This guide was developed by the SUNOPD Office of Community Engagement to increase on-campus safety awareness, to prevent crimes, and to provide tools and resources that promote a safer campus environment.
GET CONNECTED
Knight Watch
Knight Watch features include:
Knight Watch is the official safety app of Southern University at New Orleans It is the only app that integrates with Southern University at New Orleans's safety and security systems SUNOPD has worked to develop a unique app that provides students, faculty and staff with added safety on the Southern University at New Orleans campus The app will send you important safety alerts and provide instant access to campus safety resources
Emergency Contacts: Contact the correct services for the Southern University at New Orlean e of an emergency or a non-emergency concern
Friend Walk: Send your location to a friend through email or SMS on your device Once the friend accepts the Friend Walk request, the user picks their destination and their friend tracks their location in real-time; they can keep an eye on them to make sure they make it safely to their destination.
Tip Reporting: Multiple ways to report a safety/security concern directly to Southern University at New Orleans security
Virtual WalkHome: Allow SUNOPD to monitor a user’s walk If a user feels unsafe when walking on campus, they can request a Virtual WalkHome and a dispatcher on the other end will monitor their journey until they reach their destination.
Safety Toolbox: Enhance your safety with the set of tools provided in one convenient app.
Campus Maps: Navigate around the Southern University at New Orleans area.
Emergency Preparedness: Campus emergency documentation that can prepare you for disasters or emergencies. This can be accessed even when users aren’t connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Support Resources: Access support resources in one convenient app to enjoy a successful experience at Southern University at New Orleans
Safety Notifications: Receive instant notifications and instructions from Southern University at New Orleans safety when on-campus emergencies occur
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 ENGAGEMENT 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.
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Southern University at New Orleans Police Department is to promote a safe and secure higher education environment while providing quality police and customer-related services aimed at preventing and reducing crime, problem resolution and community involvement in an unprecedented manner.
As individuals, we reflect on the values and beliefs we hold. As an organization working together, our values guide our actions. The mission and value statements are intended to define and drive the department and its members. Because values are so central in our personal and organizational lives, it is essential to share those beliefs with others.
SUNOPD Core Values
Teamwork Integrity
Courteous & Professionalism
Service Philosophy
Purpose
HOW TO REPORT A CRIME
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/
SUNO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & CAMPUS NOTIFICATIONS
Emergency Management
Receive via text, email, phone
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 wellbeing
To join the SUNO Emergency Text Alert System, you must complete your registration at:
Campus Notifications
Receive via push notification
Knight Watch is the official safety app of Southern University at New Orleans. It is the only app that integrates with Southern University at New Orleans's safety and security systems. SUNOPD has worked to develop a unique app that provides students, faculty and staff with added safety on the Southern University at New Orleans campus. Knight Watch can also send you safety notifications and instructions when on-campus emergencies occur.
Knight Watch includes other amazing features:
Emergency Contacts: Contact the correct services for the Southern University at New Orleans area in case of an emergency or a non-emergency concern
Friend Walk: Send your location to a friend through email or SMS on your device Once the friend accepts the Friend Walk request, the user picks their destination and their friend tracks their location in real-time; they can keep an eye on them to make sure they make it safely to their destination.
Tip Reporting: Multiple ways to report a safety/security concern directly to Southern University at New Orleans security.
Safety Toolbox: Enhance your safety with the set of tools provided in one convenient app.
Campus Maps: Navigate around the Southern University at New Orleans area.
Emergency Preparedness: Campus emergency documentation that can prepare you for disasters or emergencies. This can be accessed even when users aren’t connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Support Resources: Access support resources in one convenient app to enjoy a successful experience at Southern University at New Orleans.
of an emergency.
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SAFETY TIPS
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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
Safety and security are shared responsibilities at SUNO
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
PROHIBITED
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.
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
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
Disconnecting or tampering with a smoke detector could result in a $500 fine and/or Housing revocation.
Criminal charges may also be filed for interfering with fire prevention, per Louisiana R.S. 14:206, in which violators may face a fine of up to $500 and/or six months imprisonment.
SUNOPD SERVICES & PROGRAMS
Active Shooter Education
Presentations are designed to prevent panic and better prepare individuals in the event of an active shooter incident.
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.
Campus Help Stations
The SUNO Police Department maintains a network of approximately 17 campus help stations around campus Pushing the call button activates a direct connection with the SUNOPD that automatically pinpoints the caller's location
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
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
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.
SUNOPD SERVICES & PROGRAMS
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.
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.
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.
Safety Escort Service
The SUNOPD 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.
See it. Hear it. Report it!
See It Hear it Report it! is SUNOPD’s campaign to encourage residents and SUNO community members to help our police department report suspicious activities Officers on patrol depend on detailed information from residents and SUNO community members who are the eyes and ears of our community When we work together, we make our community a safer place to live
Special Events Coverage
SUNOPD 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 SUNOPD determines that the event warrants a special police detail assignment/ due to public safety concerns
Vehicle Assistance
The SUNOPD offers jump-starts to individuals needing assistance with weak or dead batteries.
