Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention and Safety

Crime prevention is defined as “the anticipation, the recognition, and the appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to remove or reduce it.” The first step in crime prevention is to realize that, in order to prevent crime or becoming a crime victim, we must accept that crime prevention is a shared responsibility. It is not a college problem or a police problem. It is a societal problem that can only be properly addressed by the entire college community. Our community consists of students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors. Therefore, campus safety is truly a shared responsibility.

Three elements must be present for a crime to occur; desire, ability, and opportunity. This is also known as the crime triangle. A person may “want to commit a crime" and have the “ability” to commit a crime, but if we deny them the “opportunity,” then no crime can be committed. Historically, the primary goal of crime prevention has been to apprehend criminals. Although this goal is still important, the goal of preventing crime and also reducing the cost of crime will take on a significant importance. Our goal is to help members of the college community prevent crime by helping them make decisions to reduce the opportunity for crime to occur, whether on campus or not.

Here are a few things you can do to get started.

For an Emergency 

Call: 911

ACPD's goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff members, and visitors. Never hesitate to report suspicious activity.

Keep Your Belongings Out Of Sight When You Park Your Car

Remember, property theft is the number one crime at the college, but many of these crimes can be averted when you eliminate temptation. Make sure to place valuables out of sight, and thus out of the mind of a criminal. In addition, you should always roll up your car windows, lock all your doors, and take your keys with you.

Avoid Sleeping In Public Places

The majority of crimes are crimes of opportunity, in which victims lack general awareness. Sleeping in common areas around campus, such as the College Union building, or the Library, provides criminals an opportunity to take advantage of exhausted students. If you must rest your eyes, wrap your arms around your belongings or keep your belongings under your head like a pillow.

Crime Prevention/Safety Pamphlets

A key element in our crime prevention program is to provide as much information as possible to increase awareness. One of the ways the department does this is by providing informational pamphlets located at strategic locations on each of our campuses. The material covers sexual assault, alcohol abuse, cyber-bullying, suicide prevention, family/dating/work place violence, drug abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, and a locally printed crime victim’s informational pamphlet.

Reporting a Crime or Other Emergency

Community members, students, staff, and faculty are strongly encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to the police department in a timely manner. The Amarillo College Police Department operates Monday – Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm and Friday – Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. For emergencies that require police, fire, and or emergency medical services, call 911.  For non-emergency police services, call the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center at (806) 378-3038, and for other campus services during the above listed hours, call AskAC at (806) 371-5000.

Confidential Reporting

Although every institution wants its campus community to report criminal incidents to law enforcement, we know that this doesn’t always happen. A student who is a victim of a crime may be more inclined to report it to someone other than the college police. For this reason, the CLERY Act requires all institutions to collect crime reports from a variety of individuals and organizations that CLERY considers to be “campus security authorities.”

If you are a victim or a witness of a crime and do not wish to pursue action within the college system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a voluntary confidential report to a Campus Security Authority. Because police reports are public records under state law, the college police cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Statistics from confidential reports are collected for the purpose of inclusion in the annual disclosure of criminal statistics. With this information, the college can keep an accurate record of the number of incidents involving students, determine where there is a pattern of crime with regard to a particular location, method, or assailant, and alert the campus community to a particular danger. Your identity will remain confidential.

Campus Security Authorities

Although every institution wants its campus community to report criminal incidents to law enforcement, we know that this doesn’t always happen. A student who is a victim of a crime may be more inclined to report it to someone other than the police. For this reason, the Clery Act requires all institutions to collect crime reports from a variety of individuals and organizations that Clery considers to be “Campus Security Authorities.”

Under Clery, a crime is “reported” when it is brought to the attention of a Campus Security Authority or college police personnel by a victim, witness, or other third party or even the offender. If a Campus Security Authority receives the crime information and believes it was provided in good faith, he or she must document it as a crime report. In “good faith” means there is a reasonable basis for believing that the information is not simply rumor or hearsay. That is, there is little or no reason to doubt the validity of the information.

