UWPD, Housing offer safety tips, resources

In the wake of several recent personal safety incidents in and around the campus area, the UW Police Department and University Housing are urging students to take steps that will reduce the chances of becoming a victim.

Thinking about crime and how it occurs, then acting on that knowledge, can make a world of difference in personal safety, says Sgt. Edie Brogan of UWPD.

“Campus safety is a partnership, and we all play an important role,” she says. “Students are a huge part of the solution.”

Among the safety tips:

• Residents of University Housing are urged to keep their doors locked, especially when you are at home or sleeping.
• Do not open the door to someone who does not carry proper identification. University Housing custodial and maintenance staff members all wear identification tags with their photos and names. If a person is there on official business, they will identify themselves. If you are in doubt, call Housing to double-check.
• Never prop open a building door or allow access to a stranger. If you feel uncomfortable confronting a person following you into a residence hall, alert the hall staff or a house fellow.
• Be wary of people that don’t appear to belong in the area. If you doubt that they belong in the area, ask them questions. If you are uncomfortable confronting a person, alert hall staff. If their answers are vague or suspicious, call the police.
• Walk with friends whenever possible. Use SAFEwalk or SAFEride when you can’t find someone to go with you. Information on any of the Safe Nighttime Services is available by calling (608) 265-5000.
• Report any crime or suspicion of a crime at once. If UWPD is contacted within the first five minutes, they have a better chance of finding a suspect. Dial 911 for help.

In cooperation with residents, University Housing is continuing with a program to install security cameras in its high-rise buildings, says Housing Director Paul Evans.

Security cameras are operating at Chadbourne Hall and will operational later this spring in Ogg, Sellery and Witte Halls. Housing is moving as quickly as possible to have the system up and running, but it is a complex process, Evans says.

Exterior doors on high-rise halls all have electronic door locking and monitoring systems that notify staff when they are ajar or propped open.

Residents can expect to be encouraged by their house fellows to do their part in contributing to a safe residence hall community, Evans says. Residents are encouraged to share their ideas on improving safety in the residence halls with their house fellow or residence life coordinator.

In addition, support for concerned residents is always available from the Counseling & Consultation Service, which has offices located in each hall. Housing provides direct support and referrals to students (victims, friends and roommates) most impacted by individual incidents.