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Safety Tips
PERSONAL SAFETY –
RESIDENTIAL SECURITY Though police officers and security guards patrol the campus on a 24-hour basis, no police force can be omnipresent. All members of this community must share the burden of keeping this community and its citizens safe. In that vein, the police can again be your source for information on how to do just that. The crime prevention and safety tips included below are presented for your safety. PERSONAL SAFETY There is no magic formula for keeping one's self safe in a campus environment. Probably the closest thing to a magic formula is good old-fashioned common sense. Does it make sense to be walking alone late at night? Is Carnegie Mellon somehow immune to the crime trends of the surrounding area? Is it safe to leave a backpack unattended on a library table or outside the University Center? No, no and no. Below are some tips designed to reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim. Be Aware of Your Surroundings –
The element of surprise is one of the most
Walking near dark shadowed areas or areas heavily foliaged can also increase your chances of being surprised by an attacker. Especially while walking alone, give these "hiding places" a wide berth. Even if you must cross a street or take other slightly inconvenient steps to distance yourself from potential hazards, a little inconvenience is far better than a lot of hurt. Again, be aware of your surroundings and don't let these danger areas surprise you. Think Before You Drink – Watch any nature program on television and you will quickly learn that predators such as lions and wolves tend to target the very young, the elderly and the physically impaired for attack. Criminals are predators and use the same predatory mentality. A person who is intoxicated to the point of physical and mental impairment makes himself an easy target for an attacker. Alcohol impairs many of the faculties we depend on to make good sound decisions for ourselves. Impaired individuals may take chances a sober person would never consider. While it is not the philosophy of the University Police to encourage excessive drinking, especially underage drinking, let's be real... it happens. When it does, be careful. Never drink and drive, but never walk home alone either. If you are out at a club and find you've had a little too much libation, call a cab, a friend or take the bus. Walking home drunk can be nearly as dangerous as driving. Intoxicated pedestrians account for a large number of pedestrian-involved traffic accidents. Drunken pedestrians are also more susceptible to becoming a crime victim. RESIDENTIAL SECURITY The #1 Mistake – You probably know this one already. Nearly all of the residential burglaries occurring on campus involve entry being made through an unlocked (though often closed) door. Even if you are just going a few doors away from your room or apartment, or even next door, lock your door. It is a fact that most residential burglaries on campus involve the taking of very little property, usually a wallet, money or some other small item, and the thief needs only a matter of minutes, even seconds, to perpetrate the crime. Believing that leaving your room or apartment unlocked for short periods of time won't afford a crook enough time to victimize you is wrong. Always, always, always lock that door. Roommate Theft – Think about what you really know about the person you are now living with. Is it an old friend from home or someone you just met at the start of the semester? Few people want to think about distrusting their roommates. Unfortunately in the real world, thefts do occur between people who live together. The easiest way to prevent this from occurring, and the subsequent uneasiness of having to live with someone you suspect of stealing your property, is the purchase of a small personal safe or lockable foot locker. Both are relatively inexpensive and can save so much aggravation in the long run. We recommend that you place all of your expensive jewelry, wallet and precious items in one of these devices whenever you plan to be away from your room, or when entertaining even a small group of people. Let's face it. Not always is everyone who comes to your room someone you know well. Oftentimes friends bring their friends, who sometimes bring their friends and before you know it strangers are filling your place. Can you trust them implicitly? WORKPLACE SECURITY Office Security – Many of the tips we recommend for your home we also recommend for your office. If you work in a shared office with others, it becomes a little more difficult to protect your property than if your office is a single. While it may be more difficult, it's not impossible. First, communicate with your co-workers about your concerns about security. Make a pact amongst yourselves that the last person to leave will lock the door. Carry your office key with you anytime you leave the office. While this is not necessarily a safety point, it may save you the inconvenience and embarrassment of returning to your office after a break to find everyone gone and the place locked up. Locking your office door when you are absent is the #1 defense against a property crime occurring at your office. A closed, but unlocked door offers no defense against crime. Ask any University Police Officer about investigating office thefts and they'll tell you they've heard countless victims say, "I was only down at the copier a few minutes." Office crimes (like most other crimes) are crimes of opportunity. Take away the opportunity! Lock your door. If you bring personal items to work such as a coffee pot, radio or whatever, engrave them with your identification information. Engravers are available from the University Police. Don't advertise your own or your co-worker's business to the world. Telling a caller that a co-worker is on vacation may be telling a burglar that the coast is clear to break into their house. Try telling callers that the person they seek is "unavailable" and leave it at that. The less said the better. Working late in your office brings its own inherent security concerns. Once the majority of people have left your work area, don't be afraid to lock your office door while you're inside. Unless you are expecting numerous visitors, this should not present a major hassle for you. It's certainly less inconvenient to occasionally have to answer a knock at your door than to be a victim of crime. And never answer a door if you are uncertain as to the identity of the person on the other side. Once darkness has fallen, walking across a big empty parking lot to your car can be frightening for many people. Even if