TAMIU - Part of a Larger Community

The University Police Department - Values Statement

As a member of our University community, it is important for you to understand the nature of campus law enforcement and the unique environment in which Texas A&M International University Police Officer operate. The traditional model of law enforcement, that which relies on reactive and enforcement based operations is minimized. Officers who prefer enforcement options rather than less glamorous prevention based operations will not be comfortable in our campus law enforcement environment.

Texas A&M International University police officers perform a wide array of duties and services. Many of these are of a security nature, including securing buildings, motorist assistance, security escorts and general preventive patrol of buildings, parking lots and other campus areas. In addition to traditional vehicular patrol, alternative methods of patrol such as foot and bicycle patrol are employed.

Texas A&M International University Police Officers are not evaluated on the number of arrests, traffic citations issued, or other traditional enforcement activities. Texas A&M International University Police Officers are committed to the concept of preventive, helping, law enforcement.

While it is important to know that all laws are in full effect on the Texas A&M International University Campus, and that University police officers are duly sworn peace officers of the State of Texas, the enforcement option is only one in a whole range of alternatives available to University Police officers. Ordinarily, the enforcement alternative will be exercised when other preventive remedies have been unsuccessful or are inappropriate for a specific incident.

Texas A&M International University Police Officers are well trained, well educated men and women, committed to the concept of community service, who protect a campus filled with professional, dedicated faculty, staff and students in our unique academic environment.

How the University Police Department Protects You

The TAMIU Police Department is staffed with Police Officers, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Security services at other times are provided by security guards under contract to the University. All of our officers and security guards have attended a state certified police academy or security guard academy and have received certification and licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (T.C.L.E.O.S.E.).

The TAMIU Police Department investigates complaints of on-campus criminal activity and regulation violations. The Department works closely with the Webb County District Attorney's Office to insure effective criminal prosecutions. Violations of campus regulations are processed through the Department of Student Affairs or through the Vice President for Administration.

The TAMIU Police Department maintains excellent relations with the City of Laredo Police Department, the Webb County Sheriff's Office, the agencies of the United States' Department of Justice (including the Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration DEA, Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI) and other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Department has established liaison with the Laredo Community College Police Department, the United Independent School District Police Department as well as the Safety and Security service of the Laredo Independent School District. Information about crimes and incidents is exchanged between these agencies so crime trends and activities can be monitored.

TAMIU Police Department encourages students, faculty, staff and visitors to promptly report all crimes and incidents. We encourage proactive reporting of strange or suspicious activities. On-campus matters should be reported to the TAMIU Police and off-campus offenses should be reported to the appropriate police agency.

Crime Reduction Programs

Alarm Systems

The University Police Department monitors several types of alarms from different locations on Campus. These systems are designed to enhance personal safety, building security and environmental controls.

Crime Prevention Presentations

We conduct crime prevention and crime awareness presentations at student orientations and on request.

Crime Stoppers

The University Police Department benefits from the Laredo Crime Stoppers program. Anyone who has witnessed or has information about a crime can call Crime Stoppers, 726-2827. The call is confidential, the caller remains anonymous and could be paid up to $1,000.

Lost and Found

The University Police Department is the official Lost and Found department for the University. Each item of property found on the Campus is to be turned to the University Police Department. A receipt will be given to the person who turns the property to the Police Department. If the property is unclaimed after one year, it will be destroyed or put into use by the University.

Motorist Assistance Programs

University Police Officers will provide assistance to motorists on our campus who have difficulties. The services range from jump-starts of vehicles, attempting to unlock locked vehicles, providing assistance with out-of-fuel vehicles, and assistance with flat tires. These services can be obtained by calling 326-2100.

Security Escort Service

Security Escorts service is provided on request, from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Call the University Police Department, 2100, and an escort will be sent to your location as soon as circumstances permit.

Victim Assistance Program

We offer access to victim assistance programs provided by the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Texas, the Webb County District Attorney's Office and the Laredo Police Department. A variety of programs, and services are offered so differing needs may be met. University Police Officers will explain court and police procedures and will assure the University community receives the best of support services. Referrals will be made to emotional support services, to victims' compensation programs and other assistance programs designed to address the needs of individuals .

Access to Campus Facilities

Crime Reporting

TAMIU enjoys an extremely low crime rate. The crime rate is calculated by dividing the number of reported crimes by the number of persons on campus, including faculty, staff and students.

The crime categories are: Murder, Sexual Assault, robbery, Assault, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Theft and Motor Vehicle Theft. Also included in the brochure is information on arrests by category of crime: Liquor violations, Drug violations and Weapons violations. Each of the crime and arrest categories are particularly defined. An act must meet the requirements of the definition to be included in any of the categories. For example, TAMIU policy prohibits alcoholic beverages on our campus. If an adult student were found in possession of alcohol on Campus, that would be a violation of TAMIU policies and regulations. The student would be referred to the Division of Student Affairs for discipline, and the action would not have resulted in a statistical "crime".

Weapons Policy

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

The University enforces the State of Texas underage drinking laws and therefore discourages the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by people under the age of 21, on or off campus.

As a condition of employment or enrollment, all TAMIU employees and students are required to abide by the terms of the policy. Violation of the policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including employee dismissal or student expulsion.

Recognizing the dangers of alcohol and other drug abuse, TAMIU uses alcohol and drug-free awareness programs to inform people about issues and risks of substance use and abuse. Several counseling and treatment resources are available through the Department of Human Resources or through Student Health Services.

Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

Anonymity of the victim of a sexual assault is guaranteed by law and by University Policy. Survivors and victims of sexual assault will be treated with care and concern. The University Police Department's first concern is the physical and mental well-being of the victim.

Prosecution is, and must be, secondary to the victim's needs. Victims will be urged, however, to participate in the prosecution of sexual assault offenders.

University Police Officers are required to inform victims of sexual assault of the Officers' duties: to inform the victim of the victim's right to remain anonymous, to inform the victim of the right to receive medical care and compensation from the State of Texas, and the University's duty to pay the cost of a sexual assault evidentiary/medical examination by competent medical personnel.

Sexual Harassment is both a crime and a violation of University regulations. Sexual Harassment is any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It can be committed by men or women and the victims of Sexual Harassment may be either men or women. The recipients of sexual harassment need not be of the opposite sex from the person committing the act.

Sexual Harassment should be reported to either the University's Department of Human Resources, the Department of Student Affairs or to the University Police Department. Regardless of which department receives a report of Sexual Harassment, University Policy requires that a prompt, complete, thorough investigation be conducted and timely action be taken.

Safety Tips

If you're headed for a late night snack or study break, go with a friend, not alone.

Walk purposefully. Be Confident. Look Confident. Watch where you are going. Be aware of your surroundings.

Take advantage of our well-lighted campus. Avoid dark or isolated areas. Use well-traveled routes.

Lock all doors and close all windows when leaving your car whether its for a few minutes or for several hours.

Have keys ready when you approach your car. Check the car for intruders before entering and lock the doors and close the windows immediately after getting into your car.

Always lock your motorcycle (or bike) when leaving it unattended, even if its only for a few minutes.

List only first initials and last name in telephone directories.

Hang up immediately on obscene phone calls. If you have caller ID, attempt to identify the calling number. Report the incident to the University Police Department.

Don't keep large sums of money in your office, dorm room or apartment.

Lock doors and windows even if your just going out for a few minutes.

Lock your office and office suite doors when working after normal business hours or on week ends or holidays.

If you are a victim or a witness to a crime or if you are aware of any suspicious circumstances, call the University Police immediately.