UTPD Announcements: Take our self-defense class! Free, three day Rape Aggression Defense course on November (11-13). Register now. View all UTPD class offerings here. October 16, 2019 at 2:25 p.m., 1500 Red River (Dell Seton Medical Center) Assault: A UTPD officer assigned to the hospital observed several security officers and an Austin police officer struggling with a patient. The UTPD officer saw the man kicking and held his legs while the man was placed into a restraint chair for safety. When the man began spitting, the hospital security staff placed a spit mask on the patient. Upon further investigation, the UTPD officer learned that the man had touched a nurse inappropriately, committing assault. When security attempted to stop the behavior, the man became physically aggressive and kicked an APD officer in the groin while spitting on security staff. The man was transported to the Travis County Jail without further incident and charged with assault against a public servant. Safety Tip: It is never okay to touch someone without their consent. By speaking up about this behavior, you are protecting other members of our community from subsequent assaults. October 17th, 2019, 11:30 a.m. Fraud: A UT Student answered the phone to hear a recording from a fraudulent caller. The recording stated that the “Social Security Office” flagged her account for suspicious activities, and suggested the student press #1 to speak to a representative. When she did, a man asked for specific information about her accounts and ID. The call disconnected and the student became suspicious and contacted her accounts to freeze them, and then she contacted UTPD. Safety Tip: We are used to verifying information when we call our banks and other accounts, but if someone calls you claiming to be an official it’s their responsibility to verify—not yours. Never provide information such as accounts, addresses, ID numbers, passwords, pins, or even your birthday to someone who calls you. In this case, the U.S. student listened to her instincts before she was victimized. Many scam callers are convincing, having already done enough homework online before a call, or using your PIN and your bank’s website. Assume all calls from the government, banks, or otherwise asking for information or making accusations to be fraudulent. Calling UTPD for advice in this situation is appropriate. Any legitimate entity will understand if you wish to look up their phone number and call back. No legitimate bank or government entity will call and ask for you to verify your identity or banking information. 10/14/2019 at 10:38 p.m., 2000 Robert Dedman Disturbance: UTPD was called to assist a UT Parking and Transportation employee with a disturbance. Officers spoke to a man and explained that without a parking permit, Parking and Transportation can issue a parking ticket. After officers left, man returned and allegedly made threatening remarks towards an employee. When UTPD officers returned, they placed the man in handcuffs until their investigation was complete. At this time, he has not been charged. Safety Tip: In my time working at UTPD, I’ve observed many otherwise calm and reasonable people treat Parking and Transportation employees poorly. Please understand that parking restrictions are necessary to the university functioning. If you’re coming to campus without a permit, consider a parking garage or using Capital Metro’s Park and Ride services. Please be kind to one another. If someone is making you feel unsafe, dialing 911 and giving your exact location is the best way to ensure safety. Don’t forget to connect with UTPD via Twitter and Facebook, and remember you can reach out to your campus District Representative with any non-emergency concerns or questions you have. Other great social media resources include the Twitter feeds for UT Austin’s Office of Campus Safety and the Austin Police Department. To view our official crime log, visit: https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/fasweb/utpd/nlogon/crimelog/