your car is parked within view of your building, you can plan ahead for your personal safety. Call the University Police and request that an officer be in the area while you exit. Be prepared to leave the building immediately upon the officer's arrival. Police on campus are very busy assisting citizens throughout the campus. It's impractical for officers to wait 15, 10, even 5 minutes for each person requesting this type of service. Preventing unauthorized access to your computer can save a lot of problems for you and the university. In a private office, security of your computer can be as simple as locking your door whenever you're absent. In an office suite, you may have to take extraordinary actions. Password protect your system. Securing the keyboard and mouse in a lockable desk drawer can also dissuade the occasional busybody from checking out your files. Classroom and Lab Security – Often multimedia equipment that had been left unattended after adjournment of a class is reported stolen to the University Police. Laptop computers used in PowerPoint presentations top the list. When arranging for pick-up of university equipment, try arranging for the room to be locked until Instructional Technology arrives. The University Police also receive numerous reports each semester of backpacks being stolen,
or items being taken from backpacks, even though the owner was in very close proximity
to the bag. Students sometimes have to go from room to room during labs and other activities and
often leave their backpacks behind. Even in a room full of classmates and professors a sly thief
can avoid detection while lifting your wallet, cellular telephone or whatever. Always keep a close
eye on your property and take only essential items with you to class. Students studying or conducting research in Hunt Library also need to maintain control at all times over their backpacks, purses, etc. Each semester thefts are reported by students who leave to return a book, make photocopies and so on. Take your stuff with you. Violence in the Workplace – There are many forms of violence in the workplace ranging from verbal disagreements to homicide, and violence in the workplace is on the rise. Despite what the media would have you believe, violence in the workplace is usually committed by a stranger versus a "disgruntled employee." Statistically 75% of all work-related homicides are committed by an unknown assailant committing a robbery or some other crime. Are you safe at work? Ask yourself these questions:
Report any lighting or safety issues to Facilities Management Services at 8-2910 or University Police at 8-6232 or campuspd@andrew.cmu.edu University Police will forward all maintenance and safety issues to the appropriate office. VEHICLE SECURITY Crimes against motor vehicles include Motor Vehicle Theft, Theft from Motor Vehicle, and Vandalism to Motor Vehicle. In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds. Security Devices – Motor Vehicle Theft has changed over the years. It used to be that car thieves tended to target expensive luxury type cars. Nowadays, however, any car can be at risk of being stolen. Even older models are taken by thieves due to their value in being chopped for replacement parts. Hundreds of anti-theft devices are available, from elaborate alarm systems to simple steering wheel locks. Most systems offer adequate defense against motor vehicle theft. Vehicle alarms are quick to activate when a vehicle is being tampered with, but can be somewhat akin to "the boy who cried wolf." How many times have you heard a car alarm sounding without even bothering to look out the window to see what's going on? People have become so accustomed to false car alarms that they don't always draw much attention. Devices that lock the steering wheel or brake pedal provide a high degree of safety for a vehicle. Although no system is impenetrable, thieves look for the "path of least resistance." In crowded parking facilities, it's more prudent for a thief to find an unprotected car than defeat a security device. Paying thousands to buy a car and nothing to protect it doesn't make good car sense. Car Break-ins – Put out enough bait and eventually you get a strike...(lame fishing analogy). Leave valuables visible in a car and eventually someone will strike... your car. Car stereos, radar detectors, cell phones and numerous other items are commonly taken from cars on campus. In nearly every case the items were left in the open visible to passersby. Removing the items from view is one of your best defenses against this type of crime. Some car owners are so proud of their ground shaking car stereos they even advertise the stereo manufacturer's name on banners across the windshield or rear window. Might as well hang a sign on the car saying, "Expensive stereo within, please steal me!" Also, playing these systems at extreme volume is not only illegal and not only disturbs other drivers, it advertises to the thieves that this is a good car to rip off. IDENTITY THEFT AND SECURITY Identity theft occurs when an unauthorized individual acquires some of your personal information – your bank and/or credit card numbers, your income, your social security number, or even something as simple as your name, address, and telephone numbers – and uses it to commit fraud or theft. Specifically, the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 makes it a federal crime when someone "knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law." How do identity thieves get my information? Identity thieves may use a variety of methods to secure personal information about another individual, both high- and low-tech, including:
How do identity thieves use my information? They call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize there's a problem. They open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and SSN. When they use the credit card and don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. They establish phone or wireless service in your name. They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account. They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they've incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction. They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account. They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name. They give your name to the police during an arrest. If they're released from police custody but don't show up for their court date, an arrest warrant is issued in your name. What is the impact of identity theft on the victim? Victims could be refused loan (car, housing, education) and employment opportunities, be denied credit cards, or be arrested for crimes they did not commit – these incidents may be the first clue that you've become a victim. How can I protect myself from identity theft? Manage your personal information cautiously and wisely by taking the following steps:
