Department of Public Safety
Programs
Crime Prevention
The Department of Public Safety conducts Safety and Security meetings throughout the year for the benefit of students, faculty, and staff. All resident students are required to attend a meeting in their residence hall at the beginning of each school year. Topics include; fire safety, sexual assault awareness, personal safety, and incident reporting. Members of Public Safety often present these programs as well as conduct safety and security presentations for groups such as the Staff Council, the Commuter Student Organization, graduate student groups, and any other Simmons College affiliated groups upon request. Please contact Public Safety at extension 1112 if you would like to arrange a presentation for your group.
Crime Prevention Programs
The Prevention of Relationship Violence Program
The Prevention of Relationship Violence Program is part of the Health Education Program at Simmons College. The Health Education Program creates awareness about health issues for women on campus. The Relationship Violence Program is specifically designed to help students understand what relationship violence is, what the early warning signs are, how to get help to get out of an abusive relationship, and how to access both on and off campus resources. To learn more about this program call the Health Education Office at 617-521-1001.
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
Crime Prevention Tips
General Safety Tips
- Create a safety plan.
- Listen to and act on your intuition. It's better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.
- If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell "Call 911!" or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: "You! Get the police!" or "Walk me to the store on the corner, I'm being followed."
- Have your keys ready when approaching your car or building.
- Vary your routine: drive or walk different routes every day.
- If you suspect that someone is following you, by foot or in a car, don't go home (or they will know where you live). Go to a trusted neighbor or to a public place to call police, or directly to police station.
- Do not label keys with your name or any identification.
- If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise you may be hurt if the mugger knocks you down and drags you while fleeing with your purse.
- Always carry enough change for a telephone call.
Safety in Your Home/ Dorm
- Have lights in all entrances.
- Have good locks on all doors and windows.
- Do not use your full name on your mailbox or in the phone directory, or on your answering machine.
- Do not leave a schedule of your times away from home on your answering machine or door.
- If you live alone, do not let strangers know. Invent a roommate or big dog.
- Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.
- Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.
- Don't hide extra keys in easily accessible places. Criminals will find them.
- Ask for photo identification of all repair persons, etc. If you are still suspicious, call to verify employment.
- Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
- Consider creating a "safe room" with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and strong locks. If someone breaks in, you can retreat there (with children) and call for help.
- Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.
Street Safety
- Don't hitchhike.
- Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
- When on the street, walk facing oncoming traffic. It will be harder for someone to pull you into a car and abduct you.
- Tell someone where you'll be and what time you're supposed to return, or if you will be with someone you don't know well.
- Try to not overload yourself with packages. If you must have your hands full, visualize how you would respond if approached, how you would get your hands free, etc.
- Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging.
- Do not read while walking or standing on the street.
- If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched. Otherwise you may be hurt if the mugger knocks you down and drags you. While fleeing with your purse.
- If someone asks you for directions, and if you choose to reply, remain at least two arms lengths away.
- Clogs, high heels, and tight skirts are hard to run and fight in. Capes, scarves, and long necklaces are easy to grab. Modify your fashion style, or wear comfortable clothing when walking alone (change into dress-up clothes later), or think through how you would fight in your dress-up clothes (for example, kicking off your high heels or hiking your skirt up around your hips before starting to run or kick)
- Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or have someone go with you.
- When dropping someone off at their home, make sure they are safely inside before driving away. Have them do the same for you.
Safety in the Car
- Check the inside and around your car before entering to insure that no one is hiding there.
- Check your surroundings before getting out of your car.
- Don't pick up hitchhikers
- Keep doors locked and windows rolled up so that a hand can't reach in.
- If a group of suspicious people approaches you when you are stopped at a red light at a deserted intersection, run the light if your intuition tells you that the situation could get dangerous.
- Don't let gas indicator fall below 1/4.
- Plan your route and check a map before you start out.
- Park in well-lighted, heavily traveled areas if possible.
- Try not to park next to a van, as you can be pulled in through the sliding door.
- Don't leave valuables in plain sight inside your car.
- Give only ignition key to attendant.
- If you see an accident or stranded motorist, report it from the nearest telephone instead of stopping.
- Carry in your car:
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- flashlight, flares, fix-a-flat, maps, comfortable warm clothing, first aid kit, empty gas can, white cloth to tie to antenna to signal distress, cellular phone.
- Learn basic auto maintenance.
Safety on Public Transportation
- Beware overheard conversations. Do not tell anyone on the bus or subway where you are going.
- Stay awake and alert.
- Have exact change ready.
- Try to sit near the driver.
- If you sense someone is following you when you get off, walk toward a populated area. Do not walk directly home.
Safety at the Office/ Workplace
- Don't leave your keys lying about
- Notify security personnel if you notice suspicious persons or vehicles, especially after normal working hours.
- Be extra careful in stairwells and isolated or poorly-lighted restrooms.
- In an elevator stand near the controls and locate the emergency button.
- Do not get in an elevator with someone who looks suspicious to you.
- Know your co-workers and look out for each other.
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At every phone: Emergency numbers for security, police, fire departments, and list of employees who are trained in CPR or first aid.
CareCall
To promote safety on and off campus, Simmons has implemented an emergency notification service for all students. It is operated by CareCall, a private, independent provider, and is available at no cost. If you elect to participate in this national program, CareCall will notify your designated contacts and school officials in case of emergency, and will provide critical medical information to attending physicians. CareCall operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Simmons is the only college in Boston to offer this service.
CareCall Emergency Notification Service
888-581-1110
CareCall Student Program Website
Bike Registration
Simmons is located in a perfect area for bike riding. Students may store bikes at the outdoor Residence Campus Bike Park, designated areas in the residence halls, or in their rooms. Simmons bike racks are located near the Science Building, near Bartol Hall, and near the Palace Road Garage. Bikes may not be left in hallways, lounges, or other public places because they create a fire hazard. Bikes may not be locked to handrails or fences on the residence campus. Heavy-duty locks are recommended for securing all bikes. If your bike is found anywhere other than the designated area it is subject to ticketing and or removal.
To help keep your investment safe register your bike through the National Bike Registry.
Since 1984, the National Bike Registry (NBR®) has been working with law enforcement to return stolen bikes to their rightful owners. A bike registered with NBR can be identified by police and returned to you instead of being sold at an auction.
For more information or to register your bike visit:
http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com/register.html
