Chief's Corner
27 October 2011
The heavy, wet snow that we received Tuesday night and Wednesday has caused significant damage to trees throughout our beautiful campus. Additionally, we experienced isolated and temporary power outages, along with encountering some down power lines on and near campus. A collaborative evaluation determined that it was prudent to close campus on Wednesday and a multi-media mass notification was delivered, along with informing local media outlets. I would like to take a moment to offer a word of caution associated with the anticipation of extremely cold temperatures Wednesday evening and the potential for icy conditions, along with more branches and trees to fall on campus.
UNC Facilities Management personnel have worked diligently to clear the parking lots and sidewalks of snow and the fallen branches and trees. They were at work while most of us were still asleep, and will be back out early Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has indicated that we will experience very cold temperatures Wednesday night, which may result icy conditions on roadways, sidewalks and in our parking lots. Additionally, the weight of the snow on the trees and freezing conditions may result in more branches and trees falling on and near campus. Please be careful and exercise caution, particularly walking or standing near trees.
Please feel free to direct comments or questions to the UNC Police Department.
Chief Dennis Pumphrey, UNC Police Department
14 October 2011
Most of us are aware of the grassroots protests that are occurring throughout the Nation and currently in Denver, known as Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Denver. Although we all have a fundamental right to peacefully assemble and engage in non-violent demonstrations, there are specific laws in Colorado regarding inciting a riot, engaging in a riot, and disobedience of public safety orders under riot conditions. There are severe consequences for students enrolled in publicly-funded higher education institutions who are convicted of any of these statutes. The Colorado Revised Statutes that I will be referencing may be found on the Colorado Attorney General's website at www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov.
CRS §18-9-102 Inciting riot
- A person commis inciting riot if he:
- Incites or urges a group of five or more persons to engage in a current or impending riot; or
- Gives commands, instructions, or signals to a group of five or more persons in furtherance of a riot.
- A person may be convicted under section 18-2-101, 18-2-201, or 18-2-301 of attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to incite a riot only if he engages in the prohibited conduct with respect to a current or impending riot.
- Inciting riot is a class 1 misdemeanor, but, if injury to a person or damage to property results there from, it is a class 5 felony.
CRS §18-9-104 Engaging in a riot
- A person commits an offense if he or she engages in a riot. The offense is a class 4 felony if in the course of rioting the actor employs a deadly weapon, a destructive device, or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon, or if in the course of rioting the actor represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon; otherwise, it is a class 2 misdemeanor.
- The provisions of section 18-9-102 (2) are applicable to attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy to commit an offense under this section.
CRS §18-9-105 Disobedience of public safety orders under riot conditions
- A person commits a class 3 misdemeanor if, during a riot or when one is impending, he knowingly disobeys a reasonable public safety order to move, disperse, or refrain from specified activities in the immediate vicinity of the riot. A public safety order is an order designed to prevent or control disorder or promote the safety of persons or property issued by an authorized member of the police, fire, military, or other forces concerned with the riot. No such order shall apply to a news reporter or other person observing or recording the events on behalf of the public press or other news media, unless he is physically obstructing efforts by such forces to cope with the riot or impending riot. Inapplicability of the order is an affirmative defense.
CRS §23-5-124 Student enrollment - prohibition - public peace and order convictions
- No person who is convicted of a riot offense shall be enrolled in a state-supported institution of higher education for a period of twelve months following the date of conviction.
- A student who is enrolled in a state-supported institution of higher education and who is convicted of a riot offense shall be immediately suspended from the institution upon the institution's notification of such conviction for a period of twelve months following the date of conviction; except that if a student has been suspended prior to the date of conviction by the state-supported institution of higher education for the same riot activity, the twelve month suspension shall run from the start of the suspension imposed by the institution.
- Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a state-supported institution of higher education from implementing its own policies and procedures or disciplinary actions, in addition to the suspension in subsection (2) of this section, regarding students involved in riots.
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- The court in each judicial district shall report to the Colorado commission on higher education the name of any person who is convicted in the judicial district of a riot offense.
- The Colorado commission on higher education shall make the conviction reports received pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection (4) available to all state-supported institutions of higher education with the notification that the persons included in the conviction reports are subject to the provisions of this section and that the state-supported institution of higher education in which any of such persons are enrolled shall consider appropriate disciplinary action against the student.
- Each state-supported institution of higher education shall notify its students and prospective students of the requirements of this section. The governing board of each state-supported institution of higher education shall prescribe the manner in which this information shall be disseminated.
CRS §23-5-124 is very clear that a conviction for any of these violations of the law will result in the immediate suspension and inability to "be enrolled in a state-supported institution of higher education for a period of twelve months following the date of conviction." Please don't jeopardize your education and future professional endeavors!
Chief Mikel Longman, UNC Police Department
13 September 2011
It's that time of the year when solicitors come on to campus uninvited and attempt to sell all sorts of things to students. We have recently had unauthorized solicitors trying to sell magazines, employing "hard sell" techniques! The solicitors generally hang out around the University Center, but the Police Department has received information that solicitors have been entering residence halls as well. These individuals are not permitted to conduct business on UNC's campus and are absolutely prohibited from entering UNC's Residence Halls.