What can I do if I suspect I am a victim of identity theft? The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has set out the following steps to take if you suspect you are a victim of identity theft:
ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN Every woman needs to take special precautions because so many crimes target women. Is it fair? Of course it isn't, but it is reality. Crimes of rape and sexual offenses, domestic violence, indecent exposure, stalking, harassment, etc., occur against women at a hugely disproportionate rate than they do against men. And all women can be victims. These crimes know no social, economic or cultural boundaries. They also can happen any time of the day or night and anywhere. Acquaintance Rape – Rape, whether it is perpetrated by a total stranger or someone you thought was your friend, is a serious crime. For too long now people have heard the term "date rape" and thought of it as a lesser crime than "real rape." They are all real! They are all serious. As women you have to use caution in dating as you do in so many other aspects of your life. Did you know that one out of six women in college has been raped by someone known to her? Drugs and alcohol play a major role in these occurrences. Seventy-seven percent of the time the man involved has been drinking or drugging; 55% of the women involved have been drinking or drugging. Only about 5% of these rapes are ever reported to the police. Often you meetprospective dates in places like bars, clubs, parties and similar social environments. You meet, converse and often women give a near total stranger their telephone number. This can be too much information too soon. Most telephone companies publish what's known as a Criss-Cross Directory where telephone numbers are listed sequentially, then lead you to the person's address. You may not want to give that information out so readily. When a man asks for your number, try a little role-reversal; ask for his instead. Believe me, guys will love having the pressure taken off them. On a first date, consider not having the man come to your home or residence hall to pick you up. Suggest meeting at the restaurant, movie theatre or wherever. This gives you more time to get to know your date before revealing where you live and where you can be found so much of the time. By having you own car there, you also have a greater opportunity of leaving if your date turns too aggressive, drinks too much, or is just generally the world's all-time biggest jerk. Don't be afraid to declare your sexual limits early on. Doing this before you get into a sexual situation can prevent one from happening in the first place. Make sure your date understands when you say no, it means NO! Drink alcohol responsibly and beware of other drugs. Alcohol and drugs make it harder to stay in control. Never leave your drink alone, especially in crowded bars and parties. "Date-rape drugs" are real. Once slipped into an unsuspecting person's drink, they can dramatically alter the person's decision making processes, making them do things they normally wouldn't even consider. Trust Your Instincts – Don't be afraid to listen to that little voice in your head when it's telling you something just doesn't seem right. If you sense something is wrong, get away from the situation. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Watch for behavior or attitudes that may signal trouble. Does your date show a lack of respect for women? Does he want to make all the decisions? Is he pressuring you to drink alcohol or take drugs? Any or all of these signals should send up a red flag to you. Be Street Smart – Know where you need to go and the safest way to get there. Taking shortcuts that take you into secluded or dark areas must be avoided. Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable and allow you to move quickly if necessary, and don't become overloaded with packages. They can make you look defenseless. While biking or jogging, find a friend to go with you. It makes exercise time go much nicer and keeps you safer at the same time. Avoid wearing headphones which can make you less aware of your surroundings and once again avoid isolated areas. Also consider varying your routine. Stalkers can be very patient waiting for the right time to strike. Changing the time, routes, etc., can throw a stalker off guard. Driving Tips – While driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up if possible. Make sure there is enough gas in the tank to get you where you are going and maintain your car in good working order. If you should break down, pull well off the traveled portion of the roadway. Raise the hood and turn on emergency flashers. Stay inside your car and if you have a cellular telephone call the police immediately. If someone stops and offers to help, remain in your car and speak to the person through a slightly cracked window. Ask them to call the police or a nearby garage. Never exit your car. While chances are high that the person stopping to help is a Good Samaritan and means no harm, he could also be a crazed killer. Why take the chance? Home Safety – Regardless of what type of home you have, most of these tips apply to you. Before you reach the door make sure you have the door key in your hand. Fumbling for a key when a stranger is approaching makes you vulnerable to attack. Note the condition of your home as you approach and before entering. Are lights on that weren't when you left? Is the door ajar? Is there damage to a door or window? If you think someone might be in your home that doesn't belong there, DO NOT ENTER. Leave and call the police. In high-rise apartment and dormitory buildings elevators are a way of life. Try not to enter an elevator alone or when a single male rider is aboard. When you are on an elevator, try to stand near the control panel and note the location of the emergency alarm button. If attacked hit that alarm and as many floor buttons as you can. STUDY ABROAD Safety and security risks exist abroad, Be Prepared | Use Common Sense | Be Aware Be Prepared Learn about the countries that you plan to visit. Before departing, take the time to do some research about the people and their history, culture, politics and the customs of the country/countries in which you will travel and study. Respect the country's customs, manners, rules and laws. Learn about any problems that the country is experiencing that may affect your travel plans. The Department of State publishes Background Notes on about 170 countries. These brief, factual pamphlets contain information on each country's culture, history, geography, economy, government and current political situation. Read the State Department's Consular Information Sheet for the country in which you plan to study or visit. Consular Information Sheets are available for every country in the world and provide an overview of conditions pertaining to travel in each country. Check for Travel Warnings and
