Common Sense Key to Campus Safety

As fall semester progresses and routines set in, students can be lulled into a false sense of security and lose vigilance about their personal safety.

As fall semester progresses and routines set in, students can be lulled into a false sense of security and lose vigilance about their personal safety.

The Georgia Tech Police Department, though, hopes to keep the campus community on its toes when it comes to staying safe, offering tips and reminders that can help prevent crime.

“We know that students are preoccupied with many other tasks, especially academics,” said Bradley Lathan, crime prevention officer with GTPD. “We ask that students use their sixth sense — common sense — when it comes to dealing with the various situations that might occur on campus and in Atlanta.”

GTPD offers the following tips for students to help maintain a safe and secure campus:

  • If you can avoid walking alone at night, please do so. Walk in groups, walk in well-lit areas, use Jacket Guardian, call a Stingerette, or call GTPD for a safety escort (404-894-2500).
  • Protect your valuables. This includes making sure you do not leave them unsecured for even a minute. Lock your room door to protect your valuables while you are not there, even if you are just running to get a drink or going to the bathroom to brush your teeth.
  • Avoid letting people tailgate into buildings behind you. If someone tries to follow you into a building or residence hall and you do not know them, just politely advise them that you cannot let them into the building. If you don’t feel comfortable confronting them, call GTPD (404-894-2500) and we will come check to see if that person belongs. Say no to people trying to tailgate you. 
  • If someone seems suspicious to you or is acting weird, pick up the phone and give us a call (404-894-2500) and we will be on our way. If you see something, say something!
  • Be friends with GTPD! Follow us on Twitter, “like” us on Facebook, and check out our YouTube videos. We hope you feel comfortable speaking with officers and asking any questions you might have.

For more information, including crime prevention tips, visit police.gatech.edu/crimeprevention.

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