RESIDENCE HALL SAFETY

The safety of residents is of vital concern to University Housing Services (UHS). While the University is a relatively safe place, crimes do occur on campus. Though UHS and University Police work closely to provide for your safety, residents must take responsibility for developing a safe environment in the residential community. Here are some steps you can take to ensure greater safety.

Safety in the Residence Halls

2. Do NOT prop exterior doors open.
For security reasons, doors in the residential community are kept locked. A door propped open invites non-residents into the building, some of whom commit crimes against residents. If you come across a propped door, CLOSE IT!

3. Lock your room door when you are sleeping and when you are out of the room.
Locking your door when you are asleep or gone will probably be the most important thing you can do to ensure your safety. In the time it takes for you to shower or use the bathroom, a thief can take your wallet or laptop and be on the freeway!

4. Escort your guests at all times.
As a resident in the community, you are responsible for your guests and their actions. Even if you trust your guests, unescorted strangers can frighten others. Please escort your guests so that others in the community know they are authorized to be there. Keep track of where your guests are. Do not let strangers into the building.

5. If you see an unknown person who is unescorted in the residential community, confront him/her.
If you are uncomfortable doing this, please contact a member of the Residence Life staff for assistance. Do not let the person continue unescorted. The name of the Resident Advisor (RA) on duty is posted in the lobby of each building as well as on each RA’s door.

6. Contact a Residence Life staff member and University Police immediately if you receive an obscene or harassing call or e-mail.

7. Avoid leaving first floor windows open.
It is relatively easy to climb in and out of first floor windows, and thieves can easily come in through open windows. This applies to the laundry and study rooms as well. Security bars/window jams are available at the front desk of each hall.

8. Attend residential community programs.
Learn more about protecting yourself and others by attending programs focused on safety, often presented in hall and wing meetings and town-hall meetings. In addition, pay attention to important messages posted in the halls about security and crime warnings.

9. Be careful about the message you leave on your voicemail/answering machine.
If you have an answering machine take your messages, do not tell the caller when you will be back. Simply say you will return the call as soon as possible.

10. Protect your property.
Make sure you have a list of all the serial numbers of your valuables and keep the list in a safe place. Mark property with an identifiable number in a conspicuous place. University Police has an engraver available.

11. Always follow residential community fire rules.
Ensure your smoke detectors are in working order. Know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use each type. Know your evacuation route and emergency exits for the building. If you discover a fire, activate the alarm and alert residents immediately and direct fire or police personnel to the fire. False fire alarms endanger everyone. A false alarm is not a joke; it is a crime.

12. Learn the facts about alcohol, drug abuse, and violence.
People under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous to themselves and others. Over 60% of physical assaults involve alcohol. If you are assaulted, contact University Police immediately. You can also contact the Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Wellness Center for information, help, counseling or referrals. If a friend or resident has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol or drugs, do not leave him/her alone. Call for medical assistance, if needed.

13. Never loan your key out to another person. EVER!
In addition to compromising your safety, this is also a residential community policy violation.

14. Understand the attitudes and behaviors that can contribute to date rape and sexual assault.
Report any incident to the University Police at (909) 869-3070 or Project Sister (24-hour sexual assault crisis center) at (909) 626-HELP (4357). A woman is more likely to be sexually assaulted during her freshman year in college than at any other time in her life. Both men and women should learn about this issue and take precautions to prevent sexual assault. Avoid situations that may make you vulnerable. Communicate with your partner and obtain consent prior to sex. A person who is incapacitated by alcohol or drugs can not legally give consent. Call the STOP Violence Office for more information.

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Community Service Officers (CSO’s)

University Police hire student assistants and interns for academic credit to work as Community Service Officers (CSO) within the Patrol Division. The CSO staff provides traffic control during the morning “rush hour” ( 7:45am-8:15am) on campus. Additionally, the Community Service Officers perform bike patrols, live scan fingerprinting and CSO’s from Parking & Transportation Services provide campus escort services.

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Housing CSO’s

University Police Housing Patrol CSO’s provide additional eyes and ears during late night hours in the exterior residence and parking areas. CSO’s are here to enhance your safety. Housing Patrol CSO’s are identifiable by their tan uniform or polo shirts and blue jackets with shoulder patches. For more information on CSO employment, please contact Kris Surber at (909) 869-4139.

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Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

The University Police Department offers a variety of experiences for volunteers. Volunteers assist the department in meeting its mission and responsibility for campus safety, emergency planning, and law enforcement. Volunteers allow the department to focus on community policing and enforcement functions by providing supplemental and/or support services, such as administrative assistance, fingerprinting, and emergency preparedness planning. Academic internships are also available. For more information, please contact Fred Henderson at (909) 869-3605.

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Safety On-Campus

1. Walk with a friend.
If you are out on the campus after dark, walk to and from the residence halls with a friend or with classmates.

2. Call for an escort.
Parking and Transportation Services provides an escort service for safe accompaniment during hours of darkness to and from the residential community and any buildings or parking lots on campus. Call x3070 from any campus phone to request an escort.

3. Use the Bronco Express Shuttle when possible.
Parking and Transportation Services offers shuttle service (Monday-Friday) with pick up and drop off scheduled approximately every 15 minutes from various points on campus.

4. Use well-lit walkways.
If you absolutely must walk alone at night, be sure to stay on well-traveled and well-lit walkways and paths.

5. Safeguard your automobile.
To help protect your vehicle and deter theft, use a steering wheel lock, anti-theft device and car cover. If you see suspicious behavior in the parking lots, notify University Police. Do not leave valuables in plain view and ensure that doors are locked and windows are completely closed.

6. Use the emergency phones.
University Police and the Parking and Transportation Services programs provide several emergency phones with blue lights above them throughout the campus. From these phones you can dial 9-1-1 (for emergencies) or x3070 (for escort and business). Stand by the phone location and an officer will respond.

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STOP Violence Office & Self-Defense Class

For information and advocacy regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking as well as free self-defense class availability, contact the Stop Violence Office at (909) 869-3102. Call for information about opportunities for volunteers, interns, and peer educators.

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University Police

The University Police department is responsible for law enforcement, security, and emergency response at Cal Poly Pomona. Cal Poly Pomona has its own police force vested with the same powers and responsibilities of other officers within the State of California. Their jurisdiction covers all university owned and operated property, including adjacent public streets and property. State University Police Officers have full arrest authority. The department is open with officers responding to calls, 24 hours per day. If you are in need of assistance, please use the following numbers:

For Emergencies (Police, Fire, & Medical):

9-1-1

All emergency phones on-campus will automatically connect with the University Police.

For all non-emergency business calls or emergency calls from a cell phone:

(909) 869-3070

University Police
3801 W. Temple Avenue, Building 109
Pomona, CA 91768
(Cypress and Oak)

STOP Violence Office
(Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Stalking)
Information & Advocacy
(909) 869-3102

Anonymous Tip Line
(909) 869-3399

The Annual Security Report, Safety On Campus Your Right To Know, (with complete information regarding campus policies, reporting procedures and crime statistics) is available at Building 109 during normal business hours, by phone at (909) 869-4139, or on the following website: http://www.dsa.csupomona.edu/police/securityreport.asp