University Police (UAPD) work diligently to help keep students safe.

Unfortunately, some students associate police officers with getting in trouble. The truth is that UAPD staff host and participate in a number of programs and events to increase positive interaction students.

“We have a good relationship with students, faculty and staff. Our officers are known around campus, and we have a lot of activity and outreach programs,” said UAPD Captain Gary Crain.

Nobody wants to meet police by getting a ticket, so programs create a positive environment, Crain said.

Awareness and Prevention Programs

Security awareness and crime prevention programs encourage students and employees to be aware of their responsibility for their own security and the security of others. Some of the programs and organizations are:

  1. Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)
  2. Pat Walker Health Center
  3. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  4. Substance Education and Alcohol Resources (SEAR)
  5. AlcoholEdu for Students/Sanctions
  6. Rape Education Services by Peers Encouraging Conscious Though (RESPECT)
  7. Campus Lighting Tour

There are about 50 programs and activities available on campus to raise awareness of safety and risk reduction. The full list can be found page 15-19 of the 2018 Clery Report, published Oct. 1, 2019.

Caitlyn Berry is a second-year RESPECT intern. She visits classes around campus to have facilitated conversations about campus sexual assault. She also creates outreach events and resource tables with other interns.

RESPECT promotes UAPD as a campus resource for sexual assault survivors.

“UAPD has training specific to sexual violence, so I feel comfortable relaying to students that it is a reliable resource,” Berry said.

Outreach programs such as RESPECT benefit students by providing them with information of resources they might not otherwise know are available to them.

“I like to highlight the importance of knowing what resources you have and ways to intervene in situations that could escalate to sexual violence,” Berry said.

In addition, UAPD has a community outreach officer who puts together programs for individuals who might request them in residence halls, Greek Life or Associated Student Government (ASG), Crain said..

CLERY Reports

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act includes statistics concerning reported crimes on campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus, and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.

The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and the like.

The cases in the Clery Report are only the cases reported to UAPD or to other campus-security authorities, Crain said.

Number of Criminal Offenses Reported in 2017 at SEC Schools Per 1,000 Students 

University Murder/ non-negligent manslaughter Rape Fondling Robbery Aggravated Assault Burglary Arson
University of Arkansas 0 0.33 0.22 0.11 0.04 0.76 0
Texas A & M 0 1.21 0.28 0.03 0.22 0.79 0.04
University of Alabama 0.03 0.57 0.16 0.08 0.13 0.78 0.05
Auburn University 0 0.47 0.1 0.13 1.01 1.48 0.03
Louisiana State University 0 0.36 0.06 0.1 0.42 1.39 0
Mississippi State University 0 0.96 0.18 0.05 0 0.55 0
University of Tennessee 0 0.88 0.95 0.07 0.46 0.81 0.04
University of Florida 0 0.36 0.06 0.19 0.3 0.46 0
University of Georgia 0 0.43 0.24 0.03 0.11 0.93 0.05
University of Kentucky 0 0.61 0.78 0.07 0.27 1.09 0.14
University of Mississippi 0 0.65 0 0.04 0.39 0.69 0
University of Missouri 0 0.55 0.42 0.1 0.13 0.19 0.16
University of South Carolina 0 0.32 0.03 0.06 0.17 0.46 0
Vanderbilt University 0 2.14 0.79 0.08 1.11 0.24 0

The University of Arkansas generally has lower crime statistics than other SEC schools.

It has the second lowest report of rape in the SEC, according to the Clery Report.

UAPD FAQ

1. Where are the police stations located?

There are three locations on campus. The main police station is located at 155 S. Razorback Road.  There are two substations on the east side of Reid Hall and in the Sam Walton College of Business.

2. Are UAPD officers real police officers?

Yes, UAPD officers are real police officers with legal authority. UAPD officers have complete police authority to apprehend and arrest anyone involved in illegal acts on campus and areas immediately adjacent to campus.

3. How many police officers are patrolling at any given time?

There are usually three-four officers on duty at any given time. UAPD officers patrol campus in vehicles, on foot and on bicycles.

4. How can I stay informed of any criminal activity on campus?

Students, faculty and staff set their notification preferences in UAConnect or webBASIS to receive emergency notifications via SMS, email from RazALERT@uark.edu, social media or phone call.

How to Report a Crime

If you wish to report a crime:

  • Contact UAPD by phone or by text at 479-575-2222
  • Use the emergency/information telephones
    • Located on major campus walkways, select parking lots/garages, elevators
    • They connect to UAPD Communications Center, which can dispatch officers
  • Report in person at one of the three stations on campus
  • Email uapd@uark.edu or by text.

The Takeaway

UAPD cares about UA students and their safety! Not only do they have a dedicated staff to respond to crime reports, there is a multitude of outreach programs to educate and engage with the community.

“The men and women that make up UAPD have a real desire to be of service to the community; to help protect and bring a sense of safety to faculty, staff and students on campus,” Crain said.