Crime Prevention & Safety
Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990
The University of Nebraska is comprised of four major administrative units: the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a community of approximately 23,000 students, employing approximately 6,800 faculty and staff members. UNL has research, extension, and teaching facilities located throughout the State. UNL's main campus is located in the city of Lincoln, a community with a population of approximately 200,000. As part of that larger community, UNL shares many of the same interests and problems, including concerns about crime. Crime is a problem that ignores campus, city, and state boundaries and affects the entire nation.
Although UNL has been fortunate in not experiencing a significant number of crimes in the past, it would not be accurate to state that such incidents have not taken place. As is true in all areas of our society, such incidents have occurred. To control crime, the University of Nebraska Police Services Department, the Division of Student Affairs, students, faculty members, staff members, and visitors are all responsible for a number of measures to insure that members of the campus community and their possessions are protected as much as possible.
Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics
In accordance with the Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act of 1990, 20 U.S.C. Section 1092, the University of Nebraska is providing crime statistics and policies concerning campus security to current students and staff members, and potential applicants for enrollment or employment. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln may also provide this information to the United States Department of Education. Crime statistics which reflect offenses reported to campus authorities during the three preceding calendar years are listed in University Police web site as follows:
Yearly Crime Blotter & Statistics
Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies
Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus can be reported to University Police by any student, faculty member, staff member, or visitor by dialing 2-3550 from a campus phone, 911 from any pay phone, or through the use of any of the emergency phones located around the campuses.
Institutional Response to Such Reports
Upon receipt of a call, University Police officers will be dispatched to handle the complaint. As law enforcement officers, they initially investigate each reported incident and provide follow-up work as necessary to bring each incident to a final disposition. They also prepare and submit appropriate reports for use by UNL authorities; city, county or federal prosecutors; and other law enforcement agencies.
In the case of sex offenses and other crimes of violence, victims may wish to make reports to the UNL Student Judicial Affairs Office (in the case of students) or the Human Resources Department (in the case of employees). Regardless of how a report is made, it is important to report incidents promptly so that an investigation can be conducted promptly and evidence preserved. After a sexual assault occurs the victim should not bathe, douche, change clothes, or apply medication. The victim should report the incident as soon as possible. Most experts agree that reports should be made within 48 hours of a sexual assault. The victim may seek medical attention with the help of the University or see the victim's own physician. Health care providers can assist in the preservation of evidence while providing treatment to the victim.
Offenses which are committed by students, faculty members, staff members, or visitors may be referred for criminal prosecution. Students, faculty members, and staff members also may be dealt with by the University through student or employee disciplinary proceedings which may impose sanctions up to and including expulsion of students and/or termination of employment. Both the accuser and the accused are entitled to (1) the same opportunities to have others present during University disciplinary proceedings and (2) know the general outcome of any student disciplinary proceeding involving any crime of violence.
Access to Campus Facilities
Students, faculty members, staff members, and visitors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have access to facilities on campus at appropriate times. Access to some facilities is restricted to selected students, faculty members, or staff members. For example, certain classroom facilities at UNL are open only to students, faculty members, and staff members involved with classes taught there or in the operation of those facilities. Other facilities are open to all students, faculty members, staff members, and the general public. An example of this type of facility would be the Nebraska Union dining facilities during normal business hours.
Residential Housing Facilities
A unique feature of the University community is the presence of University owned and/or approved living units housing approximately 9,000 students.
Approved residential units include University residence halls and recognized fraternities and sororities. UNL owns campus residential properties that provide single sex and coed residence halls, family student housing, a limited number of Greek units, and visitor accommodations. The University does not provide supervision for off-campus housing.
Residence Halls
The residence halls accommodate three living options: halls for women, halls for men, and coeducational facilities. The visitation hours of each housing unit are determined by the residents, within the guidelines established for UNL. All freshman students under the age of 19 on the first day of classes, are required to live in one of the approved housing units during the academic year unless living at home or with a family member. To the extent possible, students are given the opportunity to select residence hall assignments and request changes in room or residence hall assignments.
Professional residence directors and resident assistants are members of the University Housing staff who live in the residence halls and are on call 24 hours a day. As part of their responsibility for residence hall security, these staff members attend lectures and seminars on the safety and security of the campus conducted by University administrators, police officers, and environmental health and safety officers.
Community Service Officers (CSOs) are assigned to the residence halls during the evening hours and patrol the buildings and surrounding areas throughout the night hours. As members of the University Police staff, Community Service Officers undergo training in enforcing residence hall security policies and are in immediate radio contact with University Police officers.
Additional security information is provided to residence hall students through printed materials, presentations, and programs delivered by University Housing and University Police personnel.
All residence hall doors are locked each night from 12 midnight to 6:30 a.m. To enter a residence hall, residents must be verified by electronic scanning of the student I.D. card. A visitors sign-in policy at the main desk is enforced. Both on-campus and off-campus visitors to residence halls must be escorted through the residence hall by a resident. Overnight guests in the residence halls may only be members of the same sex. All windows have locking devices and securely attached screens. Outward viewing door viewers are installed in residence hall student rooms. Special security procedures are in effect for students during low occupancy periods. During major holidays and vacations, for example, students remaining on campus are assigned to only four units; the other halls are closed. Violations of the hall security policies and procedures, including tampering with fire safety equipment or failure to comply with fire alarm evacuation protocol, may result in severe disciplinary sanctions.
Family/Guest Housing
The University also offers one guest apartment units and 152 family housing apartment units for rent. Security is provided by University Police patrols. Security information is distributed to tenants by University Housing and University Police personnel.
