This voluntary project by Greg Huntington (UC alumnus, UC parent, retired P&G innovation leader, True Joy Acoustics founder) frames reported CRIME patterns occurring around the University of Cincinnati's main campus via www.raidsonline.com database. It also provides a synopsis of leading causes and contributing factors of FIRES that haven taken the lives of college students across the USA since 2000, particularly in off-campus housing. Understanding the nature of these "problems" is prerequisite to defining action plans that can meaningfully improve student welfare while attending college.
There is no substitute for sufficient infrastructure (e.g., lighting, controlled accessibility, code compliance) and trained law/fire enforcement professionals to deter and respond to criminal and fire threats. However, STUDENT attitudes and behaviors play a critical role. The thrust of this presentation is to outline several "Safe College Initiative" ideas that STUDENTS can own to reduce incidents and tragedy. If embraced by senior college leadership, these ideas are relatively straightforward to implement. There is pedigree for their usage and efficacy elsewhere, they are relatively low cost, and they harness student energy and creativity to bring them to life.
The analysis approach, connections and concepts are broadly applicable to other college campuses and student communities. If you are a prospective or existing college student, parent, or leader in any capacity that relates to college student crime/fire risk management, PLEASE share this presentation broadly and STIMULATE ACTION. As with any successful safety program, many "would be victims" will not realize their averted tragedy. But we will know that raising their safety attitudes and behaviors brightened their college experience and lifelong memories.
Greg Huntington
Cincinnati, Ohio
02 September 2013
Safe College Initiatives - Empowering Students to Reduce Crime and Fire Risks (PowerPoint with Links)
1. 1
Know the area, play it safe.
Don’t let it slide,
see what’s inside.
copyright 2013, all rights reservedImage courtesy of imagerymajestic
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
My college helps me
learn and grow,
fun places to go.
2. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
Educate, motivate and enable students to improve their
wellbeing on and near a large urban college campus
(crime and fire safety)
Greg Huntington – BSChE 1984 (UC) – P&G Associate Director retiree – True Joy Acoustics, LLC founder
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Scope
This presentation has been prepared in the context of
“defining the problem” and suggesting helpful ideas
for University of Cincinnati’s main campus.
The analysis, connections and concepts were
developed voluntarily. They are broadly applicable to
other college campuses and student communities.
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Who Am I?
UC College of Engineering alumnus (1979 – 1984)
Procter & Gamble R&D retiree (1981 – 2008)
Consultant & True Joy Acoustics founder (2008 – present)
Parent and Relative of UC students
Or more simply:
A ukulele salesman advocating positive community action
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Inspirational Focus
If I had only one hour to save the world, I would spend
fifty-five minutes defining the problem, and only five
minutes finding the solution. – Albert Einstein
Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and
planning. – Winston Churchill
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
– Winston Churchill
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Over 13 percent of women in college
have reported being a victim of
stalking during the school year, and
one out of every five college women
has reported being sexually
assaulted.
It is simple to talk about statistics. It is
more difficult to remember that each
number is a victim and represents a
daughter, a sister or a friend.
– Congresswoman Gwen Moore
Gwen Moore, Official 109th Congress Photo
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How do LEADERS view the big picture?
Option #1
This is reality: large campus, urban environment.
Our campus is safe. Crime is trending downward.
Media stories incite worry. Our safety infrastructure
and continuous improvements are sufficient.
Option #2
We lead in thought & action. We empower students to live
responsibly and safely as part of their college education.
It is a natural extension to preparing students to lead in their
chosen fields with knowledge, practice and passion for a bright
future. Whether they commute or reside on or near campus, we
constantly seek, invest and promote step-change initiatives
that create the safest learning and living environment.
7Images courtesy of imagerymajestic
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
8. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
Do STUDENTS understand their role?
Some “get it”, others are a little harder to reach
Meet two students: LowRisk Lori and Party Sue
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I want to enjoy my college years without fear
or getting hurt. Is everyone doing their part?
Am I AWARE of my surroundings and risks?
Am I BEHAVING in a way that promotes safety?
Am I PREPARED to respond to a safety crisis?
Am I RENTING a safe place to live and sleep?