If you are confronted by any unwanted solicitation, firmly say "No, not interested" and walk away. Please contact the UNC Police Department at (970) 351-2245 to report any solicitors on campus.
Chief Mikel Longman, UNC Police Department
1 September 2011
The UNC Police Department in partnership with the Weld County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Citizen's Academy beginning Tuesday, 27 September 2011. The Citizen's Academy will be an opportunity for the University community and greater community of Weld County to learn and gain insight into policing in America. Except for the first evening, this 12-week program will meet Thursday evenings from 7:00 PM until 9:00 in the Council Room at the University Center. A graduation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 15 December 2011. The class size is limited to 20 attendees and applicants must be at least 18 years old, and a criminal background check will be conducted. Applications are available at the UNC Police Department or the Weld County Sheriff's Office.
A course curriculum will be available soon, but topics to be covered include: presentations by campus, municipal, county, state and Federal law enforcement personnel to address the differences and similarities in policing at different levels of government; criminal investigations; special weapons and tactics (SWAT) and explosive ordinance disposal (EOD); jail operations; patrol procedures and traffic stops; defensive tactics and weapons training; and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on training, including a firearms simulator.
Please contact Sergeant Chris Krause, UNC PD Citizen's Academy Coordinator at (970) 351-1987 or Mikel Longman, UNC Chief of Police at (970) 351-1986 with any questions or to reserve a spot. Applications are due by Monday, 19 September 2011.
Chief Mikel Longman, UNC Police Department
24 August 2011
While some areas of the country are especially prone to earthquakes, it is important to remember they can happen anywhere at any time. In light of the recent earthquakes in Colorado and Virginia, which could be felt hundreds of miles away, we wanted to pass along Earthquake Safety Awareness Tips. Keep in mind that aftershocks can occur days, weeks and even months after the initial earthquake. The following information was obtained from the Federal Emergency Management Agency:
Earthquake Safety
Earthquakes are one of the most common, unpredictable occurrences on Earth. There is always the chance of an earthquake, but there is no way of predicting or giving any warning to when one may occur. We may not feel shaking all of the time because some earthquakes can only be felt by sensitive instruments. Other times, earthquakes can be very dangerous and occur in highly populated areas placing many people at risk. Homes and buildings can be severely damaged, and the ground can literally split apart.
Planning and proper responses are crucial to protecting yourself and your family before and after an earthquake. While you may think the earthquake has stopped, there is always the potential for aftershocks. Aftershocks can be severe and happen within the first hour after the main shock. The rate of aftershocks decreases quickly but can be felt up to weeks or even months after a large earthquake occurrence. The following are tips covering situations in which you may find yourself when an earthquake strikes.
If Indoors
- Drop to the ground. Take cover by getting under a sturdy table and hold on. Stay inside until the shaking stops.
- Stay away from glass or anything that can fall, like light fixtures and furniture.
- Stay in bed if you are there when the earthquake strikes. Hold on and protect your head with a pillow, unless you are under a heavy light fixture that could fall. In that case, move to the nearest safe place.
- Do not use elevators.
If Outdoors
- Stay where you are if you are not near any buildings, streetlights or utility wires.
- Do not move from the area you are in until the shaking stops. Remember that aftershocks can be just as bad as the earthquake itself.
In a Moving Vehicle
- Stop as quickly as possible, but stay in the vehicle. Avoid stopping near or under buildings, trees, overpasses and utility wires.
- Proceed cautiously once the shaking has stopped. Avoid roads, bridges, or ramps that have been damaged.
If You Are Trapped Under Debris
- Do not light a match because materials or fumes around you could ignite.
- Do not move frantically or kick up dust because you could injure yourself.
- Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing to protect yourself from breathing in dust and other airborne items.
- Tap on a pipe or wall so rescuers can locate you. Shout only as a last resort because it could cause you to inhale dangerous amounts of dust.
Chief Mikel Longman, UNC Police Department
28 February 2011
Our very own UNC Chief of Police Mikel Longman participated in the Second Annual Boulder Polar Plunge for Special Olympics on Saturday, February 26th 2011. The event was a fund raiser for Special Olympics Colorado, through the Law Enforcement Torch Run. It was about 37 degrees at “plunge” time but at least the Boulder Reservoir was ice free! Special Olympics serves more than 10,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities in Colorado. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest grassroots fund raiser for Special Olympics world wide! UNC is the site for the annual Special Olympics Summer Games in Colorado. Chief Longman was the second highest individual fund raiser & he thanks everyone who supported him during the Polar Plunge.
11 February 2011
The following is a general outline of the decision making process utilized by the University of Northern Colorado to determine if the institution should be closed due to inclement weather:
Multiple departments, but most specifically UNC Facilities Management grounds personnel and the University Police Department, along with others involved in emergency preparedness monitor weather conditions and the impact on the University's mission. The Police Department, as part of their Emergency Preparedness responsibilities will focus on public safety issues, commonly referred to as life/safety concerns in and around the University. Facilities Management grounds personnel will focus on issues related to access and mobility on campus. A representative from the University's Risk Management Department will assist in reviewing the findings. Weather conditions are constantly monitored.
