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UNIVERSITY OF
SOUTH
ALABAMA
2021 Annual Security and
Fire Safety ReportA Message From Chief Aull: Dear USA Community: Choosing an institution of higher education is a major decision for students and their families. Along with academic, financial, and geographic considerations, the issue of campus safety is a vital concern. There is no higher priority for the University of South Alabama Police Department than the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors. As the Chief of Police, my highest priority is the safety of the University of South Alabama. This year, I am again pleased to report that through our cooperative efforts, we have been able to minimize the number of crimes that have occurred on the USA campus. We want to give credit to the entire University community for taking an active role in campus safety. The "If You See Something, Do Something" campaign, as well as our campus partnerships with the LiveSafe mobile safety app, have been a boon in improving our bystander intervention efforts and the reporting of crime and suspicious behavior in a timely manner. Additionally, the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistical data for the three previous calendar years for reported crimes that occurred at the Main Campus, the USA Health University Hospital and Children's & Women's Hospital, associated medical clinics, the USA Health Strada Patient Care Center, Mitchell Cancer Institute, and the Baldwin County Campus. Statistics for reported crimes on public property within or immediately adjacent to the Fairhope and Main campuses are also included, along with fire data for all student residential facilities. The report also includes policy information regarding crime reporting and safety on campus, missing student notification policy, information on notifications regarding emergency response and evacuation procedures, and a section on fire safety and fire statistics. Although USA is a safe campus, no campus is completely crime-free. We need your help to make sure that you and other members of the campus community remain safe and secure. Thank you for giving your careful attention to this important information. Sincerely, Zeke Aull Chief of Police
TABLE OF CONTENTS Clery Act Information 1 Daily Crime and Fire Log 1 Disaster Situations 2 Campus Overview 2 USA Police 2 Reporting Options 4 Safety Awareness 8 Emergency Response and Evacuations Procedures 11 Facility Security 14 Missing Student Policy 15 Sexual Violence Prevention and Response 15 Sexual Assault Procedures 15 University Disciplinary Procedures, Rights, Remedies, Sanctions 21 Counseling and Support Services, Title IX Coordinator 31 Alcohol and Drug Abuse 33 Weapons 36 Fire Safety Report 36 Specific Fire Prevention Related Policies and Programs 38 Clery Definitions 40 Crime/Fire Statistics and Tables 46
The University of South Alabama
Annual Campus Security and Fire
Safety Report
Clery Act Requirements Statistics from the University community, including
the University Police Department, are combined
The University of South Alabama Police with statistics from local law enforcement.
Department has been designated as the responsible
department for compiling and publishing the Information on the University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama’s Annual Security Baldwin County Campus was obtained from
and Fire Safety Report. security at that location and combined with
information from the Fairhope Police Department.
This report is intended to serve as USA’s Annual
Security and Fire Safety Report as required by the Each year, an e-mail notification is sent to all
Higher Education Opportunity Act and the Jeanne enrolled students and employees that provides a
Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and direct link to access the report online. This link is
Campus Crime Statistics Act to be published by also available at the bottom of each page of the
October 1 of each year. The purpose of this report University’s website. Copies of this report may also
is to provide information about security on campus be obtained at the University of South Alabama
and includes the following: campus and community Police Department, located at Beta Gamma
crime statistics, fire statistics and safety Commons Bldg., 290 Jaguar Blvd., or by calling
information, policy information, safety tips, (251) 460-6312.
resource phone numbers, and a brief overview of
the many services USA provides. A map of the Daily Crime & Fire Log
USA’s Main Campus, as well as other University
The Daily Crime and Fire Log is required by federal
locations, can be found on the University’s website
law and records criminal incidents and alleged
at:
criminal incidents that occur anywhere in the patrol
http://www.southalabama.edu/maps/campusmap.pdf.
jurisdiction of the University Police Department, on
Information in this report is compiled from reports or off University property, that are reported to the
provided by Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s) University Police Department. The log discloses
including, but not limited to, the Office of Judicial specific information about criminal incidents, not
Affairs, the Department of Safety and crime statistics, and is designed to disclose crime
Environmental Compliance, the Dean of Students information on a timelier basis than the annual
Office, and the Department of Housing & statistical disclosures. It also records any fires in the
Residence Life. Statistics are also compiled from University’s residential facilities.
law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions in which
the University owns, leases, and/or controls Crimes and residential fires are typically recorded
property, on adjacent property, and "non-campus" in the order in which they are reported. Only actual
property, including hospitals and clinics. fires are recorded; therefore, false alarms,
malfunctions, or drills are not listed. New incidents
and fires are entered into the log within two
[1]business days of being reported to the University the University Safety and Environmental
Police Department. Compliance Committee to provide a guide for
potential emergency responses, recovery actions,
Only criminal incidents which generate a case and mitigation programs. The primary objective is
number are listed in the log; therefore, this log is not to protect students, employees, visitors, and the
indicative of all calls for service in which no case University's properties from a spectrum of possible
number is generated. Case numbers shown on the emergencies and disasters. The plan does not cover
log will not always be in sequential order based on every potential disaster/emergency, but rather those
several factors, including the fact that case numbers that are of a major concern on a typical university
are assigned for various other noncriminal campus in a coastal location. Responses may vary
incidents, including fires in non-residential from the plan as conditions and circumstances
facilities (except arson), that are not required by law warrant. University hospitals have individual
to be included in the log. Also, crime statistics will emergency/disaster plans specific to their facilities.
not match those shown in the Annual Security and The entire emergency response plan for the
Fire Safety Report because the crime log is based University’s Main Campus is available on its
on Alabama State Law; whereas, the Annual Report website at:
is compiled using Federal Uniformed Crime http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/environ
Reporting definitions. mental/resources/emergency-response.pdf.
