IX. SECURITY/PERSONAL SAFETY


Locations
Security Administrative Offices are located in the:
University Towne House
1325 Mt. Hope Avenue, Suite 1-B
Rochester, New York 14620

Security satellite offices are located at:
Quad Annex Basement
River Campus

G-6009
Medical Center

and can be reached at the following telephone numbers:
X13 - Emergencies
X5-3333 - Non-Emergencies
X5-3437 - Administrative
X3-5200 - River Campus Satellite Office
X5-2220 - Medical Center Satellite Office
X5-3333 - Escort Service Arrangements

Emergency Number/Blue Light Emergency Phones
In an emergency, dial "13." You will be immediately connected to the Security Communication Center. The Bright Blue Lights around the River Campus and the Medical Center are your outside emergency direct line to UR Security. When you need assistance, just pick up the phone under the Blue Light, and you will automatically be in touch with UR Security. Your location is immediately known without having to dial or speak. Please check the map at the back of this book for locations of these telephones.

Safety is a Full Time Responsibility
Because the University is not an isolated entity, separate from the surrounding community, it can be only as safe as an urban environment permits. Although safety against all risks cannot be guaranteed, there is much that you as a member of the University community can do to protect yourself and others. For example, you should familiarize yourself with the emergency and fire safety procedures for the buildings you use, take fire drills seriously, help maintain the physical security of campus buildings, promptly report fire and suspicious circumstances or persons to Security, and report other hazards, actual or potential.

How to Report an Incident
Whenever you are a witness to or a victim of a crime, you are encouraged to report the incident to Security immediately by dialing "13" from service or regular University (Rolm) phones or simply by picking up the handset on one of over 50 Blue Light Emergency Phones.

Thefts
By far, the largest category of crime at the University of Rochester involves the loss of personal property of $100 or less by theft. Ninety percent of the thefts occur from unlocked or unattended areas. The best precaution against theft is to lock or secure property. The University is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

To protect your property, keep a record of identifying marks or serial numbers. Items without serial numbers may be engraved through Operation Identification, a program for registering property and equipment. Also, consider insuring your belongings. The University carries no insurance for the theft of personal property. Call X5-2220 for more information.

Crime Prevention
The University has active crime prevention programs, with offices on the River Campus (Quad Annex basement) and the Medical Center (G-6009). Crime Prevention Officers are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and are willing to meet with you during these and other hours. They routinely address new students and employees on personal safety issues -- including date rape and sexual assault, and drug and alcohol awareness. They also respond to special requests from groups of employees or students and will hold workshops on topics of particular concern. Other crime prevention efforts include the distribution of "Security Alert Bulletins" (which provide prompt notice of events affecting personal safety), lighting surveys, new construction design consultation, alarm system design assistance and office/building safety surveys. Call X3-5200 (River Campus) or X5-2220 (Medical Center) for further information.

Victim Assistance
If you are a crime victim, Security offers a comprehensive Victim/Witness Assistance Program. Victims who ask for help receive assistance getting through the often confusing criminal justice process. Many crime victims also have medical and/or emotional needs and can be directed to a variety of University and community services. To find out more about any of the services our Crime Prevention Office offers, call X5-2220.

Personal Safety Escorts
Using a combination of male/female volunteer teams, student aides and, as needed, Security Officers, the University makes a conscientious effort to provide prompt and reliable assistance for safe passage, on request, throughout the University. These services are intended to compliment established shuttle bus schedules and each individual's own efforts to coordinate travel plans with others.

You may request a safety escort by picking up a Blue Light Emergency Phone or by calling X5-3333 from any University phone. All escort volunteers and employee are in constant radio contact with the Security Communication Center. Resource groups, in addition to shuttle bus services, include:
Drugs
The Security Division will respond to any complaint of illegal drug sales or trafficking at the University and report violations to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. If a person needs medical attention as a result of substance abuse, the health of that individual is our primary concern, and Security will provide transport to Strong Memorial Hospital's emergency room or to the University Health Service.

Although Security does not normally conduct extensive drug investigations, city, county and state law enforcement agencies do, and may investigate cases on University property independently. New York State narcotics laws apply to the University, and the University will cooperate fully with appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Security's Power of Arrest or Detention
Officers are not armed and are not police officers or peace officers. They serve as representatives of the University in assuring that persons and property are protected and that University operations are not disrupted. Officers work closely with area law enforcement agencies.

When Police Agencies are Called by Security
Non-Emergency Services
Office Safety
Bicycle Safety
Sexual Offenses In addition to criminal sanctions for forcible and non-forcible rape, acquaintance rape and other sexual offenses, the University's corrective disciplinary procedures allow for a range of sanctions up to and including expulsion from residential living areas, expulsion from the institution, and termination of employment status. In any disciplinary action alleging a sexual assault, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have persons present and must be informed of the outcome.

Weapons
No weapons of any type (firearms, BB guns, pellet guns, double-edged knives, etc.) are allowed on University property. If a weapon is discovered, Security will confiscate it and turn it over to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Possession could result in arrest and University sanctions.

Help Us Help You
We take pride in the many services offered to the University community. Your input can help us improve our performance. Should you wish to inquire about security procedures, or give feedback about a specific service or employee, you have at least four options:
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