SDSU Police Department

Reporting a Crime, Incident or Suspicious Activity

Policies & Procedures

In an Emergency

To report crimes in progress call the University Police immediately at 9-1-1. Dial 9-1-1 to report fires and medical emergencies as well. Dialing 9-1-1 from any campus telephone, including pay phones, will connect you directly to the SDSU Police Department.

At SDSU, emergencies can also be reported by using one of the “emergency/duress” blue-light, telephones located throughout facilities and parking areas (see emergency/duress phone locations). In an emergency, you need only lift the receiver to be connected to the SDSU Police Department. Even if you are unable to speak, if you dial 9-1-1 or use a duress phone, the police dispatch operator can locate the phone from which you are calling and will dispatch a police officer. If there is a fire and no telephone is available, activate one of the fire alarms located throughout campus.

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Crime in Progress

Crimes can be averted and suspects apprehended more quickly if suspicious activity is reported promptly. If someone’s actions or the situation is disturbing, threatening, or out of the ordinary, call the SDSU Police Department. Officers will assess the situation and take the necessary and appropriate action, as well as include the incident in our annual security report.

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All Non-emergency Calls

For non-emergencies, call the SDSU Police Department at 619-594-1991. We invite reports of hate crimes, computer crimes or other “white collar crimes” and reports of physical hazards (for example, a broken stair or non-functioning traffic light). You may also report criminal offenses to designated campus officials:

• Directors
• Deans
• Department Heads
• Designated HRLO Staff
• Judicial Affairs
• Advisors to Students
• Advisors to Student Organizations
• Athletic Coaches
• Local Law Enforcement Agencies

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Anonymous Reports

The University Police, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Division of Student Affairs will accept confidential and anonymous reports of crimes for inclusion in the annual statistical report. Crimes may be reported anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 619-235-TIPS (-8477) or online at Crime Stoppers.

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Reporting Suspicious Activities, Persons or Vehicles

Report suspicious behavior or circumstances to University Police at 619-594-1991 (for non-emergencies) or 911 in an emergency. What is suspicious activity? Generally, if you trust your instincts, they’ll tell you what is suspicious about someone’s actions. Below, we’ve listed some types of behavior commonly associated with criminal activity to help “educate your instincts.”

Suspicious Persons or Activities

• Any person going door-to door in a residential neighborhood. A person is especially suspicious if, after a few houses visited, one or more of them goes into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the front when this occurs. (Possible lookout for a burglary in progress inside.
• Waiting in front of a house or business. Particularly suspicious if owners are absent-or business establishment is closed. (Possible burglary, theft, or trespass in progress.
• Non-Resident going into back or side yard of house. Suspicious under almost any circumstances. (Possible burglary or trespass in progress.
• Person running. Suspicious especially if something of value is being carried (possibly fleeing scene of crime).
• Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms. (Possibly injured, or under the influence of drugs, or otherwise needing medical or psychiatric assistance.)
• Carrying property, depending upon the circumstance. For example, if at an unusual hour or in an unusual place, and if the property is not wrapped, as if it had just been purchased. (Possible subject leaving the scene of a burglary, robbery or theft.)
• Much human traffic to and from residence. Not suspicious unless it occurs on a daily or very regular basis, especially during late or unusual hours. (Possible vice or narcotics activities, or “fence” operation.)

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Suspicious Vehicles

• Certain moving vehicles. Especially slow moving vehicles at night, without lights, or if the course appears to be aimless or repetitive. This is suspicious in any location, but particularly in areas of schools, parks, or playgrounds. (Possible significance: “casing” for places to rob or burglarize. Drug pusher or sex offender.)
• Certain parked and occupied vehicles. May contain one or more persons, especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. (Possible significance: lookout for a burglary or robbery in progress. True, even if occupants appear to be lovers.)
• Vehicles being loaded with valuables. Suspicious if parked in front of a closed business or unattended residence, even if the vehicles is a legitimate looking commercial unit, possibly bearing a sign identifying it as a repair vehicle, moving van, etc. (Possible significance: burglary or other theft in progress.)
• Abandoned vehicle. (Possible stolen car.)
• Vehicle containing weapons. Suspicious under any circumstances. (Possible significance: owner may engage in criminal activity.)
• Other unusual activity involving vehicles. Persons attempting to enter a locked vehicle, especially at night or in a parking lot. (Possible significance: burglary, theft or malicious mischief in progress.)
• Person detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle. Especially at night in the street or in a parking lot. (Possible significance: Theft or malicious mischief in progress.)
• Objects thrown form a vehicle, especially while traveling at high speed. (Possible significance: disposal of contraband or garbage dumping.)
• Property in vehicles. Not suspicious unless the property is not normally found in vehicles, especially if observed at unusual hours, or if TV sets, stereos, tape decks, or auto parts are involved. (Possible significance: stolen property.)
• Certain parked and occupied vehicles may contain one or more persons. Especially significant if observed at an unusual hour.

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Contact the SDSU Police Department, Communications Dispatch, located in the DPS Building at 619-594-1991 (non-emergency) or 9-1-1 in an emergency.

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This page last updated July 5, 2007
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