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Police Department
F.A.Q.
1. Are VSUPD officers "real" police officers?
2. What measures can I take to increase my security on campus?
3. Why are VSUPD officers so aggressive when it comes to traffic enforcement?
4. Does VSU have an escort system similar to other universities?
5. What should I do if I see something suspicious on campus?
6. What facts do you have on campus acquaintance rape?
7. Where do I pay my parking and traffic fines?
8. How far out from the campus does your jurisdiction extend?
9. What are the business hours of the University Police?
1. Are VSUPD officers "real" police officers?
Yes, all officers are certified in accordance with the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council rules and regulations. They have the same arrest power as the city and county law enforcement officers.
2. What measures can I take to increase my security on campus?
- Campus Police help protect you, but you are responsible for your own safety.
- Cooperate with VSUPD and security personnel.
- Attend safety orientations and study safety handbooks.
- Know and program into your cell phone the campus emergency number (229) 259-5555.
- Use emergency phones to report crimes or suspicious incidents.
- Call the escort service rather than walking alone at night.
- Stay in brightly-lit areas at night.
- Park your car in safe areas and secure it.
- Don't leave your room door unlocked at any time.
- Keep residence hall keys and access cards safe. If keys and cards are lost, notify your Hall Director and VSUPD immediately.
3. Why are VSUPD officers so aggressive when it comes to traffic enforcement?
The basic consideration for aggressive traffic enforcement is students' safety. Most students do not realize that during "routine" traffic stops drugs, weapons, contraband, and even criminals are found in the vehicles. Don't forget, a license plate violation resulted in the apprehension of the suspect in the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing.
4. Does VSU have an escort system similar to other universities?
Yes, our service is in effect 24 hours a day seven days a week rain or shine. If you are concerned for your safety while going from point A to point B on campus, call the University Police (333-7816) and you will be provided with an escort.
5. What should I do if I see something suspicious on campus?
The first thing to do is ensure your own safety. Next, contact the University Police (259-5555). State what the problem is and the location of the incident (do not worry about east or west). You could say, "the Reade Hall side of Langdale" or "between Brown Hall and the library." Then give the dispatchers as much information about the people involved, e.g., how many are involved and a description of what they are wearing.
6. What facts do you have on campus acquaintance rape?
Statistics show that most campus acquaintance rapes occur in the fall. In 84 percent of the rapes that occur on campus, the victim knows the offender, 75 percent of the offenders and 55 percent of the victims had been drinking alcohol. In a recent survey of college students, 33 percent of the males said that they would rape if they could escape detection.
7. Where do I pay my parking and traffic fines?
All parking citations on campus are paid at the Parking and Transportation Department located in the One Card Office at 1204 N. Patterson Street. All State of Georgia citations, basically all moving violations, must be paid or appealed at the State Court of Lowndes County. They are located at 111 Roswell Drive, off Madison Highway, just north of the Valdosta Airport.
8. How far out from the campus does your jurisdiction extend?
Our jurisdiction extends 500 yards in every direction from any real property under the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents.
9. What are the business hours of the University Police?
The Patrol Division of the University Police Department is responsible for patrolling the campus and responding to requests for police service 24 hours a day, 365 days year.