2008 Clery Report: Virginia Tech Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report
Virginia Tech Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report
Virginia Tech Police Department has been designated as the department responsible for compiling and publishing the university’s annual security and fire safety report. This document is intended to serve as the annual security and fire safety report, as required by the Higher Education Opportunity Act and 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, fire statistics and safety information, policy information, safety tips, resource phone numbers and a brief overview of the many services the university provides. A detailed High Resolution Campus Map (PDF | 1.76MB) is also provided.
Keep this information where it can be easily located; it provides you with a useful reference source of information.
Information for this report is compiled from reports provided by Campus Security Authorities including, but not limited to, the Office of Student Conduct, Environmental Health and Safety, the Dean of Students Office, the Virginia Tech Women’s Center, and the Office of Residence Life. Statistics are also compiled from law enforcement agencies in jurisdictions that Virginia Tech owns, leases or controls property or those with jurisdiction on adjacent property.
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.
Back to TopCampus Overview
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has a student population of over 25,000 on its main campus and serves over 2,300 students at extension campuses located throughout the Commonwealth. Surrounded by the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is situated on 2,600 beautifully landscaped acres located in the New River Valley and only a short drive from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the Appalachian Trail, and the New River itself.
Back to TopVirginia Tech Police
The Virginia Tech Police Department is a nationally accredited professional organization staffed by highly trained men and women. The department consists of 49 sworn officers and a full time support staff of 25 employees. Numerous seasonal employees supplement the support staff during the academic year. Virginia Tech Police operates 24 hours a day and provides full police services to the university community. The officers are state-certified and empowered to enforce all federal, state, and local laws on university property. They have full authority to make arrests and carry firearms. In addition to patrol, investigation, and crime prevention, the department answers calls for assistance, such as motorist assists.
Virginia Tech police officers have jurisdiction and respond to incidents on the immediate campus in Blacksburg, Virginia and property owned or leased by Virginia Tech and university related corporations in the Blacksburg area. The Virginia Tech Police Department has jurisdiction on any other public or private institution of higher learning, if requested by that institution. A concurrent jurisdiction agreement was granted by the Circuit Court Judge of Montgomery County and includes the Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, as well as the county of Montgomery.
The Virginia Tech Police Department maintains a close working relationship with the Virginia State Police, Blacksburg Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and Christiansburg Police Department as well as 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. The Virginia Tech Police Department has a news release called “What’s Happening” that is published each day (except Sat. and Sun.). “What’s Happening” lists all incidents of crime within the past 24 hours. A copy is E-mailed to all administration with a need to know and to the local media stations. It is available for review by the public at the Police Department. Blacksburg Police notifies the university, via a Referral of Student Conduct, when students or university recognized student groups are involved in criminal activities off campus within the Town of Blacksburg.
Back to TopPolicies and Regulations
Warnings and Alerts
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended and Section 23-9.2:11 of the Code of Virginia, the university has implemented a comprehensive communications system, “VT Alerts,” to provide prompt warning notifications and alerts of emergencies or threats to the campus community using a variety of methods, including but not limited to: email notices; phone, cellular phone, and text messages; alert lines; classroom electronic message signs; posters; university website notices; and other methods. The Office of University Relations and/or VTPD will notify the campus community of emergencies or crimes that have occurred and necessitate caution, evacuation, or other action on the part of students, employees, and campus visitors. The campus community will be “immediately” notified upon confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees occurring on campus unless the notification will compromise efforts to contain the emergency. “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 VTPD, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to the university community. Annually, the Offices of University Relations and Human Resources provide communications to the university community regarding university procedures for authorized closings and receiving emergency alerts.
Additional information about the “Alert” process can be found in the University Safety and Security Policy 5615.
Back to TopMissing Persons
If a member of the University community has reason to believe that a student who resides in on-campus housing is missing, he or she should immediately notify the Virginia Tech Police Department at (540) 231-6411. Virginia Tech Police will generate a missing person report and initiate an investigation.
After investigating the missing person report, should the Virginia Tech Police determine that the student is missing and has been missing for more than 24 hours, Virginia Tech Police will notify the student’s emergency contact, or confidentially identified individual, no later than 24 hours after the student is determined to be missing. If the missing student is under the age of 18 and is not an emancipated individual, Virginia Tech Police will notify the student’s parent or legal guardian immediately after Virginia Tech Police has determined that the student has been missing for more than 24 hours.
