Crime Reports          Southwest Virginia Center Statistics

CAMPUS SECURITY

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

            Chartered by the Virginia General Assembly to enhance economic growth and stability in our region, this stunning 89,000 square foot facility at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) looks to the future with pride.

 SVHEC offers over 40 bachelor and master degree programs and undergraduate certificate programs in such disciplines as Business, Education, Engineering, Health and Human Service, Liberal Arts and General Studies.  SVHEC is easily accessible from Interstate I-81 in Abingdon, Virginia.                  

Virginia Tech is committed to providing the members of the campus community and visitors with the safest and most secure environment possible, however, even the most extensive initiatives cannot succeed without the awareness and cooperation of the community members who work, study and live on campus.  This document is prepared as an annual security report as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.  The purpose of the report is to provide information about security on campus to include:  campus and community crime statistics, policy information, safety tips, resource phone numbers and a brief overview of the many services the university provides.  Keep this information where it can be easily located; it provides you with a useful reference source of information.

            Virginia Tech has designed policies and regulations in order to create a safer and more harmonious environment for the members of its community.  All campus community members and visitors are required to obey these regulations.  These policies not only reflect the university’s high standards of conduct, but also local, state and federal laws.  Observed and enforced, they create a high degree of safety for the university community.

            Virginia Tech recognizes that the misuse and abuse of alcohol is a persistent social and health problem of major proportion in our society and that it interferes with the goals and objectives of any educational institution.  Accordingly, Virginia Tech does not encourage the use of alcoholic beverages and strongly discourages illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol.  Members of the university community are responsible for their decisions regarding their use of alcohol as well as their behavior, which occur as a result of these decisions.  In this context, Virginia Tech created a comprehensive policy on Alcoholic Beverages and Other Controlled Substances.  This policy can be found in the University Polices for Student Life and on the Web at

http://www.judicial.vt.edu.  The Alcoholic Beverage Policy is outlined in the Student Code of Conduct found in University Policies for Student Life.

            Virginia Tech fully complies with the alcohol regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia.  All state laws apply to Virginia Tech students, faculty, staff and visitors.  These laws prohibit possession, distribution and consumption of all alcoholic beverages by persons less than 21 years of age.  To maintain conditions conducive to a learning environment, and to ensure that all community members are in a safe, productive environment, the university further restricts the use of alcohol within specified criteria.  For more comprehensive details, please refer to the University’s Policy on Alcoholic Beverages and Other Controlled Substances.

            The university strictly prohibits the illegal use or possession of any controlled substance.  The illegal use of controlled substances is incompatible with the goals of an academic community.  Students found guilty of possessing, using, distributing, or selling controlled substances will face serious disciplinary action, which may include suspension and/or dismissal from the university for a first offense.  Violations of state law should be reported to the Abingdon Police Department who will take appropriate legal actions.

Timely Warnings 

As required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, “timely warnings” will be provided to the community in the event that a situation arises, either on campus or off, that, in the judgment of the Chief of the Virginia Tech Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat.  The warning may be issued through the use of the university email system, posters, or phone mail systems. Depending on the particular circumstances of the crime, especially in all situations that could pose an immediate threat to the community and individuals, University Relations may also post a notice on the Virginia Tech homepage (www.vt.edu) or utilize the “VT Alerts” automated notification system.   Due to the location of campus, the Chief of Police for Virginia Tech may not have information about incidents in Abington.  While there is no formal policy in place for Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, the Director of the facility would have the responsibility of informing the community about incidents of concern.

            Sexual Assault is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action.  The University Judicial System administered through the Office of Judicial Affairs adjudicates, at the request of the victim, all cases involving sex offenses in which the alleged perpetrator is a Virginia Tech Student.  Virginia Tech also encourages victims to prosecute alleged perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.  There are several avenues for assistance if a person becomes the victim of a sex offense.

