violators with a crime-alcohol relationship perspective and promote responsible alcohol use. A six-hour drug/alcohol program is also taught as a consequence of under-age alcohol violations for first-time offenders.
- STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN - Freshmen students are required to attend this two-hour workshop offered during summer orientation. The workshop is highly interactive and addresses issues of health, safety, communication, sexual assault, peer pressure, alcohol/drug use, and relationships. Over 2,000 students attend this important program each year.