In addition to registering an emergency contact, students residing in on-campus housing have the option to identify, confidentially, an individual to be contacted by Virginia Tech in the event the student is determined to be missing for more than 24 hours. Students who wish to identify a confidential contact can do so through the Hokie Spa web site.
Back to TopAccess to Campus Buildings
Security and access control design standards have been developed for new and renovated buildings owned by the university. Designs are reviewed by VTPD for compliance with security requirements. VTPD will evaluate the Offices of Housing & Dining Services and Residence Life security measures to ensure residence hall security. Entrances to residence floors shall be locked at all times. Exterior doors in all residence hall buildings shall remain locked except in those buildings that house university offices. In addition, exterior entrances are allowed to be unlocked during official move-in hours each fall. Residents of the building and their escorted guests, as well as authorized persons, access the building by utilizing the card access system. Resident Advisors (RAs) and Campus Watch Security make rounds during evening hours to verify that exterior entrances are locked and secured. Academic and administrative buildings are open to the public during operating hours and are generally secured after operating hours and during extended breaks.
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 of the university 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.
Back to TopAlcohol and Drugs
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 online at the Office of Student Conduct.
Back to TopAlcohol Policy
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.
Back to TopControlled 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 the first offense. Violations of state law should be reported to the Virginia Tech Police who will take appropriate legal actions. For more comprehensive details, please refer to the University’s Policy for a Drug Free University.
Back to TopServices and Prevention Information
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Services
The Campus Alcohol Abuse Prevention Center, located in 147 McComas Hall is the university resources for alcohol abuse prevention. They may be contacted at (540) 231-2233 or CAAPC@vt.edu. Drug education prevention is provided by A.D.A.P.T. (Alcohol and Drug Prevention Team). ADAPT Peer Educators are dedicated to addressing alcohol and other drug abuse issues in the Virginia Tech community.
ADAPT members promote awareness through educational programs and outreach, while serving as accessible resources for fellow students. ADAPT members strive to minimize the abuse of alcohol and other drugs in an effort to encourage students to pursue positive behavioral changes, and to promote a healthier environment at Virginia Tech. They can be contacted through the Office of Student Conduct in Suite 141 New Hall West or at (540) 231-3790.
Back to TopSafety and Security Programs
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 an as request basis. These programs include personal and property safety, drug and alcohol awareness, women's awareness, sexual assault prevention and other requested topics. All programs are available to faculty, staff and students upon request or if a need becomes apparent.
Back to TopOperation Identification
The Virginia Tech Police Department has engravers to loan for the purpose of engraving personal property. 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). Do not use your social security number due to the rise of identity theft.
Back to TopFingerprinting Services
Virginia Tech Police also provide fingerprinting services for Virginia Tech students, faculty, staff and their families at no cost, and at anytime.
Back to TopSafe Ride
The Virginia Tech Police Department sponsors a nighttime safety escort service. Safe Ride operates from dusk till dawn and provides transportation or a walking escort, upon request, to persons who must cross campus during the nighttime alone. Safe Ride may be contacted by calling (540) 231-SAFE.
Back to TopSexual Assault and Prevention
Sexual Assault/Sex Offenses
Sexual Assault is a crime punishable by both civil and criminal legal action. The University Judicial System administered through the Office of Student Conduct 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.
Virginia Tech Police Department is always available and ready to assist if needed. The Virginia Tech Police Department is a valuable resource for information. The department has educational literature available on prevention methods and procedures to follow if you should become the victim of a sex offense. The department provides educational programs on women’s awareness, personal safety and instructs Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) classes upon request. RAD classes are self-defense classes for women only and consist of awareness, safety tips and progresses into hands on attack simulations at the end of the class.
The Police Department’s Victim/Witness Assistance Program protects the rights of victims and witness of crimes. Referral information is accessible at all times regarding area services available for general counseling, medical attention, emergency housing or financial assistance. Responsiveness to the needs of crime victims is a department priority.
Back to TopIF 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 the New River Valley Medical Center in Radford or Montgomery Regional Hospital in Blacksburg. A qualified physician or nurse will examine you for injuries and collect physical evidence that could be used in judicial proceedings if you decide to prosecute. New River Valley Medical Center and Montgomery Regional Hospital offer the services of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners.