The Amarillo College Police Department will review reports and decide if an incident warrants a Timely Warning / Emergency Notification of the College community and whether it is a reportable crime in the Annual Security Report. College police will consolidate crime data from multiple sources, report qualifying crime data to the Department of Education, publish campus ASR’s and inform the College community when the ASRs are available.

Campus Security Authorities do not investigate nor are they responsible for determining authoritatively whether a crime took place. They are merely taking a report on the victim’s behalf.

 A Campus Security Authority (CSA) is a Clery-specific term that encompasses individuals and organizations associated with an institution.  In order to promote a safe campus and encourage timely reporting of criminal statistics concerning the occurrence of certain criminal offenses, all Amarillo College employees and student employees are considered “Campus Security Authorities." The only exemptions allowed are for a physician in a campus health center, a pastoral counselor or a counselor in a counseling center while serving in those designated positions.

The campus police department or, in the absence of a campus police department, a person or people who have responsibility for campus security, but who do not constitute a campus police department. A person or organization specified in the College’s campus security policy as one to whom students and employees should report criminal offenses.

An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to, student housing (if applicable), student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution.

Official responsibilities and job titles vary significantly at each campus, which is why the U.S. Department of Education (ED) doesn’t provide an all-inclusive list of specific titles in the regulations.

Primary Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) and Preferred Recipients of Reports

Members of the College community are encouraged to accurately and promptly report all crimes and emergencies to College Police, designated preferred recipients of reports, and appropriate law enforcement agencies, including situations in which the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report. Accurate and timely reporting enables the institution to assess threats to the campus community, evaluate the need for Timely Warnings or Emergency Notifications, maintain required crime records and logs, investigate reported incidents, provide appropriate support and resources to affected individuals, and accurately compile and disclose Clery Act crime statistics.

Criminal offenses for the purpose of making Timely Warning reports and the annual statistical disclosure may be reported to any of the following:

  • Amarillo College Police Department (806) 371-5000
  • In person at the Amarillo College Police Department Headquarters Washington Street Campus, Durrett Hall 111
  • Title IX Coordinator/Vice President of Human Resources for reports involving sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and related concerns by phone, (806) 371-5044, email titleix@actx.edu, or at the Student Life Conference Center (SLCC) 2nd Floor.
  • VP of Student Affairs in one of the following ways:

Reporting Criminal Actions or Other Emergencies

All members of the Amarillo College community and all visitors are encouraged to accurately and promptly report potential criminal activity, suspicious behavior, and any emergencies on campus, on public property running through or immediately adjacent to the campus, or on other property that is owned or controlled by Amarillo College.

  • For emergency police, fire, and/or emergency medical services (EMS) on any of the Amarillo College campuses, call 911.
  • For non-emergency police services at any of the Amarillo Campuses, call the Amarillo Emergency Communications Center at (806) 378-3038.
  • For non-emergency police services at the Moore County Campuses, call the Dumas Police Department at (806) 935-3998.
  • For non-emergency police services at the Hereford Campus, call (806) 363-7120.

Dispatchers are available at these respective telephone numbers 24 hours a day to answer your calls. Whenever a crime is reported, a uniformed police officer is dispatched to conduct the initial investigation, gathering information and seeking physical evidence or asking the victim to report to Amarillo College Police Department to file an incident report. All reported crimes will be investigated and may become a matter of public record.

Incidents involving potential student conduct violations will be forwarded to Student Affairs for review. Incidents involving potential Clery crimes and or Title IX violations will also be referred to the appropriate entity for capturing statistical information and potential investigation (Title IX).

All officers are required to provide certain required notices, resource information, and safety planning information to all victims of crime as well as to anyone who is seeking assistance.

Accurate and Prompt Reporting

Crimes should be accurately and promptly reported to the Amarillo College Police Department or the appropriate police agency, when the victim of a crime elects to, or is unable to, make such a report.

