Statement of Procedures and Information

Crime Statistics


Campus Safety  |  Alcohol on Campus  |  Intentional False Fire Alarms
University Ordinances  |  Severe Weather  |  Blue Light Phones  |  Crime Statistics

In compliance with the federal Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act, the Oakland University Board of Trustees has enacted the following policy:

Oakland University shall comply with the applicable requirements of Public Law 101-542, known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990.

The Oakland University Police Department (OUPD) shall collect information with respect to campus crime statistics and campus security policies, as required by the Act.  The OUPD shall prepare, publish and distribute an annual safety security report containing information on campus crime statistics and campus security policies, as required by the Act.  The OUPD shall include in the annual report all policies and procedures which address the prevention of sexual assaults and racial violence on the campus.

Oakland University shall make timely reports to the campus community on crimes considered to be a threat to other students and employees, as required by the Act, that are reported to campus authorities.

Upon request of the Secretary of Education, Oakland University shall submit to the Secretary a copy of the crime statistics  which the Act requires the institution to collect and distribute in the annual report.

The OUPD, in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Students, is authorized and directed to establish and enforce reasonable and appropriate written rules and procedures to implement this policy and any other requirements of the Act.

 

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The Oakland University Police Department is the lead department with respect to campus safety and security.  The Department is comprised of fourteen uniformed police officers, four uniformed sergeants, two lieutenants and the Chief of Police (all hereafter “Police”).  The Police Department also has four trained emergency service operators (dispatchers) who are available to handle any police service call 24 hours a day.  Police are commissioned officers with full arrest powers, are graduates of a State certified police academy and participate in ongoing in-service training.  Police are extensively trained in the use of firearms and all officers carry sidearms.  The officers conduct foot and motor vehicular patrols throughout the campus and residence hall areas 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  In addition, a Bike Patrol affords the officers an opportunity to move about the campus in a much quicker fashion and allows for closer contact with the students, staff and faculty. 

The Police Department also utilizes Police Cadets.  These uniformed, radio-equipped, University students are assigned to patrol the campus, either on foot or in police-marked vehicles, to be of assistance to the public.  Their presence on campus serves to supplement regular Police as additional eyes and ears.  Although not sworn officers, their presence serves as a deterrent to crime and misconduct and affords assistance in handling non-criminal functions of the University Police Department.

The Police Department has a good working relationship with the local municipal police agencies, the County Sheriff, the State Police and Federal agencies.  As a State-recognized police agency, the Department utilizes State and national computer databases to assist in providing a safe environment.  As sworn officers, the OU Police enforce State law and University ordinances.

The Police Department, as well as residence hall staff and other offices in the Student Affairs Division, sponsor regular sessions for students, faculty and staff relating to personal safety awareness, self defense and security, sexual assault prevention, the prevention of burglary, theft and vandalism, operation I.D., and drug and alcohol abuse prevention.  Fire prevention seminars are provided to the campus community by qualified fire safety personnel.  These classes are offered during the academic semesters and upon request from student organizations, staff and faculty groups. 

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The Police, as well as University Housing and Student Affairs staff, enforce the University’s alcohol policy and state law.  Illegal alcohol or drug use is prohibited on campus.  In addition, University personnel discourage the abuse of drugs and the illegal use of alcohol through compliance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act.  A description of University policies and procedures concerning drug and alcohol use is contained in the "Drug-Free Guide," which is distributed to all faculty, staff and students on an annual basis through the Dean of Students Office Web site.  Firearms and dangerous weapons are not permitted in the residence halls.  The illegal possession of dangerous weapons and firearms is a violation of University ordinance, State law and the Student Conduct Code.

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Crimes in progress, fires, medical emergencies, and other campus emergencies should be reported by any student, staff or faculty to the Police Department by dialing " 911."  Persons are encouraged to accurately and promptly report crimes.  Persons with hearing impairments should use the  "TTY" telephone number:  370-3337.  For non-emergency  police service, dial 370-3331.  Upon receipt of a call, the police dispatcher will dispatch an officer to investigate the complaint, involve additional resources if necessary to appropriately resolve the matter, and produce a formal report.  The University community will be notified in a timely manner of crimes reported to the University Police that are considered a potential threat.

"Emergency Blue Light" phones have been strategically placed throughout the campus to further assist the campus community in reporting emergencies.  The mercury blue lights are easily seen and flash when activated at the time of emergency use.  The emergency phones serve as an additional means of communication with the campus police, support the perception of a safe environment, and communicate to potential wrongdoers that their presence is not welcome.

A person may also report criminal offenses to the administrative-professional staff of University Housing (370-3570), Dean of Student’s Office (370-3352), Center for Student Activities (370-2400), and Office of Diversity and Compliance (370-3496).  Complainants or victims will be appropriately assisted in the resolution of their complaint or concerns.

Anyone who is the victim of a crime and does not wish to pursue action within the University judicial system or the criminal justice system can make a confidential report.  Confidential reports allow the University to keep the identity of the victim confidential while taking steps to ensure the safety of the campus community.

All professional and/or pastoral counselors whose official responsibilities include providing mental health counseling to members of the campus community and who are functioning in the scope of his/her license or certification are encouraged as a matter of policy, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a voluntary basis for inclusion in the annual crime statistics.

