Frequently Asked Questions

CSUPD officers are well prepared and trained with the best and most updated training and knowledge when responding to a person in crisis or having a mental health episode. We offer and take pride in the following training:

• CIT - Crisis Intervention Training
• QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer
• Mental Health First Aid

It is important to recognize that no jurisdiction—whether it’s a city or university campus—can be guaranteed to ever be completely free from crime. However, violent crimes are rare on the Columbus State University campus. One of the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of crime is to utilize personal strategies that facilitate safety and realize that while it may be statistically very unlikely for any one person to be victimized, crime can happen. Making wise decisions and using common sense greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Using moderation when consuming alcohol, securing/locking your valuables, and being aware of your surroundings are some simple ways to greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. The CSU Police Department also conducts personal safety and crime prevention classes to help educate the campus community on maintaining a proper level of personal safety while on campus. For more information, please contact us at (706) 507-8911.

Many times, walking is the best option for transportation around campus. As stated in a previous section, violent crime can occur anywhere, but it is rare on the CSU campus. Most crime occurs after 11 PM, with the majority being in the surrounding area off campus. Again, using well-lit, established pedestrian traffic paths, and walking in groups with people you know greatly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim. Additionally, campus transit maintains a robust schedule to assist people in traveling around campus.

Crimes that occur most often at CSU involve minor theft by taking involving personal property. Property left unattended and in public view is the most vulnerable. Most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Therefore, the best way to prevent becoming a victim of property crime is to secure your valuables with locks and out of public view when you are not using them.

There are several ways. Each school is required to make available annual crime statistics. Many schools’ police departments, including the Columbus State University Police Department, post crime statistics on their webpage. You can access crime statistics for Columbus State University on the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

A second way would be to go to a public library and request Uniform Crime Reports published by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Finally, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Post-Secondary Education receives crime statistics annually from colleges and universities across the nation. These statistics can be viewed at the Department of Education’s website.

Generally, vehicles are safe. We have listed a few tips to prevent becoming a victim of a car break-in.

Recommended Tips:
• Park in a well-lighted area.
• Park in lots more frequently used by others.
• Secure all valuables in the trunk or remove them from your car.
• Lock your car so the trunk can't be entered from the inside.
• Car-pool if you can, or have a friend, parent, or relative drop you off on campus.
• Report all suspicious persons or activity to the campus police at (706) 507-8911.

Parents should have as much contact as possible with their son or daughter while that son or daughter is away at school. With e-mail or text messages it is easier to get messages back and forth. The problem with e-mail and text messages is you cannot hear their voice. Parents know their children better than anyone else. If you hear something that does not sound right, you might want to investigate further. Visit your son or daughter at times other than on special weekends, if possible, as maintaining this contact will reassure both you and your child.

Yes, our officers have the same authority as officers that work in a city or county police/sheriff department. Officers and employees are aware of the department mission, statutory authority (OGCA- 20-3-72 and 20-8-2 and 20-8-3) as law enforcement officers, jurisdictional boundaries, use of discretion, and the role of the department within the community. Each police officer, prior to exercising authority powers of a University Police Officer, will fulfill the training requirements of a sworn/certified officer as defined in Georgia Law 35-8-8. Thus, all officers are required to successfully complete the POST Mandate (Police Academy) training prior to any assignment in any capacity in which the officer is allowed to carry weapons or use arrest powers.

The Columbus StateAnnual Security and Fire Safety Report is produced annually to inform students and other campus community members about how to stay safe at Columbus State University. Crime and fire statistics are presented for the last three calendar years reflecting incidents that were reported to have occurred on campus, in residential facilities, in certain off-campus buildings owned or operated by the University, and on public property adjacent to and accessible to the University. This report also includes information about reporting crimes, personal safety, crime prevention, emergency policies and procedures, policies regarding sexual assault, policies regarding drugs, alcohol, and weapons on campus, and other topics related to campus safety.

The RiverPark area has a higher homeless population than other areas in Columbus. They often rely on panhandling to get money. If you are approached by someone asking for money and do not wish to interact with them, simply say, “No” and continue walking. If they persist, contact the police department.

• Close and lock all office doors when you leave open doors invites theft.
• Keep cash, checks, credit cards, and books with you always; never leave them unattended.
• Write your name and an I.D. number, in pen, inside your books.
• Store computers, lab equipment, and audiovisual equipment, when not in use, in a locked office or classroom.

Yes, we do offer self-defense classes. If you are interested in a self-defense class, please contact CSUPD or Captain Youngblood at (706) 507-8911. This class is typically taken by requests of groups of ten or more, however, we adjust accordingly.

CSUPD is no longer responsible for parking enforcement. Please see Parking Services.

Incident Reports

Incident Reports can be picked up at the Main Campus UPD office located in lot 9 off East Lindsey. It is recommended to wait 48 hours after the report is made to pick it up.

Accident Reports

CSU Police has partnered with the Georgia Electronic Accident Reporting System, or GEARS, for reporting car accidents on campus. GEARS provides access to data and documents related to crashes occurring in Georgia. This process and the information collected are contributed to and managed by LexisNexis Risk Solutions and the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Drivers can order a copy of their accident report from LexisNexis BuyCrash online for a nominal fee. Drivers can also pick them up at CSUPD Main Campus.

We do offer crime prevention programs. To organize an event please notify UPD at (706) 507-8911 and request Captain Youngblood.

Please see Employment Opportunities.