Department of Public Safety

The University of Mobile is private property and we require students and employees to register their vehicles before parking on campus. Students and Employees can go to the Drive Portal to register their vehicle information and receive a parking hangtag. The hangtag should be displayed from the vehicle’s interior rearview mirror so officers may rear the registration number easily.

Citations are issued for parking violations and moving violations. The most common parking violation is illegal parking (parking in the wrong zone). Blue parking spaces are for HANDICAP parking only (with either a State issued placard or vehicle license plate). Maroon parking spaces are for faculty/staff/RA parking only. White-lined parking spaces are open parking for students, visitors, and employees. Yellow curbs or zones mean NO PARKING.

Speed limits on campus are 20 MPH on the roadways and 15 MPH in the parking lots (unless otherwise noted).

Appeals for citations are all handled online in the Drive Portal. Once a citation is written, an officer has no authority to void a ticket. Once a ticket is issued, the registered owner will receive an email about the citation as well as the paper copy on the windshield of the vehicle. If a citation is issued, you have 14 days from the date of the ticket to appeal it. If it is not appealed, it is automatically assigned to your student/staff account.

Any questions regarding parking may be addressed to Parking@UMobile.edu

RESOURCES

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to collect, retain, and disclose information about crime on or near their campuses or other university-owned property. The goal of the Clery Act is to ensure students, prospective students, parents, employees, and visitors have access to accurate information about crimes committed on campus and campus security procedures. View the 2015 annual report.

In accordance with the Department of Education, the University of Mobile publishes an Annual Crime and Fire Safety Report, which contains information about the university’s fire prevention practices and systems, as well as crime-related statistics.

The U.S. Department of Education monitors compliance, and can impose penalties for each violation against institutions. The department can also limit or suspend institutions from participating in federal student financial aid programs.

The Clery Act requirements include:
Annual Security and Fire Report
The Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to publish annually a safety and security report that documents crime statistics for the past three calendar years, and provides information about campus security policies and crime prevention efforts.

60 Day Crime and Fire Log
The 60 day crime and fire log records all criminal and fire-related incidents reported to the Department of Public Safety. You can request a copy here.

Timely Warnings or Crime Alerts
Notice to the university community for any Clery-reportable crime that represents an ongoing threat to the safety of students and employees.

Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
The Clery Act requires institutions to designate Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) who must report to the Department of Public Safety any crimes that they witness or that are reported to them. CSAs include individuals who have significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

Missing Student Policy
Federal law requires that the university establish a policy and procedures for how to report a student missing from on-campus student housing, and how the university will respond to a missing student report.

Sex Offender Registry
Guidance for obtaining information on registered sex offenders.

Download 2015 Clery Report

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking:

Get to a safe place.
Your safety is the HIGHEST priority. Get away from the assailant quickly. Call 9-1-1 or the University’s Department of Public Safety at (251) 510-4273.
Know that what happened was not your fault.
You are not responsible for the actions of others. No one deserves to be sexually assaulted. No one deserves to be stalked. No one has the right to hurt you or touch you against your will or without consent. It is not your fault.

Reach out for support.
Call a friend, family member, or someone else you trust who can be with you and give you support. You can also call the university’s Counseling Services at (251)442-2292 to help you work through this experience and help you begin the healing process.

Seek medical care.
You have the right, and are encouraged, to seek medical care and assistance. After a physical or sexual assault, you may not know whether or not you have sustained any injuries. A healthcare provider can provide overall care; treat any injuries that may have occurred during the assault; provide emergency contraception; and/or offer preventive treatment for sexual transmitted infections (STIs).
Preserve any evidence.
Evidence of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking should be preserved as soon as possible, even if you are unsure about reporting to the university or filing criminal charges. Preservation of evidence is essential for both law enforcement and campus disciplinary investigations.
Write down, or have a friend write down, everything you can remember about the incident, including a physical description of the assailant. You should attempt to do this even if you are unsure about reporting the incident in the future.

Forensic Evidence
If you choose to report the assault and pursue legal options, a prompt forensic examination can be crucial.

Steps to Preserve Forensic Evidence
Avoid drinking, bathing, showering, brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or combing your hair.
Do not change clothes. If you have already changed your clothes, place your clothing and other items (sheets, blankets) in a brown paper bag (a plastic bag may destroy evidence).
Go to a hospital emergency department, Mobile Infirmary or USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital, which has the capability to provide a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE or “rape kit”) and medical care for victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a healthcare provider trained to provide comprehensive care for a victim, can collect forensic evidence.

