Know how to get help
EMERGENCY DIAL 9-1-1
- Keep the emergency phone numbers near your phones.
- Program emergency phone numbers into your personal cell phone.
- Try to save the emergency number on your number 9 speed dial.
- Learn where the campus emergency (Blue Light) telephones are located on campus and how to use them.
- Learn where other emergency telephones are located throughout campus (Frat Row, inside buildings etc.).
- Ensure that you have subscribed to the Campus-Wide Notification System on campus.
Walking around campus
Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well-lighted, busy pathways and streets.
- Avoid alleyways or “shortcuts” through isolated areas.
- Share your class schedule with your parents and trusted friends and give them your telephone numbers.
- Use the campus escort or shuttle services.
- If you are being followed, change direction and call the police. Note the description of the person following you.
- Walk near the curb and avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment.
- Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and what time you expect to return.
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it; carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or your front pant pocket.
- Walk with a confident stride; keep your head up and look around.
In the residence halls
- Always lock your door, even when you’re sleeping or just going down the hall.
- Do not allow strangers to enter your room. Do not open your door unless you can identify the person seeking entry.
- Do not let unknown individuals “tailgate” when entering your building. Ask who they are visiting and offer to call Public Safety.
- Do not prop any exterior doors open to allow unescorted visitors into the residence hall (pizza delivery, friends, etc.).
- Report any malfunctioning locks, doors or windows to your residence life staff.
- Do not leave your keys lying around in your room when you are not in the room.
- Do not leave messages on your door about when you will be returning to your room.
- Tell a roommate or friend if you are planning to be away overnight.
- Report any suspicious persons or activities (including solicitors) in or near your residence hall to your residence hall staff or Public Safety.
- Secure your valuables in a lock box.
- Always lock your doors and windows at night, especially if you reside on the first or second floors.
- Do not leave your identification, keys, wallets, checkbooks, or other valuables in open view.
- Get to know your RA, residence life staff and neighbors.
- Photocopy the identity page, any visa pages and I-94 form in your passport and keep them in a separate place.
Off-Campus Housing
- If you reside in non-campus housing, here are safety tips when you prepare to leave on a daily basis or for long periods.
- Use timers on lights, radios, televisions etc. and set them to go on and off to make your home appear occupied.
- Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or your landlord to watch your home and contact police if they notice any suspicious activity.
- Stop your mail and newspaper delivery. Piled mail signals that you are away.
- Close blinds or drapes to ensure that larger electronics and valuables are not visible from the outside.
- Activate your security system, if you have one.
- Lock all windows and doors before you leave.
- Check smoke detectors to make sure they are in working order.
- Be alert and aware as you travel through the community.
- Immediately report any suspicious activity to the police. If off campus, call the City of Newark Police immediately by dialing 911. If on or around campus, call NJIT Police by dialing 3111 from a campus phone or (973) 596-3111 from a non-campus phone.
- If you return home and notice signs that your property has been entered, immediately go to a safe location and contact the police.
Motor vehicle safety
- Park in NJIT lots rather than city streets.
- Park in well-lighted areas, where your vehicle is visible. Avoid parking next to vans or trucks.
- Keep all items out of sight, especially valuables, including GPS, satellite radios, and their accessories.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
- Have your key ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, check inside your car to make sure no one is hiding.
Walking off Campus
- Walk through the NJIT and Rutgers-Newark Campuses, instead of around them.
- Go with a known companion if possible.
- Travel in groups and avoid wandering the city streets at night.
- Consider using the CHEN shuttle service when traveling within the city.
- Carry identification.
- Don’t wear jewelry or carry cash.
- Avoid carrying wallets and valuables in backpacks.
- Avoid secluded or dimly lighted areas.
- Avoid walking off campus after dark.
- If you’re being followed, cross the street or change directions; keep looking back and get a good description of the person and call the police.
- If you’re still being followed, go to the nearest house or business and call the Police.
- Avoid walking near bushes or other areas where a person could hide.
- Carry your cell phone to summon help.
- Do not wear headphones/earphones for a cell phone, MP3 player, etc. Be aware of your surroundings.
Using public transportation
- Try to avoid isolated bus or train stops and times when few people are around.
- Have the exact fare or ticket/pass ready as you board the bus or subway.
- If possible, sit near the driver and notify him or her of any problems.
- A crowded bus or subway is a prime target for pickpockets. Carry your bags close and carry your wallet in your coat or front pant pocket.
- If someone is bothering or harassing you, move to another seat location and/or tell the person in a loud voice to “STAY AWAY”.
