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University Police Services
Reporting Crimes Crime victims, regardless how seemingly insignificant the crime, are encouraged to promptly report the incident to the OSU Police or the appropriate police agency. To report a crime, a victim or witness need only call the police by dialing 405-744-6523, or 311 using a campus phone for non-emergency calls. Dial 911 or 405-744-4196 from any phone for emergencies. The Orange Shield Safety App may be used for both emergency and non-emergency calls and crime reporting. The Orange Shield Safety App directs emergency cell phone calls to the OSU Police Department when the user is on campus, and automatically connects to the local 911 center serving the location the caller is in, if the user is off campus. A police officer will meet the caller to gather information for a report, if one is requested or required. When an official report is made, copies are available for the victim usually within three business days. Each day the incidents from the previous day, excluding victim and witness names, are summarized and made available to the OSU president, key OSU staff, other law enforcement agencies, the media, and published on the Public Safety Internet page. Each month the number of incidents in each category of crime are counted and reported to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, who in turn provide the information to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each year, the FBI publishes a book of crime statistics called Crime in the United States that includes accurate accounting of the criminal incidents that occurred on the OSU campus. OSU has reported crime statistics in this manner since the FBI began publishing campus crime statistics in 1971. Students and others are encouraged to report crimes or incidents to police, or to persons on campus with significant reporting responsibilities. The OSU Public Safety Department has further developed procedures for collecting information on crimes and violations pertaining to liquor laws, drug-related violations, and weapons violations from such counseling personnel and persons referred for campus disciplinary actions on these offenses. Such violations are published along with other criminal statistics. Should a student need assistance in reporting crimes or incidents on or off campus, university counselors or police will provide guidance, direction or assistance. Crimes in Progress To report a crime in progress, a person, victim or witness, can dial 911, use one of the outside emergency telephones, call one of the police phone numbers, or use the Orange Shield Safety App. Any reporting method will result in the response of police, fire, ambulance, or other first responders as needed. The Orange Shield Safety App also allows texting of pertinent information along with video or still images of crimes in progress or suspicious activity. The Orange Shield Safety App directs emergency calls to the OSU Police Department when the user is on campus, and connects with the normal 911 center serving the location the caller is in, if the user is off campus. Crimes in progress or suspicious activity can be reported anonymously through the Orange Shield Safety App. In addition, the victim of serious crimes can request support personnel, such as ministers, rape crisis or domestic violence counseling, during or after reporting. Additionally, crime victims may be eligible for funds through victim compensation laws administered by the Office of the District Attorney. Actual Crime at OSU Although both OSU and the Stillwater Community enjoy a relatively safe environment, it is important to realize that crimes do occur and that everyone should take reasonable precautions and remain aware of their surroundings to protect themselves and their property.
The crime and arrest statistics reported by the OSU Police Department are generally those which occurred within the jurisdictional boundaries of campus. However, certain crimes occurring at locations meeting Clery Act requirements are listed within the Annual Security Report crime statistics. It is the responsibility of the Stillwater Police Department to monitor and record criminal activities off campus. Crime statistics concerning these locations or areas are available at the Stillwater Police Department. Crime Statistics The OSU Public Safety Department collects and publishes crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning the occurrence on campus, in or on non-campus buildings or property, and on public property adjacent to OSU. The following reported offenses are included: Criminal Homicide, Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter, Negligent Manslaughter, Rape, Fondling, Incest, Statutory Rape, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft, Arson, as well as arrests or referrals for liquor law violations, drug law violations, and weapon violations. Crime statistics are also reported by category of prejudice for any Hate Crimes reported. All of these statistics are published on the OSU Public Safety Internet site at http://police.okstate.edu and are available for printing if individuals desire a printed version of the publication. A paper copy can be obtained by calling the Public Safety Office or by writing to OSU Public Safety, 104 USDA Building, Stillwater, OK 74078 or by requesting a copy electronically at the above Internet site. Future Although it is believed that the low incidence of crime will continue, this report is not intended to give a false sense of security. Crime will occur, but prevention efforts can be effective in reducing the opportunities for criminal activity. Citizens play a key role in crime prevention efforts by being cautious, careful, and alert to personal safety and protective of personal and University possessions. The crime prevention tips noted below should be followed. Security and Access Control It is OSU's policy to lock the doors of buildings that are not in use. However, when working or studying in buildings after normal working hours, it is suggested that individual offices be locked, based upon an assumption that unrestricted access to the building is possible. Some buildings on campus are rarely locked, at the department's request, since students study and work on projects all hours of the day and night. Again, individual offices should be locked by the user on a presumption that the building is accessible. Residence halls have varying hours of open access from hall to hall. During non-open access hours, all residence hall doors are locked except the front desk entrance, for halls with a staffed front desk. Instances of propped open doors have occurred, and residents are encouraged to take security precautions in the halls and rooms. Individual rooms should be locked at all times for safety. Crime Prevention OSU has experienced success at reducing and preventing crime. Some of the more notable efforts are: • Emergency telephone system - "Blue Phones" • Emergency 911 dialing • Orange Shield Safety App • SafeWalk Program • 24-hour preventive patrols • Campus foot patrol by uniformed officers
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