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Crime Prevention / Outreach

At the UHCL Police Department, crime prevention is a function of every department employee. All police officers are capable of discussing proven crime prevention techniques and are charged to interface with community members daily and work with them to resolve their concerns. Formally, the department’s Office of Professional Standards coordinates community training programs and conducts risk assessment reviews on all facilities. One of the police department’s stated goals is to “engage the university community to participate in their own protection and safety through community outreach programs”. The UHCL Police offers several programs designed to meet this goal. All programs are free of charge. Programs are scheduled throughout the year, but can also be specially requested by departments, classes, and student organizations.

The following programs are part of the UHCL Police crime prevention repertoire:

Active Shooter / Critical Incident Response
Bicycle Registration
Hurricane Safety
Incident Command Systems
Office Risk Assessment
Operation ID
Parking Lot Safety
Personal Safety
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)
Theft Prevention
Women’s Safety Issues

Pre-scheduled programs are announced regularly through email. To request a particular program, simply call 281-283-2225 and speak with Detective Kyle Pirtle. If you would like a topic presented that is not specifically listed above, the police department can specially design a presentation tailored to your concerns or interests.

Your Role

A secure environment is made possible through community involvement in crime prevention. The purpose of community crime prevention is simple: to help you recognize your own vulnerability to crime, and reduce your risk through preventive action and cooperation with the police.

Theft is the most common crime on the UHCL campus. Most thefts occur during the daylight hours, and thieves enter the structure without forced entry. It is important to watch out for one another. In your office and other department spaces, exchange information about your schedule with colleagues, and watch your neighbors’ rooms and work areas.

A high percentage of campus crimes are incidents of opportunity. Often we contribute to the crime rate by needlessly placing ourselves or our property at risk. The lifeblood of criminal activity contains three elements, called the Crime Triangle:

Desire of a criminal to commit a crime.

Target of the criminal’s desire.

Opportunity for the crime to be committed.

We are limited in our ability to impact the first two elements. However, removing or reducing the criminal’s Opportunity is the best defense. Like a fire feeding on oxygen, crime feeds on opportunity, but prevention efforts can be effective in reducing these opportunities. You play an essential role in crime prevention efforts. Be cautious, careful, and alert to your own safety; protect your possessions and university property. Keep property locked up if possible. Lock your office door when leaving and do not leave valuables unattended. Walk to your vehicle with another person or in a group. Use common sense and always stay alert. Trust your self-preservation instincts. And always remember to call the police to report suspicious persons or activity as soon as it is safe for you to do so.

Remember!

Awareness is the key to your safety