Campus Safety
 

The following may prevent you from becoming a victim.

Let your family, friends and roommates know your schedule. Let people know where you plan to be and when you plan to return, but exchange this information discreetly. Avoid leaving notes on the outside of your door or on a friend's car. Only friends, family, employer and school officials should be aware of your schedule.

If you must be alone at night, ask campus police or security for an escort to your vehicle or dorm. When working alone in labs or classrooms at night, lock the doors and contact the campus police to let them know you are alone. Ask for drive-by patrol and an escort back and forth to your car. If you feel you are in danger, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 or campus police.

Walking Around Campus

• Avoid walking alone, if possible. Use the buddy system -- have at least one other person with you.
• Keep a working cell phone with you in case of emergencies.
• Survey the campus after dark to see that buildings, walkways, quadrangles and parking lots are adequately secured, lighted and patrolled.
• Pay attention to what is going on around you.
• Avoid using MP3 players or cell phones while walking. They are distractions.
• Walk with confidence and stay alert.
• Walk in lighted areas.
• Keep your hands free, not overloaded.
• Have your keys ready.
• If you think you are being followed, go to a safe environment such as a populated store or restaurant. If you feel you are in immediate danger, make a scene -- scream, honk your horn, flash your lights, run. Such action could deter a possible attacker from following through with their plans.

While In Your Car

• Keep windows up and doors locked.
• Park in well-lighted areas and travel on populated, well-lighted streets.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If you have car trouble, turn on your flashers, call the local police and stay in your car, with the doors locked and windows up, until they arrive. Cell phones that don't have a subscribed service are still able to call 9-1-1, if they have a charge.
   

Trust Your Instincts!
Remove yourself from situations you don't feel good about.

At Dorm Rooms or At Home

• Doors and windows to your residence hall or home should be equipped with quality locks. Entrance doors should have peepholes and deadbolts.
• Do not open your door to strangers. Contact the office or business who sent the visitor for verification of their purpose. For example, call the apartment office for verification if a repair person requests entrance into your apartment. If someone asks to use your phone, tell them you will make the call for them while they wait outside. Do not let them into your room or home.
• Do not loan out your key. Never compromise your safety for a roommate or friend who wants the door left unlocked. Replace locks when a key is lost or stolen.
• Use caution when admitting strangers.
• Have good lighting around entrances.
• Report suspicious activity to campus police, or to the local police if you live off-campus.

In Social Settings

• If you plan to meet someone for the first time, to study or for a date, meet in a public place, like the library or student center.
• Take time getting to know your "date." Don't spend time alone with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.
• Tell someone you trust your date's name, destination and planned time of return.
• Take money for a phone call and taxi fare with you.
• Go to parties with a group and leave with the same group. Avoid risky areas, such as deserted areas.
• Avoid excessive alcohol; drink responsibly.
• Be aware of your surrounding. Know where the exits are.
• Be alert for possible "date rape" drugs, such as Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine. Someone can slip it into your drink without your knowledge. Date rape drugs can cause drowsiness, loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss. These drugs will leave you vulnerable. Never take drinks from other people and don't leave your drink unattended.

For more information on date rape drugs and other drugs, visit
www.mesaaz.gov/police/drugs/default.aspx and www.mesaaz.gov/police/literature/default.aspx.