Home > Administrative Offices > Finance and Administration > Police Department > Areas of Operation > Crime Prevention

Police department

Crime Prevention Programs

B.A.T. (BICYCLE ANTI-THEFT) PROGRAM

B.A.T. program participants sign a form and receive a decal with their unique I.D. number to place on the crossbar of the frame between the seat and the handlebars. The information on the student and his/her bike is then put into the University Police computer system for tracking in case of theft. The decal also allows the University Police to stop bicycles displaying a decal on campus between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. (the time when most bikes are stolen) to verify ownership. The decals act not only as a deterrent but also aid in the recovery process if your bike is stolen and recovered. There is no cost to register upir bike and the process only takes a few minutes to complete. Students can drop by the University Police Department, located in Pine Hall, with their bikes to register for the program. Or, to save time, simply complete the on-line form and send it electronically to the Crime Prevention Unit.  You will then be contacted to set up an appointment date and time.  You can also click on the Crime Prevention Calendar of Events page to find the location of the next scheduled bike registration.  To further augment your bike's security, the University Police has initiated the Bug-A-Bike Program

For more information on securing your bike, click on Bike Security.

BUG-A-BIKE PROGRAM

Using RFID (radio frequency identification device) technology, bicycles may be marked in a non-destructive and unobtrusive manner.  Each RFID has its own unique code that is activated by a reader owned by the University Police.  The benefits are:

  • The frequency number is logged into B.A.T. Program database.
  • Helps deter theft
  • It proves ownership
  • Promotes recovery

For more information, contact the University Police at 333-7816 and tell them you want to "Bug Your Bike."

INVISIMARK PEN IDENTIFICATION

  • Print your driver's license number with the state identifier on most items of valuable property. Use ultraviolet invisible ink pen. Example: GA R99999. Use permanent marker for non-porous surfaces. Do not look directly into ultraviolet light.
  • On books, print the number on the top right inside cover page.
  • On laptops, PDA's or similar items, mark on a plain protected or concealed surface.
  • On cell phones, mark inside the battery compartment to protect mark.
  • In reporting a stolen or lost item, include information about the UV marking.
  • Marking does not prevent theft. Protect items of personal property by not leaving them in unattended places.

Mark your valuables with ultraviolet invisible ink: Prevent theft - Prove ownership - Promote recovery.

CONTROL BURN

The Control Burn Program was developed at the request of the Residence Hall Directors (RHD's) and their Residence Assistants (RA's).  To be an effective RHD or RA, he/she must be familiar with and be able to identify marijuana in its raw state and when it is burned.  The program teaches them how to identify marijuana, how it is used, and its effects on the body.  It covers the University Police procedures and the legal aspects of using marijuana.  It also outlines steps that they can take to help students before the University Police get involved.

CRIME BUSTER VIDEO

If your group or organization is interested in seeing a short safety film, contact the University Police Department. The Crime Prevention Unit has established a video library with tapes ranging from sexual assault awareness to combating theft on campus. Any tape can be checked out simply by calling the Crime Prevention Unit at 245-6493 or emailing Sgt. Matt Maestas at mrmaesta@valdosta.edu.

We even critique our own movies to make your selection easier.

1*=So-So, 2*=Okay, 3*=Pretty Good, 4*=Very Good, 5*=Excellent

Airbag Safety - 10 min. (2*)
Sexual Assault Awareness - 60 min. (3*)
Domestic Violence - 45 min. (5*)
For Safety Sake - 10 min. (1*)
Seatbelt Safety for the Family - 15 min. (3*)
Home Burglary Prevention - 15 min. (3*)
Campus Safety Tips - 12 min. (5*)
Preventing Thefts on Campus - 30 min. (5*)

LOST AND FOUND

The Valdosta State University Crime Prevention Division maintains a found property repository.

Found property should be turned into the University Police Department. You may either call 333-7816 to have an officer meet with you to pick up the found property or you may take the property directly to the University Police Department located in Pine Hall next to the Old Gym. DO NOT send found property through inter-campus mail. Note: The VSU Police Department does not accept found clothing.

Lost property should be reported to the Valdosta State University Crime Prevention Division by telephoning 333-7816. You may click on the Lost and Found icon on the Crime Prevention page to determine if it has been turned in. University Police make every effort to locate the owner of found property and return it. Found property with some form of identification is can be returned to the rightful owner without delay. Found property is held for sixty(60) days and if the owner cannot be located, it is transferred to the VSU found property custodian to be disposed o inccordance with Board of Regents Policy.

Lost and Found Form.

OPERATION SECURE BUILDING

A trained Crime Prevention Officer will survey your building or office to identify features, which may make your building or office an easy target for a burglar. The officer will provide information on what steps you can take to reduce these hazards. A survey generally takes from 10 to 20 minutes for an office and up to one hour for a large building with different types of doors and windows.

PROJECT KID CARE

Project Kid Care was adopted by the University Police because missing children has become an increasingly urgent national problem. The Department of Justice estimates that more than one million children are reported missing each year.

The Crime Prevention Officer is responsible for fingerprinting and photographing the children of any faculty, staff or student that would like to participate in the program. The Child's identification, vital statistics, photo and fingerprint card are placed in a booklet and given to the parents. This vital information will be on hand should an emergency arise regarding the safety of the child. Program events are held several times throughout the year. For a current schedule of programs, contact Sgt. Matt Maestas at 245-6493 or email him at mrmaesta@valdosta.edu. You can also click on the Crime Prevention Calendar of Events page to find the location and time of the next scheduled program.