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.

Director's Letter on Residence Safety

Safety In The Residence Halls

1. If you are the victim of a crime or witness a crime, contact the University Police immediately to make a report at (909) 869-3070.

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 could 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 away 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/windows 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 meeting. In addition, pay attention to important messages posted in the halls about security and crime warnings.

9. Be careful with personal information on social networks.
Protect information that may identify your location, such as references to the campus or your specific building, or other personally identifying information. Photos may also provide information about you that should be kept confidential.

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 Firs safety and evacuation policies.
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. 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, 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.

etica,sans-serif;">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 (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 cannot legally give consent. Call the Violence Protection & Women’s Resource center for more information at: (909) 869-3102.

Community Service Officers (CSO’s)

University Police hire student assistants to work as Community Services Officers (CSO). CSO’s provide patrol services around the exterior of residential buildings during late night hours. CSO’s from Parking and Transportation Services provide campus escort services to and from locations such as classrooms, residence halls, parking structures and lots. CSO’s can be identified by their tan uniform or polo shirts and blue jackets with shoulder patches. For more information on CSO employment, please contact Fred Henderson at (909) 869-4139.

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

University Police hire student assistants to work as Community Services Officers (CSO). CSO’s provide patrol services around the exterior of residential buildings during late night hours. CSO’s from Parking and Transportation Services provide campus escort services to and from locations such as classrooms, residence halls, parking structures and lots. CSO’s can be identified by their tan uniform or polo shirts and blue jackets with shoulder patches. For more information on CSO employment, please contact Fred Henderson at (909) 869-4139.

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 or (909) 869-3070 from a cell phone.

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.

7. Program an I. C. E. (In Case of Emergency) telephone number on your cell phone.
In the event you are injured and cannot provide information to emergency personnel, an I. C. E. telephone number will provide a way for a responder to locate someone for you. Use "I. C. E." as the contact name and program the telephone number of someone you would like as an emergency contact.

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 (Blue Light Kiosks) will automatically connect with University Police. Dialing 9-1-1 from a campus telephone will reach Campus Police. For the nearest pay phone locations, click here.

If you need assistance while on campus and you are using your cell phone, please call University Police at:

(909) 869-3070

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

Violence Protection and Women’s Resource Center, Bldg 95
(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