Crime Prevention & Reporting

Crime Prevention Tips

The following tips can help protect members of the BVU community from crime and injury. If a crime has already occurred, contact Campus Security at 712.749.2500.

General Safety Tips

  1. Report all suspicious persons.
  2. Report all thefts.
  3. Stay aware of your surroundings. Walk or travel in well-lit, well-traveled areas. If you think someone is following you, change directions or cross the street. If you are still being followed, go to a public place and ask for help.
  4. Keep your purse, backpack, briefcase, cell phone, computer, and other valuables with you at all times.
  5. If you receive a harassing phone call, hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or show a reaction.
  6. Know your neighbors and make sure they know you. Let a roommate or friend know your routines and tell someone if you will be late or out of town.
  7. Notify Campus Security of broken lights, overgrown shrubbery near walkways, phones that do not work, or doors with broken locks.
  8. Label books, notebooks, and personal property with your name.
  9. Never open the doors of campus buildings to strangers.
  10. BVU students, faculty, and staff should carry their University ID and present it when requested by Campus Security.

Residence Hall Safety

  1. Lock your door, even if you are leaving for only a short time.
  2. Make sure your door is locked before you go to sleep.
  3. Never prop open a locked residence hall door.
  4. Avoid leaving notes on your door indicating that you are away.
  5. Do not loan your keys to anyone or leave them unattended.
  6. Do not put your name or room number on your key ring.
  7. Emergency phones are available at residence hall entrances.

Campus Office & Lab Safety

  1. Lock doors whenever you leave an office or lab unattended.
  2. Never prop open doors or leave keys in an unlocked cabinet or desk drawer.
  3. Do not hide extra keys under desk drawers or in file cabinets.
  4. When leaving your office or lab for the day:
    • Close and lock all windows.
    • Secure valuables and confidential materials.
    • Lock desks and files.
    • Lock all doors.

Parking Lot Safety

  1. Have your key ready as you approach your vehicle.
  2. Before entering your vehicle, check to make sure no one is hiding beneath or inside it.
  3. Park in well-lit, designated parking areas.
  4. Keep valuables out of sight and secured in your trunk.
  5. Always lock your vehicle.

Sexual Assault & Date Rape Prevention

Anyone can experience sexual assault or rape, regardless of age, sex, race, status, or type of dress. Keep these safety considerations in mind:

  1. Be alert and aware when dating.
  2. Trust your instincts or gut feelings.
  3. Communicate your boundaries clearly.
  4. Be careful when inviting someone into your residence.

Crime Reporting

Making a Report

If you experience or become aware of a crime or emergency, report it as soon as possible.

Emergency

Call 911 for an immediate emergency requiring police, fire, or ambulance services.

Campus Security

Call 712.749.2500 or visit the Campus Security Office to report a crime or safety concern.

When calling 911 or Campus Security:

  • Stay on the line until the dispatcher or Campus Security officer ends the call.
  • Provide your exact location.
  • Describe the situation and its current status.
  • Follow any instructions provided by emergency personnel.

If You Experience or Witness a Crime

Keep the following in mind when reporting or responding to a crime:

  1. Report the incident promptly. Immediate reporting can help preserve important evidence.
  2. Protect physical evidence. Avoid touching or disturbing items that may be related to the incident.
  3. Remember identifying details when possible. Note descriptions of individuals involved, including clothing and other distinguishing features.
  4. Note vehicle information. If a vehicle is involved, try to remember its description, license plate number, and direction of travel.
  5. Preserve the scene. Do not allow others into the area until Campus Security or the Storm Lake Police Department arrives.

Additional Reporting Information

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors who become aware of a crime are encouraged to report it to Campus Security.

If you report an incident to Campus Security and would also like to file a complaint with the Storm Lake Police Department, Campus Security can assist you with that process upon request.

BVU employees have reporting responsibilities for crimes they become aware of, with exceptions for counselors, clergy, and health professionals when acting in those confidential roles.

Confidential Reporting

If you experience a crime but do not want to pursue action through the University or criminal justice system, you may still make a confidential report.

Confidential reports help BVU identify patterns of crime and inform the campus community of potential safety concerns while protecting the identity of the person making the report.

You may:

  • Speak confidentially with a Campus Security Officer.
  • Submit a confidential report using BVU's reporting form.

Confidential Reporting Form>