Helpful safety tips from University Police

The UT Southwestern Police Department takes every possible measure to ensure the safety and security of the campus population and both University and personal property.

The Department urges all students, staff, and faculty to take an active interest in their environment, whether at home or on campus, and to notify the University Police immediately about any suspicious activity.

Dec. 3, 2020

Shop safely in-store and online

It’s the season for gift giving, but make sure you and your items are safe while purchasing.

Shopping in-store

• Know the exit points of the places that you visit
• Stay off the phone when walking through parking lots and streets. Try to park close to the entrance of the store.
• If you believe someone is following you, switch directions and get to safety. Do not be embarrassed to yell or make noises to attract attention.

Shopping online

• Before shopping online, update the security software on your computers.
• Keep your personal information private and secure your password
• Use secure websites for purchases. There should be an icon of a locked padlock at the bottom of the screen.
• Beware of ads encouraging users to click on links. Go directly to the website to verify that the offer is legitimate.
• Sign up for email notifications to track and confirm deliveries
• Do not leave your mail or packages unattended. If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, consider having your items shipped to a post office.
• Check out more tips on ways to keep your packages safe from the United States Postal Service (USPS) 

Remember ReportIt lets you securely store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss. Make sure that your important items are on the list, such as jewelry, computers, cameras, TCs, etc.

Nov. 11, 2020

Holiday safety tips

It is important that we practice safety awareness during the holiday season. Criminals use this time of year as an opportunity to commit crime, as people will be out shopping or traveling, often leaving valuables unprotected. Here are some tips below to celebrate safely this season:

• Stay alert and be aware your surroundings
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates an opportunity for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Take holiday inventory

Update or create a home inventory this holiday season. Be sure to take photos, make videos, and list descriptions and serial numbers. ReportIt lets you securely store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss.

Oct. 15, 2020

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an estimated 20 percent spike in domestic violence cases, due to lockdown restrictions and work-from-home opportunities. We must continue to bring attention to domestic violence and help those who need resources during this time.

What is domestic violence?

• Physical assault: Includes shoving, pushing, restraining, hitting or kicking.
• Sexual assault: Any time one partner forces sexual acts that are unwanted or declined by the other partner.
• Psychological assault: Includes isolation from family and friends, forced financial dependence, verbal and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, and control over the partner’s activities.
• Attacks against property and pets: Destruction of property, treasured objects belonging to the victim, or abusing or killing beloved pets. 

Keep yourself and others safe

• Enlist support from a trusted friend or family member you can call
• If necessary, use a code word or phrase to indicate you need help.
• Memorize the phone numbers of people and agencies you might need to call in an emergency
• Make sure you can easily access:
  • Cash
  • Identification (Social Security card and driver’s license)
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Credit cards, safe deposit box keys, and bank information.
  • Health insurance information
  • Any documentation relating to previous episodes of abuse (photos, medical or police reports)

Upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

• University Police Domestic Violence Discussion Part 1: Oct. 22, noon
• University Police Domestic Violence Discussion Part 2: Oct. 29, noon

Resources

• DomesticShelters.org
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• NO MORE

If you have any questions, contact the UT Southwestern Police Department at 214-648-8311.

Oct. 2, 2020

Properly secure your bike

University Police Department suggests the following ways to secure your bike: 

• Lock your frame. Lock the frame to an immovable object.
• Keep the lock off the ground. The lock should be high up around the down tube or the seat tube.
• Make the lock difficult to access. If the lock is difficult to access, it will be difficult to tamper with.
• Fill the inside of a U-Lock. Leave no room inside the U-Lock for a bottle jack or pry bar.
• Lock your bike using two locks. Two locks offer more security. Know how to properly secure both locks.

Register your bike with the UTSWBicycle Registration Program. The best chance to recover a stolen bicycle is having a registered serial number. These numbers can be tracked by police across the nation.

