Safety Videos & Tips

• Alcohol impairs many of the faculties we depend on to make good decisions, and makes people easier targets for potential attackers.
• When going out, designate a sober friend just as you would establish a designated driver. This person’s job is to look out for others in the group to ensure their safety.
• When at clubs, bars, or drinking in groups be aware that someone could try to “spike” your drink with an incapacitating drug. Only accept drinks directly from the bartender or from people you know and trust. If your drink has been left unattended, discard it.

• Save the number for TUPD: 410-704-4444.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Trust your instincts if something seems off.
• If on-campus, report any suspicious activity to TUPD by phone or by campus emergency blue light phone. If off campus, dial 911.
• Share your schedule with family, friends and roommates.

Perpetrators of sexual assault are not always strangers. If someone you know — a date, steady, acquaintance or casual friend — engages you in a sexual act without your consent, it is a crime. Here are things to consider:

• When going on a date, tell someone where you are going, with whom, and when you expect to return.
• Check out a first date or a blind date with friends or on social media. Meet at a public place. Carry your phone and money for a taxi/Uber, or take your own car.
• When out with friends, stay together. Do not leave a social event with someone you just met or do not know well.
• Discuss sexual limits with a partner openly, when sober.
• Practice consent. You do not have the right to force or pressure a date to have sex. Ever.
• Avoid using alcohol or drugs to the point that it impairs your judgment about what you want or what others may want.
• Do not assume that a person wants to have sex based on his/her clothing, his/her willingness to go home with you, your past sexual experiences with him/her, or anything other than verbal consent.
• Never have sex with anyone who is passed out.
• If you see a person pressuring another person who appears to be uncomfortable, unwilling or intoxicated, do not be afraid to intervene. Your intervention may prevent someone from the trauma of sexual assault or prevent someone from the ordeal of criminal repercussions.

• Tear or shred anything with personal information. Identity thieves may pick through trash to capture personal information.
• Don’t carry your social security card; leave it in a secure place.
• Carry only the identification information and the number of credit or debit cards that you’ll actually need.
• Review all charges on your credit or debit cards.
• Don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox. When traveling, have the post office hold your mail or ask a trusted person to retrieve it for you.
• Be wary of promotional scams.
• Order your credit report at least once a year. Reports should be obtained from all three major sources: Equifax at 800-685-1111; Experian at 888-397-3742; and TransUnion at 800-916-8800. Correct all mistakes on your credit report and retain copies of all related documents.
• If your identity or credit is compromised, place a fraud alert on your accounts and credit report immediately. File a report with the TUPD or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy of the police report or report number.

• Never jog or hike alone, especially after dark. Avoid exercising in heavily wooded, poorly-lit or secluded areas.
• Avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots or alleys.
• Stay away from shrubbery, trees or doorways, which can provide concealment to criminals.
• Vary your times and route to prevent criminals from knowing your routine.
• Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
• Reduce headphone use. They can reduce your level of alertness and make you a target for thieves.
• Conceal valuables, like cell phones, headphones, etc.
• Wear bright colored clothing to improve visibility.
• If you are accosted or feel threatened, do whatever it takes to draw the attention of bystanders: scream, yell for help, blow a whistle, fight back, etc.
• If followed, go to the nearest residence, open business or group of people. Call 911 or TUPD at 410-704-4444 when it is safe to do so.
• Carry some form of identification.

• Don’t let others “piggy back” when entering residence halls — meaning, entering behind you without a key.
• Never prop open residence hall exterior doors.
• Never leave your room unlocked, even while making a short trip down the hall, taking a shower or sleeping.
• Refrain from posting notes on your door informing others that no one is in the room.
• Don’t leave valuables, such as wallets or jewelry, in open view.
• Register your valuables with TUPD’s free personal property registration to aid recovery if items are lost or stolen.
• Engrave or mark property with a unique number or symbol so that it can be identified as yours if lost or stolen. Contact the TUPD’s Community Policing Unit at 410-704-6530 to schedule engraving.
• Keys should not be attached to university identification. If you lose your key, report it to the on-duty RA immediately.
• Report suspicious activity or people in the residence hall to the on-duty RA, or contact TUPD at 410-704-4444.
• Try to avoid entering an elevator alone or with a single male rider. Stand near the control panel and note the location of the emergency alarm button. If attacked, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as you can.

If someone tries to rob you:

• Don’t resist. Give up your property; don’t give up your life.
• Do not volunteer any information or do anything other than what the robber asks. Do what you’re told. Observe the robber’s appearance and demeanor.
• Avoid sudden moves. The robber/s are just as nervous as you.
• Call 911 or the TUPD at 410-704-4444 when it is safe. The first minutes after a crime occurs are critical to law enforcement.
• Describe exactly what occurred with as many details as possible. Give complete descriptions such as sex, race, age, height, weight, hair color, scars, tattoos and clothing. If a vehicle was involved try to get the make, color, and license plate.

• Stay in well-lit, well-traveled areas. Travel in pairs whenever possible.
• If you find yourself walking alone at night, call 410-704-SAFE (7233) to request a free SafeWalk police escort or to use the SafeRide service. Alternatively, download TU’s SaferMobility app and use its mobile escort feature.
• Be aware, avoid using your phone or other electronic devices when walking.
• Don’t flash money or other tempting targets. Carry a purse close to your body.
• Have your car or house key in hand before you reach your door.
• If someone seems to be following you, turn in the opposite direction or cross the street. If he/she persists, move to a busy area or contact TUPD.
• If you are attacked or you feel an attack is imminent, do whatever it takes to draw the attention of bystanders: scream, yell for help, blow a whistle. Fight back.

• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.
• Have your keys ready before getting into your vehicle. Lock the doors immediately upon entering.
• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you’re coming right back. Check inside and out before getting inside.
• Avoid parking in isolated or unlit areas. Be especially alert in parking lots and underground parking garages.
• If you do not feel comfortable walking to your car alone, request a free SafeWalk escort: 410-704-SAFE (7233).
• If you think someone is following you home, drive to the nearest police, fire, or gas station and call 911.
• If your vehicle breaks down, turn on your flashers and call for help on your cell phone. Lock the windows and doors and don’t open the vehicle for anyone until help arrives.
• Never leave valuables in plain view. Lock them in the glove box or trunk.
• Do not mark your keys with your name, address or license number.
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it is running.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.

•  Keep your office and filing cabinets locked when unattended.
• Purses, wallets, cell phones, etc. should be locked in a drawer or file cabinet when your work space is unattended. Laptops, cell phones and bookbags top the list of items stolen on campus.
• Communicate with co-workers to ensure the last person out of the office always locks the door.
• Password-protect your computer and place it in sleep mode when leaving your desk.
• Engrave your TU ID# or other unique identifier on personal items brought to work. Contact TUPD’s Community Policing Unit at 410-704-6530 to schedule engraving.
• When traveling across campus after dark, use the SafeWalk escort program: 410-704-SAFE (7233).
• If you see suspicious activity or an unfamiliar person in an area not normally open to the public, report it immediately to TUPD at 410-704-4444. Be prepared to provide a physical description of the person(s). If a vehicle is observed, provide the vehicle description and tag number.