- 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 will notify the Women’s Resource Center of Radford, who 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 the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center, Women’s Center at Virginia Tech, The Women’s Resource Center, or a private counselor. All these services are free of charge (except private counseling) and 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 at Virginia Tech, or the academic dean of your college about academic relief. The Dean of Students 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. People are ready and able to help you, but they can’t if you don’t ask.
Medical Care
As mentioned above, victims of very recent assaults should go to the emergency room of New River Valley Medical Center or Montgomery Regional Hospital for a physical exam and the collection of evidence. All victims, past or present, should be seen by a qualified physician or nurse to check for sexually transmitted diseases, physical trauma, and possible pregnancy. New River Valley Medical Center and Montgomery regional Hospital offer the services of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. Female victims may prefer to see a female physician, and should request one if that will increase their comfort, though in the emergency room that may not always be possible.
Virginia Tech students can receive all necessary medical care through Schiffert Health Services; however, Schiffert cannot collect evidence and will refer victims to Montgomery Regional Hospital or New River Valley Medical Center. The Women’s Clinic of Schiffert Health Services offers gynecological care, pregnancy testing, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases. Victims may also wish to see their family doctor. Even if no symptoms are apparent, victims are still strongly encouraged to seek medical attention.
Back to TopCounseling Options
Students coping with a sexual assault have at least three counseling options that are free of charge. Two of those options are on-campus: The Women’s Center at Virginia Tech and the Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center. The Women’s Center at Virginia Tech offers short-term crisis counseling and sexual assault support groups. The Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center offers both short-term and long-term individual and group counseling. The Women’s Resource Center in Radford offers a 24-hour crisis line, individual and group counseling, and legal advocacy. These three agencies frequently collaborate to provide services to victims of sexual assault and these services are confidential. Many other options exist which have some cost associated with them, such as private therapists. 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.
Back to TopLegal and Judicial Options
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.
Back to TopCriminal
A police report must be generated before an investigation can begin and charges can be placed. If the assault happened on campus, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Tech Police. If the assault occurred off-campus in the town of Blacksburg, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Blacksburg Police. If the assault occurred in the county, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. If the assault occurred in the town of Christiansburg, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Christiansburg Police Department and must be reported there.
Many victims believe that if they do not file criminal charges immediately, they lose that option. This may not be the case. 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 Montgomery Regional 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’s 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 protected.
Back to TopCampus
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 referral of student conduct-is filed by the referral agent. At the hearing, the alleged offender and the referral agent 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 the Office of Student 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 Student Conduct. Additional information can be located in the University Policies of Student Life or by contacting the Student Life & Advocacy Office.
Back to TopCivil Court
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.
Back to TopSex Offender Registry and Access to Related 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. 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.
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.
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 Against Minors Registry 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. Uses of the information for purposes not authorized by this section are 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.
Back to TopImportant Phone Numbers
This section has attempted to offer an overview of sexual assault issues, and the available options on the Virginia Tech 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. The university therefore offers a variety of services so that victims can get the assistance they most need. A good starting point for a victim, or family and friends of a victim, is with the Sexual Assault Education Coordinator who is based in The Women’s Center at Virginia Tech. For further explanation or elaboration of the information in this section, contact the agencies whose numbers are listed here.
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Reporting a Crime or Getting Emergency Assistance
Individuals are responsible for being aware of and complying with university policies/procedures, and applicable law. Employees and students also have an obligation to accurately, voluntarily and promptly report crimes, emergencies, potential threats, or risks to the appropriate university office(s). Crimes and other emergencies should be reported to the Virginia Tech Police Department at 231-6411 or 911 for an emergency. Crimes can be reported confidentially by calling 232-TIPS.
Criminal or suspicious acts and emergencies should be reported to the police immediately in person, by telephone or by using one of the emergency call boxes strategically located around campus. A program has been added to The Virginia Tech Police Home Page that enables students, faculty and staff to report incidents via the Internet. The report form contains all information needed to complete a police report. This form can only be used for vandalism, damage, or destruction of property; larceny or theft offenses; and annoying or harassing phone calls. If a person wants to report an incident either anonymously or formally to the Women’s Center, Office of Student Conduct or to the Virginia Tech Police they can access the "Stop Abuse" website.
