LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A Texas Tech police officer is encouraging students to take precautions to stay safe if they plan to go out for homecoming weekend.
The message follows a mandatory alert sent to students two weeks ago about a reported sexual assault involving two students, according to Texas Tech’s Clery Compliance office. The alert states two students took a ride from people they did not know after leaving the Broadway area after midnight on Oct. 1.
Officer Caitlynn Jeffries, public information officer for the Texas Tech Police Department, said alerts like this are mandatory but serve another purpose.
“It’s an opportunity for students to understand what may have happened in their community so that they can take more precautions, if they think it’s necessary to do so,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries says some crime can be prevented by being aware, which starts before the night begins by making a plan.
“Whether it’s getting a ride after, where you’re going throughout the night, and even contacting some other friends that may not be going with you and just letting them know, hey, we’re going to be out for a little bit. Can you please watch out for us, you know if we contact you, whatever it might be,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries said students should pay attention to their drink. If left alone with someone they do not know or trust, they should not drink it.
“And don’t leave a buddy alone. That’s something we see as well as people go out in a group, but they don’t always leave as a group. So stay in a group, stay together. That way you can protect each other,” Jeffries said.
Jeffries said students are encouraged to get help and report incidents without fear, even if drugs or alcohol were involved.
“When we show up, you know, if an officer asked if there was alcohol involved or drugs, it’s not because we want to get you in trouble or, you know, go down the route of arrest or a citation, anything like that. It is primarily just to assess the situation and to just understand the circumstances around what has happened,” Jeffries said.
She said a report can be made regardless of how much time has passed, but the sooner a report is made, the more evidence may be collected.
Jeffries and Clery Compliance said a victim is never responsible for a sexual assault.
“You can do everything in the world to try and prevent something and apply all the tips that we have given. And it can still happen. It’s just really unfortunate. And so that’s, that’s why we put that in there that it’s never the victim’s fault. It’s whoever the suspect is, it’s their responsibility and their fault. And that’s why we’re here so that we can try and stop that from happening. and if it has happened, investigate it and try to bring justice to whatever has happened,” Jeffries said.
Reporting can start the process toward justice and help connect to needed resources.
You are encouraged to report incidents of sexual assault to the Texas Tech Police Department and Title IXIf you are on campus and need a safe ride, contact Raider Ride.
Safety Resources Available to You:
Support Resources Contact CardRaider SafetyDaily Crime LogTexas Tech Crisis HelpLine: 806-742-5555Texas Tech Police Department: 806-742-3931Blue Light Emergency Phones: Direct lines to the Texas Tech Police Department
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