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Campus Security
SMU - MAIN CAMPUS Dallas, Texas
SMU - MAIN Campus, Dallas
(Crime Statistics)
SMU-IN-LEGACY, Plano
(Crime Statistics)
SMU-IN-TAOS, New Mexico
(Crime Statistics)
Facilities Security
Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests and visitors during normal business hours. Access to buildings after normal business hours, weekends and holidays is restricted unless they are sites for specific classes or special events. Some buildings may be accessed after normal business hours through prior approval of the building facility manager.
The exterior doors to all residence halls remain locked 24 hours a day. Unlimited access is available to residents of each particular facility via a card swipe access control system. Residents are encouraged to report all suspicious people to Residence Life staff or the SMU Police Department (SMU PD).
Visitors to the residence halls, as well as fraternity and sorority housing, must be accompanied by the resident being visited. Visitors to campus are welcome, but are expected to adhere to all campus regulations and policies. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Police Department located on the second floor of Patterson Hall for information on university regulations. The University reserves the right to restrict the access of any person who does not adhere to University policies and procedures. ANY person may be required, upon request by the Police Department, to present identification while on campus.
Employees and students are required to have their SMU ID card in their possession at all times and to present it upon request by any University Official. The SMU ID card is available at the Park N’ Pony Office located on the 2nd floor of the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.
Security cameras are positioned at several locations around campus including the entrances and exits of parking garages, some public plazas, libraries and areas that contain high value artwork. These cameras are not monitored at all times. However, they are equipped to digitally record activity within the field of view. Presence of security cameras should not preclude individuals from practicing good, common sense crime prevention practices and exercising caution.
Maintenance, Grounds and Lighting
University facilities, lighting, and landscaping are maintained so as to reduce hazardous conditions. The University also has emergency blue light phones installed throughout the campus. University Police Officers regularly test the emergency phones and submit work orders for those in need of repair. Officers also routinely report the need for replacement lights and any other physical hazard they note. Malfunctioning lights, emergency telephones and other unsafe conditions are reported to the Campus Planning and Plant Operations (CPPO) for repair or correction on a daily basis.
Crime Prevention Programs
The SMU Police Department conducts crime prevention and information sessions at each scheduled student/parent orientation meeting. Prospective students and parents are encouraged to ask questions of a safety and security nature. They are presented with the information on how to obtain a copy of the Annual Security Report. At the beginning of the school year, the police department also briefs incoming international students, as well as all students who live in the residence halls. Upon invitation, the department provides crime prevention programming to any student organizations and faculty/staff gatherings. Officers are encouraged to make unscheduled "crime prevention contacts" with students and employees of SMU as they patrol the campus.
Crime prevention is a tool utilized to encourage students, faculty and staff to be aware of ways to reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime. While it is impossible to prevent all crime, awareness is the key to preventing the opportunity for crimes to be committed. The SMU Police Department offers the following crime prevention programs and services free of charge:
SHARP Program: The Sexual Harassment, Assault and Rape Prevention program, taught by one of the SMU Police Officers, is offered once a week throughout each semester through the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports. This is a self-defense program designed specifically for women. The program is also conducted in the residence halls and sorority houses.
Hilltop Watch
This is a campus watch program focusing on crime prevention and long-term safeguards against terrorism and disaster.
Silent Witness Anonymous Reporting Program (Part of the SMU AWARE campaign)
The Silent Witness Program was created to provide SMU community members and other persons a way to confidentially report suspicious or criminal activity while remaining anonymous. Anonymous tips may be provided in two different formats. A person may call 214-SMU-2TIP (214-768-2847) to provide information anonymously via a voice-recorded phone line. This phone line is not answered and the caller's number is not received or traced. Information may also be provided online at www.smu.edu/2tip. A person completes an online form, which is sent via untraceable e-mail, directly to the police department. YOUR ANONYMOUS TIP COULD STOP A CRIME: By calling the 2TIP phone line or utilizing the 2TIP webpage and providing information on suspicious or criminal activity, individuals may assist police in protecting the campus while maintaining their anonymity. HELP US PROTECT YOUR CAMPUS!! BE A SILENT WITNESS!
Giddy Up Program:
The Giddy UP Program is a service provided to the SMU community through the Park N' Pony Office. Free pony rides are provided Thursday-Sunday between the hours of 10pm and 3am (hours are subject to periodic adjustment). When not assisting customers, the Giddy Up will be deployed on campus to enhance Hilltop Watch efforts. Students may request a ride by calling the (214) 768-3388 or by flagging down one of the Giddy Up drivers. For more information on this program, call 214-SMU-PARK.
Security Escort Program:
There are times when people feel the need for a little extra security. This could be due to a personal issue or other security concern. The SMU Police Department will provide security escorts to all locations on campus 24 hours a day. Police Officers provide this service. Students may request a ride by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency number – (214) 768-3388 or by using a “blue-light” emergency phone.
Operation ID:
This is an on-going program that involves engraving a driver’s license or student identification number on valuable items of personal property. Engravers are available at the SMU Police Department.
Monitoring of Off-Campus Student Activity
When a SMU student is involved in an off-campus incident, SMU police officers may assist with the investigation in cooperation with local, state or federal law enforcement. University Park Police routinely work and communicate with campus police officers on any serious incidents occurring in the immediate neighborhood and business areas surrounding the campus. Many students live in the neighborhoods surrounding SMU. While University Park Police have primary jurisdiction in all areas off campus, SMU police officers can and do respond to student-related incidents which occur in close proximity to campus. SMU Police Officers have direct radio communications with the University Park Police, Fire Department and EMS Services to facilitate rapid response in any emergency situation.