Printed copies of the Crime and Fire Log are Campus Overview
available for viewing during normal business hours
in the front lobby of the University of South The University of South Alabama has a student
Alabama Police Department located on the USA’s population of almost 15,000. The main campus is
Main Campus, at Beta Gamma Commons Bldg., located on University Blvd. in the western portion
290 Jaguar Blvd. The most recent 60 days of reports of the city of Mobile and currently houses
are included, and any portion of the log older than approximately 3,000 students in its on-campus
sixty days will be made available upon request residential facilities.
within two business days of the request.
Founded by an act of the Alabama Legislature in
The University of South Alabama is committed to 1963, the University is located on over 1,200 acres.
providing the members of the campus community More detailed information on the exciting history of
and visitors with a safe and secure environment to the University of South Alabama is available on the
live, learn, work, and play. However, no university University’s website at:
or police agency can prevent every crime. It is only http://www.southalabama.edu/aboutusa/index.html
through an ongoing cooperative effort between the
institution and the university community that a USA Police
reasonably safe environment can be achieved.
The University of South Alabama Police
Disaster Situations Department consists of sworn law enforcement
officers and is accredited through the International
The University of South Alabama has adopted the Association of Campus Law Enforcement
Emergency Response and Recovery Plan design by Administrators (IACLEA).
[2]The University Police Department exists to meet the The USA Health System also employs security
unique law enforcement needs of the University guards at its hospitals and some related clinics.
community. Therefore, they engage in community- These security guards are managed by the local
oriented policing that actively encourages input campus administrator and not the University Police
from the community and utilizes innovative crime Department. They have citizen arrest powers as
interdiction, prevention, and public education provided by state law; however, they are not armed.
methods to foster a safe environment on campus. University Police supplements the security staff
with sworn police officers.
All University police officers have completed an
Alabama Post certified academy and undergo semi- University police officers work closely with local,
annual firearms training. Additionally, officers are state, and federal law enforcement agencies,
required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of including the Mobile Police Department, Mobile
continued education training each year. University County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Law
police officers are sworn state law enforcement Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Alabama Bureau of
officers and are empowered by legislation (Code of Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of
Alabama 16-55-10) to enforce all state and local Investigations (FBI), sharing relevant information
laws, and may make arrests for any offense and providing mutual assistance as needed. Officers
occurring, or having probable cause to believe of the University Police Department and Mobile
occurred, within their presence or anywhere within Police Department communicate regularly on the
the State of Alabama. Their primary responsibility scene of incidents that occur around the campus,
is the enforcement of law on property that is owned, and on occasion, police officers from other local
leased, or otherwise controlled by the institution; and state law enforcement agencies work under
however, their authority extends to any place in the contract with the University Police Department to
State of Alabama. All law enforcement matters are provide supplemental services for special events.
handled within the University Police Department,
including initial complaint taking, criminal Members of the University Police Department serve
investigations, and arrests. on various joint taskforces and attend and
participate in various multiagency meetings and
The University Police Department is directed by the briefings. While the University Police Department
Chief of Police, Patrol and Administrative Captains, regularly shares information, there is no written
and Investigative and Special Operations memorandum of understanding between the
Lieutenants. The Department is comprised of 35 University Police Department and Mobile Police
sworn police officers and a full-time support staff of Department as the University Police Department
seven civilian employees. It operates 24/365 and has the responsibility and authority to conduct all
provides full police services to the University investigations for all crimes that occur on
community—primarily the Main Campus, the University owned or leased property.
USA Health University Hospital, the USA Health
Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the Mitchell There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Cancer Institute, the Strada Patient Care Center, and Fairhope Police Department for routine response to
other USA Health related operations on or near calls for service on the USA Fairhope Campus and
those sites. other related properties in the jurisdiction of the
Fairhope Police as the University does not have
[3]sworn law enforcement officers assigned to those such activity is deemed to potentially impact the
locations. health and safety of the campus community and/or
the reputation of the University.
University Police have direct radio communication
with local emergency response agencies. University Reporting Criminal Incidents or Public Safety
Police utilize various law enforcement databases Concerns
and systems for accessing criminal history data,
nationwide police records, and driver/vehicle Community members, students, faculty, and staff
identification information, as well as other local, are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety
state, and federal law enforcement information. concerns to the University Police Department in a
University police participate in the F.B.I.'s National timely manner.
Incident Based Reporting System and routinely
Persons wishing to report a crime or other
submit all crime reports through the Alabama Law
emergency incidents occurring on any University
Enforcement Agency’s NIBRS reporting system.
property may do so in person, by telephone, or
The University Police Department patrols the Main anonymously through the Silent Witness Program
Campus and bordering streets which include under the following Crime Prevention link:
University Blvd., Old Shell Rd., and Hillcrest Rd. http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/police/s
il entwitnessprogram.html.
Student Affairs maintains contact with recognized
Greek organizations through the efforts of the For walk-in reports: The University of South
Coordinator for Student Activities for Greek Life Alabama Police Department is staffed 24 hours a
and the Interfraternity Council. The University day, seven days a week. Walk in reports may be
Police Department also patrols and responds to calls made at the University Police Department located
for service at all University recognized Greek at:
houses located on the Main Campus and 290 Jaguar Blvd.
immediately adjacent to the Main Campus. Beta/Gamma Commons Bldg.