            Victims of sexual assault tend to feel a variety of conflicting emotions: rage, fear, depression, relief to have survived, numbness, and exhaustion, to name just a few.  Two key points to remember are that the assault was not your fault and there is help available.

IF SEXUAL ASSAULT HAPPENS TO YOU:

   Contact the police for assistance and information or to report the incident. The Virginia Tech police should be contacted for on-campus incidents and the local police should be contacted for off-campus incidents.

   Go to Johnston Memorial Hospital.  A qualified physician will examine you for injuries and collect physical evidence that could be used in criminal proceedings if you decide to prosecute.

   If possible, do not change your clothes, shower, eat or drink between the rape and the trip to the emergency room. Preserving evidence is critical and can assist in prosecution.  Bring a change of clothes with you because the police will need the clothes you were wearing for evidence.

   The hospital should notify local area resources, which will supply you with a trained companion at the hospital.  The companion will look after your needs and will help direct you to available services.

   Even if you do not wish to prosecute, it is important that you have a physical exam after the attack.  Besides bruises or other physical injuries, the perpetrator might have passed on a sexually transmitted disease that requires treatment.  An HIV/AIDS test may also ease your mind, although six months must elapse after an attack to accurately detect the presence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

   Seek counseling from a local women’s center, the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center at Virginia Tech, Women’s Center at Virginia Tech, or a private counselor.  All these services are free of charge (except private counseling) and are CONFIDENTIAL.  If you are not comfortable talking with a counselor, consider talking with a trusted friend or family member (See Counseling).

   Consider your judicial options if you have not done so already.  Although there are statutes of limitation on criminal cases, they are often longer than you think.  You also have the option of campus and civil charges (See Judicial Options).

   If the assault and its aftermath are interfering with your ability to complete your academic work, talk with the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center, Women’s Center, or the academic dean of your college about academic relief.  The Dean of Students Office will also assist in changing academic and living situations after an alleged sexual assault incident, should the victim request such assistance and such changes are reasonably available.

   Remember that it is never too late to deal with a sexual assault, and that you can heal from this significant trauma.  Lots of people are ready and able to help you, but they can’t if you don’t ask.

Family members and friends often have strong reactions when they learn that someone they love has been sexually assaulted, whether recently or in the past.  Of course, they feel concern for their loved one, but that concern can emerge in ways that do not assist the victim’s recovery.  Below are some suggestions on how to assist the victim. Friends and family members are also strongly encouraged to seek counseling and support for their feelings of grief, rage, and guilt.

   Above all, do not blame the victim for the sexual assault.  She or he is likely to be very sensitive to questions that sound accusatory, such as, “why were you in his room?” Or “Why did you have so much to drink?”

   Reassure the victim that you believe her or him.  Confessions of this nature are very, very difficult to make, and the victim likely fears disbelief as much as blame.

   Ask the victim what she or he needs.  As tempting as it might be, do not step in and take control of the situation.  The victim has had control taken away from her or him by the sexual assault, and it is vital that he or she regains control in the healing process.  Although you may think you know best, let the victim make the decisions.

   You may feel unable to assist the victim because of your own emotions or beliefs.  It’s fine to tell her or him this If the perpetrator is someone you know, do not try to exact revenge yourself.  Leave that to the legal system, if the victim so chooses.

   Encourage the victim to seek assistance, and remember that you too will need support as you go through this difficult time with your loved one.

As mentioned above, victims of very recent assaults should go to the emergency room at Johnston Memorial Hospital for a physical exam and the collection of evidence. All victims, past or present, should be seen by a qualified physician to check for sexually transmitted diseases, physical trauma, and possible pregnancy.  Female victims may prefer to see a female physician, and should request one if that will increase their comfort, although in the emergency room that may not always be possible. All the physicians there are trained to work with sexual assault cases.

            Victims are strongly encouraged to seek medical attention. Victims may also wish to see their family doctor. 

