Utah Tech Police Department

Victim Advocacy

Utah Tech Police Department Victim Assistance is committed to ensuring that each victim is treated with respect and the victim’s concerns are validated. We provide information on resources that are available on and off campus, regardless of whether someone wants to report the incident to law enforcement.  We are here to help, so please reach out to us!

Victim-Survivor Advocacy:

For a full list of services available through our system-based victim advocate please review our Victim Assistance Pamphlet.
The pamphlet also list bill of rights for victims and witnesses, suggestions to follow after a sexual assault and resources available in the community and on campus.

Teresa Starnes

Utah Tech Victim Advocate

Since July 2021, Teresa Starnes has served as the department’s Police Records Administrator and Victim Advocate. She completed Rape Crisis Advocacy Training with the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault, becoming a System-Based Victim Advocate. Teresa and her team handle fingerprint services and Utah Criminal History Checks for the public. In 2022, she received the “Advocacy in Action” Award from the Utah Council on Victims of Crime. Acting as a liaison between victims and the criminal justice system, Teresa stays current on legislation regarding victims’ rights and regularly attends training sessions related to police records and victim advocacy. She is dedicated to treating each victim with respect and compassion, providing information on available resources both on and off campus, regardless of whether the incident is reported to law enforcement. In 2023, Teresa received the UT Trailblazer Excellence Award from Administrative Affairs. In 2024, she completed the President's Trailblazer Leadership Development Program, which helped her build stronger connections on campus. For her project in the program, she secured University support to add a crosswalk on Trailblazer Blvd, enhancing pedestrian safety.

Contact

Teresa Starnes

Victim Advocate

Email: Teresa.Starnes@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7515

Office: North/East Corner of the Burns Arena