Specific Crime Reporting Information

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Theft

Property Theft

Theft is a crime of opportunity. Help University Police by taking that opportunity away. Most thefts reported to University Police have similar elements which led to the criminal act. The greatest reoccurring element was that of an unattended room. The victim would report they only left the room for a minute with the door left open to walk down the hall. When they returned their wallet, purse, laptop or keys were missing. If the item in your room or office has value to you then it has value to the criminals.

Here are some helpful tips that you may employ to help curb theft.

  • Report suspicious person(s) to UNL Police immediately
  • Lock your items in your desk
  • Secure your doors when you leave the room
  • Look out for other floor members if a suspicious person is around their office or room

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone else fradulently acquires and assumes your identity for financial gain.

Limiting the Damage

Cancel your credit cards immediately. The key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily.

File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen. This proves to the credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation.

Important: Call the three main national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen. They will then have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Their numbers are below.

Agency Name Phone Number
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line) 1-800-269-0271

Harassing Communications

Harassing phone calls, text messages, and online communication of a disturbing nature could become a more serious and immediate problem if not reported. You should report obscene or annoying phone calls/texts/messaging to the University Police Department at 402-472-2222 and let us help you address the problem.

In any event, you may try some of items listed below to help combat unwanted communications:

  • Hang up. As soon as you hear an obscenity, improper questions or no response to your "Hello?" hang up immediately.
  • Don't talk to strangers.
  • Don't play detective. Don't extend the call trying to figure out who is calling. This or any other type of reaction is exactly what the caller wants and needs.
  • Keep cool, don't let the caller know you are upset or angry.
  • Don't try to be clever. A witty response may be interpreted as a sign of encouragement.
  • Don't be a counselor. The annoyance or obscene caller certainly needs professional help, but he/she will only be encouraged by your concern and will only continue the late night calls.
  • Remember, if the caller is a wrong number, they do not need to know your number. Never give you number out to an unknown caller.

Sexual Assault

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln takes sexual assault incidents very seriously. Any UNL student or employee who has been sexually assaulted or physically harmed is strongly encouraged to contact the UNL Police department from the location where the assault occurred or from a safe location. In addition, Title IX applies to all educational programs and all aspects of a school's educational system and ensures that victims of sexual harassment and sexual violence are protected.

Victims are also encouraged to contact a victim advocate at UNL CARE Advocates at 402-472-3553 or medical or counseling services with the University Health Center at 402-472-5000 or a local hospital or clinic.

Victims may also contact the office of Institutional Equity and Compliance for appropriate action. As a guide University Housing residents should contact any Housing/Residential Life staff.

The following University Offices will act accordingly to aid and assist the victim

Victim Support Advocates or service providers will:

  • Maintain the contacts as strictly confidential.
  • Provide crisis intervention and advocacy, in some cases including assisting victims in seeking restraining orders.
  • Assist and support the victim/survivor in contacting police and/or reporting to other University offices, if the victim consents.
  • Assist the victim in obtaining medical assistance and counseling, changing academic programs or housing, etc.

Counseling and health care services will:

  • Maintain the contacts as strictly confidential.
  • Encourage, assist (as needed) and support the victim in reporting the incident to the police.
  • Provide appropriate counseling and medical services.

Campus Police department will:

  • The UNL Police Department will contact the University CARE Advocacy Program.
  • Investigate and gather evidence or recomment processes for obtaining and preserving evidence.
  • Refer for prosecution when warranted.
  • Gather evidence or recommend processes for obtaining and preserving evidence.
  • Obtain a statement to accurately document what occurred.
  • Inform the victim of the criminal justice process.
  • Provide safety planning for the victim.
  • Provide the victim with updates as the investigation progresses.
  • Report to the office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.

Housing/Residential Life Offices will:

  • Contact, or encourage contact with, the local victim service office, and assist in obtaining medical care if needed.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and assist in making the report if requested by the victim. Housing/Residential Life may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • If the person accused is a student, the incident will be reported to the office of Institutional Equity and Compliance and UNLPD.

Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance will:

  • Explain reporting and resource options.
  • Provide interim measures as needed.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and assist in making the report if requested by the victim. IEC may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • Investigate, and make recommendations for action, as appropriate.
  • For more information please visit: http://www.unl.edu/equity/title-ix

Student Affairs will:

  • Assist the victim in contacting victim service office if desired.
  • Encourage the victim to report the incident to the police, and will assist in making the report if requested by the victim. Student Affairs may be obligated to report to the police the fact that an assault was reported, but the name of the victim will only be provided with the victim's consent, except in extenuating circumstances.
  • Report to the office of Institutional Equity and Compliance.

Child Abuse & Neglect

Nebraska Statute 28-711 requires any person to report child abuse and neglect, including sexual assault, to law enforcement or the Department of Health and Human Services. Law enforcement is required to notify DHHS on incidents reported to them. University employees and students are encouraged to notify the UNL Police Department at 402-472-2222 immediately when these situations are suspected.

This means:

  1. that if you suspect child abuse or neglect, you must report it
  2. you should give as much information about the circumstances as possible
  3. you are immune from liability from any civil or criminal liability if reported in good faith (Nebraska Statute 28-716)
  4. if you know of abuse but are not reporting it, you are breaking the law (Nebraska Statute 28-717)