Is LAW ENFORCEMENT visible and accessible?
Does my COLLEGE proactively care about my safety?
Can it help ME learn what I must do to be safe?
Does ANYONE ELSE care?
LowRisk Lori
9Image courtesy of imagerymajestic
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
10. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
My Priority List
A. Personal relationship(s)
B. Real world friends
C. Social media tweets & posts
D. Friday Night
E. Saturday Night
F. Job schedule, next paycheck
G. Classes & study time
H. Exam survival
Xxxx. Parent visits
Yyyy. Housekeeping
Zzzz. Fresh smoke alarm batteries
Of course it‟s safe. We‟re adults now, we
take care of ourselves. Lori needs a life.
Party Sue
10Images courtesy of imagerymajestic, photostock,
adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Crime Around Campus – DATA
www.raidsonline.com
RAIDS Online connects law enforcement with the
community to reduce crime and improve public safety
Data is provided directly from law enforcement agencies,
Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) in this study
For participating municipalities, incident data can be
mapped by varying geographic zoom, date range and
crime menu. Specific details appear by clicking any icon.
Permission obtained from Bair Analytics to share the following maps in this presentation.
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Campus border: Martin Luther King Dr (N), Jefferson Ave (E), Calhoun St (S), Clifton Ave (W)
NOTE: The following maps crime incidents in FRINGE area only (CPD jurisdiction), not on campus
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2)
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5)
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5) + Aggr Assault (11)
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5) + Aggr Assault (11) + Robbery Indiv (49) +
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5) + Aggr Assault (11) + Robbery Indiv (49) + Burglary Resid (63)
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5) + Aggr Assault (11) + Robbery Indiv (49) + Burglary Resid (63) + Theft (342)
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www.raidsonline.com
Off-Campus FRINGE + UC Main Campus (1.4 sq miles ≈ 900 acres), 6 months, Sept „12 – Feb „13
Homicide (2) + Rape (5) + Aggr Assault (11) + Robbery Indiv (49) + Burglary Resid (63) + Theft (342)
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www.raidsonline.com
How Compare to Prior Year?
Homicide
Sexual Assault – Rape
Aggravated Assault
Robbery – Individual only
Burglary – Residence only
Theft
SUBTOTAL
2
5
11
49
63
342
472
0
4
13
43
95
299
454
+ 2
+ 1
- 2
+ 6
- 32
+ 43
+ 18
Sept 2012
thru Feb 2013
Sept 2011
thru Feb 2012 CHANGE
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Crime Around Campus
RAIDS Online paints a similar
(and often worse) crime picture for
other large colleges in urban areas
Incidents reflect what is happening
in the area – whether UC students
are involved or not
Crime is a hazard; but accidents
(auto, fire) and suicide pose higher
fatality risk for this age segment *
Keep in mind …
* Data source: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s0122.pdf
21Image courtesy of David Castillio Dominici
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
22. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
College Student Fires & Fatalities - DATA
Data Source: Campus Firewatch (www.campus-firewatch.com)
Jan 2000 thru Jan 2013
99 Fires, 161 Fatalities
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College Student Fires & Fatalities
Cited Causes & Origins
unattended cooking
items on/near furnace
space heaters
horseplay with fire
electrical wiring
arson lamps
electrical strips
careless smoking & discard (sofa)
explosion (natural gas)
fireworks
paper near stovetop
wastebasket fire
cords under furniture
grilling
fireplace with no screen
wood stove flue pipe
UNDETERMINED
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College Student Fires & Fatalities
Contributing Factors
old wood frame housing
intoxication
combustible clutter
DIY fire-fighting attempts
911 call delays
overcrowding
house guestssmoke detector - not installed
smoke detector - removed
smoke detector - battery out/dead
smoke detectors not interconnected
wall fire alarms disabled
no sprinklers
no escape route
no fire drills/plan
UNINSPECTED
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Is everyone on the same page?
LEADERSHIP
Are all leaders aligned and committed to step-change improvement goals?
What are other colleges doing that can reapply?
STUDENTS
LowRisk Lori’s are mature in owning their personal safety. How can the many
Party Sue’s become attracted to safe practices, for their own sake and others?