When inclement weather is identified and there is an expectation that the weather conditions may present significant hazard to the University community (identified by staff and in conjunction with National Weather Service Advisories, Watches and Warnings), the UNC chief of police or designee will inform the Executive Staff of the University with identified concerns and/or recommendations.
Absent clearly identified public safety concerns related to inclement weather, the University will consider whether it can deliver services and meet responsibilities to faculty, staff and students, along with the greater community, and other vested groups. Consideration will also be given to road conditions and the ability of faculty, staff and students to reach the campus. Additional consideration may also be given to what other institutions are doing, along with UNC's experience and history under similar conditions.
Although the recommendations of personnel are strongly considered, the final decision to close the University due to weather concerns rests with Executive Staff and the President's Office.
To address some recent weather related concerns, such as the extreme cold, emergency preparedness personnel concluded that the low temperatures presented a manageable risk as long as appropriate clothing is worn and outdoor exposure is limited. Extremely cold temperatures are common in Colorado every winter. Heat was functioning in all buildings, and the sidewalks were clear. Roadways were not a significant problem, and the campus was easily accessible. Most universities, colleges and government offices remained open, with some limited exceptions in the Denver area. Analogies that some people may have drawn to K-12 schools closing, do not necessarily apply to adult students and the model of Higher Education.
University Staff realize that on some occasions not all faculty, staff and students may have the ability to reach campus from outside the Greeley area during inclement weather conditions. There are established processes in place to address this matter. Each of us have personal responsibility and should be capable of determining our own appropriate course of action, and ultimately the final decision to go out in inclement weather conditions rests with the individual. In considering all factors regarding the case of the recent extreme cold weather, caution not closure is generally the appropriate decision.
Chief Mikel Longman, UNC Police Department
29 September 2010
The UNC Police Department is investigating reports of identity theft on campus. The suspect(s) are using a “phishing” scheme. Phishing occurs when a person or criminal group randomly contact people claiming to represent a financial, educational, or other institution, and tries to obtain personal information over the internet or telephone. UNC Students, faculty and staff are reminded that campus officials do not make unsolicited contact and will not ask for personally identifiable information, such as Bear Numbers, Social Security Numbers, credit card numbers or bank account information, over the telephone. If in doubt about the caller's identity, ask for a name and phone number and tell the person that you will call back. A directory that includes phones numbers of campus offices is available at: http://www.unco.edu/officelookup.asp. Report anything suspicious to UNC Police at (970) 351-2245.
Members of the University are encouraged to avoid becoming the victim of identity theft and fraud. The dedicated public safety professionals of the UNC Police Department offer the following crime prevention tips:
- Do not be an easy target! Many crimes are crimes of opportunity.
- Do not respond to internet or telephone solicitations, and never use a debit card for internet and telephone purchases.
- If something sounds too good to be true, trust your instincts.
- Do not carry your birth certificate and Social Security Card in your purse or wallet. Keep them in a safe, secure place.
- Use caution on social networking sites and do not reveal too much personal information.
- Shred all applications and solicitations for credit cards containing personal data.
- Report all suspicious activity, incidents and crimes to the police immediately.
- Remember, dialing 911 from your cell phone goes to the Weld County Regional Communications Center. Calls from campus phones go directly to the UNC Police Communications Center. Program (970) 351-2245 into your cell phone for a quicker police response on campus!
- For more information on identity theft or if you think you may be the victim of identity theft, go to the Federal Trade Commission’s website at: www.ftc.gov/idtheft
The UNC Police Department Crime Prevention and Training Office provide free campus safety and crime preventions programs. Call (970) 351-2245 or email police@unco.edu to request a presentation. Also, ask the chief at: mikel.longman@unco.edu.
22 September 2010
The Greeley Police Department has reported several recent residential burglaries near campus. The unidentified suspect or suspects are typically entering through unsecured doors and windows. Members of the University are encouraged to take responsibility for personal safety and the well-being of others in our community. No amount of crime is acceptable, especially if you are the victim of that crime!
The dedicated public safety professionals of the UNC Police Department offer the following crime prevention tips:
- Keep residence doors and windows locked, especially at night.
- Our residence halls have been designed with your safety in mind. Avoid propping exterior doors open and do not allow access to people that you do not know.
- Visitors are required to sign in at the front desk.
- Report all suspicious activity, incidents and crimes to the police immediately.
- Remember, dialing 911 from your cell phone goes to the Weld County Regional Communications Center. Calls from campus phones go directly to the UNC Police Communications Center. Program (970) 351-2245 into your cell phone for a quicker police response on campus!
The UNC Police Department Crime Prevention and Training Office provide free campus safety and crime preventions programs. Call (970) 351-2245 or email police@unco.edu to request a presentation. Also, ask the chief at: mikel.longman@unco.edu.