Institution’s Response to a Report

Police response is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by contacting local law enforcement. All reported crimes are investigated by the College and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies and may become a matter of public record. Crime victims are provided information regarding available on-campus and community resources, as appropriate. ACPD will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and College officials as necessary.

Voluntary Confidential Reporting

If you are the victim of a crime and do not want to pursue action within the College system or the criminal justice system, you may still want to consider making a confidential report. The purpose of a confidential report is to comply with your wish to keep the matter confidential, while taking steps to enhance the future safety of yourself and others. Amarillo College has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Crime Stoppers, which allows for confidential reporting. To make a confidential report to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, call (806) 374-4400 or email stoppers@amapolice.org. Reports filed in this manner are still counted and disclosed in the annual crime statistics for the institution.

While police reports are public information, certain victims of crime automatically have confidentiality when reporting. Additionally, victims of sexual assault or other sex offenses, family violence (including dating violence), stalking, human trafficking, invasive visual recording, and indecent assault can opt for a pseudonym. A pseudonym is a different name that will be used instead of the person’s real name in public files about the case. This includes police reports, press releases, court records, and other public documents about the case. Law enforcement is required to advise victims of the right to request a pseudonym as well as help you fill out the form if you want assistance.

Pastoral and Professional Counselors

Campus “Pastoral Counselors” and “Professional Counselors,” when acting as such, are not considered to be a Campus Security Authority for Clery Act purposes and are not required to report crimes for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. A Professional Counselor is an employee of an institution whose official responsibilities include providing psychological counseling to members of the institution’s community, and who is functioning within the scope of his or her license or certification.

The Amarillo College Police Department encourages Professional Counselors, if and when they deem it appropriate, to inform the persons they are counseling to voluntarily report the incident to the Amarillo College Police Department on a confidential basis for inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics. Amarillo College does not employ pastoral counselors. 

Daily Crime Log Inspection

The Amarillo College Police Department maintains and makes available a daily crime log. The log is maintained in a hard copy form at the College Police Department. The purpose of the daily crime log is to record criminal incidents and alleged criminal incidents. Crime log entries include all crimes reported to the Amarillo College Police for the required geographic locations, not just CLERY Act crimes.

The crime log for the most recent 60-day period is open to public inspection, upon request, during operational hours. Crime logs older than 60 days are available for inspection within two business days of a request. An entry or a change in the disposition of a complaint will be recorded within two business days when known. A business day is Monday through Friday, except for the days when the police department is closed.

The only exceptions are

  1. If the disclosure is prohibited by law; or
  2. If the disclosure would jeopardize the confidentially of the victim.

The Amarillo College Police may temporally withhold information if there is clear and convincing evidence that the release of information would:

  1. Jeopardize an ongoing investigation
  2. Jeopardize the safety of an individual
  3. Cause a suspect to flee or evade detection
  4. Result in destruction of evidence

Hate Crimes

A hate crime is a criminal offense committed against a person or property which is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s bias. Bias is a performed negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons based on their race, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity/national origin.  An offense can be, but is not limited to the following, and does not include bias incidents (incidents not involving violence or threat of violence): stalking, harassment, graffiti, vandalism, assault and arson. Anyone committing such acts can face criminal prosecution or be referred to the Vice President of Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Bullying

Amarillo College is committed to protecting its students, employees, and the college community as a whole from Bullying. All students and employees are entitled to a safe, equitable, and harassment-free college experience. Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination will not be tolerated.

“Bullying” means systematically and chronically inflicting physical harm or psychological distress on one or more students or employees.

It is further defined as: unwanted purposeful written, verbal or non-verbal action that unreasonably interferes with the individual’s college performance or participation is carried out repeatedly and is often characterized by an imbalance of power. Bullying may involve, but is not limited to:

  1. Unwanted teasing
  2. Threatening
  3. Intimidating
  4. Stalking
  5. Cyber Stalking
  6. Cyber Bullying
  7. Physical Violence
  8. Theft
  9. Sexual, Religious, or Racial Harassment
  10. Public Humiliation

Any student who believes he/she is a victim of bullying or harassment should, as soon as possible after the incident takes place, report the incident to college officials.

