TIMELY WARNINGS - CRIME ALERTS

TYPES OF TIMELY WARNINGS

SMU issues two types of timely warnings:

CAMPUS CRIME ALERT

In an effort to provide timely notice to the SMU community, and in the event of a serious incident which may pose an on-going threat to the members of the SMU community, a warning will be issued. The method of delivery will be determined on a case-by-case basis, in light of all the facts. Various methods of delivery will be employed, including e-mail, crime alert posters, text message, voice mail, website, and/or social media to inform students and employees on campus. The alerts are generally written by the Chief of Police or designee and they are distributed to the community by the Office of Public Affairs. Crime Alerts are issued on a case-by-case basis in a manner that will provide notification to the campus community about certain reportable criminal incidents that occur on or very near the campus. The University must believe the criminal incident poses a continuing threat to the community and the alert will aid in the prevention of similar crimes in the future. Updates to the SMU community about any particular case resulting in a crime alert may also be distributed in a similar manner as listed above. 

* SMU will not necessarily issue timely warnings for every Clery Act criminal incident that is reported since that specific incident may not pose a continuing threat to the community.  Certain Clery Act crimes like burglary or motor vehicle theft, for example, occur frequently on the campus at random locations.  Suspect information is often never provided or determined.  This is also true of the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Individuals should exercise due care and caution to avoid being victimized.  Check out the crime prevention tips posted by the SMU Police to deter these crimes or attend a crime prevention briefing.  

CRIME ALERT (Off Campus)

SMU may issue a crime alert (off campus) for certain Clery Act crimes occurring outside the patrol jurisdiction of the SMU PD, when timely notification is received by the SMU PD and the offense is considered to represent a serious or continuing threat to the students and employees of SMU-Main Campus, SMU-in-Plano, or SMU-in-Taos, due to the nature of the crime, and/or proximity to the campus.

Even though this action is not required by law, SMU strongly believes in supporting the spirit of the Clery Act by informing the community about certain crimes that are reported in the areas immediately surrounding our campuses; but outside the normal police patrol area.