Media Release
Tempe Police Department
Aug 22, 2012
molly_enright@tempe.gov
480-858-6148
Tempe Police are continuing to engage in comprehensive, on-going Back to School safety campaigns, and have bolstered their efforts to curb underage drinking and prevent sexual assault by talking directly with those most likely to become victims. In addition to patrol, bike and mounted officers, Crime Prevention Officers have been on foot patrols in Tempe’s downtown, welcoming students to Tempe and handing out wallet cards with sexual assault prevention tips.
Tempe Police are putting several businesses and complexes on notice for contributing to the problem. Despite police prevention efforts, several complexes apparently remain impervious to education and outreach attempts. Police continue to respond to calls for service to parties sometimes hosted and advertised by management at some apartment complexes near the University.
Unfortunately at least two separate incidents of reported sexual assault were reported overnight by females who had attended one such party hosted by Gateway Apartments at 1655 E. University. In both cases, the victims were highly intoxicated. This continues to be such an ongoing concern for police in keeping the young people of our community safe. One of the victims is a confirmed ASU student. The other is not an ASU student, but was accompanied by acquaintances who are students at the University.
Those incidents remain under investigation; and they serve to underscore that the hosting of such parties – either with the alcohol supplied, or “BYOB”, as is sometimes advertised on social media, encourages young people to drink to excess. Facilitating such behavior is irresponsible and leads to putting young lives at risk.
In a separate incident reported to the media by Tempe PD last week, Tempe’s ongoing sex assault prevention campaign was shockingly punctuated by an early morning attempted sexual assault at 7th Street and Mill on August 11th that fortunately was thwarted by a bystander who courageously intervened. Pursuing police officers arrested the suspect minutes later.
Tempe Police continue to do everything possible from a prevention standpoint – but police need help, and are asking for students, parents, businesses and apartment complexes that surround ASU and downtown Tempe to take action.
Chief of Police Tom Ryff stated: “We need the entire community to help prevent young people from becoming victims, especially with sexual assault, which is among the most heinous of crimes. Unfortunately, a few businesses and apartment complexes continue to facilitate or encourage these parties, compromising the safety of young people – it’s reprehensible and it’s got to stop. We will continue to work with the State Liquor Board and other law enforcement partners to hold these property managers and business owners accountable for their behavior and any violations of criminal statutes.”
This evening, Tempe PD will be hosting a Media Availability to highlight these incidents, discuss the high correlation between alcohol, assaults, and sex assaults, and provide information on sex assault prevention.
Tempe Police Media Availability
Sexual Assault Prevention Outreach Campaign
Tuesday, August 22, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
Apache Police Substation – 1855 E. Apache Blvd.
Safety Tips from Tempe Police
Arm yourself with support – information, friends, and good sense commitments to stick together with each other before going out.
• Stay alert to your environment – alcohol dulls your instincts.
• Acquaintance rapes account for a majority of rapes; alcohol is involved in a majority of cases.
• No means NO.
• While the majority of victims are female, males are also the victims of sexual assault.
• Decision-making ability is impaired as soon as any alcohol hits the system .
• Travel in groups - avoid isolated areas or going with someone you do not know.
• Let friends know where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Have a buddy system before you go out – and stick together with your buddy.
• Don’t ever remain in a “negative” situation.
• Be aware of the space and people around you.
• It’s up to you – before you go out – to make the determination not to let substances or peer pressure influence safe decision making.
• ‘DATE’ RAPE IS A SEXUAL ASSAULT. Don’t be ashamed to report. Don’t delay in reporting. Tempe Police are here to help.
Call 9-1-1 in emergency and police non-emergency at 480-350-8311