Subtopic

Campus Safety

This information is being provided as part of The University of Texas Permian Basin's commitment to safety and security on campus and complies with the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (Clery Act).

Crime Reporting Policy, Procedures and Responses

This report is prepared in cooperation with the police agencies surrounding the campus, University Housing, Dean of Students, and the University Counseling Center.

This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus, in certain off-campus buildings owned or controlled by UTPB and on any public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, reporting of crimes, sexual assault and other matters.

Reporting Crimes or Other Emergencies

Criminal activity and other emergencies occurring on campus should be reported immediately to the UTPB Police by telephone, blue-light phone, or in person at the police department, or by contacting a police officer on patrol. This will enable us to provide the best possible assistance to you and to make timely warning to the UTPB community when needed.

Phone Numbers

  • EMERGENCY – Police, Fire, Medical 24/7: Dial 9-1-1
  • Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) Service: (800) 735-2989
  • Non-Emergency Dispatch: (432) 552-2787

University Police

The University Police Department is responsible for law enforcement, security and emergency response at all UTPB facilities. The primary office of the University Police Department is located on the first floor of the Mesa Building, MB1200. The University Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, staffed by commissioned Texas Police Officers and supported by civilian personnel and non-commissioned security guards.

For non-emergency assistance, dial (432) 552- 2787.

Several well-marked exterior emergency telephones are located throughout the campus (primarily in parking lots). These emergency telephones can be used to report crimes, emergencies or to request police services.

The University Police Department annually surveys the campus grounds to ensure that shrubbery, trees and other vegetation do not impede light disbursement or interfere with walkways. The campus community is encouraged to report any safety concerns, exterior lighting, and emergency telephone malfunctions to the University Police Department at (432) 552-2787.

Working Relationships with State and Local Police

The University Police Department maintains close working relationships with the City of Odessa Police Department, Ector County Sheriff 's Office, federal, state and other law enforcement agencies and routinely shares investigative information. The University Police Department also works closely with the Odessa Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services.

Crime Prevention

Security awareness and crime prevention programs are based upon a dual concept of eliminating or minimizing criminal opportunities whenever possible and encouraging students, faculty and staff to share the responsibility for their own safety and for others. Below is a list of the current Crime

Prevention and Security Awareness projects:

  • Crime prevention brochures and other printed materials are presented during each registration period. Crime prevention literature related to personal safety, auto theft prevention, and residential security is available at various locations throughout the campus. Specialized crime prevention literature is available upon special request.
  • An electronic security alarm system located at the University Police Information Center and monitored by a local alarm company provides a comprehensive network of intrusion detection and duress alarm systems.
  • Crime awareness and crime prevention articles and crime statistics are distributed monthly to the campus community through the campus. Similar information is printed in the campus newspaper, The Mesa Journal.
  • Operation identification - the engraving of serial numbers or owner recognized numbers on items of value and the cataloging of items. Tools are available for checkout at the Police Department, Information Center.
  • Security surveys - Ongoing comprehensive security surveys of exterior lighting, exterior doors and grounds are conducted by physical plant and police employees.
  • Facilities surveys - An ongoing program known as "directed patrol" and "park and walks" are made at irregular intervals during each shift. A "directed patrol" is a walk through all buildings where officers or guards look for or are alerted to suspicious activities. A "park and walk" involves guards and officers parking their patrol vehicle and conducting foot patrols of selected areas of the campus. All these types of patrols are documented in the Emergency Communications Center.
  • There are six emergency telephones located in parking lots and on sidewalks around the campus, which are hooked directly on the Information Center during normal business hours and to the on-duty officer's cell phone after close of business each day. These telephones are identified by blue strobe lights and are in operation 24 hours a day. Pressing the large button and speaking into the microphone actuates the telephone.
  • Safety Escort Program - Upon request, safety escorts are provided to locations on campus during hours of darkness.
  • Crime prevention presentations pertaining to personal safety, sexual assault prevention, alcohol and drug awareness, burglary, and theft prevention are conducted as needed for faculty, staff and students. Specialized crime prevention presentations are available upon special request.
  • Daily crime log information about the daily crime log and a link to the latest log can be found on the daily crime log information page.

For additional crime prevention information or to schedule a crime prevention presentation, please call University Police Department at (432) 552-2787.