Counseling is often crucial to the recovery process, and victims should be encouraged to seek the assistance of qualified professionals, even if many years have elapsed since the assault.  As always, the choice to seek counseling should be the victim’s.  It is recommended to contact a local women’s center or crisis center for immediate assistance. 

Other options exist which have some cost associated with them, such as private therapists.

Sexual assault victims have three judicial options from which to choose: filing criminal charges, filing campus judicial charges, and filing a civil suit for monetary damages.  Victims are not limited to just one of these options, but can choose any combination including filing all three types of charges.  Below is a brief description of each type of judicial process.

Filing criminal charges means going to the police.  If the assault happened on campus, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Abingdon Police Department. If the assault occurred in another locality, then the local police should be consulted.

Many victims believe that if they do not file criminal charges immediately, they lose that option.  There are statutes of limitation for filing criminal charges, but they are typically several years in duration.  Certainly, it is best to go to the police as soon as possible after an assault, in order to preserve as much evidence as possible.  The police will arrange for the victim to be seen at Johnston Memorial Hospital for medical care and evidence collection.  However, even if some time has elapsed, the police still encourage victims to come forward.

Criminal charges are prosecuted by the state of Virginia, not the individual victim.  A commonwealth attorney will argue the case at no cost to the victim. The victim serves as the primary witness to the crime, and his or her testimony is crucial to the case.  Criminal cases may take considerable time to proceed through the justice system.  Typically, the press protects the identity of the victim, although the identity of the accused perpetrator is not.

Campus judicial charges can only be filed if the alleged offender is a Virginia Tech student.  The referral agent is typically a member of the Virginia Tech community as well. The campus judicial system examines violations of university policy. Campus judicial hearings do not replace or substitute for criminal prosecutions, and students who choose campus judicial hearings are also encouraged to seek redress through the criminal justice system and civil court.  So long as the accused student is enrolled in school, there is no statute of limitations on filing judicial charges.

The student accused of sexual misconduct may choose between an administrative hearing and a panel hearing.  The hearing typically takes place within two weeks of the time the complaint-called a judicial referral-is filed by the referral agent.  At the hearing, the accused student and the accuser each have the opportunity to present their side of the story and to call witnesses.  Each also may have a support person/advisor present.  The burden of proof is lower than in a criminal court. The hearing officers will base their decision on a preponderance of the evidence. Both the accuser and the accused will be notified of the outcome of the judicial hearing.

Sexual misconduct is classified in the Student Code of Conduct as a violation of the Abusive Conduct Policy.  Depending on the circumstances of the case, students who are found in violation of the abusive conduct policy may receive sanctions that include suspension for one or more semesters or dismissal from the university. If a student is found guilty of a sexual assault involving penetration, the minimum sanction will be one year’s suspension. Students found in violation of the university sexual misconduct policy do have the right to appeal. Notification of judicial action taken against students is made on a “need to know” basis.  This includes the Commandant of Cadets in cases involving cadets, the Office of the Graduate School in cases involving graduate students and international students, the Athletic Department in cases involving varsity athletes, the Director of Residential and Dining Programs, in cases involving residence hall students, and victims of violent crime, including sexual assaults, involving student perpetrators.  Other university agencies or organizations may be required to obtain written release before they can receive notification. Copies of all judicial sanction letters are archived in the Office of Judicial Affairs.  Additional information can be located in the University Policies for Student Life or by contacting the Office of Judicial Affairs. 

Sexual assault victims have the right to sue the perpetrator or other involved parties for monetary damages.  This type of prosecution, which may be pursued alone or in conjunction with criminal and/or campus judicial charges, does require an attorney.  As with campus judicial action, the burden of proof is a preponderance of the evidence.  Victims considering this type of prosecution are advised to consult Student Legal Services or a private attorney for information.