The University Police Department does not actively Telephone reports: The University Police may be
monitor criminal activity engaged in by students at contacted 24/7 by dialing: (251) 460-6312.
other off-campus locations. However, crime
The University Police Department may also be
statistics are requested from local law enforcement
contacted via text or phone utilizing the free
agencies having police jurisdiction over non-
LiveSafe smartphone safety app. Utilizing LiveSafe
campus locations of officially recognized student
to contact the University Police Department also
organizations to be included in the University’s
provides device location information to assist with
Annual Security Report and will provide local
providing timely assistance.
agencies with assistance upon request.
The Chief of Police may be contacted during normal
At the discretion of the University Police
business hours at (251) 460-6312, or by email at:
Department, it may provide the Dean of Students
zaull@southalabama.edu.
with information regarding off-campus criminal
activity of students of which it has been apprised if
[4]If you are unable to remember the University Police USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute Security
Department’s phone number, you may also dial (251) 445- 9878 or (251) 415-1135
911; however, these calls are processed through the
Mobile County 911 Communications Center and For more information on USA Health Systems,
may result in a delayed response time. Therefore, all please visit: http://www.usahealthsystem.com/
members of the campus community are urged to
program the appropriate University Police or USA Voluntary Anonymous Reporting
Health System’s Security Department phone Because police reports are public records under
number in their cell phone or utilize the LiveSafe Alabama State Law, the University Police
app to facilitate prompt reporting. Department cannot hold a report of crime in
confidence; however, if you are the victim of a
USA Hospitals
crime and do not want to pursue action within the
The University Police Department provides police University system or the criminal justice system,
services to the University’s hospitals and medical you can still provide a report anonymously by:
clinics and has a full time USA Health Systems
• Calling the TIPS line at (251) 460-6667.
Police Supervisor assigned to oversee police
services on USA Health Systems property. Each • Texting the Text-A-Tip line at (251) 219-
hospital also employs and/or contracts non-sworn 0219.
security guards to provide daily security services.
The Mobile Police Department also provides • Completing the Silent Witness form online
response to calls for service to all USA Health at:
locations within the Mobile Police jurisdiction http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/
when a sworn University police officer is not police/sil entwitnessprogram.html.
available and provides backing services upon
request. • Contacting one of the Campus Security
Authorities identified below.
The USA Children's and Women's Hospital
Security Department also manages security for the • Through the LiveSafe smartphone safety
USA Mitchell Cancer Institute and the Strada app:
Patient Care Center located on the hospital’s http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/
campus. Persons wishing to report crimes or other studentaffairs/livesafe.html.
emergency incidents for these locations should
The purpose of an anonymous report is to comply
contact:
with your wish to keep the matter confidential,
USA Health University Hospital Security (251) while taking steps to ensure the safety of yourself
471-7195 and others. With such information, the University
can keep an accurate record of the number of
USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital incidents on or near campus, determine where there
Security is a pattern of crime, and alert the campus
(251) 415-1135 community to potential dangers. Reports filed in
[5]this manner are conducted and disclosed in the Asst Vice President, Auxiliary Services
annual crime statistics for the institution. (housing/dining):
Dr. Chris Cleveland
Additional Options for Reporting Campus Delta Commons, Room 110
Crime (251) 460-6522
chrisclevlandt@southalabama.edu
You may report crimes to other University officials
Director, Housing, & Residence Life:
who have been designated as Campus Security
Jeremy Sheffield
Authorities (CSA’s). Generally, any professional Delta Commons, Room 110
student affairs and housing staff member, any (251) 341-4663
member of the campus and/or hospital security, jtsheffield@southalabama.edu
faculty advisor to student groups, and/or the athletic
director and head coaches can receive a report for University of South Alabama Baldwin County
inclusion in the annual crime statistics and for the Security Officer:
purpose of issuing a timely warning. These Ralph McDonald
additional CSA’s may also encourage and assist the 111 St. James Street, Fairhope, AL
victim in filing a report with the University Police (251) 928-8133 or (251) 472-7474
usabc@southalabama.edu or
Department.
rmcdonald@southalabama.edu
If you are the victim of a crime and you wish for For Academic Affairs Faculty:
your identity to remain confidential and desire no
formal investigation, you must inform the CSA to Executive Vice Provost/Academic Affairs:
whom you are reporting the event of your wishes. If Dr. Charles Guest
confidentiality has been requested, the listed AD 300
(251) 460-6261
University official receiving a crime report will
cguest@southalabama.edu
gather sufficient information to allow the
University to implement proper crime alerts, if For College of Nursing students:
warranted, and so the information may be included
in the statistical records maintained by the Asst. Professor/Dir of Special Project &
University Police Department. Evaluation:
Dr. Rebecca J. Graves
Assoc. Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator: Health Sciences Bldg. 4083
Ms. FeAunte Preyear (251) 445-9437
Student Center, Room 251 rgraves@southalabama.edu
(251) 461-1892
For College of Medicine Faculty & Staff:
fpreyear@southalabam.edu
Director, Multicultural Affairs: Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of
Jarmora Valrie the College of Medicine:
Student Center, Suite 120 Dr. John V. Marymont
(251) 460-6895 CSAB Rm. 170
jvalrie@southalabama.edu (251) 341-3030
jmarymont@southalabama.edu
[6]For College of Medicine Students Title Name Phone Email Campus
Location
Asst. V.P. for Medical Affairs, Diversity & Director Dr. John (251) 460- jfriend@south 300
Inclusion: Counseling Friend 7051 alabama.edu Student
& Testing, Center
Dr. Franklin Trimm Circle
MSB 1164
(251) 341-4073 Assoc. Dr. (251) 460- clgreer@south 300
rftrimm@southalabama.edu Director, Chelsea L. 7051 alabama.edu Student
Counseling Greer Center
For Staff, Administrators, Coaches, Resident &Testing Circle
Employee Julie A. (251) 461- jbarker@south USA
Physicians, Patients, Visitors, and Post Docs: Assistance Barker 1346 alabama.edu Technology
Counselor & Research
Human Resources/EEO Investigator: (for Park, Bldg.
employees III, Suite
Yamayra Betler only) 2200
TRP Building III, Suite 2200
(251) 460-6641 University of South Alabama Baldwin County
ybetler@southalabama.edu Campus
Gender Equity in Athletics/Title IX:
The University of South Alabama Baldwin County
Senior Associate Athletic Director/Title IX (USABC) Campus is dispersed across several sites
Coord.: within proximity in downtown Fairhope, Alabama.