CRIME RISKS
Is anyone comfortable with 2-3 serious crimes committed per day where
students shop, eat, socialize, reside – even if lower than historical crime peaks?
FIRE RISKS
Is it acceptable to have a large off-campus housing landlord quoted as saying:
“my buildings are safe regardless of what the code says”?
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ACTION
How make a dent in these realities?
26Image licensed by author
27. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
SCI’s should be designed as
Student Centric Initiatives.
Students are empowered to
improve their safety attitudes,
behavior, response capabilities
– ultimately contributing to a
safer college experience.
They enhance results of the
college‟s commitment to safer
on/off campus environments.
27Images courtesy of imagerymajestic,
stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
28. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
They are NOT:
• prescriptive safety lectures
• drones on doom & gloom statistics
• extra work without tangible reward
• exclusive do-it-yourself efforts
• cameo topics at jam-packed orientations
• actions that go beyond students‟ control
28Image courtesy of tokyoboy
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
29. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
10 Safe College Initiatives
Prevention
safety week: fall + spring semester
smart gear: on site, on self
Response
RENTCi landlord ratings, renter liability
SeeClickFix APPinteractive safety kiosk
community government influence campaigns
Guardian registrationrewarding orientations
off campus living resource center
“go to” college website
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10 Safe College Initiatives
Prevention
smart gear: on site, on self
Response
RENTCi landlord ratings, renter liability
SeeClickFix APPinteractive safety kiosk
Guardian registrationrewarding orientations
SCI proposals 1-6 are highlighted in remaining slides.
SCI proposals 7-10 are self-explanatory, abundant
examples across college websites. Author is open to
sharing specific examples upon individual request.
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Smart Gear for Personal Safety
SCI
1
Make it easy and affordable for students to have smart safety gear.
Strive to prevent incidents and accidents. Empower their response.
Themed display in bookstores,
online store, kiosks, orientations
Marketing promos and university
subsidies to maximize usage
Meld into “wellness” initiatives
(exercise, nutrition, stress mgmt)
to avoid military depot impression
Contact: Follet operates over 800 college bookstores. They would ideally
develop and implement this concept –– with college leadership support.
Follet Corporation link:
http://www.follett.com/about.cfm
31Google image search, no source ID
32. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
Smart Gear for Personal Safety
SCI
1
House/Room Security
Lamp timers
Door stop alarms
Smoke alarms
Batteries for smoke alarms
Kitchen fire extinguisher
Fire escape window ladder
Flashlights – regular
Bicycle locks
Locking cases (laptop, records)
Take a closer look at one innovative example in “Personal Carry”: ILA
Visible Active Wear
Reflective apparel & hats
Reflective wristbands, laces
Blinking lights (clip, strap)
Personal Carry
High decibel alarms
Pepper sprays
Flashlights – tactical/strobe
32Image courtesy of digitalart
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
33. copyright 2013, all rights reserved
Innovative Personal Security Devices:
SCI
1
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Innovative Personal Security Devices:
SCI
1
Stylish alarms protect on
the go + in room
High volume (130 db)
Attention-getting “scream”
Difficult for intruder to
disable (pin reinsert)
YouTube demo link:
http://youtu.be/2UA7_jVzwkE
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Innovative Personal Security Devices:
SCI
1
How Implement:
Student Orientations – introduce along with other safety items
(e.g., reflective clothing, lamp timers) as participation prizes
Saleable item in campus bookstores, online, safety kiosks –
US listings retail in $15-36 range (Amazon, Daily Grommet)
Buying for personal use and gifting enables capability plus
promotes a higher sense of personal safety responsibility
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Innovative Personal Security Devices:
SCI
1
Contact:
ILA is a privately held company founded 2008 in London:
4 Ingate Place, Battersea, London, SW8 3NS United Kingdom
Website: www.ilasecurity.com
Product Manager: Lois Rideout (lois@lightbulbgroup.com)
ILA approved and provided logo, website and product images for this presentation. There is no
commercial connection or interest of any kind between ILA and the author of this presentation.
