Most criminal activities are a result of opportunity. The effect of opportunity can be minimized by being careful, alert, cautious, and aware. Take away the opportunity, and crime can be greatly reduced. You are your own best security.
Personal Safety Tips
Bar Safety
Tips from Peterborough Lakefield Community Police
Walk Safety
Work Alone Program
Workplace Violence - Tips on Diffusing or Handling Volatile Situations for Front Desk Workers
Nuisance Calls
Water Emergency Procedures
Facebook Smarts
Personal Safety Tips
Computer Theft
For accessible versions of the Personal Safety Tips please see below:
Personal Safety Tips (Word version)
Personal Safety Tips (PDF version)
Bar Safety
Date rape drugs are any substance that renders you incapable of saying no or asserting yourself and can be used to commit rape. Examples include Rohypnol (roofies), Ketamine and GHB.
The following personal security tips can make the difference between a fun night out with friends and becoming a victim of crime:
1. Don't accept open drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) from others who you do not know or do not trust; this includes drinks that come in a glass.
2. When in bars or clubs always get your drink directly from the bartender and do not take your eyes off the bartender or your order; don't use the waitress or let somebody go to the bar for you.
3. At parties, only accept drinks in close containers: bottles, cans or tetra packs.
4. Never leave your drink unattended or turn your back on your table.
5. Do not drink from open beverage sources like punch bowls, pitchers or tubs.
6. Keep your eyes and ears open; if there is talk of date rape drugs or if friends seem "too intoxicated" for what they have taken, leave the party or club immediately and don't go back!
7. Go out with trusted friends and look out for each other. If you or a friend feel dizzy, confused or have other unexplained symptoms, get to a safe place immediately. Do not leave your intoxicated friend alone in the company of strangers. Call a friend, family member, the Police, Trent Campus Security (on campus) or 911. If you think you have been drugged, go directly to a hospital emergency room. Most sedating drugs are eliminated by the body within 24 hours. If you think you have been drugged and sexually assaulted, go directly to a hospital emergency room.
Peterborough Lakefield Community Police have provided these safety tips for post secondary students in the Peterborough area to provide advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. The document also advises on local bylaws, provincial offences and their associated penalties.
Walk Safety Peterborough Campuses
One of the best things to remember is that you can never be too safe. If you feel threatened or think someone else is; let someone know! Call Trent Security at 705-748-1333 or emergency services a 911. There are Blue light e-phones all over campus; use them! Don't ever worry about "bothering someone" if you feel like your safety is at risk in any way. The safety organizations here are to make you feel safe, it's their job so don't ever feel uncomfortable contacting them.
These points will help you stay safe:
- Trust your instincts! If a situation feels threatening, then it is. Do something about it!
- Walk with a friend or call Walkhome.
- Use the Work Alone Program.
- If you're walking down a street, avoid "hugging" the walls and stay to the outer edge.
- Plan your route to avoid dimly lit areas.
- Know the locations of the outdoor safety phones and how to use them (call Walkhome, we'll be glad to show you).
- Be familiar with your campus and it's neghbourhood. Know more than one route home and vary it as much as possible.
- Always lock doors and windows at night.
- If you see an entrance at school or in a residence propped open, close it.
- If there is something in your area that you believe is not safe, report it (i.e. lighting, overgrown shrubs, bad footing, etc). We can't do anything if you don't tell us what's wrong.
- You can never be too cautious. If you have any other suggestions, please let us know what they are so we can share them with others.
Work Alone Program
If you are working alone on the Peterborough campus after normal working hours, you are encouraged to contact Campus Security at 705- 748-1328 to let them know where you are and how long you plan to be there. You can arrange check-ins, by phone or security patrol, while you are working. Lone workers are advised to lock the door to their work space and call Campus Security if there is any suspicious activity in their area. You are also encouraged to call Walkhome for an escort to your vehicle, home (within a 30 minute walk) or bus stop. Details on the Walkhome program can be found here.