Jinni Frisbey The administration building and the Classroom
FBFH 153 Complex are located at 111 Saint James Street, and
(251) 445-9551
jfrisbey@southalabama.edu the Nursing Complex is located at 161 North
Section Street, Suite C.
Reporting to a Campus Professional or Pastoral
Counselors The University of South Alabama Baldwin County
Campus security officers have the authority to ask
Under Federal guidelines, campus "Pastoral persons for identification and to determine whether
Counselors" and campus "Professional individuals have lawful business at USABC.
Counselors," when acting as such, are not Security officers are unarmed and have citizen
considered to be Campus Security Authorities arrest powers, as provided by state law. Criminal
(CSA’s) and are not required to report crimes for incidents are referred to the Fairhope Police
inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. Department who has jurisdiction on the campus.
As a matter of practice, they are encouraged, when The USABC Security Office at Fairhope maintains
they deem it appropriate, to inform persons being a highly professional working relationship with the
counseled of the procedures to report crimes on a Fairhope Police Department.
voluntary basis. Listed below are campus
counselors: All crime victims and witnesses are strongly
encouraged to immediately report any crime to the
campus security office and the appropriate police
agency. The University of South Alabama Baldwin
County Campus Security Department, or the
[7]University Police Department on the USA Main as the safety of others. The University Police
Campus, can assist members of the campus Department strives to increase campus safety by
community in filing a police report with the offering educational programs and disseminating
appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting to the information relevant to personal safety.
campus security office will ensure that the campus
is apprised of safety issues as mandated and that Public Safety Educational Programs
accurate crime statistics are included in the Annual
The University Police Department participates in all
Security Report. Should a situation arise, that would
new student and new employee orientation sessions.
necessitate a timely warning or emergency
During orientation, the students have an opportunity
notification to the USABC campus, and the
to learn about services offered by the University
USABC Administration and Security Offices are
Police Department at a vendor fair. Officers also
closed, contact the University Police Department at
the Main Campus to commence the process. conduct presentations to students regarding
personal safety and how to contact the University
Reporting Off Campus Crime Police Department. The University Police
Department also presents similar information in
Students residing off-campus should report semi-annual orientations for new faculty and
incidents of crime to law enforcement agencies with monthly orientations for new staff.
jurisdiction for the location where the crime was
committed. Upon request, the University Police The University Police Department and the Office of
Department will assist students in notifying the Safety and Environmental Compliance offer
appropriate law enforcement agency. Other ongoing crime prevention and safety awareness
agencies may be contacted at the following programming throughout the year. A common
telephone numbers: theme of the awareness and crime prevention
programs is to encourage students and employees to
Emergency for Mobile & Baldwin 911
County Areas
be aware of their responsibility for their own
Mobile Police Department (251) 208- security and the security of others.
7211
Mobile County Sheriff's Office (251) 574- The University offers sexual assault awareness and
2423
prevention programming through various offices on
Fairhope Police Department (251) 928-
2385 campus. The Counseling Center, Student Health
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office (251) 937- Center, University Police Department, Sexual
0202 Assault & Violence Educators, Violence Prevention
Alabama State Troopers (251) 660-
2300 Alliance, USA Violence Prevention, and Title IX all
Federal Bureau of Investigation (251) 438- offer sexual assault education and information
3674 programs to University students and employees
upon request.
Safety Awareness
In today's world, everyone plays a role in The University of South Alabama has a
safeguarding the community. The University of comprehensive Sexual Misconduct Policy and
South Alabama encourages students, faculty, and Complaint Resolution Procedures that apply to all
staff to be responsible for their own security, as well students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus.
[8]Additionally, the University of South Alabama has personal safety service that will help protect
instituted an online training module from United students, faculty, and staff with just the touch of a
Educators that is required for all incoming students button on all supported iPhone and Android
on preventing sexual misconduct. The University devices. More information can be found at:
community collaborates to conduct ongoing http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/student
trainings, academic classes, awareness events, and affairs/livesafe.html.
outreach programs, including peer facilitated
programs such as Bro Code, Girl's Night Out, and Operation ID – A program that encourages students
Cracking the Code. USA Violence Prevention and to mark their personal property, usually by
Title IX have also created a peer education program engraving, and to record serial numbers to deter
called the Sexual Assault and Violence Educators theft and assist with returning recovered property.
who conduct prevention presentations and events
Check Your Ride – An opportunity offered by the
on campus on sexual misconduct and campus
University of South Alabama Police Department
safety. Information on specific education programs
prior to school breaks, in which officers assist and
and training is available from the Title IX
teach students how to perform basic vehicle
Coordinator and is published on the Title IX website
maintenance with the aim of increasing the safety of
at:
students traveling on the road.
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/studen
taffairs/titlenine/index.html. Sexual Assault Awareness – Includes various
programs throughout the year geared towards
Education materials and information regarding
educating men and women about sexual assault
upcoming workshops and training can be requested
prevention.
via email at titleix@southalabama.edu.