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Orientations that Engage and Reward
SCI
2
Student-to-Student
Premium A/V quality
Enroll many students in
creation process (contest)
Be open to humor, latest
IT tools, social media
contests to “go viral”Rochester Institute of Technology
YouTube link: http://youtu.be/va4clY6wwfI
Commission CCM E-Media student project to create personal
safety video for student orientations, website, social media
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Orientations that Engage and Reward
SCI
2
YouTube link:
http://youtu.be/DnfBAjNI0rI
Leverage free materials available from fire safety organizations, e.g.,
Michael H. Minger Foundation (http://www.mingerfoundation.org/)
Powerful video highlights
off-campus fire tragedy
Critical perspective from
students and parents
“Must See” video at all
PARENT orientations
Downloadable posters,
informative guides
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Orientations that Engage and Reward
SCI
2
Reward participation with safety oriented freebies (bookstore sponsors).
Seek corporate sponsors for related items (GE timers, P&G Duracell).
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Emergency Response Registration
SCI
3
Reapply University of Pennsylvania‟s Penn Guardian Service to
register cell phones for emergency response tracking + critical info
Optional service vs. campus
wide emergency alerts
GPS tracking enables rapid
location of student even if they
are unaware of their location
Works with all phones using
US-based mobile carrier service
Profile input page from UPenn website:
http://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/pennguardian/
Contact: Rave Mobile Safety (Massachusetts) service provider
http://www.ravemobilesafety.com/customer-overview
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SeeClickFix APP
SCI
4
Apply SeeClickFix communications platform for student and faculty
reporting of non-emergency conditions that require safety attention
Instant reporting, mapping and
“call to action” for issues
Works with iPhone, Android,
Blackberry smartphones
Add text/map widgets to
college website for broad
awareness and reporting
Contact: SeeClickFix
http://seeclickfix.com/how-it-works
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Interactive Safety Kiosk
SCI
5
Maintain a mobile kiosk of safety related products in high traffic
areas (student union and dining centers) throughout school year
Extend safety product visibility
and access beyond
orientations, stores, online
Student volunteer offers product
demos and usage guidance
Leverage A/V displays to
attract, “rewarded action” to
engage
EX: smoke alarm battery swap
EX: Chipotle coupon for survey
Kiosk image source:
http://www.allstarcarts.com/index.html
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Rental Property Survey & Responsibility
SCI
6
Reapply RENTCi Landlord Survey used in Philly area to competitively
motivate high standards for safety features & landlord responsiveness
“Apartment Intel” via student/faculty
renter surveys each semester
Star rankings, 32 attribute ratings,
qualitative comments available to
public and prospective tenants
Contact: RENTCi website http://www.rentci.com/gapsa-landlord-survey
Adam Potoczek at TONDO (IT service provider, RENTCi platform developer)
Link to Philadelphia area ratings:
http://www.rentci.com/gapsa-landlord-survey/survey-
landlords-list?np=&so=rating
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Rental Property Survey & Responsibility
SCI
6
Reapply Penn State approach to financially obligate STUDENTS in
assuring smoke alarm operation and maintenance
Students check smoke alarms
initially plus guarantee ongoing
operation when signing lease
(they pay the fines if cited)
Landlords pay fines if they cannot
produce student-signed guarantee
Contact: Tim Knisely, Board of Directors, Center for Campus Fire Safety,
specialist in off-campus fires, timknisely@campusfiresafety.org
Annual fine revenue dropped from $8k to $2k … word gets out!
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Postscript
I appreciate you taking the time to view this presentation.
It is my hope that the “problem definition”, ideas and resources will
assist students, parents, college leaders, landlords, business
owners, government officials, police and fire agencies, and all other
community stakeholders in making college life as safe as possible.
College is one of life‟s greatest opportunities, opening many doors.
It should also create fond, untainted memories that last a lifetime.
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Call to Action
Time nor crime waits for no one.
The bulk of this voluntary effort was completed early 2013. It is now
back-to-school season, Fall Semester 2013. Crime alert emails flow
steadily to my college student children‟s accounts. Several recent
notices are highlighted on the following slides.
Becoming numb to such reports is easy. But awaken. Act NOW.
