The function of the Crime Prevention and Community Outreach Unit is the proactive identification of crime, staff and students needs, and developing crime prevention and safety programs to reduce identified or anticipated crime trends. This is accomplished through educating and encouraging the Radford University community to participate in a partnership approach to crime prevention. The Crime Prevention Unit also provides information, assistance and support to the Operations and Services divisions in their daily duties to reduce crime. Each officer at the Radford University Police Department participates in crime prevention during their daily tours of duty.
Officers are available for presentations on a variety of topics including alcohol awareness, campus safety, office safety, hazing awareness, sexual assault and others. And we are able to work with you on customized programs for your group.
Below you will also find information on what constitutes rape as well as tips for both men and women on how to conduct and protect yourself. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the topics covered on this page. It may just prevent you from becoming a victim.
If you are a victim of a sexual assault on the Radford University campus, it is important that you be aware of your legal rights as stated in the "Federal Campus Sexual Assault Victim's Bill of Rights Acts of 1992".
Rape is defined as any person who has sexual intercourse with a complaining witness
who is not his or her spouse or causes a complaining witness, whether or not his or
her spouse, to engage in sexual intercourse with any other person and such act is
accomplished (i) against the complaining witness's will, by force, threat or intimidation
of or against the complaining witness or another person, or (ii) through the use of
the complaining witness's mental incapacity or physical helplessness, or (iii) with
a child under age thirteen as the victim, he or she shall be guilty of rape.
If any person has sexual intercourse with his or her spouse and such act is accomplished
against the spouse's will by force, threat or intimidation of or against spouse or
another, he or she shall be guilty of rape.
The term "Acquaintance / Date Rape" was never intended to lessen the severity of the
offense. It's only purpose was to make the potential victim aware that the attacker
is likely to be someone they know.
This type of rape is often referred to as acquaintance rape, date rape, cocktail rape,
or social rape; but by any name, rape is rape.
Rape is not a "woman's problem" and in a perfect world a woman would not need to develop strategies to protect herself. However, the potential for a rape to occur does exist in any social situation. The following suggestions may enable a potential victim to recognize and avoid dangerous situations.
Many years ago when traffic volumes were much lower than they are today, pedestrians
could take their cues from the same traffic lights as motorists. Since then new signals
were introduced to improve pedestrian safety. We hope to answer the most common questions
about pedestrian signals.
Why are pedestrian signals available at some intersections and not at others?
Pedestrian signals are installed at intersections for two main reasons: a high volume
of foot traffic, or, the signals that direct motorists do not meet the needs of pedestrians.
For example, some intersections occur at odd angles and the traffic signals can’t
be seen by pedestrians. At other locations, turning and merging lanes make intersections
so complex that special provisions must be made for pedestrians.
Shouldn’t pedestrian signals be available at every intersection?
If existing traffic signals meet the needs of people on foot — the signals are easy
to see and provide plenty of time to cross safely — there is no need for special pedestrian
signals.
Why are the words WALK and DON’T WALK being replaced by symbols? Transportation engineers worldwide are moving toward the use of symbols in place
of words on signs because they are easier for people to comprehend in a shorter amount
of time. Easily recognized symbols also accommodate people who don’t read English.
Why does it always say DON’T WALK before I've completed crossing the street?
The flashing DON’T WALK or upraised hand is a warning to people who have not yet entered
the intersection. It means that it is too late to start to safely cross the street
before the traffic signal changes and allows cars to proceed. Signals are timed to
allow plenty of time for people who have already started walking to safely cross the
street.
Is it really necessary for me to push a button to activate the pedestrian signal? Can’t I just wait for the light to change?
Buttons are available to pedestrians at locations where the traffic light is set for
cars, not for people on foot. If you don’t activate the pedestrian signal by pushing
the button, the pedestrian signal across the main roadway will not activate, and the
traffic light may not give you enough time to safely cross the street. You only need
to push the button once for it to be activated.
Can I count on a safe crossing if I carefully follow the pedestrian signals?
The signals assign your legal rights in the intersection. However, it is important
to be cautious when crossing any intersection.
What is a crosswalk?