- Don’t fall asleep on a bus or subway.
- Remain on the bus or subway if you are uncomfortable with getting off at a location.
Theft protection
- Never leave your purse, wallet, bags, electronics, or valuables unattended; store them out of sight. Be especially careful with your credit cards, which are very popular items among thieves because they are easy to steal and then use again. Consider obtaining a credit card with your photo imprinted on it.
- Laptops and other electronics are primary targets of theft. Consider purchasing a locking or tracking device.
- Keep a list of all items and serial numbers in a safe place.
Dating safety
- Trust your instincts. Check out a first date or blind date with friends first. Better yet, go with other friends on your first date.
- Always have a plan to get yourself home. Carry money for a taxi or public transportation in case your date is cut short. Bring a cell phone also.
- Don’t send mixed messages to your date.
- Be forceful, firm and assertive. Don’t worry about being polite if someone is not respecting you.
- If you go out with other friends, don’t get separated; watch out for each other.
- Do not lose self-control or impair your judgment through the use or abuse of alcohol or drugs.
- “No” means “NO”. It does not mean maybe.
Computer scams
- Computer phishing is a crime. Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire credit card details and other sensitive personal data via bogus emails or pop-up windows. It may look like a legitimate email from a legitimate institution but beware of unsolicited requests for information.
- Financial or payment institutions will never request that you send them personal sensitive data via email or pop up windows.
- If you receive a suspicious looking email from any bank, lending, or payment institution, it is best to delete and not respond. If, by coincidence, you have an account with the entity mentioned in the email, call your legitimate institution using the number on your physical bill or via the telephone book or through telephone information.
- Do not call the number that may be listed in the bogus email and do not click on any link listed in the bogus email.
ATM Safety
- Observe your surroundings before using an ATM. If the machine is obstructed from view or poorly lit, visit another ATM. NJIT Campus ATMS are strategically placed in high traffic and well lit areas.
- Shield the screen and keyboard so anyone waiting to use the ATM cannot see you enter your PIN or transaction amount.
- Put your cash, card and receipt away immediately. Count your money later, and always keep your receipt.
- If anyone follows you to an ATM DON’T continue with the transaction come back later and stay in a crowed area while calling for Police assistance.
- If you see anyone or anything suspicious, cancel your transaction and leave immediately. If anyone follows you after making a transaction, go to a crowded, well-lit area and call the police.
- When using an enclosed ATM that requires your card to open the door, avoid letting strangers follow you inside.
- When using a drive-up ATM, make sure all passenger car doors are locked and windows are up.
- Do not leave your car unlocked or engine running when you get out to use an ATM.
- While many ATMs are available 24 hours a day, some may be open only during local business hours. To be on the safe side, plan your withdrawals ahead of time.
- Check with your financial institution to determine what the daily withdrawal limit is for your account.
- Utilize ATMs on Campus at Public Safety, in the Campus Center or inside the WEC.
- NEVER accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers.
- NEVER have a stranger asking for money follow you to an ATM.
Panhandler Safety Tips
- If an individual approaches you and asks for money, do not give it to them. Kindly say NO and keep walking to a crowded area.
- If you’re threatened in anyway comply with the panhandler, property can be replaced and is not worth injury.
- Call your local police or while in the campus area call NJIT Police immediately at 973-596-3111, while walking to a safe location. If the panhandler becomes aggressive dial 9-1-1 and say you’re at NJIT with your exact location.
- Stay in a state of situational awareness to provide opportunity to see panhandlers ahead of you and have the opportunity to choose another route of avoidance.
- If the panhandler asks you anything, DO NOT STOP if you’re already walking. Keep moving. Say nothing or kindly say NO.
- If the panhandler (or anyone at all) asks you what time it is, DO NOT look at your cell phone or watch to check. Instead, move along, or give him your best guess if you must say anything. This instinct is difficult to break – but is very important if the person is a would-be criminal looking to conduct a ‘grab and run’ of your property.
- If an apparent panhandler (or anyone at all) walks up to you and asks you for directions, DO NOT look away and point somewhere. Instead simply talk the person through it. I mention this because it is a potential tactic used by criminals to get you to look away for a moment – to then grab your wallet, purse, or worse.
- The best ways to help panhandlers, or homeless in general, would be to donate to a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, or other outreach program, instead.
REMEMBER; a safe campus is everyone’s responsibility!
Campus Police Phone Numbers:
Emergencies:
Dial 9-1-1
To Report Crime Information:
973-596-3111
General Information:
973-596-3120 or 973-596-3116