Duke Police Safety Tips

Duke is a SAFE place to Live, Study and Work. You're a valuable partner in helping keep the campus safe. Please consider these simple precautions.

Personal Safety

• Report crime, concerns, threats of violence, unwanted contact and suspicious activity immediately.
• Dial 9-1-1 to reach Duke Police or Durham Police, or (919) 684-2444 to reach Duke Police.

Stay Informed

• Familiarize yourself with University Emergency Notification procedures and sign up for Duke ALERT emergency text messages and emails.
• Participate in a Crime Prevention Programs.

Be Alert

• Walk in groups or get a ride late at night by calling a Duke Van Services at (919) 684-2020. The vans operate on a limited schedule; geographic boundaries apply.
• If you are being followed, go to the nearest populated, well-lit location and call 9-1-1. If you are walking, cross the street away from the person and go somewhere else such as a convenience store. If you are driving, you can go to the Duke Hospital emergency room or Duke Police headquarters at 502 Oregon St.
• Criminals look for vulnerabilities. Be selective when and where texting on your iPhone or Smartphone.
• When exercising, or walking, be careful when using ear buds. Hearing is one of the senses used for awareness.

Avoid Risky Behavior

• Excessive drinking may lead to negative consequences, including assault, illness and driving under the influence. The legal drinking age is 21. If you see someone who is passed out or sick from alcohol, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Don’t give in to Peer Pressure.

Property Safety

• Lock your residence or office when away and secure your belongings.
• Don’t prop open doors, especially doors accessed with a Duke Card.
• Alert police to strangers or suspicious activity in your area.
• Don’t leave valuables unattended.
• When you park, do not leave personal property and valuables in plain view.

When contacting an Emergency Communication Center, remember the 5 W’s

• Where are you
• What is going on
• Who? (Can you identify who is involved or feel comfortable giving your name to the communicator.)
• When did it happen?
• Is there a Weapon involved? If so, be able to give a description of the weapon.
• Familiarize yourself with the locations of the Help Phones where you frequent.

Parking Lot Safety Tips

• Remember the location of your parked vehicle.
• Remember to remove electronic items from plain view such as Wallets, GPS systems, computers, loose change from the console.
• Always check out your vehicle to include the rear floorboard before entering.
• Always lock your vehicle. Some criminals are known for checking door handles to see if the vehicle is unlocked.
• To eliminate wait time; track Duke Shuttles at http://duke.transloc.com

Community Services offered by Duke University Police Department

• If having trouble starting your car or locked out of your car, contact Duke Police at (919) 684-2444. Duke Police offers a free jump start and lock out services for vehicles parkedon campus.

Be a Good Neighbor

• Take care of your home and be mindful of others property.
• If maintenance is needed, don’t hesitate in fixing it.
• Report suspicious activity or unfamiliar items on or around your home or your neighbor’s home.
• Take pride in where you live!

OFF Campus Housing

• Call someone when you get home at later than normal times.
• Put emergency numbers in your cell phone.
• Be careful with your keys. If you are missing a key(s) let your property management know as soon as possible.
• Make sure the main door to your hall/entrance and or apartment building is locked at all times.