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Safety and Security Brochure
Campus Safety and Security


Safety and Security - You Are The Difference

Your safety and security are of prime concern here at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), and we at the University police department are working hard to ensure the campus is a safe place to live, learn, work and play. TAMIU is not, however, exempt from crime. We are doing our part to prevent crimes but to be safe and secure, YOU must take common sense precautions: be alert and look out for others. Maintaining an effective Police Department is a community effort and together we can insure that TAMIU remains safe.

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TAMIU - Part of a Larger Community

TAMIU is a community of more than 4,500 students and over 500 faculty and staff. Visitors are invited to come to our campus to attend lectures, special events and to enjoy our new, modern, facilities. Our 300 acre campus is surrounded by the City of Laredo, a metropolitan area with nearly 250,000 residents. Just across the Rio Grande, Nuevo Laredo is home to another 250,000 people. Even with our large, and diverse population and the constant flux of people, we have maintained an extremely low crime rate.

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The University Police Department - Values Statement

The Texas A&M International University police department is committed to the concepts of courtesy, service and protection. University police officers believe in the value of promoting good will and service with the community which we serve. Each officer is dedicated to providing quality University law enforcement and security services. The work is challenging and rewarding, allowing a great sense of satisfaction for those committed to the ideals of community service.

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.

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How the University Police Department Protects You

The University police department is here to protect you and offers many services to insure your safety and security:

The TAMIU police department is staffed with police officers every day of the week, 24 hours a day. All of our officers have attended a state certified police academy and have received certification and licensing by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCLEOSE).

The TAMIU police department investigates all complaints of on-campus criminal activity and University regulations violations. Police officers attempt to recover stolen property through follow-up investigations and by utilizing all investigatory methods and resources available. Additionally, reports of missing or stolen University property are forwarded to the University Support Services Division, Property Inventory Specialist. 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, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or through the Vice President for Finance and 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 Homeland Security (including the Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation) 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 and the Laredo Independent School District police department. 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.

In the event of an emergency on campus, you can reach TAMIU Police by dialing 2911 from any University telephone. Special Emergency telephones are located throughout the Campus. The Emergency telephones are one-button telephones. To use the telephone, just push the button. The telephone dials the University police department's Emergency telephone number. If that line is busy or if there is no answer, the telephone automatically hangs up and dials the Laredo 911 center. Also, a blue light begins to flash and continues to flash for the duration of the call to assist responding personnel in locating the caller.

The University police department works closely with the University Safety and Risk Manager to provide emergency response training to the University Building Emergency Coordinators (BECs) on the University Crisis Management Plan. BEC's serve as communication links or contacts for their building or area with University administration in all matters concerning emergency preparedness, building evacuation and other safety issues.

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Crime Reduction Programs

We offer several programs to reduce and prevent crimes.

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 90 days, 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 battery assistance, attempting to unlock locked vehicles, and assistance with flat tires. These services can be obtained by calling 326-2100.
Security Escort Service
Security Escort service is provided on request, 24 hours a day. 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 .

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Parking Regulations

Parking enforcement personnel help to assure your safety by being certain that vehicles are not obstructing fire lanes, blocking prohibited zones or handicapped parking spaces. Beginning 09/01/2012, each vehicle parked in any space marked reserved or in any of the reserved parking lots on the TAMIU campus must display a reserved parking permit to insure that vehicles are legally parked. Vehicles which are illegally parked are cited and can be impounded.

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Access to Campus Facilities

The buildings and facilities of Texas A&M International University are available for general use by University employees and students for educational purposes. The use of University buildings and facilities including, but not limited to, buildings, stairways, handrails, walls, signs, benches, fountains, planters, and vegetation, for activities for which the facilities and grounds were not intended is prohibited. These prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, running, jumping, swinging, climbing, vaulting, rolling, hanging on or hanging from University facilities and grounds. Buildings on campus are generally open during regular business hours, on weekends, when classes are in session and for special events; police officers lock or unlock University buildings as scheduled. Faculty and staff can enter most buildings, private offices and certain other restricted areas after hours through issuance of keys or if they have been otherwise authorized by proper authority.We strive to make our campus safe by limiting access to University buildings after hours, after 10:30p.m. and before 6:30 a.m. University police officers conduct frequent internal and external checks of buildings on campus and also patrol student residential areas to ensure that no unauthorized persons have access after closing hours.

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Crime Reporting

The University police department reports crime statistics to inform the University Community about crime and crime related problems. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is a available at the University Police Department, and online at www.tamiu.edu/clery.pdf.

The crime categories are: Criminal Homicide, Sexual Offenses, Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Motor Vehicle Theft and Arson. Also included in the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report 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 regulations. The student would be referred to the Division of Student Affairs for discipline, but the action would not result in a statistical "crime".

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Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy

The Texas A&M University System policy on Campus alcohol and other drug policy is very clear. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of alcohol or other drugs on our Campus or at any University sponsored event by any member of the University community faculty, staff or student is prohibited.

The University strictly 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 Office of Human Resources or through Student Health Services.

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Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

Sexual Assault is a crime and a violation of System policy and University rules. Any unwanted sexual activity can be considered as some degree of sexual assault.

Victims/survivors 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/survivor.

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

University Police Officers are required to inform victims/survivors of sexual assault of: (1) their right to remain anonymous, (2) their right to receive medical care and compensation from the State of Texas, and (3) the University's duty to pay the cost of a sexual assault evidentiary/medical examination by competent medical personnel.

Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is both a crime and a violation of System policy and University rules. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwanted or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is so severe, persistent, or pervasive, it explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, unreasonably interferes with the individual’s work or educational performance, or creates an intimidating or hostile work or educational environment. Sexual harassment includes non-consensual sexual contact, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence when based on sex. Sexual exploitation occurs when an individual takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for his/her own advantage or benefit, or to benefit or advantage anyone other than the one being exploited. Sexual exploitation could include such actions as secretly videotaping sexual activity, voyeurism, sexually-based stalking, invasion of sexual privacy, and knowingly transmitting sexually transmitted infection to another person. Sexual harassment can be committed by men or women, and the victim/survivor may be either male or female. The recipients of sexual harassment need not be of the opposite sex from the person committing the act.

Sexual harassment should be reported to the University's Title IX coordinator, the Associate Provost, or the University Police Department. Regardless of which University official receives a report of sexual harassment, System policy and University rules require that a prompt, thorough, and equitable investigation be conducted and appropriate action be taken.

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Safety Tips

  • The University has instituted many programs at TAMIU to insure your safety while on campus. But Safety really begins with you. We offer you the following tips for you to follow to help protect yourself from crime.
  • 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.

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