Report It lets you securely store serial numbers, item descriptions, pictures, and scans of receipts so that your items may be more easily identified in the event of theft or loss. You can send this information over to your local police department, and it will help the process of locating your items.

Contact the UT Southwestern Police Department at 214-648-8311 if you see a suspicious person or behavior.

Sept. 18, 2020

Why crime prevention matters

Crime is a societal problem that can only be properly addressed by members of our community. Crime prevention involves the shared responsibility by the community to remove or reduce crime. Find out how you can help to reduce crime:

• Save the University Police contact information in your phone as a favorite. Immediately contact the University Police Department if you see suspicious person(s) and/or activity. Also, keep emergency phone numbers close by at work.
• In the event of an emergency, there are emergency call boxes on campus with blue light telephones. Be proactive and locate the call boxes closest to where you park, or areas you visit frequently. If you do not know how to use them, contact the University Police Department for assistance.
• Conduct your own security survey. If you notice any issues with landscaping or lighting on campus, please notify the University Police.
• Whether on or off campus, practice being aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing items that impair your ability to detect and respond to potentially dangerous situations.
• Help us raise awareness about personal safety. Participate in campus safety programs offered by the University Police. Go to the University Police website or check Campus Update to receive information about safety.

If you have questions about personal safety, contact the UT Southwestern Police Department at 214-648-8311.

Aug. 31, 2020

Bicycle theft prevention

Bicycle thefts are increasing on and off campus. Bikes are normally easy to steal due to poor locking practices by cyclists. To help prevent this from happening to you, follow the safety tips below to "remove the opportunity":

• Buy a good lock and always use it. Make sure to use stiff and reliable locks.
• Lock your bicycle to a secure structure. If you are unable to locate a bike rack, choose a structure that cannot be cut or compromised.
• Unappealing means undesirable. Make your bicycle appear more subtle and less expensive by removing any accessories.
• Check on your bicycle frequently. Checking on your bicycle could potentially deter a thief.
• Make recovery easier in advance. Take quality pictures of your bicycle. Do not forget to write down the serial number and keep the receipt of purchase.

Crime prevention on campus

• Register your bike with the UTSW Bicycle Registration Program. The best chance to recover a stolen bicycle is having a registered serial number. These numbers can be tracked by police across the nation.
• Continuously be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Always contact the UT Southwestern Police Department at 214-648-8311 if you see a suspicious person or behavior.

Aug. 17, 2020

Parking garage and lot safety

There has been an increase in crime occurring in parking garages and lots. To help minimize these cases, take precautions and make your safety a priority by following these tips:

• Lock your doors when driving and parked.
• Never leave your keys in your car, whether you're at the gas station or in the parcel pick-up area.
• Do not leave items of value in plain sight.
• Keep the console area clean. Do not leave spare change or phone charges in this area.
• Do not leave bags and boxes out in the open. Place personal items in the trunk.
• Try not to carry multiple items at once, as this may make you an easy target.
• Keep your eyes and ears open when walking out of and into parking garages. Attackers like to prey on people who are not aware of their surroundings.
• Remember where you are parked to avoid spending unnecessary time walking around the parking lot.
• Limit the amount of time you spend idle in the car.
• Have your keys in hand to quickly unlock the door when leaving. The alarm button on a car remote can be used to scare off perpetrators.

If you are approached

• Honk your car's horn. Doing this will alert others that you need help.
• If a car approaches you while you are walking and you are harassed by the occupants, scream and run in the opposite direction so that the driver will have to turn around to pursue you.

Always contact the UT Southwestern Police Department at 214-648-8311 if you see a suspicious person or behavior.

Aug. 3, 2020

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information to gain financial advantage, or obtain credit and other benefits. This can damage your credit status and cost you time and money to restore your losses. Check out the tips below to help protect yourself against identity theft.

