CAMPUS RULES

Nebraska law forbids the consumption of alcohol on public property. University property, streets and sidewalks are considered to be public property. University policies forbid possession of alcohol on campus. Alcohol is permissible only when a Special Designated License (SDL) has been obtained. SDL's must be approved by a UNL Administrator.

University policy forbids firearms and other dangerous weapons from being on campus or stored in vehicles or buildings. Within this policy, University Police provides free storage of firearms and similar items for students and employees. Lockable, individual storage cabinets are accessible 24/7. Check it out when needed and drop it off when arriving back on campus.

CRIME REPORTING

University Police and the Lincoln Police Department use the same computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. Regardless of which agency you call, your call is entered into the system which routes your call to the proper agency for dispatching officers to the scene. For University Police, call 472-2222; for Lincoln Police, call 441-6000. For emergencies, call 911.

Thefts are often crimes of opportunity. University Police Officers and Community Service Officers patrol buildings throughout campus. Only by knowing where incidents occur can patrolling be most effective. If your items had serial numbers or unique markings, the item can be entered into a nationwide computer system tracking stolen property. By recording your item's make, model and serial number, you greatly increase the chances of its recovery and proving a case against the person responsible.

You may stop in at any time and request a copy of your report. Most insurance companies covering the participants in an accident will obtain their own report from the investigating police department.

POLICE QUESTIONS

The University Police Department strives to provide the safest environment for the students, employees and visitors. It is our hope this environment will be conducive to having a great collegiate experience. We are participants in daily planning and operational decisions across campus. Much of our work is "behind the scenes" preventing incidents from occurring. Should you become involved in an incident or feel uncomfortable about your safety in a situation, please let us help you. We would rather be involved in prevention that responding after an incident occurred.

Topics are generally timely to recent incidents or are general prevention topics which we have prepared presentations. Sometimes we get requests for non-traditional or specific issues. These may take additional time to research and prepare for so we may ask for additional preparation time. Simply let us know what the issue is and we will provide information on the subject or coordinate with our network of partners to assist us.

Faculty, staff and students on campus who have need to be in buildings after hours should request access to their buildings or offices after hours through their department. University Police will not make a determination whether a department has granted access to individuals. A key or card access is required for authorized personnel to gain access after hours.

You may call University Police at 472-2222, 24 hours a day to request a security check. Security checks should be of relatively short duration and will be conducted as staff is available.

The Nebraska State Patrol Criminal Indentification Division is availble for fingerprinting. 3800 NW 12th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68521. Business hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, except for state or federal holidays. For questions, phone NSP State Headquarters at (402) 471-4545 or CID at (402) 479-4988.

Due to safety concerns and the risk of damage to the vehicle, the UNL Police Department and Lincoln Police Department do not unlock vehicles. If other circumstances exist, such as a young child locked in the vehicle, an officer will be sent to assist in any way possible. Contacting a reputable locksmith is your best alternative in most cases.

UNL Police Department does not jump dead batteries. Consult your insurance or travel membership such as AAA. Many policies include roadside assistance and include a 24 hr phone number for roadside service.

Several law enforcement agencies have jurisdiction for law enforcement actions in and around Lincoln. An interlocal agreement outlines the primary jurisdictions for each agency, but each may take law enforcement action outside their primary jurisdiction. In addition to University Police, several of these agencies are involved in special security at University events.

• a) University Police officers have dark blue uniforms, white patrol vehicles with red and black striping.
• b) Lincoln Police Department officers have medium blue shirts, dark blue slacks and drive white patrol vehicles with blue striping.
• c) Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies wear dark brown shirts, tan slacks and drive white patrol vehicles with gold striping.
• d) Nebraska State Patrol troopers wear dark blue shirts, medium blue slacks and drive patrol vehicles that vary in color.

