Campus Safety Guide

ABOUT SUNOPD

SUNOPD serves and protects our campus community as a full-service law enforcement agency staffed by professional, highly trained, commissioned police officers 24 hours a day. The safe environment that SUNOPD provides helps ensure that the university's educational mission is fully realized.

SUNOPD is a one-stop-shop location for the students/staff and visitors to receive police services for crime reporting and investigation, emergency aid, assistance, and crisis intervention on campus.

This brochure is your guide for safety information, training classes, other campus resources, and other pertinent services. It also provides access to our daily crime log and online forms to report crimes and register valuables.

MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM

The Southern University at New Orleans Police Department is a fully functioning police department consisting of sworn police officers and civilian staff who are all committed to serving with professionalism and pride.

It is the guiding principle of the Southern University at New Orleans Police Department to develop and sustain proactive community crime prevention programs. The Department cultivates close ties with and responds to the needs of the community in a courteous and professional manner.

Our commitment to serve is our top priority!

That is why it is also the mission of SUNOPD to provide a vow of transparency to all of our community members and stakeholders. Through transparency, we can work together to fulfill the mission and establish significant and lasting bonds that will ensure its operation for future generations.

AUTHORITY & JURISDICTION

The SUNO Police Department is responsible for responding to all emergencies, suspicious activities, crimes, security concerns, and parking and transportation challenges. The goal of every member of the SUNO Police Department is to provide for a safe, secure, enjoyable and fulfilling university experience. Police employees are proud to be a part of a university team that works with students, staff, and neighboring communities to further improve conditions in and around Southern University at New Orleans.

SUNO Police officers are commissioned as law enforcement officers by the State of Louisiana under State of La. R.S. 17:1805 §1805. Officers must meet all certification standards for police officers in the State of Louisiana. Officers have the power of arrest and are sworn to enforce statutes of Louisiana on University property and public roads passing through or immediately adjoining University property. To maintain their certification, officers must complete annual in-service training, which includes qualifying on all assigned firearms.

HOW TO REPORT A CRIME

General Information and Non-Emergencies: 504-286-5290 or 504-286-5291

Emergencies: 504-286-3355 or 911

At the police station, you will be asked to provide details of the crime and make a statement about the facts of the case. You’ll receive an incident number that you can quote to find out about the progress of your case and to use it if you’re making any kind of insurance claim.

Crimes can be reported using our online reporting system anonymously online directly at the below link.

https://suno.omnigo.one/CESIReportExec/OLR/

Lobby Hours:

Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

The number to call when the lobby is closed is 504-286-5290 or 504-884-1769

NEED TO KNOWS

University Police: Sworn police officers employed by a college or university to protect private property as well as students, faculty, and staff living and working on school grounds.

Crime: A violation of a law in which there is an injury to the public or a member of the public and a term in jail or prison, and/or a fine as possible penalties.

Consent: A voluntary agreement or to voluntarily agree to an act or proposal of another.

Trespass: Entering another person's property without permission of the owner or his/her agent and without lawful authority.

Drug-Free Zone: An area inclusive of and within two thousand feet of any property used for school purposes by any school where drugs are not allowed.

Intoxication: the condition of being drunk as the result of drinking alcoholic beverages and/or use of narcotics.

Illegal: In violation of statute, regulation, or ordinance, which may be criminal or merely not in conformity.

Injury: any harm done to a person by the acts or omissions of another.

Intent: mental desire and will to act in a particular way, including wishing not to participate.

Possession: the act of owning, occupying, holding, or having under control an article, object, asset, or property.

Prohibit: Forbidding an act or activity.

NEED TO KNOWS

Title IX: A law that prohibits sex discrimination on campus, including toleration of sexual violence, and requires an immediate response to claims and campus-wide procedures.

Hate Crime: Crimes on campus motivate by prejudice in which the perpetrator targets a victim based on their race, identity, or social class.

Evacuation: Organized and supervised dispersal of students, faculty, and staff from campus in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation.

Fire Drills: A drill regularly conducted on campus in which students, faculty, and staff must take these drills to evacuate whenever a fire alarm sounds to promote safety in the incident of an actual fire

First Responders: A professional designated and trained to respond to an emergency, from dispatch to arriving on the scene.

Active Shooter: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s), and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims.”

Cybersecurity: The protection of computer systems on campus from theft or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from disruption of the services these systems provide.

Stop the Bleed: A type of training that equips students, faculty, and staff to act in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives.