Lessen the chance of you or your student becoming a victim …
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Crime Alert #13-29
August 16, 2013
To: UC Community
From: Jeff Corcoran, Interim Chief
University of Cincinnati Police
Cincinnati Police are investigating a robbery that was reported on August 15, 2013, at approximately 11:45pm.
A nineteen year old male reported that upon leaving the Bohemian Hookah Café, 340 Ludlow Avenue, he was
approached by three suspects who robbed him of his cell phone and U.S. currency. During the incident,
one suspect displayed a handgun while a second suspect punched the victim. The three suspects are
described as:
• Male black, 18-19 years old, 6ʼ03”, 160 lbs., white hoody with red vertical stripes on the arms, black jeans.
This suspect was armed with a handgun.
• Male black, 17-18 years old, 6ʼ0”, 180 lbs., black t-shirt, grey jeans, small “dreds”.
• Male black, 16-17 years old, 5ʼ7”, 140 lbs., grey Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt, black jeans, white gym shoes.
If anyone has information about this, or any other crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 513‐352‐3040.
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Crime Alert #13-30
August 19, 2013
To: UC Community
From: Jeff Corcoran, Interim Chief
University of Cincinnati Police
Cincinnati Police are investigating an Aggravated Robbery that was reported in the 3200 block of Glendora
Avenue on Friday, August 16, 2103, at 10:30PM. The victim reported that two suspects approached him and
robbed him of his vehicle at gunpoint. The vehicle was subsequently found by police wrecked and
unattended at 3300 Vine Street. The two suspects were described as:
• Male black, 5ʼ7”, skinny build, short hair, white T-shirt, tan shorts. The victim described him as “young”. No
approximate age range.
• Male black, dark colored shirt, long blue-jean shorts, black hat. Also young in appearance.
If anyone has information about this, or any other crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 513‐352‐3040.
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49. August 2013 (header date incorrectly written July 31, 2013)
To: UC Community
From: Jeff Corcoran, Interim Chief
University of Cincinnati Police
Cincinnati Police are investigating a robbery that was reported on Scenic Drive in Fairview Park on 8/19/13 at
11:20AM. A female victim reports that the suspect pulled a ring off her hand, and from her pocket. No
weapon was seen.
The suspect is described as male, black, 29 years old, 5‟07” tall, 175 pounds, with a goatee. The suspect was
wearing a white tank top, black shorts.
If anyone has information about this, or any other crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 513‐352‐3040.
copyright 2013, all rights reserved
Crime Alert #13-31
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Crime Alert #13-32
August 26, 2013
To: UC Community
From: Jeff Corcoran, Interim Chief
University of Cincinnati Police
Cincinnati Police are investigating a robbery that occurred on 8/25/13 in the 2800 block of Jefferson Avenue
near Daniels Street. The victim was assaulted by a group of suspects who struck victim was not able to
give a description of the suspects. Taken was a cellular phone and cash.
If anyone has information about this, or any other crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 513‐352‐3040.
* * * *
Update ‐ In Crime Alert #13‐32, a robbery that occurred in the 2800 block of Jefferson Avenue, the time was
inadvertently left out of the notice. That robbery occurred at 3AM.
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Crime Alert #13-33
August 27, 2013
To: UC Community
From: Jeff Corcoran, Interim Chief
University of Cincinnati Police
Cincinnati Police are investigating a robbery that occurred around 8:40PM on 8/23/13 in the 2300 block of Ohio
Avenue. The male victim reports he was punched and money taken. The suspects as:
#1 – “Cody”, male, white, 19‐22 years old, wearing a blue muscle shirt
#2 – “Tom”, male, white, 18‐22 years old, brown hair
If anyone has information about this, or any other crimes, please call Crime Stoppers at 513‐352‐3040.
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For the Legal Folks
Images enliven a message. Many in this presentation were sourced from
http://www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net. The “SCI logo” and “More SCI‟s, Less
CSI‟s” tag line were designed by and are exclusively owned by the author.
All information was pulled together purely on a voluntary basis with no
exchange of money or tangible property received from any “client”.
The author makes no representation nor warranty, expressed or implied, of
the University of Cincinnati, other colleges cited, product manufacturers,
service providers, data, examples nor advice shared in this presentation.
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