A crosswalk is an extension of the road, sidewalk, curb or edge of the shoulder at
an intersection. Crosswalks can be either marked or unmarked. A marked crosswalk is
any portion of the roadway outlined by white painted markings or a different texture
of concrete, such as brick pavers, etc. These markings indicate that a portion of
the roadway is designated for pedestrian travel.
How are crosswalks used?
At any crosswalk (marked or unmarked) drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians
who are within the crosswalk. Crosswalks are marked mainly to encourage pedestrians
to use a particular crossing. Marked crosswalks and associated signing provide visual
cues to drivers to be alert for pedestrians.
Where are crosswalks normally marked?
Crosswalks are usually marked at intersections where there is a substantial amount
of vehicle and pedestrian travel. Examples of such locations are along school routes
and at signalized and four-way stop intersections.
Marking crosswalks encourages crossing at a particular location. For example, school
children are guided to a crossing which is usually supervised. Pedestrians are encouraged
to use the marked crossing location to avoid crossing where they do not have the right
of way.
What are mid-block crosswalks?
Occasionally crosswalks are marked at mid-block locations to accommodate greater pedestrian
traffic or where there is a substantial distance between corner crosswalks. In these
instances the painted lines should be supplemented by signs advising motorists of
the crossings. As with crosswalks at intersections, drivers approaching the crosswalk
must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
What causes pedestrian/vehicle accidents at marked crosswalks?
Even though pedestrians have the right of way at marked crosswalks, pedestrian/vehicle
accidents do occur. Research suggests that pedestrians may have a false sense of security
at marked crosswalks. They may step off the curb into the crosswalk and expect oncoming
vehicles to stop. However, drivers sometimes fail to stop.
Another frequent cause of accidents at mid-block crosswalks happens when the driver
of a vehicle nearest the curb stops for a pedestrian who is waiting to cross or who
is already in the crosswalk. Then the driver of a vehicle in the lane next to the
stopped vehicle may try to pass the stopped vehicle and hit the pedestrian. Pedestrians
should be very cautious when crossing in a crosswalk, especially when their visibility
is limited by vehicles already stopped at the crosswalk as illustrated.
At all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, it is the responsibility of the motorist
to yield to pedestrians and the pedestrian's responsibility to be cautious and alert
before crossing the street.
Keep in mind...
While the law assigns pedestrians the right of way if they have appropriately entered a crosswalk, it does not relieve pedestrians of using due care for their safety.
Any pedestrian entering a roadway outside a crosswalk gives up the right of way to vehicles on the roadway. However, this does not relieve a driver from the duty of exercising care for the safety of pedestrians on the roadway.
Pedestrians should keep to the right when walking in a crosswalk.
Drivers of vehicles about to turn into a driveway, alley, garage or private road are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians on sidewalks.
At intersections where traffic is controlled by signals or a traffic officer, pedestrians must obey the signal and not cross against the stop signal unless specifically directed to go by a traffic officer.
Pedestrians who have started to cross at a crosswalk on a go signal have the right of way until they reach the opposite curb or place of safety, such as a median.
Much of the threat to walking safely comes from motorists' speed. The faster a motorist
drives, the more likely he or she is to be involved in a crash, and the more likely
injuries to a person on foot will be serious, if not fatal.
When people walking are hit by a car...
Source: Killing Speed and Saving Lives
Personal safety at Radford University is everyone's concern and responsibility. The
Radford University Police Department urges all members of the community to participate
in making the campus as safe as possible. If you develop good security habits, you
can assist us in protecting you and safeguarding your property.
The following are some safety measures that could help prevent you from becoming a
victim of crime.
Members of the University Community are vulnerable to the same problems encountered by residents of any metropolitan area. The Radford University Police Department's mission is to protect this community. However, the opportunity for crime exists. The community can assist the Department in its efforts to reduce crime by taking the following precautions.
Textbooks are an expensive and necessary part of your college education. Year after year the cost increases. It is necessary for you to take steps to protect your investment.
Placing your name, in ink, on the inside cover and other obscure areas only known to you can help you identify your book in case of theft.
