The local police department is responsible for responding to all crimes or emergencies reported on campus property. The response will depend on how the report was made and to whom it was made.

Some instances of misconduct may also constitute a violation of state, federal, or local law. It is the student's or employee's option to report misconduct to the university, local law enforcement, or both. Texas Tech administrators are happy to assist in making a report to law enforcement and will accompany the victim if requested and possible. Reporting to the Texas Tech Police Department (TTPD) can lead to an investigation, criminal charges, and prosecution.

On Texas Tech University Lubbock campus, if a student or employee wishes to report to both the Texas Tech Police Department (TTPD) or local police department and the Office of Student Conduct/Title IX, if feasible an Investigator from the university will coordinate with the police department detectives, so the student only has to give one statement. This would be scheduled as soon as possible.

Reports made to a CSA will not automatically generate a police report or response but may if the victim requests to talk to the police and file a police report. Information submitted in the CSA report determines the university's response.

Police Response

Local police officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to take reports and answer questions. The police department is responsible for dispatching officers to calls for service. When a call is received needing an officer's assistance, the officer will initiate the required action by responding to the incident, requesting additional officers or additional services. All initial reports of a crime are investigated by the responding officer(s) who will conduct a police investigation by gathering information, asking questions, documenting evidence and taking statement(s). This investigation will determine whether or not criminal charges will be pursued at that time or require additional investigation. Reports requiring additional investigation are forwarded to the local police department's Criminal Investigations Division, where applicable. If assistance is required from additional first responders or local law enforcement, dispatchers will initiate all requests for assistance. If a sexual assault or other violent crime is reported, a variety of services including medical, counseling, and psychological assistance will be offered.

Police reports may be shared with several university offices including the Office of Student Conduct, Dean of Students Office, Title IX, and other departments as necessary for review and referral for potential action under the Student Code of Conduct, Employee Handbook, or other actions or services required based on the reported incident.

The Texas Tech Police Department will work in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies as necessary and will, when possible, include essential campus employees as needed.

For local police department information for regional campuses, refer to Policies on Crime or Emergency Reporting section.

What Police Do

When responding to a criminal incident they may:

• Take an initial statement from victims, witnesses, others involved
• Begin follow up interviews with all parties involved
• Collect and review any available evidence
• Make an arrest or referral
• Complete a written report which can be submitted to the District Attorney's Office and various university departments

Upon police arrival to an incident, if a victim is not ready to file a report for criminal charges, an informational report can be generated, and the officer will explain the process. A victim may meet with an officer at the police department, residence, or their place of choosing. A support person may accompany a victim when filing a police report.

University Response to Reports

In some instances, a report may be made directly to the university and not involve law enforcement. Students are encouraged to speak with a CSA, faculty, staff, or a University Housing staff member (where applicable) for assistance in filing a report. Whether or not they choose to file a report with law enforcement, the university will offer a variety of options for assistance and will work to address any factors that may have led to this crime.

A report to the university allows for the initiation of interim protective measures such as academic accommodations, changes to housing (where applicable), and changes to class or work schedules. A victim may bring someone with them for support while making a report, to include a friend, roommate, or family member. If a report involving a Title IX violation is submitted to the university through a CSA, an employee or the police, the university will begin its own independent investigation.

Reports to Campus Security Authorities and Responsible Employees

Under Clery, a crime is "reported when it is brought to the attention of a CSA or local law enforcement personnel by a victim, witness, or other third party or even offender, regardless of if the individual is involved in the crime, reporting the crime, or is associated with the institution."

CSAs are required to submit a CSA Incident Report Form to the Clery Compliance Officer for allegations of Clery Act crimes that they conclude were made in good faith. In "good faith" means there is a reasonable basis for believing the information is not simply a rumor or hearsay, with little or no reason to doubt the validity of the information.

Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 Notification to Victims of Crimes of Violence

The University will, upon written request, disclose to the alleged victim of a crime of violence or a nonforcible sex offense the report on the results of any disciplinary proceeding conducted by the University against the alleged student or employee. If the alleged victim is deceased as the result of such crime or offense, the next of kin shall be treated as the alleged victim.