The department performs a variety of tasks for the benefit of individual citizens, organizations, and institutional agencies that comprise the University community. The department is divided into three divisions.
Police Services...performs the duties of a similarly sized municipal department, plus many non-police oriented services. The telephone number for non-emergencies is 355-2221. For emergencies only, call 9-1-1.
Safety & Public Health...includes specialists trained in the areas of public health and safety, occupational health and safety, fire safety, integrated pest management, and emergency planning. Division efforts are directed toward controlling and eliminating safety, health, fire and other hazards and to preserving and improving environmental factors which contribute to improved health and safety protection. For information, call 353-5360.
Parking and Special Events...provides planning for traffic, security and parking associated with large events such as football and basketball games and concerts. This division is also responsible for enforcement of University parking regulations and ordinances. (Approximately ninety-five percent of all parking tickets are issued by student employees.) The division issues licenses for bicycles and parking permits for motor vehicles operated on campus. It also acts as a communications link between the community and the All-University Traffic Committee and the Student Traffic Appeals Court. For information call 355-8440.
Whether you live in a residence hall, an apartment, or a house, be cautious about protecting your property and yourself within your living space. MSU police indicate that most offenses against students in the residence halls are "crimes of opportunity." Wherever you live, denial of opportunity for crime is key to your personal security.
We all like to think of the campus as a safe place--BUT don't walk alone at night! Go with a friend, use the Nite-Rider bus service, call StateWalk, or call Dial-A-Ride.
StateWalk is an on-campus nighttime walking service sponsored by the Residence Halls Association in cooperation with the Department of Police and Public Safety. Pairs of trained student volunteers walk with individuals from certain locations to their cars, residence halls, or other campus destinations. Hours are dusk to 1 a.m., Sunday through Thursday (except during breaks and summer semester). The service is offered from: the Main Library, Room W-122 (near the Red Cedar exit),355-5548; Emmons Hall, 432-3456; and McDonel Hall, 432-3499.
The Nite-Rider bus service and Dial-A-Ride are offered by the Campus Bus Service. Nite-Rider has a fixed route and schedule, while Dial-A-Ride responds to special requests. For hours and instructions, see: "Campus Bus Services" in the Transportation section of this book.
| The Green Light Telephone System is a network of emergency telephones strategically placed in campus parking areas and along campus walkways. They are mounted on posts topped with a green light. These phones are for emergency calls to on-campus numbers, including contacts with Dial-A-Ride. Become familiar with the locations of Green Light telephones as you walk the campus - just in case. |
Personal property, such as radios, stereos, cameras and calculators, should be marked for identification. Use of your driver's license number is recommended since social security numbers cannot be traced in Michigan. Engraving tools may be checked out at the Police Desk in the Department of Police and Public Safety.
Do not take valuables into the intramural buildings as their security cannot be guaranteed. Lockers are available for your use; bring your own lock or rent one for a quarter. Don't take a chance by leaving valuables "on the sidelines."
The Department of Police and Public Safety has published a pamphlet on bicycle security. Copies are available in the Parking Office. Following are theft prevention tips recommended by the MSU police.
Workshops on self-defense and sexual assault awareness are offered throughout the year by: The Sexual Assault Crisis and Safety Education Program (located in the Counseling Center), 207 Student Services, 355-8270; the Women's Resource Center, 353-1635; or the Self-Defense for Women Program at IM-Sports West, 355-5250.
A one-credit course in women's self-defense (PES 106L) is offered regularly.
To Prevent Sexual Assault
In general
While walking
In your car
At a party
For Men
Be cautious about accepting rides--anytime, anywhere.
Sexual Harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination. For an explanation of acts prohibited and a list of sources for assistance, please refer to the "Sexual Harassment Policy" in Part III of this book.
(See also: Anti-Discrimination Policy, General Student Regulation 2.00, and Residence Hall Regulation 3.00.)
The MSU Safe Place program reflects the University's commitment to provide an environment free from relationship violence (emotional, physical and sexual abuse) for students, staff, faculty, retirees and their partners. This program works in conjunction with the Council Against Domestic Assault (CADA) to provide many programs. For preventive educational programs, support, an advocate, counseling or other business matters, call 355-1100. For immediate 24-hour crisis support and shelter (at CADA or MSU Safe Place), call 372-5572.