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In addition to the University Police, the Facilities Management staff maintain the University buildings and grounds with a concern for safety and security.  Personnel continually inspect campus facilities for potential safety and security hazards.  Prompt response is made to repair the identified hazards in an effort to further assist in providing a safe environment.  Campus administrative and academic buildings are generally locked between 10:00 p.m. and midnight daily and reopened at 7:00 a.m.

The University’s main campus is well lighted and lighting surveys are routinely conducted by the Facilities Management staff.  In addition to a phone in each residence hall room, there are phones located in all residence hall lobbies and the lobbies of most buildings to facilitate calling for assistance if necessary.

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University Housing has established a residence halls security program, called Nightwatch, to assist in providing a safe and secure environment for residents and their guests.  This program provides a monitoring system for all residents and guests entering residence halls.  Nightwatch operates seven days a week from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. at Hamlin and Vandenberg Halls and from 10:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. at Anibal, Fitzgerald, Hill and Van Wagoner. During these hours, all persons must enter these buildings through the Nightwatch stations.  At Anibal, Fitzgerald, Hill and Van Wagoner Houses, and the University Student Apartments the outside doors are locked 24 hours a day.  Residents use their room keys to enter these buildings.

Residents assume full responsibility for the behavior of their guests.  Guests must be accompanied by their resident hosts during their stay.  Anyone who attempts to gain improper access to any residence hall will be treated as a trespasser.

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Oakland University attempts to provide a secure and hospitable environment for its students.

Prevention of sexual assaults is an important part of the University's response to campus safety issues.  Numerous education programs to promote awareness of rape, acquaintance rape and other sex offenses are provided by the University.  Departments offering education and prevention programs include Graham Health Center; University Housing; the School of Nursing; the Police Department; Dean of Students Office; and the Student Congress.

If a sex offense occurs, the victim should follow these procedures:

 Contact the Police Department immediately, by dialing 911.

Seek medical examination and treatment.

Preserve evidence by abstaining from washing, changing clothes, douching or disturbing any evidence of an assault or struggle.

Go to a safe place.

Seek counseling.

Victims have the right to report the sexual assault to the Police Department, and University staff must help a victim to contact the police if that is the victim's choice.

Campus resources for victims include:

Police Department - 911 Emergency (or for 24 hour service, 370-3331)

Graham Health Center - medical and counseling service (370-2341)

Dean of Students Office - ombudsperson and student disciplinary procedure - 144 OC (370-3352)

Office of Diversity and Compliance – 203 Wilson Hall (370-3496)

University Housing -  370-3570

Off-campus resources available to victims include:

Crittenton Hospital, Rochester  652-5311 - Emergency service for rape victims

North Oakland Medical Center  857-7257 - Emergency service for rape victims

Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital  338-5332  - Emergency service for rape victims

Haven, Pontiac  24 hour service, 248-373-9200

Oakland County Prosecutor's Office  248-858-0646

Common Ground  24 hour crisis line, 248-456-0909

The University will change a victim's academic and living situations after an alleged sex offense and give notice of the options for such changes, if the victim requests a change.

Campus disciplinary procedures may result in a range of sanctions for offenders including counseling, warnings, suspension or dismissal from the University.

If disciplinary action for an alleged sexual assault is pursued through University procedures, both the victim and the accused are entitled to have an advisor present during the proceeding in accordance with Oakland University policies and procedures, which may be amended from time to time.  Both the victim and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of the proceeding.

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The Center for Multicultural Initiatives is responsible for addressing the particular needs of minority students on campus.  The staff responds to individual student concerns and develops or supports programs designed to enhance the diversity of the University.  Questions or concerns may be addressed to the Director, Center for Multicultural Initiatives, 134 North Foundation Hall, 370-4404.

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A safe university environment cannot be achieved solely by the University Police.  The safest environment is achieved with the involvement and cooperation of all students, staff and faculty.  Students and others must assume responsibility for their own personal safety and the security of their belongings by taking simple, common sense precautions. For example, although the campus is well lighted, students should not walk alone after dark and should "buddy up" when possible when walking about the campus.  Even though you know your neighbor, your room should be locked when left unattended.  Valuable items such as stereos, audio equipment and tv's should be marked with engraving instruments. Students with cars should keep all valuables locked in the trunk and doors locked when the vehicle is left unattended.

All students, staff and faculty should immediately report to the University Police any unusual circumstance or suspicious looking individual whom they feel does not belong in the residence halls or any campus facility.

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Any criminal activity at the Theta Chi Fraternity, an off-campus organization located in Pontiac, Michigan, is monitored via a positive working relationship between the Pontiac Police Department and the Oakland University Police Department.

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Criminal Offenses – On Campus

Criminal Offenses – On Campus - Residence Halls

(Included in above offense totals)

Criminal Offenses – Non-campus

Criminal Offenses – Public Property Adjacent to OU

Arrests – On Campus

Arrests – On Campus - Residence Halls

(Included in above arrest totals)

Disciplinary Actions – On Campus

Arrests – Non-campus

Disciplinary Actions - Non-campus

Arrests – Public Property Adjacent to OU

Disciplinary Actions - Public Property Adjacent to OU

Hate Offenses – On Campus

Hate Offenses – On Campus - Residence Halls

Hate Offenses – Non-Campus

Hate Offenses – Public Property Adjacent to OU

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