Hazing

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
There are three components that define hazing:

  1. It occurs in a group context.
  2. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior.
  3. Happens regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate.

The State of Texas defines Hazing under Texas Education Code Ch. 37.151, 37.152, and 37.153.

Sex Offender Registration

In accordance to the “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000 and which amends the Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children’s and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Act, the Jeanne Clery Act, and the Family Educational Rights and privacy Act of 1974, Amarillo College provides a link listed on the front of the Annual Security Report so that you can access the Texas State Sex Offender Registry. The “Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act” of 2000 is a federal law that provides for the tracking of convicted sex offenders enrolled at, or employed at, institutions of higher learning. All offenders attending or employed by Amarillo College are required to comply with this law. All sex offenders are required to register with the Amarillo College Police Department in addition to any other agency. Amarillo College Police will maintain a current list of registered sex offenders attending or working for Amarillo College. This list is maintained at the College Police Department located in Durrett Hall.

Amarillo College is not prohibited from disclosing information provided to the institution concerning registered sex offenders. Registry information is provided for public safety. A person is authorized to use this information only to protect him/herself or a child who may be at risk. The release of this information to the public is meant to assure public protection, not to punish the offender. It is illegal to use information obtained through the website or from the College Police Department to commit a crime against an offender or to engage in discrimination or harassment against a registered sex offender. Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.

Crime Prevention Programs

The Amarillo College Police Department offers several prevention and awareness programs for our campus community and beyond.  The current listing of programs is as follows and custom programs may be requested:

Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention

A 50-minute to 1-hour detailed presentation covering definitions, statistics of college sexual assault, myths, risk factors, methods for reporting (both under Title IX and to police), SANE information, and other resource information for students. The program presentation can be extended to include short activities geared to heighten sensitivity toward survivors of sexual assault. Presented at regular intervals and upon request throughout the year.

Domestic/Dating Violence & Stalking

A 50-minute to 1-hour presentation covering definitions, dynamics of intimate partner violence, including stalking, prevalence, statistics, reporting options (Title IX and police), and resource information. Presented at regular intervals and upon request throughout the year.

Hazing

A 30-to-50-minute program that covers the laws and information pertaining to hazing, the dangers of hazing, preventative measures, and reporting options. Presented at regular intervals and upon request throughout the year.

CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events)

CRASE is a course designed around the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy of responding to an active attack. The course covers a brief history of active shooter events, civilian response options, and medical issues so your school, businesses, and community members can prepare for such an event. The typical course length is approximately one to two hours but can be modified to fit various time frames. Presented at regular intervals and upon request throughout the year.

Crime Prevention

A 45 minute to 1 hour presentation giving a brief overview of theft and burglary prevention and awareness, alcohol awareness, personal safety, and situational awareness. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Alcohol Awareness

A 45 minute to 1 hour presentation covering how the body processes alcohol, the risks of binge-drinking, signs of alcohol poisoning and who to contact, consequences of underage drinking, and drinking and driving. Presentation may be extended when including activities using the Fatal Vision Goggles. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Drug Awareness 

A 30–45 minute presentation about drugs, current drug trends, and resource information for help and recovery. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Situational Awareness & Safety

A 30 to 45 minute presentation covering basic trauma response, basic safety, situational awareness, and examples of self-defense options. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Trafficking Awareness

A 45–50 minute program covering the basics of human trafficking, warning signs, recruitment methods, common misconceptions, and resource information. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Distracted Driving

A 15–20 minute program covering the dangers of distracted driving and distracted walking. An interactive obstacle course can be added to this program for demonstration purposes. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Digital-Internet Safety Course

A 20–30 minute program covering basic Internet safety and scam prevention along with resource information for victims of scams and identity theft. Presented upon request throughout the year.

