The University of Montevallo Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday season.

Message from the Chief

The Holiday season is upon us once again and I am pleased to bring thanks and greetings to all of you.

I would like to thank the UM community for sharing important knowledge, ideas and opinions that have benefited the UM Police Department in many ways this year. I look forward to even more opportunities to listen to each of you in the New Year.

After a year of very hard work and many learned lessons, it is now time to make new memories with family and friends during this holiday season.

I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday’s.

Thank you,

Chief Shelley Tyree

Identity Theft and Prevention

(Article submitted by Alex Brewer)

Many people do not realize how easily criminals can obtain our personal data without having to break into our homes. In public places, for example, criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your PIN or credit card number or listen in on your conversation if you give your credit card number over the telephone to a hotel or rental car company.

In recent years, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to obtain identifying data such as passwords or even banking information. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to  unsolicited e-mail "spam", that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases the requester has no intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data.

With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes: for example, false applications for loans and credit cards, fraudulent withdrawals from bank accounts, fraudulent use of debit cards or obtaining other goods or privileges which the criminal might be denied if he were to use his real name. If the criminal takes steps to ensure that bills for the falsely obtained credit cards or bank statements showing the unauthorized withdrawals are sent to an address other than the victim's, the victim may not become aware of what is happening until the criminal has already inflicted substantial damage on the victim's assets, credit and reputation.

Deter Identity Theft by doing the following:

• Shred financial documents before discarding them

• Protect your Social Security number

• Do not give out personal information unless you are sure who you are dealing with

• Cover the keypad when entering your PIN numbers

• Keep your information secure

• Constantly monitor your bank and credit card statements

Holiday Safety Tips

The Holidays are a very special time of the year, however, statistics indicate that many people are vulnerable to burglary, robbery and other crimes during this time.  Listed below are tips that will, hopefully, make your holiday safer.

• When shopping stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Know what is going on around you.

• Try to do most of your shopping during daylight hours whenever possible. If you have to shop at night, shop with friends or relatives.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash. Put returned money from current purchases in your wallet or purse before leaving the store.

• Carry your purse under the arm with the strap across your body.

• Park in well-lighted areas. Put bags in the trunk of your vehicle out of plain sight.

Date Rape Drugs: What You Should Know

Date rape drugs have been making headlines across the country for several years now. The drugs are used to help an attacker sexually assault a victim by rendering them unconscious, unable to resist the attack and unable to remember what happened. Some of the most common drugs used are GHB, Rohypnol and Ketamine. These drugs are often colorless,  odorless and undetectable.  There are ways you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim while attending parties and get-togethers.

• Attend social gatherings in pairs or groups and know where you are going.
• Stay together and always have a responsible person who is not drinking that can watch over your group.
• If you must go alone, carry a cell phone with you. Have emergency numbers on speed dial.
• If you are drinking anything, never leave your drink unattended. It only takes a second for someone to slip something into your drink.
• Do not accept drinks that you did not pour or that is already been opened. If your drink smells or tastes funny, do not drink it.
• In the event of a sexual assault, go to the nearest hospital or police department immediately. Remember that you should not bathe or change clothes or you might destroy evidence.

R.A.D Training

Women interested in enrolling in R.A.D. courses offered by the UM Police Department should contact the UMPD at 665-6155 or email umpolice@montevallo.edu

Remember, enrollment priority is given to University of Montevallo students, faculty, and staff and is handled on a first come, first served basis.

Officer Down

Please remember those that serve and protect.

Police Officer Philip Davis

Pelham Police Department

End of Watch: Thursday, December 3, 2009

Age: 33

Tour of Duty: 11 years

Officer Philip Davis was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on I-65 at approximately 11:50 p.m. on December 3, 2009.

During the traffic stop, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Davis. The suspect then fled the scene and was arrested two hours later.

Officer Davis had served with the Pelham Police Department for 4.5 years. He had previously served with the University of Alabama Police Department and Calera Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two children.