Large Events: Any event on campus which may bring large crowds, including visitors or guests, such as football games, commencement, or major conferences

PROHIBITED

The Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) issues a 100% Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and tobacco use of any kind will be prohibited on the SUNO campus and/or other properties owned and/or leased locations/premises; all internal and external areas, SUNO Housing, and parking lots; all entrances and exits; and in all SUNO owned and/or leased vehicles. Students and employees may not smoke in their own or others’ vehicles when the vehicles are parked on SUNO properties.

Southern University at New Orleans officers are commissioned, certified police officers and carry firearms. Select supervisors and officers are Taser and Baton certified, and all patrol officers carry pepper spray and handcuffs. Outside law enforcement personnel who are authorized to possess weapons may do so within the scope of their authority. No other persons are permitted to possess weapons on University property, even if such weapons are legally registered.

DO NOT DISCONNECT OR TAMPER WITH SMOKE DETECTORS. DOING SO IS A CRIME!

Recognizing that drug use poses health and safety hazards to employees, students, and the community at large, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) considers the abuse of drugs to be a very serious matter – one that cannot be tolerated in the workplace or classroom.

Southern University at New Orleans acknowledges and adheres to the state of Louisiana's alcohol consumption law. The law clearly states that “individuals under the age of 21 shall not be served alcoholic beverages nor will individuals under the age of 21 be permitted to consume alcoholic beverages.”

Sanctions for student violations will be addressed by Judicial Affairs and those for SUNO employees will be addressed by Human Resources. Consequences of violating this policy encompasses wide range of sanctions that include, but are not limited to, verbal warning, written documentation/warning, and dismissal/expulsion proceedings for both employees and students.

SAFE SAFE SAFE

Use Your Circle Of Friends/Family

This is a great way to meet potential partners through people you trust.

Stay In Your Comfort Zone

Set up a place that you’re familiar with.

Learn Self-Defense Techniques

Take advantage of our RAD training offered by SUNOPD.

Stay Connected

Share your location with someone or people you know are dependable and care about your safety

Always fully charge your cell phone before a date.

Set up a safety call or text

Have a code word or phrase either through text or phone call that will notify someone that you are either okay or in need of assistance

Drink Responsibly

Know YOUR Limits!

Always keep an eye on your drinks and food.

Find Out about Previous Relationships.

The biggest sign that you are in an abusive relationship is that you have a fear of your partner or their reactions. Listen to yourself about your relationship and remember you are important and deserve to question all your relationships to make sure you have a healthy, loving, and fulfilling relationship.

Different Types of Abuse

Remember, just because your abuser isn’t hitting you doesn’t mean you are not being abused. There are many types of abuse, all of which leave lasting scars on the soul They are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial or economic abuse, Verbal or nonverbal abuse, spiritual or religious abuse, and cultural abuse

Domestic Abuse includes but is not limited to physical or sexual abuse and any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death as defined in the Criminal Code of Louisiana, except negligent injury and defamation, committed by one family or household member against another. “Domestic abuse” also includes abuse of adults as defined in LA R.S.15:1503 when committed by an adult child or adult grandchild. (LA R.S. 46:2132)

Domestic Violence is the continuing crime and problem of the physical beating of a victim

DATING DATING DATING

A Dating Partner is any person you are or have been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with and where the existence of such a relationship will be determined based on a consideration of the following factors:

The length of the relationship.

The type of relationship

The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship (LA R S 46:2151(B) )

Stalking is any repeated and unwanted contact with you that makes you feel unsafe. You can be stalked by a stranger, but most stalkers are people you know even an intimate partner. Stalking may get worse or become violent over time Stalking may also be a sign of an abusive relationship The use of technology to stalk is sometimes called “cyberstalking ”

Stalking is against the law.

Stalking may include following you around or spying on you, showing up uninvited at your house, school, or work, calling you often, and damaging your home, car, or other property.

Cyberstalking may include sending unwanted, frightening, or obscene emails, text messages, or direct messages (DMs), harassing or threatening you on social media, and tracking you or any of your devices.

Harassing means the repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation, which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail, sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures.

Abuse means causing or attempting to cause physical harm, placing another person in fear of physical harm, or causing another person to engage involuntarily in sexual activity by force, the threat of force, or duress. Louisiana State Law: A person who is INTOXICATED is legally unable to give consent to sexual activity. Engaging in sexual intimacy with that person falls within the legal definition of SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual Assault means any nonconsensual sexual contact, including but not limited to any act provided in R S 15:541(24) or obscenity (R.S. 14:106).

