Don’t hesitate to call Campus Police at 814-269-7005 with any safety concerns.
When walking or running:
Stay alert - do not talk on your cell phone or wear headphones.
Carry a cell phone
Go with someone
Stay away from isolated areas
Stay in well-lit areas
Hold your purse or briefcase tightly, close to your body
Keep your wallet in a front pocket, which is safer than a back pocket
Do not hesitate to contact Campus Police to request an escort to walk you to your destination. You can request a safety escort by calling 814-269-7005.
If you're being followed:
Cross the street or change directions
Keep looking back so the person knows you can’t be surprised
If carrying a cell phone, call 911 and get to a well-lit area
Enter a building, anywhere there are people
Notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description
When you arrive at a safe place, call the university police and report the incident
Where you live:
Keep your doors locked night and day
Don’t let in strangers
Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time
Protect your personal and University property:
Lock every door every time you leave
Engrave expensive equipment and valuables with an ID number
Don’t attach your Pitt ID or any other identification to your keychain
Don’t leave your belongings (books, gym bags, backpacks, calculators, coats, etc.) unattended in libraries, hallways, gym facilities, or classrooms
Don’t use an outdoor bank teller machine late at night.
Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night:
If you do work late, keep your office door locked
Lock all doors behind you when entering or exiting at night
Protect your car:
Always lock your car and take the keys
Lock valuables in the trunk
Park in well-lit areas
Have your keys ready when walking to your vehicle
Check the back seat before getting into a car
Keep doors locked while driving
Don’t pick up hitchhikers
Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
Be aware:
Attend safety workshops and report suspicious activity immediately
Get to know your neighbors
Share information on suspicious circumstances
Examples of suspicious behavior/circumstances include:
People on campus who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business
People monitoring areas, buildings, or entrances
Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive, or private areas
People requesting information with no apparent need for that information
People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions or events (bulky coat in warm weather etc.)
Abandoned or unusual parcels or other items, especially in high-traffic areas
Individuals attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, telecommunications, or information systems)
Be alert:
Vehicles
Abandoned vehicles
Vehicles parked near buildings or public and common areas
Unexpected/unfamiliar delivery trucks
Vehicles containing unusual/suspicious parcels or material
Vehicles arriving and being left behind at odd hours
Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles
Buildings and offices
Entrance doors or windows in buildings or residence halls should not be propped open
Don't leave keys unattended or give them to unauthorized persons
Secure all sensitive material and information when not able to attend to it
Secure sensitive deliveries in a timely manner
Secure all areas when not attended
Be aware of unfamiliar persons in or visitors to your office
Protect access codes and combinations, and change codes regularly
Take time to familiarize yourself with building evacuation plans