Crime Prevention

• The blue phones around campus are resources for immediate information beyond emergencies. Use the phones to report concerning or threatening behavior, or to get directions or access to campus resources.
• Wherever you are, be alert. Avoid distractions like your phone. Keep your head up so you know who is ahead, beside, and behind you. Keep your earbuds at a reasonable volume so you can hear others approaching.
• Walk with purpose. Make quick eye contact with those around you. Both of these actions communicate you are an aware, calm, and confident individual.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave as quickly as you can.
• Remember: crime knows no boundaries. Maintain situational awareness even when you are on or near University property.

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Use public walkways, avoid shortcuts and dark or secluded places.
• Take care and watch out for each other. If you go out together with friends, come home with your friends. Don't walk alone at night.
• Learn the neighborhood. Take notice of which stores are open, the type of street lighting, and the locations of blue light phones as that information may be important should you need help later.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Leave valuables secured at home. Jewelry, credit cards you do not use and important documents like your Social Security card should not be in your wallet.
• Consider carrying a personal alarm.

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency buttons and phones of the elevators you frequently ride. Always keep the buttons within reach.
• Exit the elevator if someone who makes you uncomfortable enters. Do not board the elevator with someone who makes you feel uneasy.
• If someone attempts to harm you on an elevator, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible.

• Go with a friend. It's more fun and safer, too!
• Choose your route in advance and vary it. Avoid traveling the same route at the same time of day.
• Avoid isolated areas. Try to schedule your activities with others and where others are present.

• Always lock your vehicle doors, even when driving. Do not place valuables in the seat next to you in plain view. Keep items in your trunk.
• Consider using a steering wheel lock.
• Have your key in hand when approaching your vehicle to allow for quick access. Remember to look into the back seat area before entering.
• Park in well-lit areas visible to other people.
• Keep an eye on your gas gauge. Make sure you have enough to reach your destination and return.
• Consider a roadside service membership to assist you should you have car trouble.

• Use well-lit, busy bus stops. Wait with others when possible.
• Sit near the front of the bus, close to the driver.
• Stay awake while riding the bus and remain alert to your surroundings.
• If someone harasses you, tell them firmly and loudly, "Leave me alone!" Report the persistent person to the driver.
• As you prepare to exit the bus, take note of the others exiting with you. If anyone makes you uneasy, consider remaining on the bus; if necessary, ask the driver for assistance.
• As you exit the bus, if you encounter anyone who makes you feel unsafe, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

• Theft is the most common crime reported on campus. The best prevention is to secure your room, your house and your property by locking your doors, windows and cars.
• Always keep your door locked - day or night. NEVER let strangers in.
• Never lend your keys or leave your door unlocked for a friend.
• Don't bring valuables to campus. Leave them at home where they are most safe.
• Keep cash and other small valuables out of sight.
• Don't prop open exterior doors. You could be letting in an intruder. The doors are locked for your safety!
• Don't leave your books unattended.
• Always lock your bike to a fixed object. Use a high security bicycle lock for the best protection. We recommend a U-lock.
• For gatherings at your house, make sure you actually know who is in attendance. Have a few friends committed to being "sober monitors" who are not drinking. They can monitor noise levels and guests' behavior, ask strangers and troublesome guests to leave, and when necessary, call the police.
• Tap into UD's resources for mental health, sexual violence prevention, bias and other concerns. Tell your friends about these resources.
• If you see or hear concerning or threatening behavior, or know of a student in distress, contact the Dean of Students' office. Multiple campus units work closely together to respond quickly with appropriate support and intervention. If it's an immediate campus safety issue, call Public Safety at 937-229-2121.
• Be a partner in keeping campus safe. Make a point to meet the UDPD community engagement officers and the UD police officers patrolling campus and the student neighborhoods.

Adjusting to life on campus can be a difficult transition. For international students, the transition involves many layers including learning to navigate new cultural norms.

The Department of Public Safety is willing to aid, support and advise you in any manner necessary. Our officers are available to answer questions and offer assistance at any time. Even when you feel unsure, it is better to call us for assistance than to ignore a potentially dangerous situation. For more information, please call Public Safety at 937-229-2121.

Your Rights

• You have equal rights in the United States regardless of your gender.
• You may express your own opinion.
• You may dress how you wish and go where you like without being harassed.
• You have the right to practice your religion and worship as you wish.

Contact With the Police

If you are stopped by a police officer, keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements. Sudden movements could be interpreted as an attempt to hide something or reach for a weapon.

If you are stopped by an officer while in a vehicle, do not exit your vehicle unless the officer asks you to do so.

If an officer stops you, wait for the officer to approach you and ask you for your driver's license or student ID. Do not run from the police or behave in an aggressive manner during a stop. Police officers do not accept bribes or collect money to pay any fines during a stop.

It is culturally appropriate in the United States to make direct eye contact with others. Do not be fearful to make eye contact with an officer during a stop.

Operating a Vehicle

You must be a licensed driver to drive a car or any other motor vehicle. You must have a valid driver's license issued by the State of Ohio.

The driver and front-seat passenger in a vehicle are required to wear a seat belt. Anyone under 18 years old must wear a seat belt in a vehicle regardless of where they are sitting.

Children under age four or weighing less than 40 pounds must be secured in a car seat.

A vehicle must display valid license plates that are issued to the vehicle on which they are displayed.

All motor vehicles must be insured and you must have the insurance card with you as proof of this insurance.

A motorcycle driver must obtain a special license in order to validly operate a motorcycle.

New motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear an approved helmet.

Failure to have a valid driver's license and/or vehicle registration the vehicle may result in you being taken to jail. It could also cost hundreds of dollars to correct this error.

Alcohol/Tobacco Use

It is against the law for anyone under 21 years old to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and liquor).

Even if your home country allows you to consume alcohol before you turn 21, you cannot do so in the United States.

It is illegal for anyone, regardless of age, to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in public, or inside a motor vehicle.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase cigarettes, vapes, cigars and chewing tobacco.

The Department of Public Safety and Student Government Association collaborated with UD Information Technology (UDIT) and mobile safety company AppArmor to bring a personal safety app to the campus community. Flyer Safe is a free app available for download at the AppStore and Google Play. 

With Flyer Safe, campus community members will be able to:

• Make direct contact with public safety dispatchers and first responders in case of emergencies, or to share other information such as reporting a crime or a tip.
• Share your location with friends as you walk to your destination.
• Use mobile blue light to send your location and call public safety simultaneously .
• Link to campus safety resources.
• Find emergency information and what to do in an emergency.
• Access UD support resources.