Friday August 31, 2001

UA Police Chief

Editor's Note: In an attempt to keep the Perspectives section an open forum for those with campus-related concerns, the Arizona Daily Wildcat welcomes guest commentaries. Tony Daykin is the Chief of Police of the UA Police Department and warns of the dangers of sexual assault in the first weeks of school.

The University of Arizona Police Department is committed to working with the campus community to ensure a safe environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors. We believe in pro-active involvement and expend significant resources providing educational presentations to students in many venues, while addressing a variety of topics.

None of these topics is more important than the crime of sexual assault.

Although most students enjoy the opportunities to expand their social skills and enter healthy relationships while attending the university, there are significant numbers of students who unfortunately cause harm to others or are harmed by others.

Too many students - an overwhelming majority of who are female - are victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse or relationship violence. A disproportionate number of these crimes occur during the initial weeks of each fall semester, as students are away from home and experimenting with new behaviors associated with that freedom for the first time in their lives.

Alcohol is a significant factor in these crimes, and it is estimated that the vast majority of campus sexual assaults involve the use of alcohol by the man, the woman or both. Most students at the UA who drink are light-to-moderate drinkers and do not typically harm themselves or others as a result of their alcohol consumption. High-risk behaviors, including sex without consent, are generally associated with those students in the minority who are heavy drinkers. It is very important to note that the legal definition of sexual assault addresses the fact that a person is not able to give consent if they are in an "impaired state," including an impaired state resulting from the use of alcohol.

We all must actively work to stop these crimes from occurring. The University Police Department will do its part by continuing its educational efforts and by vigorously investigating all reported incidents of sexual assault, sexual abuse and all other forms of relationship violence. All cases in which a suspect is identified will be investigated and presented to the Pima County Attorney's Office for prosecution.

It is a reality, despite all the efforts of the police department and despite all the best avoidance techniques on the part of women, that only men can absolutely stop sexual assault. Men are identified as the offenders in 98% of all sexual assault cases. Men must understand that "no" means "no" and that unless explicit consent has been given, there is no consent. Without consent, any sexual contact is a criminal act.

Arizona Revised Statutes define Sexual Abuse, a Class 5 Felony, as "·intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual contact with any person fifteen years or more years of age without consent of that person..." Sexual Assault, a Class 2 Felony, is defined as "·intentionally or knowingly engaging in sexual intercourse or oral sexual contact with any person without consent of such person."

Without consent includes: the victim is coerced by the use or threatened use of force; the victim is unable to give consent to the sexual act because of mental disorder, drugs, alcohol, sleep or any other similar impaired state (which is known or should have been known to the perpetrator); or the victim is intentionally deceived as to the nature of the act.

Sexual assault and sexual abuse are crimes from which recovery is often very difficult. Victims of sex crimes often endure lifelong psychological and emotional consequences as a result of the violation.

The consequences for offenders and alleged offenders are serious ones. Suspects must forever disclose arrests and even if never arrested or prosecuted, they will be listed in police records as suspects. Those found guilty must forever disclose convictions and will be required to register as sex offenders. These consequences are obviously far distant from the goals of male college students who would be otherwise focusing on the beginning of their adult lives, education, and future career goals.

The powerful truth about these crimes is that they are preventable. Women on campus can reduce the possibility of becoming a victim by supporting one another and by practicing the avoidance techniques suggested by UAPD and the Oasis Center. It is very clear, however, that in 98% of the cases it is men who are the only ones who can make the decision to not be a sex offender. If there is the slightest doubt as to whether there is consent - stop!

Victims of sexual assault should contact UA's Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence by calling 626-2051 or visiting the center's Web site, w3.arizona.edu/~oasis/home.htm. Victims are also encouraged to contact UAPD at 621-UAPD or the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault at 327-7273.