SAFE DATING
Safe dating means all partners are equal in a relationship Safe dating relationships will have the following characteristics:
Both partners respect each other and their opinions
Both partners support and encourage the other's goals and ambitions
Both partners encourage the other to have their own friends
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)]
Dating Dos
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
Meet a first date in public place such as a restaurant.
Know your dates full name
Dating is usually the first step in forming long lasting partnerships. How we pick a partner, treat a partner, and allow ourselves to be treated by a partner are all important aspects of all relationships.
In a healthy dating relationship, one partner would never ask another to do something they were uncomfortable with, or that could damage their reputation, such as sexting, cybering, or making sex a relationship must. If you are not sure about your relationship or you want to make sure that you know what a healthy relationship looks like, you can download and work on the safe dating worksheets below
SAFE DATING
Dating Abuse
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
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 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.
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 OFF CAMPUS
New Orleans Area Resources
New Orleans Family Justice Center
701 Loyola Ave # 201, New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 592-4005 (504) 866-9554 (24 Hour Crisis Line)
New Orleans Children's Advocacy Services 1101 Calhoun St., New Orleans, LA 70118 CARE Center phone: (504) 896-9237 NOCAC phone: (504) 894-5484
Children's Bureau of New Orleans 935 Calhoun St # 101, 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
2030 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, 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
RESOURCES ON CAMPUS
The following resources are available to complainants and respondents at SUNO for local advocacy, counseling, health and mental health services:
Center for Prevention and Advocacy
School of Social Work, Ste 242
6801 SUNO Knights Drive,
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5289
pacenter@suno.edu
Student Health Services
University Center, 2nd Floor
6400 SUNO Knights Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5374
studenthealth@suno.edu
Office of Disability Services
Leonard S. Washington Library, Room 121
6400 SUNO Knights Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5362
ods@suno edu
Office of Human Resources
Bashful Administration Bldg, 3rd Floor
6400 SUNO Knights Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5272
Office of Student Conduct
6400 SUNO Knights Drive University Center, 2nd Floor
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5043
Residential Life and Housing
7000 SUNO Knights Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5395
Student Counseling Center University Center, 2nd Floor
6400 SUNO Knights Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5127
counseling@suno.edu
SUNO Office of Title IX & ADA Disability Services
Leonard S Washington Library, Room 123
6400 SUNO Knights Drive
New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5362
scooper@suno edu
Office of Community Service-Learning (CSL) and Community Resources
Student Development Center University Center, 2nd Floor
6400 SUNO Knights Drive New Orleans, LA 70126
504-286-5365
ctubbs@suno.edu
FREE OPPORTUNITIES
Campus safety educational programming is one of the essential ingredients of any successful crime prevention program. The SUNOPD Community Engagement Unit provides programs and initiatives on various topics and speaks at public events regarding crime prevention, or other topics as requested SUNOPD also provides free opportunities to learn more about safe practices and awareness on and off campus.
These services are available year-round and upon request For more information, please contact us 504-286-5047
Operation Identification 1
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. SUNO community members can utilize an engraver at no cost, which is provided by the Department.
Prevention Education 3
The Community Engagement Unit provides informative prevention presentations to all members of the SUNO community The presentations range in time from 50 minutes to 80 minutes and can be modified to address a specific topic Some of the most popular presentations we have done are "Surviving an Active Shooter Event", "SUNO Police Services", "Crime Prevention and Awareness", and "Identity Theft."
R.A.D. Training 2
The R.A.D Basic Physical Defense (SelfDefense 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.
Friend Walk / Virtual Walk Home 4
Send your location and destination to a friend/family member through email or SMS where they can track your location in real-time; they can keep an eye on them to make sure they make it safely to their destination
Allow SUNOPD to monitor your walk. If you feel unsafe when walking on campus, you can request a Virtual Walk Home and SUNOPD will monitor your journey until you reach your destination.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
Understanding some basic terms can help you better understand various components of campus safety, while increasing your awareness and general well-being while on campus
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
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
Evacuation: Organized and supervised dispersal of students, faculty, and staff from campus in a dangerous or potentially dangerous situation
First Responder: A professional designated and trained to respond to an emergency, from dispatch to arriving on the scene.
Hate Crime: Crimes on campus motivate by prejudice in which the perpetrator targets a victim based on their race, identity, or social class.
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.
Intoxication: the condition of being drunk as the result of drinking alcoholic beverages and/or use of narcotics.
Possession: The act of owning, occupying, holding, or having under control an article, object, asset, or property.
Prohibit: Forbidding an act or activity.
Trespass: Entering another person's property without permission of the owner or his/her agent and without lawful authority
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
COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY
The Southern University at New Orleans Police Department (SUNOPD) is a community-oriented police agency and, as such, is dedicated to providing the best possible service to the faculty, staff, students, and visitors We strive to make your contact with the department as professional, courteous, and informative as possible If any member of SUNOPD has presented themselves in an exemplary manner, you may call the department and recommend that they be commended for their service On the other hand, if you have an unpleasant or unprofessional experience with a member of SUNOPD, you may choose to register a complaint with the department This experience may have resulted in police officer misconduct or employee misconduct. In any event, each legitimate complaint against departmental employees is taken seriously and handled with the utmost professionalism.
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