Public Announcements. Travel Warnings recommend
U.S. citizens defer travel to a country because of dangerous conditions. Public Announcements provide
fast-breaking information about relatively short-term conditions that may pose risks to the security of travelers. Know the University Police Department's policy for contacting us while you're abroad. If an emergency situation arises, use the appropriate country code and call our emergency number, 412-268-2323. Make sure you have insurance that will cover your emergency medical needs (including medical evacuation) while you are overseas. Every year, hundreds of students become ill or suffer injuries overseas. It is essential that students have medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance that would cover a medical emergency abroad. For further information, see the Department of State's flyer on Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, Your Trip Abroad, and visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site. Learn about the local laws abroad and obey them. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws! This year, the State Department has issued two press releases: a press release for college newspapers on travel safety abroad for students and a press release on spring break in Cancun, reminding students about drug laws and drunk and disorderly conduct during spring and summer breaks. Fill in the emergency information page on your passport. Make at least three (3) copies of your passport's data page and any visas. Keep one copy separate from the originals while traveling, leave one at home with your family, and give one to your academic institution's study abroad office. This will help to obtain a replacement passport in the event that a passport is lost or stolen. Refer to the Department of State's brochure Your Trip Abroad for more information on U.S. passports. Ensure your relatives maintain a valid passport. This can come in handy in case of an emergency requiring them to travel. Talk to students who have been to or are from the city or country in which you plan to study abroad. Find out what challenges were posed to previous participants and how they dealt with those challenges. Upon arrival at your destination, learn which areas of the city are considered safe for your housing and living. Additionally, become familiar with the best means of transportation and well traveled routes as you go about your daily business. Upon arrival at your destination, identify and build a support system. Make a list of people you can trust to be supportive in an emergency. This list should include on-site program staff, their names, addresses and phone numbers. Keep this list with you at all times. Learn to correctly use the public telephones immediately upon your arrival. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and never accept packages from strangers. The packages could contain drugs or other illegal items. Refer to the Department of State's brochure Travel Warning on Drugs Abroad. Avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people who do. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money to avoid violating local laws. Avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed. Never agree to drive a car for someone else, especially across national borders. Don't give personal information, such as your semester abroad address, to strangers. Be extremely cautious about inviting casual acquaintances into your home or room. Avoid or spend little time in possible target areas for terrorist activity, especially places frequented by Americans, i.e., bars and fast-food restaurants associated with the U.S., branches of American banks, American schools and churches, American firms and businesses, and American consulates and embassies. Avoid using American logos on your belongings and clothing, including athletic wear. Above all else, have confidence! Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. For example, should you observe suspicious events or persons within the premises of your university, classroom, dormitory, neighborhood, or student "hang-out," report them immediately to the appropriate authorities. Do not become a target for thieves by wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards. Be aware of road safety risks in other countries. Students, who choose less expensive, often less reliable methods of local travel while in foreign countries, should be aware of the potential danger. Read the local newspaper, an English language paper, and/or or watch the news on television on a regular basis to keep appraised of any developments which might affect you. When using a public telephone, stand facing out so you can see your surroundings. Trust your instincts. If it feels as though trouble is about to start, move away from the area as quickly as possible. Links for More Information U.S. Department of State – Travel and Living Abroad
SECUSSA: Promoting Health and Safety in Study Abroad SAFETI: Personal Safety and Awareness Handbook Association for Safe International Road Travel (Personal Safety, Residential Security, Workplace Security, Vehicle Security and Specially for Women are a courtesy of CPL. Scott Rouch, Towson University Police Department) (Identity Theft and Security, and Study Abroad are courtesy of George Washington University Police Department) |
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effective tools
the criminal has. Take away that
tool. While walking, take a frequent look behind and to the sides. Be aware of who is there.
Often people are absorbed in thought, reading, listening to personal stereos and any number
of activities so distracting that a mugger or attacker can virtually be on top of them before
they sense his presence. By then it's too late to mount an effective escape.
Stealing wallets and purses containing your identification and credit and bank cards.
Find out
the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are traveling to a remote area or
one that is experiencing civil unrest, find out the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and
register with the Consular Section when you arrive. (U.S. embassy and consulate locations can be found in
the country's