A member of the campus safety patrol escorts two students in the neighborhood south of campus. The safety patrol works closely with UA police officers.
FROM THE UNIVERSITY POLICE
Steps to enhance your personal safety
When in any public place, keep these general safety tips in mind.
- Alcohol and other drugs can harm your perceptions and decision-making. Do not place yourself in a vulnerable position by being intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs.
- Travel in groups late at night. Often, there is safety in numbers. If you are going to separate from your group, tell someone when you will return.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- If you feel threatened, cross the street or enter a store or business.
- Have your keys in hand as you approach your car. Check under the car and the back seat before you enter.
- Stash valuables in your trunk.
- If you do drink, set a limit and stick to it. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Also: Don't leave a drink unattended. If you are away from your drink any amount of time, toss it. It's not worth the risk.
Out and about
- Use the free campus escort service. Patrol members will escort students between campus locations at any hour. Call 330-972-7263 to request the service.
- If you feel threatened or if you want to report something suspicious, use one of the over 350 emergency phones on campus. The phones, distinguished by their blue lights, connect directly to the UA police dispatcher at all hours.
- Program the University's emergency line into your cell phone: 330-972-2911. Or call 9-1-1.
- Notify the UAPD if you notice anything suspicious or unusual. Call the department at 330-972-2911 (or 9-1-1 in an emergency) at any hour. "It's amazing how often small tips from everyday people add up to something we can use," said University Police Chief Jim Weber. "Students should not be shy about calling. We value every call."
In our residence halls
- Always lock your door; even when you’re sleeping or just going down the hall.
- Do not allow strangers to enter your room or your complex. Do not open your door unless you know the person seeking entry.
- Do not prop any exterior doors open to allow unescorted visitors into the residence hall.
- Report lost or stolen residence hall keys immediately to your residence hall staff.
- Report any malfunctioning locks, doors or windows to your residence life staff.
- Do not leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in the room.
- Do not leave messages on your door about when you will be returning to your room.
- End of the term? Load your car up just before you leave rather than the night before. You never want valuables be in plain view in your vehicle.
Living off-campus
If you live off campus:
- Call the UA Police Department and request a free security audit of your rental. Our officers will:
- test the adequacy of your locking system;
- study all entry points and offer suggestions to improve their security; and
- offer tips about exterior lighting and other tactics to deter would-be criminals.
- To arrange for an audit, call the UAPD at 330-972-5914 (if no answer, please leave a message).
- Don't answer the door in the middle of the night unless you are expecting someone. Ask your landlord to install a peephole in your front door. If you see someone unexpected at your door during the overnight hours, call UAPD at 330-972-2911.
- If you are leaving home, leave on a light or a radio or a TV to make it appear as if someone is home.
- Going on spring break? Will tweeting about your location tip off someone about your unoccupied home or apartment?
- Lock doors and windows. UA's police chief says many times thieves enter through unlocked doors and windows. Ask your landlord to install a deadbolt, if one is not present.
Sources: The University of Akron Police Department and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators
UNIVERSITY POLICE
146 Hill St (show on map)
Akron, OH 44325-0402
Phone: 330-972-2911 Available all hours
TTY: 330-972-6238
Fax: 330-972-7772
Email: uapd@uakron.edu (Don't email if you need an officer; call instead)