Bystander Awareness – Includes programs such as
The Violence Prevention Alliance, a collaborative
the Bro Code, Red Zone, Cracking the Code, and
committee with partners from across the institution,
Girls Night Out that train bystanders on safe and
plans month-long prevention campaigns with
positive options a bystander can take when he or she
several events and trainings in September for
witnesses potential domestic violence, dating
Sexual Assault Awareness Month and in October
violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The
institution also offers the Rape Aggression Defense Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) – Self-defense
(R.A.D) and self-defense class each semester and classes for women comprised of risk reduction tips,
the University Police Department offers Date Rape basic self-defense techniques, and a simulation
Detection Coasters intended to raise awareness exercise.
about date rape drugs.
Threat Assessment/Active Shooter Training –
Additional Public Safety Programs and Curriculum intended to train employees and
Information include: students on how to respond in the unfortunate event
of a shooter on the University campus.
LiveSafe Personal Security App – The University
of South Alabama and its Police Department have
partnered with LiveSafe to provide a proactive
[9]Work Place Violence – An educational program Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications
that identifies problems and characteristics
associated with workplace violence. An “Emergency Notification” will be issued if a
significant emergency or dangerous situation is
Peer Education- The Sexual Assault and Violence confirmed to be occurring on the campus that
Educators offer ongoing prevention presentations involves an immediate threat to the health or safety
and events to the University community on sexual of students or employees. An emergency
assault, bystander intervention, domestic violence, notification may initially only contain limited
and personal safety. information depending on what is known or
reported to the institution at the time. Additional
Online Module – All incoming students, including notifications will be made as more information
professional and graduate students, are now becomes known.
required to take an online training called "Lasting
Choices: Preventing Sexual Assault" through A “Timely Warning” is more narrowly focused and
United Educators when they arrive on campus. will be issued for any Clery Act crimes that have
already occurred on Clery Act geography but that is
At-Risk Programming – Each semester, at-risk considered by the institution to represent a serious
groups such as student athletes, student fraternity or continuing threat to students and employees. A
and sorority members, minority student Timely Warning will be issued as soon as the
organizations, etc. are educated on personal safety pertinent information is available.
and campus resources.
Updates to the University community about any
The University Police Department is eager to case resulting in a timely warning will normally be
engage the University community in interactive and distributed via email. Timely warnings are usually
educational programming. For more information distributed for the following Uniform Crime
about any of the programs listed above, or to request Reporting Program
additional courses, please contact the University
Police Department at (251) 460-6312 or by email at: (UCR)/National Incident Based Reporting System
police@southalabama.edu . (NIBRS) classifications: arson, criminal homicide,
and robbery. Cases of aggravated assault and sex
Residential Life offenses are considered on a case-by-case basis,
The Department of Housing & Residence Life depending on the facts of the case and the
oversees the residence halls and Greek Housing. information known by the University Police
Community Directors and Resident Assistants Department. For example, if an assault occurs
concentrate on promoting community; developing between two students who have a disagreement,
relationships; helping to establish and maintain a there may be no ongoing threat to other campus
healthy residential environment conducive to community members and a timely warning would
academic and personal growth; assisting in the not be distributed. Timely warnings may also be
disciplinary procedure as necessary; implementing posted for other Clery Act crime classifications as
University and Housing policies; and assisting with deemed necessary.
individual student needs.
[10]Emergency Notifications & Timely Warnings may Emergency & Weather Hotline (251) 460-6999 -
be issued by the University Police Department, the This recorded telephone line provides official
Department of Safety & Environmental information bulletins regarding campus
Compliance, or the Office of Marketing and emergencies, severe weather, and campus closures.
Communications. The purpose of these Information can also be accessed at:
notifications or warnings is to warn or inform the https://www.southalabama.edu/alert/.
campus community about immediate or ongoing
threats or crimes so that appropriate actions or Social Media – The University’s social media
precautions can be taken. Information disseminated accounts include Facebook and Twitter and can be
may include the nature of the event/crime, known found at the following links:
information about any suspects, the continuing https://www.facebook.com/theuniversityofsouthala
danger, if any, and other information that would bama/
promote safety and aid in future prevention of a https://twitter.com/UofSouthAlabama
similar crime. As conditions change or new
information becomes available, notifications or University’s Home Page – Emergency messages
warnings may be updated or canceled. Any and information may be posted on the top of the
information that may identify victim(s) is University’s home page of its website at:
considered confidential and will not be http://www.southalabama.edu/.
disseminated.
Other Locations - Postings at other locations,
Timely Warnings/Emergency Notifications may be including public and University media channels as
disseminated by any or all of the following deemed appropriate.
methods:
Emergency Response and Evacuation
JagAlert Outdoor Warning System - In addition Procedures
to a siren signal, the University’s system can
In making determinations about whether an
broadcast pre-recorded messages or live messages
emergency exists and/or sending emergency
via University police officers' radios (Main Campus
notifications, the University’s Chief of Police, or
only).
designee, may consult with members of the
Everbridge Mass Notification Systems - These Department of Safety and Environmental
systems provide simultaneous outbound messaging Compliance, the President's Council, the
services such as phone, SMS, text, and email Emergency Response and Recovery Team, Office
communications. Members of the University of Marketing & Communications, Campus Security
community are automatically signed up for the Authorities, local emergency response agencies,
systems through their PAWS accounts. and any other individuals relevant to the situation.
