West Virginia University’s Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report, as required by the federal Clery Act, is now available on the University Police website.
This report includes WVU campus crime, fire and safety statistics for the last three years. Information about WVU policies related to campus security, alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of sexual assaults, fire safety and other areas are included in the report, as is information about available support services and important phone numbers to call. The information can be accessed at: http://police.wvu.edu/clery
A copy may also be requested by contacting Sgt. Chad Barker at 304.293.COPS (304.293.2677) or Chad.Barker@mail.wvu.edu.
Annual Fire Safety Report
Information on fire safety is also included in this report. The report includes information and statistics for residence halls. For additional information, contact Environmental Health and Safety at 304.293.3792.
Emergency Planning and Response
WVU has an emergency plan that complies with the National Incident Management System and is an all-hazards plan. It provides facility-specific planning assistance. We encourage all community members to become familiar with their building plans and campus plan. An emergency flipchart and brochures may be viewed and printed at: http://police.wvu.edu/emergency_management
University Police participated in the following emergency exercises in 2012:
- In May, UPD and the West Virginia National Guard jointly held a field exercise to test procedures, plans and responses to an unknown gas/chemical release at Puskar Stadium.
- In July, UPD, University Relations/News, Health Sciences Center media team, and residence hall staff participated in combined tabletop and field exercise. The tabletop and exercise were designed to test responses to an active shooter incident within a residence hall and the resulting media and medical team impact.
- In August, UPD participated in a Monongalia County Health Department tabletop that focused on a radiation release.
- In October, UPD participated in a full-scale county exercise involving a simulated airplane crash, which resulted in a radiation release.
Overview of reported crimes
There was a reduction in reportable violent crimes (sexual assaults, robbery, aggravated assaults, and battery) from 72 reported incidents in 2011 to 46 in 2012.
A number of factors can affect this statistic, from visible patrols and increased enforcement, crime prevention/education, economic conditions and public behavior. During the first eight months of 2013, it appears that the numbers will be somewhat higher than 2012, but still below the 2011 reported number of incidents.
Property crimes (burglary, arson, motor vehicle thefts, destruction of property, and theft) increased by 9 percent from 2011 to 2012. The largest increase was in reported thefts and the major area for this increase was at the Student Recreation Center, mostly involving crimes of opportunity. A number of cases were cleared using video camera surveillance; crime prevention techniques have been implemented to reduce the opportunities. During the first eight months of 2013, the numbers are trending lower.
Arrest and referral data reflect small decreases in arrest totals over 2011 and referrals reflect an increase. The focus on enforcement by UPD and Residence Hall staff contribute to these increases and reflect efforts to improve safety. Also, part of the increase is due to the methodology for tallying referrals. As an example, if an RA enters a room on an alcohol incident and five students are present, while only two are in possession of the alcohol, under current reporting requirement all five must be counted as referrals. While this creates an artificially high number, it is the current reporting requirement.
Three new categories are listed on the report: domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. While not required for this year’s report, they will be included in the report for 2013.
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CONTACT: Bob Roberts; WVU University Police
304.293.2677
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