What Should I Do If I'm Being Stopped by a Police Officer

At some point in your FMU career, you may be stopped and questioned by a police officer, either on campus or off. This could happen for a variety of reasons.

• The officer may be investigating a crime or violation of FMU policy and want to know if you are a witness or have information that might be helpful

• A crime may have occurred recently and you might resemble the description of the suspect

• You may be asked if you have seen a suspect

• Another citizen may have made a complaint against you and the officer will be trying to determine if the complaint has merit

• The officer may be stopping you for access control reasons

• The officer may believe you may be in need of information and try to assist you.

In all cases, if an officer asks you to identify yourself, you are not required by law to do so. However your cooperation will speed the process of the encounter.

If you are a student however, you are required by FMU policy to carry at all times and present your FMU Identification Card to any University Official upon request.  University officials include FMU police officers. You can locate the policy in the Student Handbook under FMU (ID) Card Services.  

If the officer is investigating a crime or complaint, they may also ask reasonable questions to help them determine whether a crime has occurred or a complaint is valid. Refusal to answer questions may prevent an officer from clearing you of suspicion and can lead to your arrest. If an officer stops you, you should do your best to answer the questions the officer poses.

Ordinarily, a police officer may not detain you for more than a reasonable length of time. There are exceptions however, which would occur under very unusual circumstances such as public disorders or other large-scale emergencies.

If an officer asks to take you somewhere else, you may ask if you are being placed under arrest. If you are not under arrest, the officer should explain why he or she feels you need to be moved. You may refuse to go, but this may lead to an arrest or an additional charge based on the specific circumstances. If you are placed under arrest the officer must tell you with what crime you are charged.

If during any encounter with a FMU Police Officer, you feel the officer has acted unprofessionally or treated you rudely, you may file a complaint at the Campus Police Office Monday through Friday during normal business hours.  Please ask to speak to Chief Austin or Captain Glenn.

On the other hand, if you have observed an officer act in an exceptionally professional and admirable manner and you would like that officer to receive public and professional recognition, please contact Chief Austin or Captain Glenn in person or by phone.  We appreciate positive as well as negative feedback.

If you wish to write us, please do so at:

Francis Marion University Police

PO Box 100547

Florence, SC 29501 - 0547

Note: The contents of this page are intended to provide useful information to the general public. It should not be construed as legal advice or counsel. Given the circumstances of the situation, you may wish to consult an attorney who may advise you of your specific legal rights and options.