Shippensburg University campus police recently released a packet of information that explains university police’s crime-reporting protocol detailing crime statistics on SU’s campus within the last three years.

The packet showed crime rates for different categories from 2013 to 2015. While many of the crime categories like gambling, prostitution and manslaughter either have not happened or were not reported within the last three years, it appears as though crime rates are falling at SU.

Since 2013, disorderly conduct, theft, liquor-law violation and sexual assault arrests have been steadily declining.

While liquor-law violation arrests have decreased, arrests involving alcohol remain the most prevalent at SU with 115 arrests and 73 referrals having occurred in 2015.

The packet also detailed SU’s policies on a variety of criminal offences, how students should report crimes and where victims of sexual assault can go to find help on campus.

With liquor law violations remaining at the top of SU’s yearly arrests, campus police made a point to include the university’s policy on the possession of alcohol and illegal drugs.

According to the pamphlet, SU students who use, sell, exchange, consume or possess alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on campus will “be dealt with in accordance with state, federal and local laws as well as the university’s Student Code of Conduct.”

Additionally, students who are arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia can expect to receive a fine of at least $500 and imprisonment for up to 15 years.

SU also offers drug and alcohol education programs to assist students. Students can refer to the Dean of Students Office at Old Main Room 210. These programs offer students support with drug and alcohol education, prevention and intervention.

The pamphlet also details campus police policies on sexual assault.

Campus police encourage students to report incidents involving rape, sexual assault and domestic disputes.

When investigating sexual assaults, the SU’s police department uses the following procedures:

*Assisting the victim with obtaining immediate medical attention

*Interviewing the victim

*Helping the victim contact the relevant authorities

*Collecting available evidence

*Contacting the Women’s Center to provide support the victim

*Provide the victim with information on support systems for dealing with the incident

*Conducting a thorough investigation of the incident

*Making an arrest when appropriate

*Supporting the victim if there is a need to testify

*Providing the victim with a notice of final resolution of the incident

Victims of sexual assault have the right to notify police of the incident, to decline to notify police of the incident and to receive assistance from campus authorities.

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