An on-line silent-witness reporting option is also available. 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 on the Report A Crime page. If you should ever have a need to contact the police, our officers and staff will attempt to assist you in any way possible. Virginia Tech Police Department is located behind Lane Stadium next to the University's Fleet Services building. Our dispatch office is staffed 24 hours a day and the department's dispatchers are always available to answer questions or to have an officer respond to take a complaint. Below are a few tips for contacting the police. By using these tips you can help us, help you.
The Virginia Tech Police Department encourages everyone that has become a victim of crime to come forward and report to the police. However, on occasion and depending on the nature of the crime the victim refuses to press charges. This is the victim's option. Just because a report is filed with the police department does not mean that criminal charges have to be filed. Students also have the option of contacting other university resources, such as the Virginia Tech Women’s Center, Office of Student Conduct, Cook Counseling Center, McComas Health Center, or academic advisors who will assist with notifications, if desired.
The Virginia Tech Police has two phone numbers. One is for Police, Fire and Rescue emergency calls. The other phone line is for non-emergency calls.
Back to TopSources of Information and Assistance
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Safety Tips
Security doesn't begin and end with the university 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 Safe Ride 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.
Campus Fire Safety Annual Compliance Report
Overview
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (Public Law 110-315) became law in August, 2008, requiring all United States academic institutions to produce an annual fire safety report outlining fire safety practices, standards, and all fire-related on-campus statistics related to student housing. The following public disclosure report details all information required by this law as it relates to Virginia Tech.
Back to TopOn-Campus Housing Fire Safety Equipment
At Virginia Tech, all forty-four of our residence halls are protected by fire detection and alarm systems which are centrally monitored 24 hours/day, seven days/week. The buildings are also equipped with either emergency generators or lighting fixtures that incorporate backup batteries; upon loss of power, these systems automatically activate to assure adequate egress lighting in hallways and emergency exit stairwells. Twenty-four of our residence halls are fully sprinklered, including all high-rise residence halls. Carbon monoxide detectors have been installed in all residence hall mechanical rooms where products of combustion could occur. All fire safety systems and equipment are strictly maintained and tested in accordance with applicable national standards.
Back to TopFire Safety Education, Training and Fire Drills
All on-campus residents (including those with special needs) receive intensive and comprehensive fire safety training at the beginning of each semester. Training on fire and life safety is also provided to all Residential Advisors, Area Coordinators, Building Managers, Fraternity & Sorority House Managers, University Unions and Student Activities Event Staff & Crowd Managers, Housekeeping staff and Hot-work Coordinators. In addition, a quality control program that covers emergency and evacuation procedures is reviewed regularly with the occupants and staff of each respective residence hall. Each resident is required to review and comply with the requirements outlined in the Hokie Handbook and Room & Board and So Much More, which includes information on fire safety and what appropriate action to take during a fire alarm or fire emergency. Student Programs also maintains extensive information on fire safety on the Student Programs Fire Safety website. There is an emergency evacuation map posted on each floor to direct occupants to primary and secondary exits.
Fire drills are conducted in residence halls four times per year in coordination with Virginia Tech’s offices of Environmental, Health and Safety Services and Student Programs. Fraternity and sorority houses that are located on university property must follow the same procedures that apply to residence halls.
Back to TopSpecific Fire Prevention Related Policies and Programs
- Policy 1005 -Health and Safety, affirms that faculty, staff and students must comply with university health and safety policies and programs, attend required training, report any identified safety or health hazard, and know their roles in an emergency.
- Policy 1010 - Policy on Smoking, prohibits smoking in all university properties owned and operated by Virginia Tech, including residence halls.
- Policy 5000 - University Facilities Usage and Event Approval, requires that an application must be submitted for certain types of events on campus, and affirms that these events are subject to a review and approval process. The use of open flames and pyrotechnics, layout of assembly areas/events, and use of decorations are all evaluated during this review.
- Policy 5406 - Requirements for Temporary Facilities/Tents/Stages, assures that tents, stages and other temporary facilities comply the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, including the prohibition on the use of open flames near or under any tent.
- Policy 5605 - Residence Hall Fire and Fire Alarm Procedures, affirms that students must evacuate the building upon fire alarm activation and outlines the role of staff members in overseeing evacuation procedures and reentry into the building when authorized.
- Policy 5615 - University Safety and Security, requires that Resident Advisors be trained to perform safety audits of residence rooms, coordinate emergency evacuations and warning procedures, and facilitate the performance of fire and other drills.