UNL Police Department
300 North 17th Street
Lincoln, Ne 68588-0634
402-472-2222

Lincoln Police Department
575 South 10th Street
Lincoln, Ne 68508
402-441-7204

Lancaster County Sheriff's Office
575 South 10th Street
Lincoln, Ne 68508
402-441-6500

Nebraska State Patrol
1600 Hwy 2
Lincoln, Ne 68502
402-471-4545

When operating a motor vehicle in Nebraska, you are required to have your driver's license on your person, and the vehicle registration and proof of automobile insurance in the vehicle. These should readily available for the officer. Typically, officers in Nebraska expect the driver and passengers to remain in their vehicle and let the officer initiate the contact. The officer should explain the reason for the stop. If possible, have your license, registration and insurance documents ready. While maintaining a good public appearance, officers must also be aware for potential problems. Across the country, traffic stops are a most dangerous time for police officers. On a routine traffic violation, officers may encounter a student, a business person, an intoxicated person or someone who has just committed a crime. The following are suggestions to use if stopped by a police officer:

1. Be courteous and keep conversations related to the officer's questions. If you disagree with the Officer's observations, you may say so, but do not argue. You will be provided an opportunity to express your opinion or facts in court.
2. If possible, have your license, registration and insurance available.
3. Do not reach into other areas of the car without first asking the officer.
4. If given a citation, sign it on request. Signing a citation is not an admission of guilt, merely an agreement that you will respond to the citation.

Traffic and criminal citations will always include a date, time and court location to appear in. Many criminal and traffic citations may also include information on how to pay the fines/costs by waiver without having to appear in court if allowable. Most criminal offenses require a court appearance. When a citation is received you must comply with the citation by either appearing in court on the date and time specified or pay by waiver in the allotted time.

Failure to do so will result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Signing a citation is a recognition that you will appear in court or properly respond to the citation. It is not an admission of guilt. Failure to sign a citation is a separate and additional charge from the original offense. Receiving a "Defect or Fix-it Ticket" is a method of ensuring that vehicle defects are corrected within a reasonable time. This notice requires the owner or driver of the vehicle to correct an equipment or document deficiency, usually within 10 days. Failure to do so may result in an official citation being issued.

University Police staff the following positions:

• Police Officer - is a commissioned officer with powers of arrest. Officers have jurisdiction throughout Lancaster County and the City of Lincoln as well as all University property throughout the state.
• Community Service Officer - non-commissioned officers who provide security and safety patrolling on the campuses
• Dispatcher- operates a county wide computer aided dispatch system along with Lincoln Police. Also monitors campus CCTV system, accesses federal and state criminal and driving records data bases, as well as processes reports.
• Facility Security Specialist - conducts physical security audits throughout campuses
• GIS Specialist - develops and updates the geographic information system (GIS) for UNL Police.
• Interns and Volunteers - Various positions are available
• Employment openings are listed at the UNL Human Resource website at: http://hr.unl.edu/

SAFETY

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the City of Lincoln are safe communities. Even so, taking the usual safety precautions can reduce the likelihood of being involved in troublesome situations. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity, so please consider the following safety rules. When on campus always lock your office or residence room when leaving, never leave computers or electronics unattended in public areas, and walk in well lit areas after dark. When going to drinking establishments use designated drivers, use a buddy system to look after each other, and know your limit.

There are several websites with information. In addition, several programs pertaining to campus safety maintain materials for students, staff and visitors are available. These include:

• University Police
  300 North 17th 472-2222
• Student Involvement
  200 Nebraska Union
  472-2454
• The Women's Center
  340 Nebraska Union
  472-2597
• Student Judicial Affairs
  106 Canfield
  472-2021
• Voices of Hope
  2545 N Street
  476-2110

STATUTES AND ORDINANCES

Nebraska law requires that you have a valid driver's license, current registration for the vehicle and current proof of insurance.

Nebraska law requires seatbelts for all passengers in the car. Most children are required to wear approved and properly installed child seat restraints.

Motorized scooters, miniature motorcycles and similar modes are not allowed to be driven on sidewalks or city streets.

The legal age to drink alcoholic beverages in Nebraska is 21. Procuring or providing alcohol to someone under 21 is a misdemeanor offense and in some cases has resulted in jail time for offenders. Hosts may also be held accountable for the actions of their guests. The City of Lincoln has ordinances which address parties which disrupt the neighborhood or which lead to repeated police responses. The residents as well as any other person responsible may be subject to criminal charges. In some instances, egregious student conduct occurring off campus may also be susceptible to sanctions from Judicial Affairs. UNL Student Involvement has materials available to assist in planning parties.

Nebraska statutes govern the activities on the UNL campuses. Most of the streets that run through campus and the right of ways are city property and are governed primarily by Lincoln city ordinances. The following websites are provided to assist you in your research.

• Nebraska Revised Statutes
• Lincoln City Ordinances
• UNL Policies