Workplace Violence - Tips on Diffusing or Handling Volatile Situations for Front Desk Workers
As service providers, university workers can be faced with stressed or frustrated individuals. From time to time, stress or frustration can escalate to verbal or even physical violence. The following information is provided to help you prepare yourself for dealing with hostile or violent interactions in the workplace.
In Person:
Be prepared for the likelihood that stressed, frustrated or angry people will want to vent. Allow a set amount of time for the customer to vent. Pay attention and listen to their concerns then provide suggestions or alternate avenues the customer may pursue. Maintain eye contact throughout the interaction so that the person knows you are listening to them.
While speaking with the customer in person take a mental description paying special attention to distinctive details which would make it easier for Campus Security/Police following up to identify them (i.e. tattoos, piercing, glasses, hair styles, height, clothing, items being carried)
Do not allow yourself to be manoeuvred into a secluded spot alone with the person (i.e. go into another office to discuss the matter). Arrange your office space to provide a route of escape if necessary – i.e. prevent being trapped behind a desk with no escape route.
On the Phone:
Do not identify yourself by first AND last name. Make it a habit to record incoming call numbers and person's name for each call and the extension the call came in on – in the event the call does become escalated. If, after attempting to assist the caller, they become or continue to be aggressive terminate the call as quickly and politely as possible.
If the caller persistently calls back after attempting to assist:
either put them on hold and call Security on another line to give a brief update, then advise the caller you are going to transfer the call and transfer the call to Campus Security at 705-748-1333 OR alert a co-worker to call Campus Security and advise of the concern and advise the caller you are going to transfer the call then transfer call to Campus Security.
Planning:
Set up a code phrase with your coworkers that will alert others in the office of potentially volatile situations. The phrase needs to be discrete so as not to further escalate/animate the customer yet uncommon enough so the staff will key in to the situation.
Establish a course of action to follow when the code phrase is used and ensure ALL staff members are familiar with the code and the course of action. Immediate action could include:
- advising manager or supervisor who will then attend and assist
- call Campus Security
- Police involvement (911) based on the level of escalation
If a person of concern is identified ensure all staff members are aware of nature of concern and preferred response if the person attends the office.
Whether over the phone or in person, keep display of your feelings in check. Remain calm and respond in a controlled, confident and professional manner. Don’t get personally drawn into the customer’s situation. Remain conscious of the customer’s verbal AND non-verbal cues.
After it is over take a few minutes to de-stress and debrief with the manager.
Nuisance Calls
If you've ever picked up the phone only to hear silence, obscenities, or the voice of a stranger sometimes pretending to be someone you know, who attempts to draw you into conversation or asks personal questions, you have received a crank call. These calls can be upsetting, especially if they are persistent or occur in the middle of the night.
A few simple guidelines can make you less vulnerable to these calls, help you cope with them and, if they are persistent, make them stop.
- Hang up as soon as you realize you don't know the caller.
- Hang up as soon as you hear obscenities or sexual remarks.
- Don't try to play detective or counsellor. Leave that to a professional. HANG UP
- Don't let the caller know you are upset or angry. HANG UP
- Never give your telephone number to an unknown caller on the telephone or on the net.
- If you must use your phone number in placing a classified ad, don't also list your address.
- Consider using an answering machine or using a Call Display telephone which identifies the phone number of your caller.
- Report nuisance phone calls to Security. This can help the police identify and charge a persistent crank caller.
CRANK CALLS ARE A CRIME! The Criminal Code provides for up to six months in jail and/or fines of up to $2000.00 for anyone convicted of making indecent or harassing calls. A conviction may also result in the disconnection of telephone service by Bell Canada.
Water Emergency Procedures:
- Throw life ring to victim if one is immediately at hand
- Call 911 - State emergency and location
- Call 705-748-1333 - State emergency and location
- Maintain watch on person and assist from shore if possible
FACEBOOK SMARTS
Facebook can be used as an excellent tool for students to connect, share memories, and plan new ones. Unfortunately, many students do not exercise caution while creating their Facebook profiles and, unintentionally leave themselves vulnerable to predators, self-defamation, or possible disciplinary action.