Global Email - The University has designated Upon confirmation of a significant emergency or
emails as the primary means of campus-wide dangerous situation on the University’s Main
communication. Campus, posing an immediate threat to the health or
safety of the University community, the University
will initiate the emergency notification process
[11]without delay. Although the University Police emergency response and evacuation procedures for
Department is primarily responsible for confirming the University is publicized each year as part of the
that there is a significant emergency or dangerous Annual Security and Fire Reports.
situation and issuing a warning, the Office of
Marketing & Communications and Office of Emergency Response and Evacuation
Safety/Environmental Compliance also have access Procedures Test
to the emergency notification systems. These three
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the University of
departments have the authority to determine the
South Alabama did not conduct a Test of the
appropriate segment or segments of the campus
Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures.
community that will receive the alerts, to determine
the content of the alert, and to initiate the
While the University of South Alabama did not
notification system.
conduct a full scale test of the Emergency Response
Usually, the Chief of Police, or his designee, will and Evacuation Procedures, it was able to respond
determine the content of the notification, to the Covid-19 pandemic utilizing the principles of
considering the safety of the campus community, the University’s Emergency Response and
unless issuing a notification will, in the judgment of Evacuation Procedures and establish a Covid-19
first responders, compromise efforts to assist a Response Team. This team was responsible for
victim or to contain, respond to, or otherwise developing a reopening plan for the University that
mitigate the emergency. Based on the would allow students, faculty and staff to safely
circumstances of the threat, the University Police return to campus.
Department will determine the appropriate
segment(s) of the community to receive the Campus Exterior Sirens/Public Address System
notification. For instance, a fire in the Recreational
The campus siren/broadcast system is tested
Center might begin with just an evacuation of the
monthly in conjunction with monthly tests of the
Recreational Center but might later be expanded to
Mobile County Emergency Management Agency's
include Epsilon 1 & 2 along with Delta 6 if the fire
Systems.
is not quickly brought under control.
The system is also tested on an annual basis.
The University’s Chief of Police, or designee, in Procedures for conducting evacuation drills are
consultation with the Department of Safety & outlined in the Fire Report. Annually, the
Environmental Compliance and the Office of University conducts exercises and appropriate
Marketing & Communications, will determine if follow-through activities designed to assess,
emergency information needs to be disseminated to evaluate, and improve campus emergency response
the larger community via local media outlets or procedures.
otherwise.
The University provides communications to the
University of South Alabama Emergency Response University community regarding procedures for
and Recovery Plan Manuals are posted in each authorized closings and receiving emergency alerts.
campus building generally by the elevators or the Additional information about these can be found at:
front entrance. Basic information about the http://www.southalabama.edu/alert.
[12]Tips for Being Prepared in an Emergency campus destination, to their vehicle, or the JagTran
shuttle stop upon request. To request assistance, call
To prepare for the possibility of a campus
the University Police Department at (251) 460-6312
emergency, each member of the campus community
or contact them via the free LiveSafe safety app.
should develop a personal emergency response
Depending on other calls for service, there could be
plan. Some basic steps that you can take to improve
a wait before the officer arrives. For more
your safety on campus are:
information on the daily services provided by the
• Be aware of your environment. JagTran, please visit the following link:
http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/jagtran/
• List the University Police Department’s
phone number in your cell phone; (251) Limited shuttle service is normally provided at least
460-6312. through 8:00 p.m. each weekday that classes are in
session.
• Report concerning or suspicious behavior to
the University Police Department. Property Protection
• Stay informed by reading campus emails, The University Police Department offers a number
text messages, and watching local media. of services to help minimize property loss through
theft, including:
• Follow directions from campus authorities.
• Bike Registration at the University Police
• Learn at least two ways to exit every Department or online at:
building that you use. http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/
police/bi c ycleregistrationform.html.
• Determine where you are going to go in the
event of severe weather. • Operation ID - Download a form to record
the serial numbers of your valuable
• Have basic emergency supplies in your
property at:
vehicle and residence such as flashlights.
http://www.southalabama.edu/departments/
• Lock your room and car. police /o perationidentification.html.
Crime Prevention • Set up an appointment for engraving serial
numbers on your property by calling the
The University actively promotes campus security University Police Department at (251) 460-
by providing services to prevent criminal activities, 6312.
enhance personal safety, and protect property.
• Campus Watch Campaign – A campaign
Campus Escort Service that encourages members of the campus
community to look out for others and
Although there is currently no formal escort service report any suspicious activities.
available on the Main Campus, University officers
will assist individuals with safely getting to their on-
[13]• An extensive camera and License Plate Due to the different designs of the campus
Recognition system on campus. residential facilities, there are some differences in
how and when the buildings are secured.
Facility Security
Epsilon 1 & 2 - Access to rooms is through interior
During business hours the University is open to hallways. Front center doors are unlocked Monday
students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All exterior
and invitees. During non-business hours, access to side and back doors always remain locked. Side
all college facilities is by key, electronic, and/or doors are accessible by card swipe. Card access
alarm access code, if issued in accordance with issues should be directed to Housing Facilities at
University policies, or by admittance via the (251) 460-7655.
Facilities Management Department (251) 460-
7655, or the Office of Housing and Residence Life Stokes Hall, Azalea Hall, & Camellia Hall -
(251) 460-6185. Academic buildings are open Access to rooms is through interior hallways.
during the day and evening hours when classes are Exterior doors are unlocked Monday through
in session. Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The building is
locked the rest of the time and requires a
Some facilities may have additional hours which programmed card to access it. Card access issues
may vary at different times of the year. Examples should be directed to Housing & Facilities at (251)
are the Recreation Center, University libraries, and 460-7655.
the Mitchell Center. In these cases, the facilities will
be secured according to schedules developed by the Greek Houses - Have several entrances and exits
department responsible for the facility. which are always locked and require a key or
Emergencies or other considerations may security code to access.
necessitate changes or alterations to any posted
schedules. All Other Residence Halls - Are designed with
individual exterior entrances to each room/suite.
Residential Facilities Students are responsible for securing their
individual rooms.
