Crime Prevention and Campus Safety

This weekend marks the end of Daylight Savings Time for 2016 resulting in fewer hours of daylight. At this time each year the Public Safety Department reminds the BU Medical Campus (BUMC) and Boston Medical Center (BMC) community about safety awareness. It’s important to recognize that personal safety and security are the shared responsibility of everyone. By following some simple, yet effective, practices you can decrease the likelihood of being victimized. As always, the Public Safety Department urges you to take precautions to protect your personal and BUMC/BMC property. Remember if you “See Something, Say Something…”

The following safety tips can help keep you stay safe and secure.

In the Neighborhood:

  • When assisting strangers with directions or when engaged in conversations
    always keep a safe distance.
  • Be conscious of strangers using distracting techniques, which may give them the opportunity to take your belongings. Such techniques include asking questions such as, “What time is it” or “Do you have a cigarette or a light” while positioning themselves very close  to you.
  • Avoid using cell phones, iPods or any mobile device when going to and from an outside location as they distract you and make you an easy target for assault or robbery. Pay attention to your surroundings, stay alert as to who is near you and what is going on around you at all times.
  • Be conscious not to publicly display large amounts of cash or expensive electronic devices.
  • When in your vehicle always keep the doors locked until you are ready to exit.
  • Always keep valuables and other items such as packages, briefcases and backpacks
    out of view when leaving your vehicle unattended.

In the Workplace:

  • Never compromise safety or security for the sake of convenience. For example:  Don’t prop doors that are intended to be locked. Use our escort shuttle service on campus instead of walking alone, especially when it gets dark.
  • Wear your Boston University or Boston Medical Center Identification Badge at all times.
  • Always lock your office or work area when you leave for any period of time.
  • Never prop doors open.
  • When entering “CARD ACCESS ONLY” areas, do not to allow non-ID employees
    or visitors in behind you.
  • If you are using a laptop computer, do not leave it unattended at any time.
  • Keep your purse, wallet, keys and other valuables with you at all times or locked in a drawer or cabinet.
  • Carry a minimal amount of cash and credit/ATM cards while at school or in the workplace.
  • Do not carry passports, visas, or social security cards unless absolutely necessary.
  • Immediately report suspicious activity to Public Safety at 414-4444.

Traveling:

  • In an emergency off campus call 9-1-1
  • Remain in well-lit, well-traveled areas. Avoid shortcuts and remain alert.
  • Do not use cell phones or iPods or other devices with earphones while walking to your destination- this includes walking to garages and waiting at bus stops. When wearing earphones, your hearing is diminished and you become a target for crime.
  • Make yourself familiar with the location of the blue BUMC Public Safety
    Emergency Call boxes around the campus.
  • Travel with a friend or in a group when possible, two is always better than one.
  • Utilize the shuttle services or request a public safety escort after hours by calling (617) 414-4444 for on campus destinations.
  • Have your car or building key in your hand before you reach the door of your car or destination.  Do not spend time at your car door or at your destination searching
    for your keys.
  • Always secure your vehicle. Never leave any valuables or contents in plain view. GPS navigation systems, laptop computers, iPods, electronics devices, bags and money left in vehicles are targeted by thieves. Lock all property in the trunk prior to parking your vehicle or take it with you.

Please visit our website www.bumc.bu.edu/publicsafety for additional crime prevention information and brochures on personal protection, workplace safety and home security.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your personal safety here at Boston University or Boston Medical Center and would like to speak to me personally, please e-mail gibb9@bu.edu or call me @ 617-414-4443.

Stay Safe!