The crime rate at USI is relatively low, according to Security Director Stephen Woodall.
The security department on campus is staffed 24-hours a day.
The purpose of campus security is to provide traffic control, security of physical assets and safety to all employees, students and guests of the campus, according to the department of security Web site.
Each member of the security staff is trained in first-aid and other emergency procedures.
USI security officers are able to enforce the campus student code of conduct, but can not make arrests and do not carry weapons.
The officers hold responsibility in receiving reports on criminal law violations, code of conduct violations, traffic accidents and injuries that take place on campus.
According to the department ofsecurity Web site, the reports are reviewed in the security office and other law enforcement agencies are called in when necessary.
The primary responder for incidents on campus is the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Department.
Among others that have jurisdiction over USI are the Indiana State Police and all other state and federal law enforcement agencies.
If needed, the security staff can get assistance from the local police departments when problems arise on campus.
Woodall said there are no plans deputize the security staff at this time.
There is also an escort service should anyone find themselves on campus after dark.
The goal of the escort service is to prevent sexual harassment, verbal abuse and assault.
According to the Web site the escort service is not meant to be an alternate form of transportation.
There are certain instances in which an escort may be denied.
Those include: a regular means of transportation to employment, if more than one student has the same destination and if public transportation is available.
The escort service is available from dusk to dawn each day of the year. Woodall said he does not know of any instances of an escort being denied.
According to the Web site, university community members are asked to report all crimes and suspicious activities to the security department.
Anyone wishing to report a crime from a campus telephone should dial 7777. There are also blue phones situated around campus that are linked directly to the security department. Anyone wishing to report a non-emergency or off-campus crime should call 464-1845.
More information about campus security can be found at www.usi.edu/security.
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