All visitors must be escorted by their host while in
the buildings. Residents and guests must be able to Residence Facility: Phone Number:
provide identification if asked by a University Beta/Gamma (251) 460-6465
official, including but not limited to, the Resident Deltas 2-5 (251) 460-6315
Assistant (RA). It is up to each resident to take a Epsilon 1-2 & Delta 6 (251) 460-7870
Greek Houses (251) 460-7759
responsible role in maintaining building security. If
Azalea Hall (251) 460-7926
you see anyone tampering with doors, please Stokes Hall (251) 460-7921
contact the RA, Community Office, or University Camellia Hall (251) 460-7943
Police Department immediately. Propping doors or
modifying door closers or hardware is prohibited.
Students are always advised to secure their rooms.
[14]Missing Student Policy After investigating a missing person’s report,
should the University Police Department determine
If a member of the University community has that a resident student appears to be missing, within
reason to believe that a student is missing, he or she 24 hours of that determination, USAPD will notify
should immediately call the University Police the student's designated "missing student" contact
Department at (251) 460-6312. The University and the Mobile Police Department of the ongoing
Police Department will initiate an investigation, investigation. If the missing student is under the age
collect all pertinent information regarding the of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, USAPD
missing person, and maintain all necessary data for will also notify the student's parent or legal guardian
the University. If the student reported missing is immediately after determining that the student has
also an on-campus resident in USA Housing or the been missing for 24 hours. If circumstances dictate,
Central House on Stadium, personnel from those USAPD may also enter a Missing Person's report
areas may assist by: into NCIC.
• Conducting a health and safety check of the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response
student's room/apartment.
National studies have shown that nearly 20% of
• Attempting to contact the student via cell women and 6% of men will be victims of attempted
phone, email, or other means available. or actual sexual assault while at college. These
studies also found that most campus sexual assaults
• Seeking out and identifying another
occurred when women were incapacitated, usually
person(s) who may be familiar with the
by alcohol, and that the majority of sexual assaults
missing student's whereabouts.
are committed by someone known to the victim.
In accordance with the Higher Education
The University is committed to establishing and
Opportunity Act of 2008 for "on-campus residential
maintaining an environment where individuals are
students", the University has implemented the
free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment,
following "Missing Student" notification policies
and procedures: sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence,
stalking, and retaliation (collectively "sexual
The University requests that students who reside in misconduct"). As part of the University’s
on-campus housing identify, confidentially, an commitment to establishing an environment free
individual they desire to be contacted if said student from sexual misconduct, such misconduct is strictly
is determined to be missing. This confidential prohibited under University policy.
contact information is kept separate from any other
emergency contact information and is accessible The University considers sexual misconduct to be a
only by authorized campus officials and law serious offense because it undermines the
enforcement during a missing person's atmosphere of trust and respect that is essential to a
investigation. You can register your contact healthy University Community. Consequently, it is
information by going online to your student account the goal of the University to prevent sexual
on the PAWS system at: misconduct from occurring and to provide a
http://www.southalabama.edu/paws/. response that will limit the potential emotional
damage to the victim.
[15]Although the State of Alabama has enumerated which the victim does not expressly or impliedly
numerous sexual offenses, the offenses that are acquiesce in the actor’s conduct*.
most relevant to the typical university student
experience are rape, sodomy, sexual assault, *Sexual abuse is defined in Alabama Code Section
domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. 13A-6-66 and 67.
Both rape and sodomy require that the sexual act
was committed without the consent of the victim, Alabama State law further defines Forcible
Compulsion and Incapacity to Consent as follows:
including instances where the complainant is
incapable of giving consent. Rape entails vaginal • Forcible Compulsion – physical force was
intercourse with any degree of penetration, used to overcome resistance, or the victim
regardless of emission, and sodomy involves oral or
was placed in fear of immediate death or
anal sex. Sexual assault can be forcible or non- serious injury.
forcible in nature. Dating and domestic violence
occur when violence is perpetrated by a person who • Incapacity to Consent – this means that the
is currently or formerly in a social relationship of a victim is one of the following:
romantic nature or a current or former spouse.
Stalking occurs when a person engages in a course ▪ Physically helpless, generally
of conduct directed at a specific person that would unconscious, or unable to
cause a reasonable person to (A) fear for his or her communicate.
safety or the safety of others or (B) suffer
▪ Mentally incapacitated - namely,
substantial emotional distress. Complete definitions
of these offenses, including jurisdictional the person lacks the ability to
definitions, can be found in the glossary of this understand the fact, nature, or
report. extent of a sexual situation due to a
narcotic or intoxicating substance
The penalty for an offense is based on the which was administered without
seriousness of the offense and can range from a their consent (covers Date Rape
Class A Felony with the possibility of life Drugs).
imprisonment to a Class A Misdemeanor with up to
▪ Mentally defective - namely, the
one year in the county jail.
person suffers from a mental defect
Consent includes conduct that a reasonable person or disease.
would understand to indicate agreement to the
▪ Less than 16 years old.
sexual conduct at issue. Consent must be informed,
freely given, and mutually understood. Lack of In addition to Alabama law, the following are
consent is a critical factor in determining whether essential to understanding what constitutes effective
sexual violence has occurred. consent:
Under Alabama State law, lack of consent results
• If coercion, intimidation, threats, and/or
from Forcible Compulsion, Incapacity to Consent,
physical force are used, there is no consent.
or in the case of sexual abuse, any circumstances in
[16]• If a person is incapacitated by alcohol or • Vary your routine. Do not walk the same
drugs such that the person cannot route night after night.
understand the facts, nature, or extent of
• When engaging in sexual activity, all parties
the sexual situation, there is no consent
even if the person self-administered the must actively consent.
alcohol or drugs. • Walk with confidence. Keep your head up
and pay attention to your surroundings.
