51³Ô¹ÏÍøissues campus crime alert

51³Ô¹ÏÍøis taking additional steps to promote safety in light of the recent assault of a student on campus.

August 28, 2012

51³Ô¹ÏÍøis taking additional steps to promote safety in light of the recent assault of a student on campus. Awareness and resources are essential in keeping our campus as safe as possible and supporting anyone who is a crime victim.

The University is taking these steps:

  • 51³Ô¹ÏÍøhas notified the campus via an e-mail alert and campus fliers.
  • Police patrols are being increased at night.
  • The is working with area law enforcement on the investigation.
  • Campus officials will meet with students in residence halls and sorority and fraternity houses to answer questions.
  • Free campus rides are available during the evening from or the if Giddy Up is unavailable.
  • are available to provide assistance.
  • 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice provide personal, property and residential to students.
  • Self-defense classes are available through the .
  • The 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice Department offers a program for anonymous reporting.

A copy of the Campus Alert that was posted throughout the main campus on Tuesday follows:

Campus Crime Alert

August 28, 2012

A female 51³Ô¹ÏÍøstudent reported she was sexually assaulted about 9:10 p.m. Monday near the north entrance to Carr Collins Hall in the Law Quad in the 3300 block of Daniel Street.

The suspect is described as a white male who was wearing a dark hoodie, dark jeans and dark-colored tennis shoes. The victim also said he had a deep voice that was raspy.

The alleged sexual assault is under investigation by the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice Department. Anyone with information about this matter is asked to contact the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice Department at 214-768-3388. Information also may be reported anonymously through the Police Department’s Silent Witness Program by calling
214-SMU-2TIP or          

Personal Safety Tips:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.
      
  • Whenever possible walk with others, especially after dark.
      
  • If you need a ride on campus in the evening or early morning hours, call Giddy-Up at 214-768-1111 or the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice Department at 214-768-3333. If you are off campus, 51³Ô¹ÏÍøRides will provide transportation to campus on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays between 10:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. by calling Cowboy Cab at 214-768-RIDE or 214-768-743.
      
  • Sign up for a self-defense course by calling 214-768-2607. Such courses teach valuable techniques a person can use to get away from an attacker.
      
  • Report any crime or suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 or the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice Department at 214-768-3333.  Time is of the essence.
      
  • Exercise caution when you are with people you do not know.

If you are sexually assaulted:

  • Call the police and seek medical attention immediately. Time is critical in such cases. (214-768-3388 or 911).
      
  • Have a Sexual Assault Exam performed at Presbyterian Hospital. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøPolice are available to take you to the hospital, but you can go without the police and you do not have to make a police report.
      
  • A representative from 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCounseling and Psychiatric Services will be available to accompany you (214-768-4795).
      
  • Don't bathe or shower. A physician will need to gather forensic evidence from you.
      
  • Save your clothing, bed sheets, pillow covers, etc. Do not wash them. Police will need these items, too.  Do not drink any liquids if you were assaulted orally.
      
  • Seek counseling from 51³Ô¹ÏÍøCounseling and Psychiatric Services at 214-768-2277.

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August 28, 2012