TABLE OF CONTENTS FRONT PAGE NEXT ARTICLE PREVIOUS ARTICLE
University police once relied on posted flyers and word-of-mouth to help track
down suspects in campus crimes.
Now that's changed, thanks to technology.
The campus police now use web sites, e-mail and other tools to help alert the
campus community as well as catch criminals before they can do any more harm to
students and employees, said Chief Derek Poarch, director of public safety.
One particularly helpful tool is the web, where police can post a composite
picture of a suspect that can be easily downloaded, Poarch said. An example of
this was the composite of a suspect in two related sexual assaults that
happened around the start of the school year.
"We would like to thank members of the University and local communities for
their vigilance and determination to address a dangerous situation," Poarch
said.
Jesus Alvarez-Ramos was arrested Aug. 24, charged with kidnapping and
attempting to rape two Carolina students on Aug. 15 and 17.
In addition to the composite, other information about the suspect -- his
approximate height, weight and age -- was added to the web site, Poarch said.
Both victims gave police the same description.
Thanks in part to the additional conduits of information, police received a
"tremendous number of leads" from citizens and the news media, Poarch said.
"I think the web site helped a great deal," Poarch said.
Another helpful tool was e-mail. Working with Stephen Cornelison of
Administrative Information Services, public safety was able to send out
campuswide messages with vital information about the suspect, Poarch said.
"Credit has to go to Steve for helping us get the word out through e-mail," he
said.
Public safety also used more traditional methods of spreading the word.
Warning posters were placed on campus and in the community, along with the
suspect's composite and safety tips. Those tips include:
* Never walk alone at night. If you must walk alone, make sure someone knows
your destination, route and estimated time of return or arrival. Stay in pairs
or groups whenever possible.
* Don't work alone in classrooms, offices or laboratories.
* Pay attention to your surroundings, and avoid places that are isolated or
dimly lit.
* Report suspicious activity by calling 911 or using emergency call boxes on
campus.
* At night, use the Point-to-Point Shuttle System or its express service.
Anyone wishing to use the service can call 962-7867 from
7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
To UNC-CH Home Page