Privacy, Protection, and Security on Campus

At some point during you college career, you may be faced with a personal conflict.  These can come in many forms, however college can pose a new level of threats and require higher levels of self-protection. For any female going to college a self-protection course in self-defense is highly recommended. College freshmen females are often targets of unwanted attention and criminals. Beware of date rape; stick to larger groups of people you know, but do not trust anyone.

Privacy is also an issue, because your personal space and belongs are often times more exposed. A roommate’s friend may have the opportunity to steal your wallet or rings because of his access to your room. Your vehicle may be left in a lot that is unguarded, poorly lit, and poorly patrolled. The awareness of your personal space and belongs should be heightened during your college experience.

Always hide your personal belongings in more than one space. Break up your cash for the semester and put small amounts in different locations. Write these locations down and hide the list in a secret area. Don’t leave expensive items laying around for opportunistic individuals. Have a policy of locking your dorm room when leaving and showering. Keep a back-up vehicle key in a secret location, not on your vehicle.

 A new scheme of car thieves is to identify cars with hidden keys at oil changing stations and steal the car later. Always look under your car when approaching it, and check the back seat before getting into it. Leave your vehicle in a lot that is well lit and patrolled. Have a bike lock that is tamper proof for your bicycle. Try to get a bike lock that is not easily cut with bolt cutters. Chain your bike to immobile objects.

Many college campuses have a security force that is poorly funded or inexperienced. Consequently, security on campus may be just on paper. Check with the college that you are visiting about the criminal activity on campus. No student wants to join a college and then find out that a serial rapist has been “on the loose” on their new campus. Get emergency contact numbers from the campus police.  Ask about the security measures in place around the campus. You may want to use some of the following questions. Are there phones available along sidewalks for emergency use? How many officers are on duty during the night? How frequently is your dorm area patrolled? You may want to ask for a list of crimes committed in the area during a particular timeframe.

Unfortunately, drug dealers can use college campuses as a mechanism for distributing drugs to incoming freshmen. College freshmen that are females should pay particular attention to the use of “date-rape drugs.” Never leave a drink or beverage without considering the possible use of this drug by a criminal. Never accept a drink from a stranger or even a supposed friend. Watch the drink being made if at all possible. Use the buddy system. Remember it can happen to you; protect yourself.