- The Hokie Handbookand Room & Board and So Much More, which are part of the housing contract, limit the types of electrical appliances allowed in residence halls, establish expectations for compliance with drills and training, provide for periodic health and safety inspections of residence rooms, affirm limitations on materials that may be stored in resident rooms, prohibit open flames without a permit, limit the use of combustible decorations/furnishings, and define the consequences if students violate university polices and programs. Specifically:
- Electrical appliances such as electric stoves, George Foreman-type grills, toaster ovens, toasters, crock pots, sandwich makers, air conditioners, space heaters, hot plates, and other open coiled appliances are not permitted in residence hall rooms. No extension cords of any type are permitted, and halogen bulb lamps and high intensity lamps are prohibited.
- Room furnishings/decorations and the decorating of public spaces is strictly controlled. Additional limitations on the use of flammable and combustible materials for decorations in both residence rooms and common areas are affirmed in the Policy for Residence Hall Decorations.
- Items that require an open flame, operate on fuel, or produce heat (such as Bunsen burners, lit candles, incense, and alcohol burners) are prohibited.
- Student rooms, common areas, storage, and mechanical areas are subject to regular inspection by the Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office, Environmental Health and Safety Services personnel, and Student Programs staff. In addition, resident room inspections are conducted once per semester by hall staff in order to identify any health or safety concerns. Violations of fire and life safety policies are subject to university judicial action and appropriate sanctions.
- Anyone found causing a false fire alarm, tampering with fire-safety equipment, or not properly evacuating during a fire alarm will face arrest and/or referral of student conduct.
- Virginia Tech’s Fire and Life Safety Program establishes requirements for the performance of periodic fire safety inspections of all university buildings, including residence halls; provides for periodic training for employees and students on basic fire safety; affirms conditions that must be maintained in all university properties to comply with the Virginia State Wide Fire Prevention Code; and, establishes requirements for the permitting, approval and inspection of hot work, use of open flames/burning, pyrotechnics and special effects, and temporary facilities, tents and stages.
Statistical Report for Fire Response to Residence Halls
A “Fire Log” of all fires reported including: nature, date, time and general location. The log is maintained by Environmental Health and Safety Services located at 459 Tech Center Drive. The log is available for public view between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. An electronic version is available at: http://www.ehss.vt.edu/programs/fire_higher_ed.php. All fires should be reported to the Virginia Tech Police at 231-6411 for non-emergency issues or 911 for an emergency.
Back to TopFire response statistics for residence halls at Virginia Tech
Calendar Year |
|||
Alarm Type |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Burnt Food |
36 |
41 |
33 |
Small Fires |
10 |
13 |
3 |
Intentional Alarm Pull 1 |
57 |
36 |
31 |
Alarm, Unintentional 2 |
42 |
39 |
54 |
Alarm, Unknown Cause 3 |
94 |
96 |
89 |
Elevator Rescue |
41 |
15 |
4 |
Total Alarms/Year |
280 |
240 |
214 |
1 Intentional Alarms: The fire alarm system was intentionally activated when no fire or danger existed or the system malfunctioned. Includes false or malicious fire alarm activations.
2 Alarm, Unintentional: The fire alarm system was activated as it was designed to do, though the ultimate cause of the alarm was false; for example, dust entering a smoke detector.
3 Alarm, Unknown Cause: No apparent cause was found for the fire alarm or smoke detector activation.
Back to TopNoted cause of actual reported fires
Calendar Year |
|||
Fire Cause |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
Equipment Malfunction/Overheating |
50% |
54% |
33% |
Small Fire, Contained |
20% |
8% |
0% |
Outdoor Trash Can or Mulch Fire |
10% |
38% |
67% |
Unknown Source for Smoke/Odor |
10% |
0% |
0% |
Student Activity (Haze Effect) |
10% |
0% |
0% |
There were no reported fire-related injuries or fatalities in residence halls during calendar years 2006 through 2008. There were no fire-related losses reported during calendar years 2006 and 2007. Fire losses for calendar year 2008 were estimated at $17,000.
Back to TopPlans for Future Improvement
Virginia Tech maintains a prioritized list of projects to upgrade older fire systems, enhance the capabilities of existing systems, or install new fire safety systems in existing buildings.
Virginia Tech Police Department
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Last updated September 25, 2009
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