The 1986 murder of Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old Lehigh University freshman, in her own dormitory room led to passage of the Clery Act in 1990. 

That legislation aimed to provide communities with full clarity when it comes to crimes on university campuses. 

The Clery Act, for those who don’t know, is a federal law that requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crimes on and around their campuses. Thanks to this act, communities can easily access any records of up to three years. These records are collected by campus police, published, and distributed throughout the community in an Annual Security Report. This information is important because it maintains trust and safety with both current and prospective students, employees and local citizens living around the campus. 

The importance of the Clery Act is obvious, but how can the community here at Texas A&M University-Commerce find his information? 

Simply go to www.tamuc.edu/upd for all the details on the university police department. There you can find the activity log and a collection of recorded crimes in the area, which the department updates daily. 

Crimes that happen here on campus are met with the utmost seriousness. It is the police department’s goal to ensure the safety and protection of this university. The department does not only enforce the law. It also intends to inspire students, faculty, and local citizens alike. Sgt. Ray Dittrich was a guest speaker at a presentation hosted by the Latino-American Mentorship Program. Though Sgt. Dittrich was not obligated to speak, he came and shared wisdom with students half his age. Therefore, Sgt. Dittrich demonstrated “unselfish service to others,” which is a quote from the department’s mission statement. This shows that Sgt. Dittrich wears the badge to uplift and encourage those around him. Hopefully spreading a similar message for other officers to follow.