The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, enacted on October 28, 2000, went into effect October 28, 2002. The law requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement agency information provided by a State concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also requires sex offenders already required to register in a State to provide notice, as required under State law, of each institution of higher education in that State at which the person is employed, carries on a vocation, volunteers services or is a student.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia convicted sex offenders must register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry. The Registry was established pursuant to § 19.2-390.1 of the Commonwealth's Crimes Code. Every person convicted on or after July 1, 1997, including juveniles tried and convicted in the circuit courts pursuant to § 16.1-269.1, whether sentenced as adults or juveniles, of an offense for which registration is required shall be required as a part of the sentence imposed upon conviction to register and reregister with the Commonwealth's Department of State Police as provided in this section. . Information about the Sex Offender registry can be found at http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/index.htm, or can be accessed through the Virginia Tech Police Homepage at http://www.police.vt.edu.

In addition, all persons convicted of violations under the laws of the United States or any other state substantially similar to an offense for which registration is required shall provide to the local agency all necessary information for inclusion in the State Police Registry within ten days of establishing a residence within the Commonwealth. Any person required to register shall also be required to reregister within ten days following any change of residence, whether within or without the Commonwealth.

Nonresident offenders entering the Commonwealth for employment, to carry on a vocation, volunteer services or as a student attending school who are required to register in their state of residence or who would be required to register under this section if a resident of the Commonwealth shall, within ten days of accepting employment or enrolling in school in the Commonwealth, be required to register and reregister pursuant to this section. For purposes of this section "student" means a person who is enrolled on a full-time or part- time basis, in any public or private educational institution, including any secondary school, trade or professional institution, or institution of higher education.

Information concerning offenders registered with the Sex Offender and Crimes Minors Registry Against may be disclosed to any person requesting information on a specific individual in accordance with the law. Information regarding a specific person requested pursuant to the law shall be disseminated upon receipt of an official request form that may be submitted directly to the Commonwealth's Department of State Police or to the State Police through a local law-enforcement agency. The Department of State Police shall make Registry information available, upon request, to criminal justice agencies including local law-enforcement agencies through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Registry information provided under this section shall be used for the purposes of the administration of criminal justice, for the screening of current or prospective employees or volunteers or otherwise for the protection of the public in general and children in particular. Use of the information for purposes not authorized by this section is prohibited and a willful violation of this section with the intent to harass or intimidate another shall be punished as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The Commonwealth's State Police maintains a system for making certain Registry information on violent sex offenders publicly available by means of the Internet. The information made available includes the offender's name; all aliases which he has used or under which he may have been known; the date and locality of the conviction and a brief description of the offense; his date of birth, current address and photograph; and such other information as the State Police may from time to time determine is necessary to preserve public safety. The system is secure and is not capable of being altered except by or through the State Police. The system is updated each business day with newly received registrations and re-registrations.

This section has attempted to offer an overview of sexual assault issues, and the available options on the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center campus.  No one publication can be entirely comprehensive.  Sexual assault is a complex issue; no two cases will have exactly the same results or the same course of action.    For further explanation or elaboration of the information in this section, contact the agencies whose numbers are listed here.

   Abingdon Police Department
          911- (emergency)
          540-628-3111 (non-emergency)

   Johnston Memorial Hospital
          540-676-7200 (emergency room)

   Rape Crisis Center
          540-628-7731 (24-hour hotline)

   Highlands Community Center
          540-628-9504

   Abuse Alternatives
          1-800-987-6499

   SWVHEC Director’s Office
          540-469-4000

            The Virginia Tech Police maintain a close working relationship with the Virginia State Police, as well as with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. As a participant in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Virginia Crime Information Network (VCIN), Virginia Tech Police are able to transmit and receive crime information with other police agencies throughout the United States. Through its membership in related professional organizations, the department is able to keep abreast of new or developing ideas and has a medium for the exchange of information on law enforcement issues. Feel free to contact the Virginia Tech Police Department if you have questions or concerns about your campus facility.

            Virginia Tech Police Department has a full time crime prevention unit that provides educational programming, security surveys, and other crime prevention functions to the university community. Educational programs include Student Police Academy, Alcohol Awareness, Bicycle Safety, Drug Awareness, Operation ID, Personal and Property Safety (basic crime prevention and personal safety), Rape Aggression Defense and Women's Awareness and Safety. 

            Beginning with orientation sessions for incoming freshmen and their parents, the unit follows with safety programs throughout the year in the residence halls on a request basis. These programs include personal and property safety, drug and alcohol awareness, women's awareness and other requested topics. The unit assists parking services with bicycle registration and provides educational literature on bike safety and security. All programs are available to faculty and staff upon request or if a need becomes apparent.  While these programs may not be available on this particular campus the Community Outreach Unit will ensure that information is provided.

           The Virginia Tech Police encourage the prompt and accurate reporting of all crimes.  Criminal or suspicious acts and emergencies should be reported to the local police immediately in person or by telephone. Available on-line is a silent-witness reporting option. This form allows anyone to report a crime anonymously or simply to give information about a crime or alleged crime he or she has general knowledge or suspicion about.  All information is kept in the strictest confidence and is only accessible to authorized Police Personnel. These forms can be accessed at www.police.vt.edu/police. If you should ever have a need to contact the police, our officers and staff will attempt to assist you in any way possible. Below are a few tips for contacting the police.

Emergency Calls: In case of an emergency don't hesitate to use the emergency 911 number.

Emergency 911

   Immediate Police response

   Immediate Rescue response

   Fire alarms and/or Fires.

How to report an emergency

Police: 911

1.      Dial 911

2.      Give the location of the incident.

3.      What is happening or what you have observed.

4.      Give a description of the suspect.

5.      Give suspects means of transportation and direction of travel.

6.      Stay on the phone and answer any questions the dispatcher may have.

7.      Stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

Rescue:

1.      Dial 911

2.      Give the nature of the injury or illness.

3.      Give the location where first aid is needed.

4.      Answer any questions the dispatcher may have.

5.      Stay on the phone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

Fire:

1. Dial 911
2. Give the location of the fire or fire alarm.
3. Answer any questions the dispatcher may have.
4. Exit the building.

Always report crimes no matter how small they may seem. The police can do nothing about crimes unless they know they're happening.

   Abingdon Police Department
911 - Emergency
540-628-3111 -  (non-emergency)

   Johnston Memorial Hospital
540-676-7200 (emergency room)

   Office of Judicial Affairs
540-231-3790

   SWVHEC Director’s Office
 540-469-4000

A MORE SECURE CAMPUS

Access and security of buildings

Academic and administrative buildings are open to the public during operating hours and are generally secured after operating hours and during extended breaks.

            Security doesn't begin and end with the police. It takes the entire university, faculty, staff and students to make our campus a safe and secure place to live, work, and play. What can you do to help? The number one thing you can do is to take a few precautions and follow a few safety tips that will help us, help you.

   Trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

   Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night.

   Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas when walking after dark.

   Don't walk alone after dark - use the Escort Service.

   Don't leave personal property lying around unattended.

   Carry a whistle or other noisemaker.

   Never prop open exterior doors.

   Keep your room door locked when leaving even for "Just a minute" and when sleeping.

   Lock windows and close shades after dark.

   Never attach your name and address to keys, if lost or stolen they could lead to theft.

   When traveling in your vehicle keep windows up and doors locked.

   Engrave your valuables.

   Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police and report all crimes.

           Operation Identification

This nationally recognized identification procedure is thought to help make items theft resistant, because engraved items are more easily identified making them harder to sell. Another benefit to the program is, if an item is lost or stolen, then recovered, it is much easier for the owner to be located and the property returned. Procedure for engraving items is to abbreviate your state and driver's license number on the item with an engraving tool, (Expl. VA 211110000).

The Virginia Tech Police Department is charged with the responsibility of collecting data and preparing the annual crime report.  Data for this branch campus is collected from the Director or the Assistant Director of the facility.  Attempts are also made to contact the police jurisdiction for this branch campus to obtain crime statistics for the public property adjacent to the campus.