Keeping Safe on Campus - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Keeping Safe on Campus

Keeping Safe on Campus

Be Aware, Keep Smart and Stay Safe

Common sense
This is perhaps your best protection against crime. Follow these basic rules:

  • Don't walk alone at night and stick to well-lighted streets.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • If you are being followed, walk fast to a populated area.
  • Don't give your phone number or address to strangers.
  • Avoid dangerous parts of town.

Prevent sexual assault

  • In addition to exercising the common sense rules mentioned above, you should always exercise caution when drinking.
  • In most cases of sexual assault, especially acquaintance rape, drugs and/or alcohol were used by one or both people involved.
  • If you drink, drink responsibly.
  • Don't drink any drink that you did not buy yourself, and never leave your drink unattended.

Be aware

  • Contact your local police department to locate high crime areas on campus and in town.
  • Learn what crimes are most prevalent in your neighborhood.
  • You'll know what precautions to take once you've identified the most prevalent types of crime and where they occur.

Report suspicious behavior

  • Call the police if you suspect someone is committing or attempting to commit a crime. Your involvement makes a safer environment for everyone.
  • Give the police a good description of the suspect.
  • Do not try apprehending the person yourself.

You Can Take Self-defense classes

  • Many college campuses offer training in self-defense through the gymnasium or police department for a small fee.
  • Mace and pepper spray training may also be available.
  • Inquire at your campus police headquarters or the city police department.
  • Private self-defense instruction is also available in most cities.

Make use of campus safety services

  • With a quick call to your campus police or local police station, you can find out what safety resources are available to you.
  • The police department usually offers some kind of instruction in crime prevention.
  • Many colleges offer night walk and night shuttle services.

What to do if you are the Victim of Crime

  • Report the crime immediately
  • If the police aren't aware of the crime, there's nothing they can do about it.
  • Be prepared to tell the police: what happened exactly, where the crime happened, when it happened, who you are and where you're calling from.
  • Do not disturb any evidence at the crime scene while waiting for police to arrive.

Reporting sexual assault

  • Tell someone you trust what has happened.
  • Whether you report sexual assault to the police or not, you should seek medical treatment and counseling immediately.
  • Do not bathe, change clothes, or otherwise destroy evidence before seeing a doctor.
  • Your physician will be able to refer you to a counselor.