Campus Security DOES NOT monitor the content of any Trent University student's profile; however, we are obligated to investigate any Facebook material that is brought to our attention that could potentially have a negative affect on any member of the Trent University community.
We recommend that Facebook participants be conscientious about the information you display. The following actions may reduce the risks associated with using public sites:
Don't give out personal information like your room number, or phone number.
Take advantage of Facebook's privacy settings which can allow only your selected friends to view your profile.
Remember that any picture you put on Facebook can be viewed by many people, and once you upload that picture you no longer own it.
If Facebook content denotes you or your friends committing an illegal act, or breaching a University policy, you could be subject to disciplinary action from the Office of Student Affairs or legal action through the Peterborough Regional Police.
Remember that Facebook and similar web sites are public forums and should be treated as such. Thinking critically when releasing personal information will go a long way in protecting your safety and security.
Personal Safety
It's easy to give criminals an opportunity to strike; just be a little careless, forgetful, too trusting, and gullible. But, it's just as easy to remove the temptation; by being careful, alert, cautious, and aware. Most criminal activity occurs because opportunities exist for crimes to be committed. Take away the opportunity, and crime can be greatly reduced. You are your own best security. An awareness of the following crime prevention pointers, together with your own common sense, will help reduce the opportunity for others to commit a crime against you.
- Never leave your room door unlocked, even for only a few minutes.
- Never prop doors open that are intended to be locked. An open door is an invitation of entry to unauthorized persons
- Use our Walkhome and/or Work Alone Programs.
- Comply with the visitation rules of your college.
- If suspicious persons are observed, call Security immediately!
- Be wary of people asking for information for a survey regarding anything personal. Ask for their telephone number and after checking their authenticity, you will call them back.
- Use only first initials with surname on mailboxes, directories, valuables, etc.
- Never pick up hitchhikers and do not hitchhike yourself.
- Lock your car, office or residence whenever leaving it.
- Keep your car or building key ready in your hand.
- Familiarize yourself with the campus and note the location of all help phones.
- Avoid unnecessary hazards of poorly lighted or unfamiliar areas.
- A large percentage of violent acts involve a perpetrator and/or a victim who have consumed alcohol. While alcohol may serve as a relaxant, it also impairs the ability to make sound decisions and makes a person vulnerable, which could put them in a dangerous situation.
- If you are being sexually or physically abused at home, in the workplace or social setting, help is available. Report the offence to your professor, supervisor or campus security!
Computer Theft
Laptop computers are often a thief's target of choice. These thefts have occurred in both alarmed areas and those without alarm systems. The break, enter, and theft takes place within a matter of seconds and intrusion alarm systems on their own may not provide sufficient protection against this type of opportunity crime.
We offer the following advice to increase your level of protection:
- Inspect your area for locations where laptop computers or other expensive types of equipment are visible from ground floor exterior windows or interior hallway windows. Install curtains, blinds, or other window coverings to hide valuables from open view. Look for areas where your physical security may be deficient and take measures to correct these deficiencies.
- Instruct people with laptop computers to disconnect them each evening and lock them in a secure location such as a filing cabinet with a lock.
- Close and lock your door when your room, office or work area is left unoccupied. Keep your keys on you at all times.
- Computers owned by the university should be indelibly marked in an obvious location as "Trent University, 'YOUR DEPARTMENT' ". Use an indelible marker or an electric scribe. This makes it very difficult to sell the computer on the street.
- Record and keep in a secure location the make, model, serial number, and original cost of the computer.
- Back up your data frequently. Consult with your departmental IT representative to determine the method best for you.
- If you are considering a new computer purchase, determine if you actually need a laptop computer. The size, portability, and additional value of a laptop computer is what makes them so attractive to thieves.
Report suspicious individuals promptly to Security at 705-748-1333 (Peterborough) or 905-435-5111 (Oshawa).
YOUR FEARS AND CONCERNS ARE LEGITIMATE AND WILL BE TREATED AS SUCH BY CAMPUS SECURITY