• Consent to one form of sexual activity does
not imply consent to other forms of sexual • Remember to bring your cell phone and
activity. keep your cell phone charged.
• Consent can be withdrawn by verbal or • Always lock the doors in your car, room,
physical conduct that a reasonable person apartment, or house.
would understand to indicate a desire to
stop or not engage in the sexual conduct at Socializing:
issue.
• Go out as a group; leave as a group.
• While consent can be withdrawn, a • Maintain control of the evening by driving
withdrawal of consent operates going or having your own means of transportation.
forward. It does not change the consensual
nature of the sexual activity that has • Give someone (roommate, close friend,
already occurred. parents) information about your plans for
the evening.
• Being in a romantic relationship with
someone does not imply consent to any • Pay attention to your surroundings and
form of sexual activity. others' nonverbal cues and behavior.
Risk Reduction Tips • Communicate your limits and boundaries
clearly.
General:
Beverages:
• Use the campus transit services.
• If you drink, drink responsibly and do not
• Avoid being in classrooms or office get intoxicated. Alcohol is the most
buildings alone at night. commonly involved intoxicant involved in
sexual assaults.
• Report any suspicious person or activity to
the University Police Department • Only drink sealed beverages that you can
immediately, regardless of the time. open yourself.
• Know who is at your door before opening it. • Do not share drinks; don't drink from a
punch bowl or common container.
• Preplan all routes, regardless if you are
walking, running, or driving. • Do not leave your drink unattended.
[17]• Do not drink anything that has an unusual • Be blunt and direct when approaching an
taste or odor. individual in question; do not assume that
they understand what you mean. Connect
• Do not mix any type of drug with alcohol. the dots!
Note: Risk reduction is an important strategy for
• Help someone who is intoxicated get to a
our entire community. However, if you are
safe place with friends rather than allow
sexually assaulted, it's not your fault.
them to leave alone.
Safe and Positive Options for Bystander
• Get men to feel empathetic regarding this
Intervention
issue by asking, “Do you have a sister?” “Do
• Be aware of your surroundings and notice you have a mom?” “How would you feel?”
potential problems.
If you are sexually assaulted, you should take
• Get help if you see something. the following steps:
• Go to a safe place as soon as possible.
• Approach men who are exhibiting behaviors
that are characteristic of a potential sexual
• Try to preserve all physical evidence.
assault/rape perpetrator in groups.
• Do not bathe, use the toilet, douche, rinse
• Cut off reinforcement of support of
your mouth, or change clothes as these
demeaning acts.
actions may destroy evidence.
• Stop victim blaming and making excuses for
• If it is necessary to change clothes, put all
why it was ok for it to happen.
clothing that was worn at the time of the
• Shut down conversations around you where incident in a paper bag, not a plastic one.
this kind of talk is taking place and being
• Bring a change of clothes with you because
accepted.
the police will need the clothes you were
• Talk to your friends openly and honestly wearing for evidence.
about sexual assault.
• Call the police immediately.
• Have conversations with friends about
• If the assault occurred on-campus, dial (251)
respecting both parties’ right to say yes and
460-6312
what no means.
• If the assault occurred off-campus, dial 911
• Be clear with other men that getting consent
is a must and not optional (regardless of the • At your request, USAPD will assist you in
relationship status–long-term or one-night contacting the appropriate law enforcement
stand). agency.
[18]• If you prefer not to call the police but you • Contact a trusted person, such as a friend or
want to make it known that a sexual assault family member for support.
occurred, you can also contact other campus
officials. The following University officials • Call the Assault Hotline at (251) 460- 7151
are best equipped to assist you: A certified victim's advocate is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week to aid in
▪ Vice President for Student recovery.
Affairs/Dean of Students – (251) 460-
7172 • Talk with a counselor who will help explain
options, give information, and provide
▪ Associate Dean of Students/Title IX emotional support.
Coordinator – (251) 460-6452
• Explore legal avenues for criminal/or civil
▪ Director of Housing – (251) 460-4663 action including Title IX, the University
student disciplinary system, and University
▪ USA Children’s and Women’s Grievance Procedures. You may email
Hospital Emergency Room – (251) titleix@southalabama.edu to connect with
415-1620 the Title IX Coordinator.
▪ Counseling Center – (251) 460-7051 • If you are a victim of dating or domestic
violence, you should not bathe or change
▪ Victim’s Advocate Program – (251)
clothes prior to documenting physical
460-7151
evidence. Preserving evidence may be
Upon request, these officials will assist you in filing necessary to prove criminal domestic
campus judicial charges and/or notifying the violence, dating violence, stalking, or in
University Police Department. obtaining an order of protection. If victims
do not opt for forensic collection, health care
• Get Medical Attention - Even if you do not providers can still treat injuries.
think you have been injured, you should
seek medical treatment to check for internal • If you are a victim of stalking you should
injuries, test for sexually transmitted save evidence such as any letters, notes, e-
disease, have the option of after sexual mails, phone calls, videos, photos, texts,
assault contraceptive, and gather physical social media postings, computer
evidence in case you decide to pursue screenshots, voicemails, or any other forms
criminal or disciplinary charges. USA of evidence that would be helpful.
Children's and Women's Hospital has
What to expect if you file a campus sexual
trained sexual assault nurse examiners and
assault report with the University Police
will collect a "Jane Doe" kit if you are not
Department:
certain you want to pursue criminal charges
at the time of occurrence. When you notify the University of South Alabama
Police Department of a campus sexual assault, the
following will occur:
[19]You can also read