Alcohol/Drug Use Statement

The possession, sale or the furnishing of alcohol on any campus of Amarillo College is governed by Texas State Law and controlled by the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission. However, the enforcement of alcohol laws on-campus is the primary responsibility of the Amarillo College Police. All campuses of Amarillo College are designated as “Drug/Alcohol Free” and only under certain circumstances is the consumption of alcohol permitted. The possession, sale, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both federal and state laws. Violators are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone less than 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of Amarillo College policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of any Amarillo College campus without prior College approval. Organizations or groups violating alcohol/substance policies or laws may be subject to criminal prosecution and sanctions by Amarillo College.

The Amarillo College Police offers programs to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees. The program provides services related to drug use and abuse, including dissemination of information materials, educational programs, counseling services, referrals and college disciplinary procedures and criminal prosecution.

Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking

All forms of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking are strictly prohibited and will be investigated by the police department and/or the Amarillo College Student Affairs Office or Title IX Coordinator.

It is the policy of Amarillo College to provide a campus environment free of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other behaviors of a sexual nature that are hostile, unwelcoming or intimidating.

The college prohibits a wide range of verbal and physical behaviors, ranging from unwanted sexual comments to rape and acquaintance rape. Consent is a critical factor that distinguishes acceptable sexual behavior from unacceptable sexual behavior. Consent is clear, knowing and voluntary permission by words or action to engage in mutually-agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent is communicated through mutually-understandable words or actions that indicate willingness by all the involved parties to engage in the same sexual activity, at the same time and in the same way. Clear and open communication is an essential element to conveying and understanding consent. Ideally, consent is given verbally; however, consent (or lack of consent) also may be expressed through gestures and body language. Consent cannot be freely given if the person’s ability to understand and give consent is impaired. Examples of those who cannot give consent include but are not limited to:

  1. The individual is under the age of 17 and is not the spouse of the actor;
  2. The individual is unconscious;
  3. The individual is impaired due to ingestion of a substance such as drugs or alcohol;
  4. The actor compels another to submit to or participate in a sexual act by using physical force or violence against the other person or by threatening to use force or violence against another person;
  5. The other person has not consented to the sexual act with the actor and the actor knows the other person is unaware that the sexual act is occurring;
  6. The other person is mentally impaired or has a mental disability; or
  7. The actor has misrepresented or concealed his or her true identity to the individual.

Silence does not equal consent. Additionally, consent to one form of sexual activity does not necessarily imply consent to other forms of sexual activity. Similarly, a prior sexual history or dating history between the participants does not constitute consent. Consent may be given for specific activities and not for others. Once consent is withdrawn, the sexual activity occurring must cease.

Victims of sexual assault are strongly encouraged to report the incident to the Amarillo College Police Department immediately. It is the policy of the department to conduct investigations of all sexual assault complaints with sensitivity, compassion, patience, and respect for the victim. Investigations are conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure.

All information and reports of sexual assault are kept strictly confidential. In accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures, Art. 57, victims may use a pseudonym to protect their identities. A pseudonym is a set of initials or fictitious names chosen by the victim to be used in all public files and records concerning the sexual assault. The victims of sexual assault are not required to file criminal charges or seek judicial actions through the college’s disciplinary process. However, victims are encouraged to report the assault in order to provide the victim with physical and emotional assistance.

Amarillo College Police Department officers are available to all victims to provide information about personal safety, Texas Crime Victims’ Rights, Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund, and other information upon request. The office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Title IX Coordinator, and the Advocacy Resource Center of Amarillo College can assist victims of sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, or other crimes with accessing medical or counseling services, advocacy services, social support services, legal services, and police services. Even in the absence of a formal complaint, the college may be able to provide assistance to the complainant with respect to his or her academic, living, transportation, or working situations.

Student Conduct and Responsibility

For more information regarding Amarillo College’s response to these types of situations, follow the link to read the student’s rights and responsibilities.

For more information regarding the Amarillo College Sexual Misconduct policy, follow the link below.

 

AC SPOTLIGHT