A SAFE can only be completed within 5 days of the assault. You have the right to refuse the entire exam or any part of it at any time. You may also decide to complete a forensic exam anonymously.
By law, evidence collection expenses are covered at no cost to you, However the hospital has to contact local law enforcement.
If you suspect that you are the victim of a drug-facilitated sexual assault, ask the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care to take a urine sample. Drugs, such as Rohypnol and GHB, are more likely to be detected in urine than in blood. Rohypnol stays in the body for several hours, and can be detected in the urine up to 72 hours after taking it. GHB leaves the body in 12 hours.
Consider bringing someone to the hospital with you for support.
The hospital automatically calls a police officer and an advocate to be available any time someone comes in for a SAFE. You can decide whether or not you want to speak with the advocate. The advocate is a confidential resource who is not affiliated with the university. They can provide you with confidential support and talk with you about your options.

Physical Evidence
Physical evidence should be preserved even if you choose not to go to the hospital for a forensic exam. Save all of the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. Put each item in a separate paper bag (do not use plastic bags). Save all bedding (blankets, sheets) and put each in a separate paper bag. Take photographs of any visible physical injuries (bruising, scratches) for use as evidence. If you report to law enforcement, they may want to take their own photos as evidence.

Electronic Evidence
Evidence such as texts, emails, Facebook posts, chats, pictures, videos or other forms of electronic communication can be helpful in a college or criminal investigation. Download, save to a .pdf, take screen shots, or use other methods to preserve electronic evidence.

Report the incident.
You may choose to report the incident to the Prichard Police Department and/or to the university’s Department of Public Safety. Residential Life or Campus Operations can also receive a report.

If you are unsure as to whether or not you want to report the incident, you can talk with a university counselor or the Lieutenant with the Department of Public Safety about ‘hypotheticals’ to find out more information. If you under 21 and were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of the assault you will NOT be charged for using by Prichard Police Department or the University of Mobile. Amnesty is granted for victims and witnesses of sexual assault by the University of Mobile for any and all policy violations, including, but not limited to alcohol, drugs, curfew, and visitation. Sexual assault is a crime in all 50 states. Whether or not you were under the influence of alcohol or other drugs at the time of the incident, does NOT make it your fault. No one has the right to touch you without your consent. Access support services and resources at any time.

Regardless of when or where the incident occurred, resources on- and off-campus are available to support you at any time, now and in the future.

Healing takes time.
People can and do recover. Give yourself as much time as you need. Talking with supportive people may help you regain a feeling of control and help you feel less alone.
Self-care can be an important component of one’s healing. Adequate sleep, nutrition, and emotional self-care can help ensure your body and mind are able to participate fully in the healing process.

OPERATION IDENTIFICATION

Operation Identification is a nation-wide program designed to discourage theft of valuables from your residence. The identifying serial numbers enable the police to contact and return stolen merchandise to the rightful owner. Operation Identification has dramatically reduced crime in communities where the majority of residents have joined the program.

Operation Identification doesn’t prevent theft (that is up to all of us), it only reduces the profit of crime, because burglars steal valuables for resale. If you mark all items with permanent identification numbers (using an engraver or permanent marker), the burglar will be unable to sell them through legitimate means. If a criminal knows all valuables in your residence are marked, he will look for an easier and more profitable victim. Completing the form and recording the make, model, and serial numbers of your valuables will assist with completing police reports and aid in returning them to the rightful owner.

ITEMS TO MARK AND RECORD

All items of value:
Bicycles
Gaming Systems
Tablets
Cameras
Computers
Headphones
Radios/Stereos
Calculators
Cell Phones
Televisions
Instruments
Jewelry, antiques, and heirlooms are items that cannot be engraved. Instead, take close-up photographs or videotape these items.

Download and print the Operation ID form. Fill out the form and make several copies. Keep one copy with you and store the other copy(s) at another location, perhaps with a parent, relative or trusted friend. You can also fill the form out on your computer and keep a copy there.

The University DOES NOT keep a copy of the inventory forms.
Additionally you can follow this link to enter and store the serial numbers of your property on the ReportIt website. The service is internet based and free of charge.

Officers are armed with .40 caliber sidearms, O.C. Pepper Spray, handcuffs, uniforms, and patrol vehicles. All Officers undergo necessary certifications and training to be in compliance with the Alabama Security Regulatory Board as well as local and federal regulations. Officers are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED) operations, firearms operation and safety, Pepper Spray certification, and an extensive Field Training Program.

The department gained membership into the National Rifle Association (NRA) and the department was trained in compliance with NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Pistol qualifications. The department also acquired Level 2 Trainer status (the highest level available) with the Alabama Security Regulatory Board. In November 2015, the Department of Public Safety gained membership into the IACLEA (International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators).

The department conducts in-service training for R.A.s (Residential Advisors) and other Housing Officials on aspects of fire safety, elevator emergencies, and drug identification and responsibilities. Joint in-service training is conducted for Synergy Campus Security Officers with the FBI SWAT team using live simunition rounds to train against an active shooter or hostage situation.

We are here to provide the University of Mobile with the best possible security advantage in the industry.