Police Chief Dispels Rumors Following Attempted Sexual Assault Off Campus
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2016) — In an effort to dispel rumors, University of Kentucky Police Chief Joe Monroe sent an email to UK students, faculty and staff members today providing accurate information surrounding a recent report of an attempted sexual assaut in Lexington.
False information has been circulated around campus, mostly via social media. The incident in question did not occur on campus, and UK residence halls have not been locked down.
Below is the message from Chief Monroe:
In response to misinformation being circulated among University of Kentucky students, parents and employees about a recent attempted sexual assault in Lexington, I want to provide accurate information to our UK family. Safety is of the utmost importance to UK Police and the entire university, and we would not sacrifice that.
No incidents related to the recent report from Lexington police about possible sexual assaults has occurred on UK's campus. All incidents were off campus. UK Police are assisting Lexington Police in their investigation. The university is also looking at additional measures to enhance security on the edges of campus.
The question often arises as to the criteria for issuing UK Alerts. Alerts are issued when a serious crime or other incident (gas leak, tornado warning, etc.) occurs on campus posing a threat that requires immediate action. No alert was issued for the Aug. 26 attempted sexual assault that was reported at Arlington and Grosvenor Avenues because it did not occur on campus and UK Police did not have knowledge of it until Aug. 29, days after it occurred, so there was no immediate threat.
UK Police provide 24 hour patrols of campus, but we also urge students to be vigilant in their own safety no matter where they are. We recommend use of the LiveSafe App to report tips or to enhance safety at night on or off campus areas with virtual escorts. Our Safe Line, 859-257-SAFE (7233) can also connect you to other services, include the ROTC SafeCats program providing safety escorts on campus, and Parking and Transportation Services' on demand bus service for late hours. Student Government and PTS also provide WildCab transportation off campus.
The University of Kentucky values a safe community for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. In the interest of promoting a safe and secure campus environment, UK Police offer these safety precautions as well:
• If you see something, say something. For emergencies, call 911.
• Carry a cell phone to be able to call for help in emergencies.
• Do not travel alone after dark; walk with a friend or with a group.
• Whenever possible, look out for your friends when you go out together; walk together and make sure that everyone gets home safely.
• Park in well-lit areas when possible.
• Turn over any requested items (purse, wallet, etc.).
• Make statements with authority – “BACK-OFF! STOP! NO-WAY!” You deserve to be respected.
· Download and use the UK LiveSafe App on the App Store or Google Play: http://bit.ly/UK-LiveSafeApp
Joe Monroe
University of Kentucky Chief of Police