Crime Prevention
The Department of Public Safety takes a proactive approach in reducing the possibility of criminal activity occurring on campus; however, not all crime can be prevented. When a crime does occur, officers initiate an investigation and file a report. Officers begin working on methods to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring while conducting in-depth follow-up investigations on all assigned cases.

Preventive measures can be taken to reduce the possibility of students endangering themselves and others. The Department of Public Safety is dedicated to training and educating officers, staff, and students on effective crime prevention measures and self-defense. Officers are briefed on recent criminal trends and attend in-service training on crime prevention.

The Crime Prevention Officer visits each residence hall every semester, discusses security procedures, personal and community safety, any problem students are facing, and means to satisfactorily resolve issues. It is imperative that each student takes ownership in his or her own safety and use common sense approaches to personal safety.

The Department of Public Safety, working with the Dean of Students office and outside community agencies offer frequent programs on topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, self-defense, alcohol and substance abuse. A description of these programs can be found at the Public Safety Office.

All males working for the school must alert students of their presence if they are going into a residential area and a student must escort a male guest at all times while on campus .

Officers that work during the evening shifts check buildings on campus, to ensure each is secured. If a student needs to get into a building that is closed after hours, contact an officer. Officers will periodically check on students to determine they are safe and the building is still secure.

All officers patrol the campus on foot; vehicle, or bicycle. During these patrols, officers are continuously looking for suspicious persons, vehicles, or behavior. Anyone walking on the grounds or appearing to be loitering around campus will be approached and identified. If the person appears again on campus, the officers will take appropriate action to have the individual removed from campus.

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Never walk alone after dark on campus, take a friend
• If you are leaving an entertainment location, work, friends, or home and traveling to Salem, call ahead and let your roommate or friends know when to expect you.
• Limit bringing items of value to Salem, please store all items of value in locked locations. Thefts do regularly occur on campus.
• Write the serial numbers of all valuable items in a book and store it in a safe, dry, secure location.
• If you are waiting for an escort by public safety, wait in the lobby of the building or wait in your vehicle with the engine running and lights on. Call public safety from a red phone without leaving your vehicle. If someone approaches simply, drive off and notify public safety.
• Public safety can be contacted directly by the red emergency phones which are illuminated by a blue light by pushing the emergency button and talking into the speaker. If unable to speak, the phone will notify officers of the activation and location.
• If you notice any dark spots on campus at night call maintenance to have additional lights added.
• If you notice a window that will not lock or a malfunctioning door lock, immediately notify maintenance.
• When inviting someone on to campus meet him or her at their parking location and walk them across campus. This will ensure they arrive on time and without delay.
• Never leave your door unlocked, if a burglar alarm is sounded, stay in your room with the door secured. Call public safety and await our arrival.
• Never give anyone door codes.
• If you lose your room key or access card, please immediately replace the items at the Public Safety Office.
• IF YOU SEE ANYTHING OR ANYONE SUSPICIOUS OR JUST GET A BAD FEELING ABOUT SOMETHING ON CAMPUS CALL #5555

If a crime is committed against you, do not hesitate; report the crime immediately. Try to make a mental note of the person who committed the crime so you will be able to recall their physical appearance. The Public Safety Department will assist you in any way possible. If you observe a crime, do not try to stop the person committing the crime; contact Public Safety immediately. The Public Safety Department is currently developing a confidential crime reporting system for students to utilize.