Public Safety

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Crime Prevention and Reporting

The public safety department offers crime prevention programs on a wide variety of issues facing community members in their daily lives. University police provide information to students, parents and student organizations on how to protect themselves from sexual assault, theft and other crimes.

Stay Safe

In addition, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your property.

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In your Residence Hall

Always lock your door. Ninety percent of all larcenies occur because people have left doors open or unlocked.
Never lend your keys to friends or strangers.
Never prop open building access doors.
Be aware of strangers in the area. Report them immediately to the university police by dialing 781-736-3333 or 781-736-5000.
Do not take showers late at night.
Do not study alone or in remote areas: utilize the designated study areas on campus.
Report all broken or malfunctioning doors and windows to Facilities.
Do not advertise your schedule or leave personal identification on your door or social media.
Do not leave your books, purse or other valuables unattended.

At Home

Secure all doors and windows before leaving your home or retiring for the evening.
Keep your garage door secured, so as to limit unauthorized access.
When away from home for extended periods, remember to stop deliveries and ask the local police or a neighbor to watch your house.
Maintain accurate property records and keep updated appraisals of your possessions (e.g., jewelry, antiques).

In Your Office

Never leave your office unlocked when not in use.
Secure purse and other valuables in locked desks or cabinets.
Maintain all cash in a secured area; file cabinets are not safes.
Report all broken windows and doors to Facilities.
Never lend your keys to friends or strangers.
Maintain up-to-date lists of all equipment assigned to your office. Forms are available from the university police.

In Your Car

Always keep your doors and windows secured when driving.
If you are being followed, drive to a police station or a busy shopping center and blow your horn until someone comes to your assistance.
If you are experiencing car trouble, raise the hood and remain in the locked vehicle until assistance arrives.
Secure your valuables in the trunk of the vehicle out of sight.
Utilize the escort service when arriving on campus late at night.

Fire Safety

Fire safety tips in your residence hall or office:

Know the locations of all fire extinguishers and pull stations in your building.
Know a primary and secondary exit from your room in case there is a fire in your building.
Vacate your building when an alarm sounds.
Never prop open fire doors.
Do not tamper with fire extinguishers or pull stations.
Don't overload extension cords.
Follow university regulations regarding the use of candles and other flammable items.
Acquaint yourself with state and university regulations regarding smoking.
Report all missing or damaged fire equipment to the university safety office at 781-736-4262.

Reporting a Crime

Remain calm.
Call the emergency line at 781-736-3333.
Identify yourself and your location to the police dispatcher. Your identity will remain confidential, but is necessary in case more detailed information about the incident is needed.
State what is happening: robbery occurring, medical emergency, fire.
Identify the location of the incident: building name, room number, parking lot.
State who is involved: person's name or description.
State the suspect's direction of flight: i.e., suspect exited Usdan Student Center and ran toward the Rabb Graduate Center.
Stay on the telephone until the police dispatcher has recorded all of the information.

Reporting a Suspicious Person or Circumstances

When reporting a suspicious person or circumstance, the following information is helpful to the police:

Automobile: Make and model of vehicle, license plate number, color of vehicle, condition or outstanding characteristics, direction of travel.
Person: Name (if known), gender, color, age, height and weight, clothing (color and style), weapons (type), method and direction of escape.
Property: Type, model number and style, serial or other identifying numbers (s), and any additional identifying information.

Timely Warnings

When the Department of Public Safety becomes aware of criminal incidents that, in the judgment of the University's senior leadership, constitute an ongoing or continuing threat to the campus community, the Department of Public Safety issues a Crime Alert to notify the community.

Depending on the particular circumstances, a Timely Warning will be issued by the Department of Public Safety, and the information may be disseminated by using one or a combination of the following: Email distribution, various campus postings/fliers; and or the activation of the Emergency Notification System (BENS) to advise the community of the situation.

Updated: 8/15/2022