Crime Reporting
OPSS encourages anyone who is the victim or witness to any crime to report the incident promptly.
Because police reports are public records under state law, OPSS cannot hold reports of crime in confidence. Confidential reports for purposes of inclusion in the annual disclosure of crime statistics can generally be made to the OPSS Director at 540-570-1908.
Access Policy
During business hours, Southern Virginia University (excluding certain housing facilities) will be open to students, parents, employees, contractors, guests, and invitees. During non-business hours access to all university facilities is by key if issued or by admittance via OPSS or other designated department. Over extended breaks, the doors of all residence halls will be secured around the clock. Some facilities may have individual hours, which may vary at different times of the year. Emergencies may necessitate changes or alterations to any posted schedules.
OPSS offices have the authority to ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at Southern Virginia. OPSS officers also have the authority to issue parking tickets, which are billed to financial accounts of students, faculty, and staff. Criminal incidents are referred to the local police who have jurisdiction on the campus. OPSS maintains a highly professional working relationship with the local police agencies. All crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report the crime to OPSS and the appropriate police agency. Prompt reporting will assure timely warning notices on-campus and timely disclosure of crime statistics.
General Procedures for Reporting a Crime or Emergency
Community members, students, faculty, staff, and guests are encouraged to report all crimes and public safety related incidents to OPSS in a timely manner. To report a crime or incident to OPSS dial 540-261-4911 24 hours a day. To get immediate police help dial 911. All OPSS reports (unless confidential) are forwarded to the Dean of Students office for review and potential action. OPSS investigators will investigate a report when it is deemed appropriate. Additional information obtained via the investigation will also be forwarded to the Dean. Police, fire and rescue will be notified by OPSS as appropriate.
Southern Virginia does not currently have a policy to actively encourage ecclesiastical leaders to report crimes and incidents they may become aware of. Therefore, faculty, staff and students need to report all crimes and incidents to allow for tracking and campus notification by OPSS when appropriate.
Whom to Report to:
Any OPSS officer can help you if you have a crime that needs to be reported. If you cannot find an OPSS officer, or wish to report to someone you are more familiar with, you can report it to your HRA or RA, who will then report the necessary information to the appropriate official.
Additional Information
Security Awareness and Crime Prevention Programs
During orientation students are informed of services offered by OPSS at Southern Virginia. We present ways to maintain personal safety and residence hall security and answer student questions related to safety and security. Students are told about crime on-campus and in surrounding neighbor-hoods. Similar information is presented to employees.
Crime Prevention is a regular topic at resident director and resident advisor training and informational meetings. These safety and security ideas and policies are then passed to students during floor meetings. When time is of the essence, information is released to the university community through security alerts posted through the university web site or in emails to all faculty, staff and students.
Tip: To enhance personal safety, and especially after an evening class, walk with friends or someone from class that you know well, or call OPSS for an escort.
Daily Crime Log
The OPSS office keeps a daily crime log. This log is available for the public to view upon request. Speak with Hugh Bouchelle, the Director of OPSS for access to the log. Upon requesting the log it will be made available to you within one business day.