Be Safe on Campus - Creating a Secure Environment

Campus Police officers, while on routine patrol, assess and report on the physical condition of campus facilities and grounds.  When deficiencies are found, a report is filed with the Physical Plant Department.

Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to report any maintenance or facility security problems to the Campus Police Department or the Physical Plant Department at extension 7130.

The Physical Plant Department maintains exterior lighting and provides services to groom the campus for a safe student environment.

Under the Campus Crime Prevention Act, states must ask every sex offender registered under “Megan’s Law” if they are enrolled at or employed by a college or university.  The Campus Police currently work in cooperation with the Pennsylvania State Police “Megan’s Law Unit” to receive information on current registered sexual offenders and predators.  Information may be obtained by calling the Campus Police at 814-269-7005.

Prospective employees are asked if they have pled guilty to or been convicted of a crime.  The university will not offer employment to applicants if they have criminal history that is relevant to the requirements of the position or present a safety concern.

Tips for a Safer Campus

• Stay alert - do not talk on your cell phone or wear headphones. 
  
• Carry a cell phone
  
• Go with someone
  
• Stay away from isolated areas
  
• Stay in well-lit areas
  
• Hold your purse or briefcase tightly, close to your body
  
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket, which is safer than a back pocket
  
• Do not hesitate to contact Campus Police to request an escort to walk you to your destination.  You can request an escort by calling 814-269-7005.
  

• Cross the street or change directions
  
• Keep looking back so the person knows you can’t be surprised
  
• If carrying a cell phone, call 9-1-1 and get to a well-lit area
  
• Enter a building, anywhere there are people
  
• Notice and remember as much as possible about the person so you can give a good description
  
• When you arrive at a safe place, call the university police and report the incident

• Keep your doors locked night and day
  
• Don’t let in strangers
  
• Never prop doors open, especially fire doors, even for a short time

• Lock every door every time you leave
  
• Engrave expensive equipment and valuables with an ID number
  
• Don’t attach your Pitt ID or any other identification to your keychain
  
• Don’t leave your belongings (books, gym bags, backpacks, calculators, coats, etc.) unattended in libraries, hallways, gym facilities, or classrooms
  
• Don’t use an outdoor bank teller machine late at night.

• If you do work late, keep your office door locked
  
• Lock all doors behind you when entering or exiting at night

• Always lock your car and take the keys
  
• Lock valuables in the trunk
  
• Park in well-lit areas

• Have your keys ready when walking to your vehicle
  
• Check the back seat before getting into a car
  
• Keep doors locked while driving
  
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers
  
• Don’t hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.

• Attend safety workshops and report suspicious activity immediately
  
• Get to know your neighbors
  
• Share information on suspicious circumstances