Sexual Battery is the intentional engaging in any touching of the anus or genitals of the victim by the offender using any instrumentality or any part of the body of the offender and/or victim.

Rape is the act of anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse with a male or female person committed without the person's lawful consent

First Degree Rape (formerly Simple Rape) is a rape committed when anal, oral, or vaginal sexual intercourse is deemed to be without the lawful consent of a victim because it is committed.

RESOURCES ON CAMPUS

The following resources are available to complainants and respondents at SUNO for local advocacy, counseling, health and mental health services:

Student Counseling Center

University Center, 2nd Floor

6400 Press Drive,

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5127

Student Health Services

University Center, 2nd Floor

6400 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5374

Office of Disability Services

Bashful Administration Building, Room 204

6400 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5335

Office of Human Resources

6400 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5273

Office of Student Conduct

6400 Press Drive

University Center, 2nd Floor

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5043

Residential Life and Housing

7000 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5395

SUNO Title IX Chairperson

Dr Patrice Sentino

Natural Sciences Building Room 203

6400 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-284-5469

psentino@suno.edu

SUNO Title IX Co-Chairperson

Ms. Sheridan Cooper

6400 Press Drive

New Orleans, LA 70126

504-286-5335

scooper@suno edu

RESOURCES OFF CAMPUS

New Orleans Area Resources

New Orleans Family Justice Center

701 Loyola Ave # 201, New Orleans, LA 70113

(504) 592-4005

New Orleans Children's Advocacy Services

1101 Calhoun Street New Orleans, LA 70118

CARE Center phone: (504) 896-9237

NOCAC phone: (504) 894-5484

Children's Bureau of New Orleans

2626 Canal St # 201, New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 525-2366

Family Services of Greater New Orleans

2515 Canal St, Suite 201 New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 822-0800

Metropolitan Center for Women & Children

PO Box 10775, Jefferson, LA 70181

(504) 837-5400

Women with a Vision

1226 N Broad Street New Orleans, LA 70119 (504) 301-0428

Metropolitan Crisis Response Team

2221 Philip Street, Stuite 209 New Orleans, LA 70113

(504) 826-2675

Crescent House 701 Loyola Ave Suite 201, New Orleans, LA 70113

(504) 866-9554

Louisiana Resources

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Hotline (888) 411-1333

Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response

123 N. Genois Street New Orleans, LA 70119

Office: (504) 407-0711

24/7 HOTLINE: (855) 435-STAR

Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault

Toll-free: 888-995-7273

Office: 225-372-8995

National Resources Rainn National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-HOPE (4673) http://www.rainn.org

National Network to End Domestic Violence

(800) 799-7233

National Center for Victims of Crime

(202) 467-8700

Faith Trust Institute / Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence

(206) 634-1903

National Clearing House for the Defense of Battered Women

1-800-799-7233

SUNOPD SERVICES

DEA Drug Take Back: This event aims to provide an appropriate and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer being used or have expired. The general public is also educated on the potential for abuse of prescription and OTC medications.

Lost & Found: Property found by members of the Southern University at New Orleans community may be turned in at any time to Lost and Found Services at the Southern University at New Orleans Police Department.

Safety Escort Service: The SUNO PD provides escort services to those who wish to be escorted to or from any location on or near campus, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This program is not intended to be an alternative to shuttle or taxi services.

Vehicle Assistance: The SUNO PD offers jump-starts to individuals needing assistance with weak or dead batteries.

Emergency Call Stations: The SUNO Police Department maintains a network of approximately 17 emergency call stations around campus. Pushing the call button activates a direct connection with the SUNO PD that automatically pinpoints the caller's location.

Text Alert: It is the safest way to ensure that you receive critical university notifications on safety issues, school closings, and weather alerts. The system sends messages to all registered text-message-capable phones, PDAs, and e-mail addresses to alert registrants.

Active Shooter: Presentations are designed to prevent panic and better prepare individuals in the event of an active shooter incident.

Special Event Coverage: SUNO Police Dept. provides police services for special events on the SUNO campus. These events are approved by the University and are not considered part of the daily operation of the University. The Police Dept. determines that the event warrants a special police detail assignment/ due to public safety concerns.

Patrol Operations: The Patrol Operations Component is made up of uniformed officers that patrol the campus. These uniformed officers provide a vital link to the campus community with their service and citizen contacts. SUNO campus is protected 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether our officers patrol campus or the surrounding area in vehicles, bicycles, carts, or on foot.

