NUMBER:   IT 2.15 (formerly DLIS 2.15)
SECTION:  Information Technology    

SUBJECT:  Harassing or Obscene Telephone Calls or Electronic Messages              

DATE:       February 1, 1995
LATEST REVISION:  March 6, 2002
                  
Policy for:     Columbia
Procedure for:  Columbia
Authorized by:  William F. Hogue
Issued by:      Office of Information Technology

________________________________________________________________


 I.  Policy

     Making obscene or harassing telephone calls or electronic
     messages is illegal (South Carolina  Code of Laws  16-17-430). 
     Therefore, the University, through the Office of Communications
     and Computer Services, offers full assistance and cooperation to
     telephone companies and/or law enforcement agencies which are
     conducting investigations of phone calls or electronic messages
     described as obscene, harassing and/or life threatening
     involving any University telephone number or computer account.
     The Office of Communications and Computer Services act only as
     liaisons to provide information and not as an investigative
     body.  


II.  Procedure

     If the telephone call or electronic message is life threatening,
     immediately notify the University Police Department on the
     EMERGENCY TELEPHONE LINE (7-9111).  

     A.  Telephone calls

         1.  Notice the ringing cycle to determine, if possible,
             whether the call comes from on or off campus.  

         2.  Hang up immediately.  Don't argue with the offender.  

         3.  Keep a log of the date, time and what was said.  

         4.  Note whether the offender asks for a specific person. 

         5.  Don't call the phone company.  Their policy is to
             direct you to Communications and/or the University
             Police Department.  

         6.  Keep University officials (Police and Communications)
             informed of the progress of the calls.  

         7.  Be willing to prosecute if an offender is identified.


     B.  Electronic Messages

         1.   Make a copy of offending message(s).

         2.   Call the University Police Department.

         3.   Be willing to prosecute if an offender is identified.  

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URL http://www.sc.edu/policies/it215.html