Fraternities and Sororities
Fraternities for men and sororities for women provide an alternative living option for students. All fraternities and sororities operate as University-approved housing, are subject to the rules and regulations of the Student Code of Conduct, and are managed by corporation boards composed of alumni and collegiate members. The majority of the chapter houses and their land are owned by their corporations, which pay full city and county real estate taxes. Four chapter houses are leased on a long-term basis from the University.
Because these units are approved housing, the visitation hours are established by the residents within the rules set by the Board of Regents. Each unit employs a House Mother or House Director who is answerable to the chapter and its corporation board. The University Office of Greek Affairs staff members provide educational and informational seminars on security for these staff members and are available to provide appropriate assistance.
Each unit utilizes appropriate locking devices for the security of the chapter house and its residents. Educational sessions on security for the residents are provided by staff members of the Office of Greek Affairs, University Police, their own national organizations, and community resources. The University Police crime prevention officer coordinates a council of student house managers that meets regularly throughout the year.
These living units have access to both the University Police and the Lincoln Police Departments.
Law Enforcement on Campus
Campus safety and security are coordinated by University Police, which has 27 armed officers who have full police and arrest powers. University Police officers enforce University regulations and laws of the State of Nebraska on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. These men and women complete courses of certification at the State Law Enforcement Training Center and are commissioned by the State of Nebraska as Special Deputy Sheriffs. They undergo continuous training to upgrade and maintain their professional skills as law enforcement officers. University Police officers conduct foot, bicycle and motorized patrols of both Lincoln campuses 24 hours a day each day of the year. University Police also works closely with the Lincoln Police Department, and county, state, and federal authorities on law enforcement matters.
Students, faculty members, staff members, and visitors are encouraged to make accurate and prompt reports to the University Police. The UNL Police will assist students who choose to ask for help in notifying other appropriate authorities of offenses committed.
University Police also has under its supervision a group of full time Community Service Officers who provide security in the residence halls and are on foot patrol throughout the other campus buildings during the night. The Community Service Officers are not armed and do not have arrest powers; however, they do undergo training in the areas of security, life safety, and the handling of situations with which they may be confronted. Community Service Officers are in constant radio contact with the University Police communications center.
Security concerns, such as broken windows, broken locks, bad or burned out lights, which are found or observed by University Police officers or Community Service Officers, are reported to the Facilities Management hotline, 472-1550, for appropriate corrective action.
Criminal Activity at Off-Campus Sites Involving Student Organizations
Student organizations with off-campus housing facilities are subject to the jurisdiction of the UNL Greek Affairs office, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, and University Police. Criminal activity at off-campus locations owned or controlled by University-recognized student organizations may be monitored and recorded by University Police and/or local law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction.
Alcohol and Drugs
A statement of UNL policy regarding the possession, use, and sale of alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs, the enforcement of alcohol and illegal drug laws and regulations, and a description of any drug or alcohol abuse education programs available at UNL is set forth in the Drug-Free Campus Policy. University Police officers actively enforce the policy on campus. This policy is published in the Schedule of Classes. A copy of the policy is also available from the Office of Student Judicial Affairs and the Human Resources Department.
Crime Prevention and Information Programs for Students and Employees
University Police will provide crime prevention speakers to student and employee groups to provide information about campus security procedures and practices and to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others. Additionally, University Police has a full-time crime prevention officer who provides security surveys and customized presentations for student, faculty, or employee groups upon request. A wide range of personal safety presentations and classes are offered, and several security programs are in effect.
For a complete listing of the presentations available and other crime prevention information, contact the University Police Office, 472-8421. Campus visitors and prospective students may call toll free, 1-800-742-8800, and ask for University Police.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police Emergency
Campus phone: 2-2222
Pay phone: 911
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln believes it is important that victims of criminal actions seek immediate assistance and appropriate medical attention when necessary.
Criminal actions, potential criminal actions, and other emergencies on campus should be reported immediately to University Police by dialing 2-2222 from a campus phone, 911 from any pay phone, or through the use of any of the emergency phones located around the campuses. Emergency phone locations are shown on the website versions of our campus maps.
Medical Emergency
In the case of a medical emergency that is life-threatening, call 911 or dial 9-911 from a campus phone.
For immediate medical attention in a non-emergency situation, call or visit the Triage Center at the University Health Center (472-5000) during University Health Center hours. The nurse and/or medical staff will determine the student's medical needs and provide minor urgent medical care or call emergency personnel for transport to a local hospital.
When the University Health Center is closed, contact a Health Aide in the residence halls or Greek houses or call Telephone-Line-To-Care (219-8050) or Bryan LGH West Minor Emergency (475-1011).
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Local Hospitals
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Bryan LGH West
2300 S. 16th Street
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481-5142
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Bryan LGH East
1600 S. 48th Street
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481-3142
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St. Elizabeth's Health Center
555 S. 70th Street
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486-7142
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Non-emergency care
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University Health Center
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472-5000
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Telephone-Line-To-Care (telephone advice)
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219-8050 |
Linc-Care
Monday thru Saturday -- 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday -- Noon to 10 pm
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North, 27th & Cornhusker Hwy, 466-6389
South, 40th & Old Cheney, 434-7383
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Bryan LGH West Minor Emergency
11 am to 11 pm daily
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2300 S. 16th Street, 475-1011
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Other University Offices
The following list of University offices and non-University agencies have specially trained staff available to provide appropriate assistance to victims of criminal actions:
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University Housing (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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Contact Residence Director
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Student Judicial Affairs
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472-2021
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Greek Affairs
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472-2582
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Women's Center
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472-2597
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Office of Victim Assistance (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
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472-0203
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Non-University Agencies
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Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center
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Business phone 476-2110
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(24-hours a day, 7 days a week)
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24-hour crisis line 475-7273
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Association of Campus Religious Workers
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Denomination phone numbers are available in all university and city directories.
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