Security Services

How do I report an emergency?

Immediately call Security at x13 from any campus phone or pick up any direct line Blue Light Emergency Phone. We will send security officers and notify fire, police or medical services as indicated. Make non-emergency calls for service to x5-3333.

There are a lot of Blue Light and service phones around the university. How do I know they will work if I need to use one?

There are over 100 Blue Light phones and 375 service-type phones in place. Every week, each phone is tested to make sure it works properly. Checklists are used to make sure no phone is missed. Repairs are called in promptly and given priority service. An out of service notice will be placed on the phone until it is fixed. Blue Light phone identifier lamps are turned off.

When does the University call the police?

The Rochester Police Department is contacted:
— when a crime against a person is reported or any time a person asks us to notify the police on their behalf
— to calm a disturbance that might be threatening or disruptive to university activities
— when a crime is committed involving major property damage or multiple losses
— for any motor vehicle accident with personal injury or property damage over $1000.

Why do I need an ID card? What if I lose my ID or it quits working?

Your ID card defines your connection to the university. It is a kind of key, providing access to programs, facilities and service choices dedicated to the campus community. It may be used as a debit card for purchases on campus. In an emergency, it may alert others to your UR connection - and help get the right resources in place to meet needs.

If you lose your ID card, notify either the River Campus (x53975) or Medical Center (x3-2000) based ID offices right away. After business hours, notify Security (x5-3333). If you live in residence halls or subscribe to a meal plan, access can be shut-off to prevent misuse.

Where can I get a replacement ID card? Does it cost anything?

Replacement ID cards may be obtained at the RC CSC Office, first floor of SBAH, at the MC ID Office, G-7009, during business hours. At Eastman, contact the student affairs office (arrangement for delivery of replacement cards by security officers during patrol rounds). Damaged cards are replaced for free. Also, students may obtain a free replacement when they turn 21. A $10 fee is charged for lost cards. These cards must be deactivated and a replacement with changed security features issued to prevent unauthorized access or misuse by others.

How can I find out what crimes are reported to Security?

Crimes possibly affecting the safety of the campus community are reported promptly by posted bulletins at residence halls, key buildings and via fax and e-mail networks. The student newspaper carries a Security Update section in its weekly issue. Other campus publications (such as Currents, Vital Signs) are used too.

Security maintains an open campus crime log for the most recent 60-day period at its main office in the Towne House. It may be reviewed during normal business hours.

Also, feel free to call any of our campus offices. A crime prevention officer or other Security supervisor familiar with recent trends is able to answer general questions about campus incidents. For a major case or series of activities, we may designate a primary spokesperson so as to enable better our efforts to provide updates and to be consistent with the information that can be released.

If someone reports being sexually assaulted, do the police have to be called?

In most cases the victim can choose whether to have the police notified. Making a report does not mean that the suspect will be prosecuted. However, it does protect future choices as needed information and evidence may be gathered in a timelier manner.

Making sure the victim is safe and getting medical attention are top priorities. New York law requires that hospitals retain sexual assault evidence kits for thirty days if a police report is not made at the time. The university will proceed with its own follow-up support and precautionary actions regardless of the status of the case with public authorities. In some cases, such as an unknown attacker (as opposed to an acquaintance) a "proxy report" may be shared with authorities, describing the event but not the identity of the victim. There may be other reports on file with them and this information may help define a pattern of activity.

If someone reports that a sexual assault is in progress or just happened, the police would be called as part of our efforts to get protective resources in place to prevent further physical threats or harm. Immediate life safety concerns for the victim and others is the overriding concern at this point.

What can I do to protect myself when traveling around campus or the City? What are "Street Smarts"?

Common sense attention to details is the key. Being aware of your surroundings means taking "street smart" steps like choosing to walk on lighted pathways at night when possible; avoiding dark recessed areas of buildings or bushes where others may hide; travel with a friend if plans coincide; tell a friend your general plans in case you do not arrive as expected; do not wear sound noise blocking headphones or headgear that restricts vision, thus making you unaware of approaching persons; remain aware of other pathways, well lighted areas or group activity areas nearby and the proximity of emergency/service phones in case you see a hazard ahead and need to go in a different direction.

How are security officers selected? What training do they receive?

Officers are hired after a thorough interview, criminal history, background reference and psychological fitness assessment process. Typically, we hire only about one in ten candidates who apply. About 2/3 of our new officers have either a associates or a baccalaureate degree. Remaining new officers bring relevant work experiences to the job. New officers receive about ten weeks of formal training in their first year, about 90% of that before they are assigned to patrol. All officers must be licensed by New York State and undergo periodic refresher training. Officers receive in-service training throughout the year on topics having to do with patient care environment demands, conflict management, officer safety techniques and CPR.