Crime Prevention

All Rice University Police Officers have received training in Crime Prevention education. As such, the entire department comprises the Rice University Police "Crime Prevention Unit". The Rice Police Department is one of the few agencies in the state which is 100% trained in crime prevention practices and procedures with each officer carrying the designation of "crime prevention specialist". We are convinced that it is easier and safer for all concerned to prevent a crime than it is to apprehend the criminal following a criminal incident. When a crime is prevented, there is no victim. When crime is prevented, the community is safer.
 
Our community oriented policing concept is a proactive approach the requires an informed and involved public. We believe an informed public can better protect itself and help in the prevention of crime. Rice University Police invites discussion of potential problems on campus. Our "Campus Watch" logo deviates from the more common "crime watch eye" to demonstrate a more cooperative effort of awareness with the implication of more eyes watching out for the community.
 
In 1995, eight new officers were employed by the police department as part of a new and innovative program known as the "College Officer Program." Each residential college area was assigned a team of officers whose beat was comprised of those respective locations on campus. College Officers interact on a professional and "mentor" level with the university students. The College Officers have become "personalized" to the students as they are referred to as "that's my officer" or here comes our officers." College Officers support the intramural programs of each college as well as other social activities held in the college areas. They are also at the immediate disposal of the students when calls for service are made to the police department. Periodic safety meetings are held under the title of "Cookies and Cops" which serves as a forum to disseminate personal safety awareness information as well as to respond to any questions regarding activities in and around campus. In its short tenure, the College Officer Program has generated a favorable impact in that the overall perspective of the campus police and the communication links between the community and the department have been enhanced.
 
Throughout the year, the campus police take every opportunity to speak on personal safety, crime prevention and crime reporting. Our officers have made presentations at residential colleges during freshman orientation week, at informal meetings concerned with women's issues, and the faculity/staff RiceFest and campus wide Safety fairs.
 
In addition, safety education programs are presented by such diverse groups as the residential colleges, the Health Education Office, the Women's Support Center and student groups such as Students Organized Against Rape (SOAR). Several tomes a year, RUPD offers and conducts Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training for Rice female students. These programs are intended to encourage students and employees to be responsible for their own safety and prevent crimes, such as sexual assault, drug and alcohol violations. A side benefit of these programs is the community learning proper procedures for reporting incidents and being made aware of support services available to them.
 
These programs are offered to Rice students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations. To obtain further information on any of the following programs or for response to any other questions, contact your Rice University Police Department at (713) 348-6000.

Personal Safety Program

This program focuses its attention on "crimes against persons" such as rape, robbery, including ATM robberies, and carjackings. Information is presented on how to prevent or reduce the possibility of being a victim; what can be done if confronted; and candid information on how to avoid confrontations. The program lasts approximately one hour.

Security Surveys

A trained crime prevention officer will survey your Rice building or office to identify vulnerable areas which may make your location a target for burglars. The crime prevention specialist will provide information on what steps you can initiate to reduce these risks. A survey generally takes 20 minutes for a small workspace and up to one hour for an overall building assessment. "Operation Identification"
 
"Operation Identification" is a nationally recognized personal property identification program to deter theft and aid in recovery. You identify your property by engraving your drivers license number on your property and keeping a record of each item, including a description. For unusual or high value items such as jewelry, valuable artwork, special equipment, and etc., it is advisable to take video or pictures. You can borrow an engraver from the Rice Police Department. Personal property should be inscribed with the owner's driver license number and state identifier (i.e. TX12345678DL). University property should also be marked "Rice" and the university department and the item serial number.

Specialized Programs

The Rice Police Department has numerous special safety and crime reduction programs for specific department/offices such as: Robbery Prevention for departments that handle money - Staff are trained on how to reduce the potential of being robbed, how to react during a robbery, and what to do after a robbery. Office thefts and how to prevent them from occurring - Examples of incidents are provided along with tips on how to harden the target and reduce the potential for thefts from the workplace.
 
Bomb threats and suspicious packages and letters - Instruction is provided on what questions to ask when you receive a telephone bomb threat and what information law enforcement will need when they respond to the call. Personnel are also taught how to identify suspicious packages and letters and what to do when they discover a suspicious package or letter in the mail. Each of these programs usually lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Asset Protection Program

Security awareness programs are developed to help administrators and facilities managers identify potential theft hazards and implement procedures designed to increase the security for department property and facilities. General Information
 
You may contact Sergeant Jim Baylor at 713 348-4594 for information on crime prevention, upcoming women's self defense RAD classes, and any other personal safety questions you may have. Future special interest articles which will appear in this section will address such issues as:
 
Auto theft crimes - Confrontational avoidance - Letter and package bombs - Panhandlers & transients - Residential security.