Warning signs

• Unexplainable withdrawals from your bank account
• Unfamiliar accounts or charges on your credit report
• Denials for loan applications
• Debt collection calls for accounts you did not open

Ways to help prevent identity theft

• Protect your social security number. Never carry your social security card in your wallet.
• Do not share personal information. Scam artists “phish” for information by pretending to be banks, stores, or government agencies. Do not respond to any request to verify your account number or password.
• Create strong passwords. Use different passwords for all accounts and make sure passwords are strong.
• Click with caution when doing business online. Only enter personal information on secure web pages. These will usually have “https:” in the address bar with a padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window.
• Check your credit card bills and bank statements for unauthorized charges or withdrawals

Resources to use and share

• USAGov: Identity Theft
• USAGov: Report Scams and Frauds
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas: Identity Protection Services (UT CONNECT and UT SELECT medical plan members)

July 16, 2020

UT Southwestern Police Department resources

Hours of operation

The UT Southwestern Police Department Patrol Unit and Communications office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays.

Visit the University Police page for more information.

Reporting suspicious activity

If you would like to report suspicious activity or if you have information that police should know about something that could be criminal in nature, please submit an anonymous reporting form.

Personal escort services

Officers are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, for personal escort. Officers will walk with or drive anyone to any location on or near campus.

To request an escort, call 214-648-8311. You will be asked for your name, phone extension, and location.

Disabled vehicles

Motorist assistance is available on campus 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays. Should you need a battery jump or lock your keys inside your vehicle, the Police Department can provide assistance.

Communications personnel will need your name, vehicle description, license plate number, and location.

Crime prevention

It is important that we practice safety awareness on and off campus. We encourage the community to continuously be aware of their surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Crime prevention tips will be posted in Campus Update every two weeks. Please share this information with your peers. If you would like a virtual presentation or have safety questions, please jaquanna.dye@UTsouthwestern.edu JaQuanna Dye. 

June 18, 2020

Never leave your car unattended with doors open or unlocked.

Keep your car safe at all times

• Always lock your car, even if you are leaving for a brief time.
• Roll windows up tight. One slightly open window can render all other precautions useless.
• Remove the key. Do not hide a spare key as they can be found.
• Check the interior of your vehicle for intruders before entering your car.

Remember to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, or a person of authority using the 5 W's:

• Who did you see
• What did you see
• When you saw it
• Where it occurred
• Why it is suspicious

May 22, 2020

Mental Health Awareness Month

The outbreak of COVID-19 has altered our daily routines and affected many lives. During this time, it is important to continue taking care of yourself and our community by helping others cope with their stress to preserve physical well-being.

There are numerous ways to cope with stress:

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do activities that you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Often, mental health needs go unmet due to lack of community resources. Therefore, this post is a reminder for our community to continue working together to help those around us stay safe.

Mental health resources to use and share

• UTSW EAP services
• Sexual assault and mental health (Mental Health America)

May 13, 2020

Click the image above for information on
S.T.O.P COVID-19 Fraud

Protect yourself online

It is important to continue to stay aware of online scams, especially while buying goods during this pandemic. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed a few red flags below that may be beneficial for our UT Southwestern community. For more information related to scams, visit the DHS website.

Online shopping

• Do not click on unsolicited emails
• Always ensure a secure browser connection
• Inspect the URL of the website and verify the destination

Financial

• Pay close attention to emails, text messages, or calls offering loans or debt relief.
• Beware of requests for unusual payment methods, such as prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or wire transfers.
• Government agencies will not call, text, or email.
• Do not follow links on social media. Instead, utilize government websites directly.