Do not leave your textbooks, calculators, or bookbags in unattended study rooms, hallways, libraries, dining halls or unsecured lockers. Record serial numbers of calculators.
Thieves know where students leave their belongings unattended and watch for an opportunity
to take your property. Be suspicious of person(s) hanging around storage areas, i.e.
outside of bookstores, with no apparent purpose.
If you see someone suspicious or if you have been a victim, contact the Radford University
Police Department at 540-831-5500.
A safety escort service is available for anyone walking alone on campus by calling the University Police dispatcher at 540-831-5500.
It is recommmended that students utilizing the safety escort drop belongings off on campus before parking and calling RUPD. There is limited space in police patrol vehicles and officers may be providing the escort on foot!
Emergency (blue light) phones are located in academic, residential and parking areas on campus. These phones connect directly to the Radford University Police Communications Center.
Radford University seeks to encourage and sustain an academic environment that both respects individual freedom and promotes the health, safety and welfare of all members of its community. In keeping with these objectives, the university has established a policy and guidelines governing the possession, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the university campus that conform to the laws of Virginia. Underage possession and /or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the university. Intentionally or knowingly selling, or intentionally or knowingly "furnishing" alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21, or to persons obviously inebriated, is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the university. Legal consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages is limited to designated locations only. The complete policy and guidelines concerning alcoholic beverages are published in the Standards of Student Conduct.
The university does not condone the possession, use or distribution of marijuana, LSD or other hallucinogens, narcotics or any other illegal drugs by anyone in any campus facility. Any individual known to be possessing, using, or distributing such drugs is subject to campus disciplinary action and criminal arrest, imprisonment and/or fine according to state law.
Consistent with its educational mission, the university also assists its members in
finding alternatives to alcoholic beverages for promoting social interaction and stress
reduction, and it provides services and resources for community members who experience
alcohol-related difficulties. Keeping informed is an important step in developing
a healthy lifestyle and in knowing how to cope with problems as they arise.
Radford University provides useful and informative prevention education programs throughout
the year.
A variety of departments sponsor workshops and lectures on alcohol and drug-related
issues to support and encourage healthy, productive lifestyles.
For students with substance abuse problems or concerns, assistance is available at Student Counseling Services or the SAVES office . The experienced professional counselor offers support for students in an
atmosphere of understanding and confidentiality. The Counseling Services offers individual
assessment and referral to both on and off-campus resources.
If you are aware of problems with friends, roommates, or family members, we encourage
you to act responsibly by consulting with the Student Counseling Services. Remaining
silent or waiting until a situation has escalated is neither respectful nor responsible.
The university will work with you and your fellow students to cooperatively solve
alcohol and substance abuse problems as they occur.
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year. One step
you can take in order to quickly make contact with your creditors is to make photocopies
of the front and back of your cards and keep this information in a safe place. Should
your cards be stolen, you will have immediate access to the account number and the
phone numbers for each creditor.
In the event your identity or personal information is stolen, there are several steps
you need to take. First you should contact the police and file a report. You should
also contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert
on your credit report. Once this is in place, any attempt to open a line of credit
in your name will result in the credit reporting agency calling you to confirm the
attempt is legitimate. You should also close any financial accounts you have which
may have been compromised.
Credit Reporting Agencies:
The following websites contain information you may find useful before and after you become a victim of identity theft.
The Adopt-A-Cop program was initiated at RU as an effort to make it easier for student
residents and police officers to communicate with one another. Participating officers
are assigned residence halls and work closely with Residential Life staff within the
selected residence halls. The educational and crime prevention needs of each residence
hall are assessed and programming is specifically designed and implemented to address
these needs.
Participating officers patrol their respective residence halls and spend time with
the staff and residents of these halls; as a result, residents are more likely to
approach participating officers to report concerns, crimes, and issues.
To request programming, please contact your assigned Adopt-A-Cop officer.
Faculty, staff and students on campus can register their bicycles at the police department. Registering your bike helps identify your property if lost or stolen, is a deterrent to theft and allows the return of your property if the bike is recovered. Stop by the police department with your bike for registration.