Welcome to Black Hills State University. This report is prepared for members of the BHSU community as well as those who are considering studying, living, and working at BHSU. The information outlined in this report includes campus crime statistics and critical campus safety information such as policies, crime prevention, crime reporting, and resources to aid you in living and learning on a college campus. Our philosophy is to work with you to provide information and resources to create an environment conducive to and supportive of students’ academic and personal success.
The BHSU Public Safety Department is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and city law as well as university regulations and policies. Public Safety oversees all BHSU property, including parking lots and streets.
Public Safety officers work to ensure campus safety while working cooperatively with the Spearfish Police Department and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department. All officers rely on BHSU and Spearfish community members to report any suspicious activity, crimes being committed, and crimes in progress. To make these reports, please call Public Safety at 605.641.6988 or 9.911 for emergencies from an on-campus phone.
This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by BHSU; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.
You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting BHSU Public Safety.
For daily log information regarding criminal activity on campus, please visit the BHSU Public Safety in the lower level of Woodburn Hall.
This University report complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act. This report is prepared in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, and Campus Security Authorities. A Campus Security Authority is recognized under federal policy, as an individual responsible for appropriately communicating potential Clery incidents. At BHSU, individuals with responsibility for campus security who are not directly affiliated with the Department of Public Safety include officials with significant knowledge and/or oversight of student events and activities, and campus life. These include but are not limited to officials in student services such as housing, programming, and conduct. When acting in a pastoral or professional counselor capacity, the official may not be considered a campus security authority.
The Dean of Students serves as the primary resource on educational efforts and programs. Campus crime, arrest, and referral statistics include those reports to Public Safety officers, designated campus officials, and other local law enforcement agencies. Annual notification is made via email to all enrolled students, faculty, and staff. It provides the website address from which to access this report. A paper copy may be obtained at Public Safety, located in the lower level of Woodburn Hall in the Student Success Center, or by request at 605.642.6297.
Whether you are a victim of or witness to a crime, you have the responsibility to promptly and accurately report the crime. If a crime occurs on or around the BHSU campus, report it immediately to BHSU Public Safety. Crimes occurring off-campus should be reported to the Spearfish Police Department; BHSU Public Safety personnel can assist you in this process.
If you are the victim of or witness to a crime and do not want to pursue action within the Black Hills State University conduct system and/or the criminal justice system, you may opt to make a confidential report.
Crimes in progress and crimes that have occurred should be reported by dialing 9.911 on the BHSU campus or 911 when off-campus or from a cell phone. When victims or witnesses call to report a crime/incident, the following information is helpful for investigation:
For non-emergency assistance, please call BHSU Public Safety at 605.642.6297. BHSU Public Safety is located in the lower level of Woodburn Hall in the Student Success Center. While individuals are encouraged to report crimes to the police, individuals may seek support and assistance with reporting from the Dean of Students Office, Human Resources, Counseling Center, and Student Health Services, among other university staff members, prepared to provide such guidance for reporting crimes on or near campus.
In the event that a situation arises, either on or off-campus, that constitutes a threat to members of the campus community, a "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued through the BHSU Campus Alert system, which includes notification through email, text message, and telephone. Students and employees are encouraged to register contact preferences through the BHSU Campus Alert system. Notice may also be sent through alternate or additional methods of communication and will be posted on the BHSU homepage.
Victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes have the right to request a change in their living accommodations and academic environment. Such requests should be made to the Dean of Students Office at 605.642.6590. Every effort will be made to accommodate these requests.
Sexual Assault Policy and Procedure
The Dean of Students maintains a close working relationship with the Spearfish Police Department if violations of federal, state, or local laws surface off-campus.
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
Registered Sex Offenders can be identified by contacting the local law enforcement officials in our host municipality. If you would like information regarding registered sex offenders who are actively enrolled or employed at Black Hills State University, contact the Spearfish Police Department at 605.642-1300 or the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at 605.578-2230. They will advise you regarding the information you may obtain and their guidelines for obtaining the information.
Not all sex offenders who may be attending or employed at BHSU reside in Spearfish or Lawrence County. Be sure to indicate to the local law enforcement agency you contact that you are either a current or prospective student or employee at BHSU and that you want to review the listing for this institution. Law enforcement personnel will respond by directing you to the correct information
Please contact the Security Office at 605.641-6988 if you are interested in seeing the daily crime logs.
In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the South Dakota Board of Regents strictly prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances by its students or employees while on property controlled by the Board or while participating in activities or employments sponsored by it. Therefore, the BHSU campus has been designated alcohol and drug-free; only under certain circumstances is the consumption of such substances permitted.
The manufacture, sale, possession, or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Such laws are strictly enforced by BHSU Public Safety. Violators are subject to disciplinary action within the University and/or criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment. It is unlawful to sell, furnish or provide alcohol to a person under the age of 21. The possession of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age in a public place or a place open to the public is illegal. It is also a violation of BHSU policy for anyone to consume or possess alcohol in any public or private area of campus without prior University approval. Organizations or groups found in violation of alcohol and other substance policies, or state or federal laws, may be subject to sanctions by the University.
BHSU Employee Alcohol & Drug Policy
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits colleges and universities to inform parents of drug and alcohol policy violations committed by their students. Black Hills State University personnel understand that parents are partners in responding to issues of substance abuse. Thus, it is BHSU policy to notify parents or guardians of their student's alcohol and/or drug policy violation if the student is less than 21 years of age and not emancipated, and the violation occurred as follows: