CAMPUS WATCH: Below is a summary of campus activity reported to or observed by the University Police Department patrol officers between Monday, 01-14-08 and Tuesday, 01-15-08. * * * * * ADIMINSTRATIVE MESSAGE * * * * * The University of Texas Police Department is proud to announce a new partnership with the Austin Police Department. From time to time the Austin Police Department's Downtown Command will be providing crime information for the area west of UT to be included in the Campus Watch. The Downtown Command area will include the portion of Austin roughly bounded by IH-35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south, Mo-Pac (Loop 1) to the west and 29th Street to the north. We are looking forward to this partnership and having the ability to continue to create a safe environment for the students, staff, faculty at UT, and the Austin community. ALMETRIS DUREN HALL, 2624 Whitis Ave Possession of Marijuana: Several UT staff members detected the odor of burning marijuana coming from a 4th floor dormitory room. Upon the arrival of the police officers, they too detected a very strong odor of burning marijuana coming from the same dormitory room. During the investigation, the UT student resident and his guest were read their Miranda Warning. Soon after, they surrendered a plastic baggie that contained marijuana. Both subjects were issued a field release citation for Possession of Marijuana and a referral to the Dean of Student's Office. The marijuana was confiscated. Occurred on: 1-14-08, at 11:30 PM. COMMUNICATIONS COMPLEX, 2504-A Whitis Ave Criminal Mischief: Two UT students were observed drawing several depictions of dancers in chalk. During the investigation, both students were under the assumption that it "was no big deal." After learning that criminal charges could be filed, both became remorseful and offered to clean up their handiwork. Both students received referrals to the Dean of Students' Office. Occurred on: 1-14-08, at 9:00 PM. GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, 100 West 21st Street Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject entered a 2nd floor office and wanted to register as a UT student after complaining that he had abdominal pain. During the investigation, the officers learned that the subject was simply attempting to get back to Oklahoma and needed a bus ticket. The subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning and was escorted from the area. Prior to releasing the subject, the officer made arrangements for the subject to be able to obtain a bus ticket home. Occurred on: 1-14-08, at 10:42 AM. IC2, 2815 San Gabriel Graffiti: Words written in silver aerosol spray paint were discovered on the southwest portion of the building. Loss value: $100.00. Discovered on: 1-14-08, at 8:45 PM. O'HENRY HALL, 702 Colorado Criminal Trespass Warning / Assist Outside Agency: A non-UT subject was observed attempting to gain entry into the building by pulling on several locked and secured doors. During the investigation, the subject informed the officer that he had rented the 4th floor penthouse and was trying to get to his room. As the investigation continued, the officer soon learned that the subject had several outstanding outside agency arrest warrants. The subject was taken into custody and was transported to Central Booking. In addition to other law enforcement actions taken the subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning. Occurred on: 1-15-08, at 2:02 AM. SANCHEZ BUILDING, 1912 Speedway Criminal Trespass Warning: A UT staff member observed a non-UT subject enter the building and make his way towards a 5th floor office. During the investigation, the officers learned that the subject was in possession of a UT key for the area. The UT key was confiscated and the subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning and was escorted from the building. Occurred on: 1-15-08, at 1:39 AM. Crime Prevention Tip: Key control is one those weak links in security, and is by far one of the most important aspects of building security. Extra keys need to be placed in a security area with limited access. Students, staff members, and faculty members need to surrender their departmental keys to an authorized departmental person prior to receiving their diploma or last paycheck. Take a minute and review your departmental policy and consider upgrading this important security process. WALTER WEBB HALL, 2500 Guadalupe Criminal Trespass Warning: A non-UT subject was discovered sleeping on the east side of the building after establishing a small campsite. During the investigation, the subject was issued a written Criminal Trespass Warning and was escorted from the area. Occurred on: 1-14-08, at 7:35 PM. 2400 BLOCK GUADALUPE Public Intoxication: A non-UT subject was observed creating a disturbance and being aggressive towards pedestrians leaving a local area business. During the investigation, the officers learned that the subject had grabbed a female by the arm while yelling. The officers detained the subject, and detected a very strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The subject remained argumentative and was taken into custody for Public Intoxication. The subject was transported to Central Booking. Occurred on: 1-14-08, at 9:50 PM. Crime Prevention Tip of the Day: With the start of the new semester, dormitory, apartment, and home security should remain at the forefront of your concerns. Do not always rely on your roommates or housemates in making sure your room, house, or apartment is secure. Criminals are looking for opportunity, and an unlocked door is an open invitation. As we saw in today's issue of the Campus Watch, key control is also an issue that needs to be addressed. If you are renting, ask the leasing agent when the last time your apartment or house was re-keyed. As the head of a UT department, how many keys have been issued within your area and how many have been reported lost or stolen. The answer to these questions can determine how secure your area is. CAMPUS WIDE: Non-Criminal Calls: In addition to the above criminal cases, The University of Texas Police Department responded to 14 alarm calls, 3 suspicious activity calls, 4 suspicious person calls, and 6 unsecured door reports between 01-14-08 and 01-15-08. Contact UT Police at 471-4441 if you have any information regarding any of the above incidents or call 911 regarding suspicious persons, suspicious activities or crime. Your call may help solve or prevent a crime. Campus Watch comments should be directed to Officer Darrell Halstead at 512-232-9634 or Darrell.halstead@austin.utexas.edu . Prepared by DWH To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit http://www.utexas.edu/police/campuswatch/subscribe.php