SUNOPD PROGRAMS

See It. Hear It. Report It!: This is the SUNO Police Department’s campaign to encourage residents and SUNO community members to help our police department report suspicious activities.

Knight Watch: The purpose of the Knight Watch program is to create an alert community through simple crime prevention methods. The program works through the mutual aid of community members' watching each other's property.

Driver Safety: SUNO Police Department encourages everyone to pay close attention to where they are parking and to obey all parking and traffic laws.

Crime Prevention: These programs include general crime prevention and security awareness programs, such as safety education forums, programming, and discussions about topics such as alcohol abuse, sexual assault awareness and prevention, relationship violence awareness and prevention, bystander intervention, fire safety, emergency response and evacuation procedures, and theft prevention.

Alcohol & Drug Awareness: These programs include general information on alcohol and drug use and addiction. It is geared towards raising awareness of the growing serious health and safety concerns associated with alcohol and drug consumption.

Click It or Ticket: This is a high-visibility enforcement effort that the SUNO Police Dept. participates in with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is aimed at enforcing seat belt use to help keep families safe. The national seat belt campaign runs concurrently with the busy travel season.

Community Engagement: The mission is to provide a vow of transparency to all of our community members and stakeholders. Through transparency, we can work together to fulfill this mission and establish significant and lasting bonds that will ensure its operation for future generations. We plan to do that by serving our community through programs and department initiatives, providing our staff with an abundance of resources to effectively and efficiently carry out the day-to-day functions.

SAFETY TIPS

BE VIGILANT

Be aware of your surroundings at all times Look out for situations that may seem “out of place” and be weary of strangers. Never walk or park your vehicle in dark, unlit areas

ENJOY VISITATION RESPONSIBLY

Enjoy visitation hours with people you know. Never invite someone to your apartment whom you’ve never met before. Try hanging out in well populated, neutral area when meeting someone for the first time

KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED

You should NEVER leave your doors unlocked for any reason Most thefts and burglaries are crimes of opportunity Check to make sure your apartment doors and windows are locked. Also, make sure you’re locking your car doors.

MOST CRIMES ARE CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY

Report all suspicious activity to SUNO PD immediately.

Never take personal safety for granted. Try to avoid walking alone at night. Use the SUNO PD escort service

Limit your alcohol consumption, and leave social functions that get too loud, too crowded, or that have too many people drinking excessively Remember to call SUNO PD for help at the first sign of trouble.

Carry only small amounts of cash.

Never leave valuables (wallets, purses, books, phones, etc.) unattended.

Carry your keys at all times and do not lend them to anyone.

Lock up bicycles and motorcycles

Always lock the door to your room and apartment, whether or not you are there.

Be certain that your door is locked when you go to sleep, and keep windows closed and locked when you are not at home. DO NOT PROP OPEN INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR DOORS.

Do not leave valuables in your car, especially if they can be easily noticed.

SUNO EMERGENCY TEXT ALERTS

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to register for SUNO emergency notification system. It is the safest way to ensure that you receive critical university notifications on safety issues, school closings and weather alerts. The system sends messages to all registered text-message capable phones, PDAs and e-mail addresses to alert registrants of information critical to their safety and well-being.

To join the SUNO Emergency Text Alert System, you must complete your registration at:

HTTPS://WWW.SUNO.EDU/FORM/EMERGENCYMANAGEMENT-CONTACT-INFORMATION-FORM

FREE OPPORTUNITIES

Operation Identification

Operation ID is a nationwide program designed to discourage burglary and theft of valuables. It also provides a way for you to easily identify stolen property and increases law enforcement’s chances of recovery and conviction. The SUNO Police Department has partnered with LeadsOnline’s citizen property inventory system Report It to provide the SUNO community with an online property registration and inventory service. SUNO community members can utilize an engraver at no cost, which is provided by the Department.

R.A.D Training

The R.A.D Basic Physical Defense (Self-Defense for Women) course provides participants with realistic self-defense tactics and techniques and also is designed to help women overcome the effects of sexual violence and abduction by teaching assertiveness, awareness, risk reduction, and avoidance.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

The SUNO Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality police service to our community. One way we evaluate our level of professional service is to obtain feedback from students, visitors, faculty and staff members who have had the occasion to interact with our officers in the past. Through this feedback, it is our hope to constantly improve our efforts and to identify areas needing attention.

This survey can be accessed online directly at the link below.

www.suno.edu/page/campus-police-customer-satisfaction-survey