SECTION FOUR

Standard Operating Procedures

 Service Priorities

In order to provide the most effective service possible, the department ranks responsibilities and calls for service according to priority. The ranking system is based on the seriousness of the situation and potential threat to life or property.

Priority One - Situations Requiring Immediate Response:

• Crimes against persons, in progress
• Other felonies, in progress
• Fire alarms or reported fires
• Serious physical injury, including traffic accidents
• Robbery, burglary, or security alarms

Priority Two - Situations Requiring Prompt Response:

• Minor crimes, in progress
• Any criminal activity, not in progress
• Minor physical injury
• Traffic accidents with no injuries

Priority Three - Situations Requiring Response in a Reasonable Time:

• Moving traffic complaints
• Nuisance activity
• Money Escorts
• Lockouts

Priority Four - Response Appropriate to Other Considerations:

• Motorist assists
• Deliveries
• Parking complaints
• Other “routine” matters

Note: The priority system is intended to provide guidelines for the use of officer discretion, not a replacement for good judgment. All calls for service are expected to be answered, and lower priority calls are to be subjugated to higher priority calls, not ignored. If possible, a caller requesting service should be given an approximate time when their request will be answered.

402       Property Security

Officers are expected at all times to be aware of security concerns and hazards related to the protection of university and individual property. Refer to the individual campus procedures for specific procedures on times for locking buildings, etc. Officers are also expected to make reasonable, courteous efforts to enlighten the university community where safety and security concerns exist.

403       Motorist Assists

Members of the university community may request assistance from the Department of Campus Safety with disabled vehicles on or adjacent to university property. Officers should make a reasonable attempt to assist the party in moving the vehicle or obtaining further aid. The following is a guide to approved assistance.

1. Assist in “jump starting” vehicles from patrol vehicles if the vehicle is equipped for this purpose. Exceptions with other vehicles may be considered in emergencies only.

2. Assist in pushing vehicles by hand out of the way of traffic or other hazards. Department vehicles will not be used to push disabled vehicles.

3. Upon the request of the vehicle operator, officers may have SafeCom request a tow truck or other aid. Neither the university nor the department will assume financial responsibility for aid rendered to vehicles not owned by the university.

Officers may not:

1. Attempt to retrieve keys or other objects from locked vehicles. Parties with this problem should be referred to a tow truck or locksmith for service.

2. Perform extensive mechanical repairs or service. Officers are also cautioned against giving mechanical advice or referrals.

 Noise Complaints

In Residence Halls: Unless assistance is requested by residence staff, noise complaints should be referred to on-duty staff in the building reported.

In university owned apartments: Noise complaints from university apartments should be referred to Denver Police.

In Fraternities or Sororities: Locate an officer of the house or other responsible party. Advise of the complaint and request cooperation in bringing the noise to an acceptable level.

In other university buildings: If the responsible party is involved in a university sanctioned event, locate an officer or sponsor and notify them of the complaint; request cooperation in bringing the noise to an acceptable level. If the party is not involved in a sanctioned event, consider dispersal if necessary.

In off campus locations: Complaints relating to property not owned or operated by the university should be referred to Denver Police. Officers will not respond to these locations unless requested by DPD.

In situations a-d, repeated refusal to cooperate should not be tolerated. DPD assistance may be requested and charges filed for creating a disturbance if necessary. This should be considered a last resort, and an incident report should be filed in any instance where university affiliated personnel refuse to cooperate.

405       Solicitors

Non-students soliciting on either campus must first obtain approval from the proper authority. Soliciting may be defined as any uninvited contact for the purpose of selling goods or services, distributing material, or obtaining opinions or information.

Unapproved solicitors should be warned to stop immediately, and referred to the proper approval authority. If they refuse to cooperate, refer to the Offenses section dealing with Suspicious or unwanted persons.

406       Animals

In general, pets are not allowed in university buildings. Exceptions may include animals trained to assist the handicapped or special events. Pets are not barred from university grounds, provided they are leashed and the owner removes any waste matter. Officers should inform pet owners of these regulations and request compliance. If the owners refuse, refer to the Offenses section dealing with Suspicious or unwanted persons. Unknown or unattended animals should be referred to Denver Animal Control.