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

• Beware of websites or individuals selling products alleging that they can prevent, treat, or cure COVID-19.
• Do not buy prescription pharmaceuticals from third-party marketplaces or social media medical platforms

April 17, 2020

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and the University Police Department recognizes the need to educate the community on preventing and recognizing domestic and sexual violence. It is important to know that both domestic and sexual violence often intersect, meaning perpetrators are likely to be both physically and sexually violent toward victims.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is any behavior used to establish power and control over another person. Some examples are:

• Exerting strict control (financial, social, and/or appearance)
• Emotional abuse, including insulting a partner in front of other people.
• Isolation from family and friends
• Unexplained injuries, or explanations that don’t quite add up.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is any forced or coerced sexual activity without consent. The most common forms are:

• Rape
• Fondling, or unwanted sexual touching above and under clothing.
• Sexual harassment
• Forcing a person to pose for sexual pictures

What are the warning signs of sexual or domestic violence?

What can I do if I experience or know someone who is experiencing sexual or domestic violence?

Helpful Resources

Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC) – Staff and trained advocates are available to help those impacted by sexual violence navigate the journey of healing in a safe and confidential environment.

Women Called Moses – A 501(c)3 non-profit organization primarily created to provide a secure shelter for battered women and their children.

NO MORE – The largest coalition of non-profits, corporations, government agencies, media, schools, and individuals addressing domestic violence and sexual assault.

National Domestic Violence Hotline – A national organization providing assistance to those experience domestic violence.

If you have any questions, contact the University Police Department at 214-648-8311.

April 3, 2020

Stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic

As we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that we remain vigilant and aware of criminal activity on campus. The Crime Report chart displays the most recent crimes reported in March 2020 (theft and suspicious person/activities). By looking at the chart, you will notice the number of reports to the University Police are low, which means our community is already doing an outstanding job at minimizing crime. Remember, criminals will look for “crimes of opportunity.” Continue to practice safety awareness by remembering the safety tips below.

Personal safety

• Be aware of your surroundings - Look to see who is in front of you and behind you.
• If you are concerned about your safety, ask a friend to accompany you.
• Communicate the message that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going. Stand tall, walk with purpose, and make eye contact with people around you.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, simply leave.

Property safety

• Keep office doors locked when not in your office, and put purses or wallets in a secured cabinet or locker. Never leave items unattended.
• Never leave items such as computer cases or purses in your vehicle in plain sight, even if the containers are empty.

Report suspicious activity

Criminals do not want to be seen or heard. We can all help keep our communities stay safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity. Public safety and security is everyone's responsibility. If you see something, say something.

For more crime prevention tips, contact the UTSW Crime Prevention Coordinator at 214-648-8311.

March 25, 2020

2020 U.S. Census safety

Avoid online scams

The U.S. Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails to request participation, or ask for your social security, bank account, or credit card numbers.

Identifying a Census employee

• If someone visits your home to collect a response, make sure they have a valid ID badge.
• Decennial Census employees will have an official identification card with the employee name, picture, and expiration date.
• Decennial Census employees will also have an official bag and Census Bureau-issued electronic device, such as a laptop with the Census Bureau logo.

If you are still unsure about individual’s identity, call 844-330-2020 to verify.

To find more tips to help you stay safe, go to www.2020census.gov.

If you have any questions, contact the UTSW Crime Prevention Coordinator at 214-648-8311.

Cybersecurity

Choose a strong password

• Use different ID/password combinations for different accounts.
• Avoid saving passwords in unsecure locations.
• Make passwords complicated and change passwords on a regular basis.

Secure your computer

• Never leave devices unattended.
• Prevent viruses from infecting your computer by installing and regularly updating anti-virus software.
• Activate your firewall. Firewalls are the first line of cyber defense; they block connections to unknown or bogus sites.

Click with caution

• Double check emails before responding. Check and verify the source of the message.
• Never reply to emails that ask you to verify your information or confirm your user ID or password.

Secure your wireless network

• Wireless networks are vulnerable to intrusion if they are not properly secured.
• Hot spots are vulnerable. Avoid conducting financial or corporate transactions on these networks.

Protect your e-identity

• Do not give out financial information over the internet.
• Ensure that websites are secure when making online purchases.

If you have any questions, contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator at 214-648-8311.