Crime Prevention
The Department of Campus Safety and Security (DCSS) is dedicated to encouraging and empowering students and employees to take a stake in their own personal safety and security, as well as the safety and security of others. See how we protect our campus below.
Operation Identification
To diminish theft on campus, DCSS offers students the option to engrave personal options and record serial numbers in order to protect valuable property. For more information, call DCSS at 615.327.6254.
Community Crime Awareness Education
DCSS presents crime-prevention awareness programs to student groups or staff and faculty members on topics such as personal security, theft prevention, alcohol use and abuse, and sexual assaults, including date and acquaintance rape, vandalism, as well as educational sessions on personal safety. Programs are normally presented upon request by calling 615.327.6254.
Community Crime Prevention Education
Students and employees are offered regular crime prevention awareness programming through new student/new employee orientations and residence hall programs. During the academic year, DCSS, the Counseling Services Unit, the Student Services Unit, and staff present programs on sexual assault, alcohol and drug awareness, dating violence, conflict resolution and other topics related to crime prevention.
Services include:
- Active Shooter Preparedness Training
- Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Training
- Mental Health First Aid Training
- General crime prevention awareness resources
Request a Session
For more information on these programs, or to request a session, call DCSS at 615.327.6254, Student Services at 615.327.6792 or Counseling Services at 615.327.6818.
Crime Prevention Tips
- Program the number for Campus Safety and Security into your cell phone before you actually need it: 615.327.6254
- Don’t walk alone – there is safety in numbers.
- Stay on populated, well-lit streets.
- If you exercise at night, do so with a friend.
- Dress for safety.
- Walk confidently; be aware of your surroundings.
- Carry some type of noise maker.
- Take a self-defense class
- Follow your intuition—trust your feelings.
- If you see something or someone suspicious, go immediately to a safe location and contact Campus Security.
- During hours of darkness, have lights on at all entrances, and close all blinds and shades.
- Have a wide-angle door viewer (190 degrees) on all solid exterior doors.
- Have good locks on doors—and use them.
- Use only the first letter of your first name on mailboxes and in telephone directories.
- Females: Ask a male relative or friend to record your answering machine message.
- Always keep your doors and windows locked.
- Do not leave messages on your answering machine advertising you are away from your residence.
- Do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.
- Do not let strangers in to use the telephone. Offer to make the call for them.
- Ask to see photo identification of people who come to your door (police, repairmen, etc.) BEFORE you open the door.
- Do not hide extra keys outside your residence.
- Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep your vehicle in good working condition and at least half full with gas.
- Always park in visible well-lighted, busy areas.
- Have your keys ready when you approach your vehicle.
- When you approach your parked vehicle, do a visual inspection checking the area around your vehicle and beneath it.
- Always look in the rear floor board of your vehicle before entering.
- Keep doors locked and windows closed.
- Valuables should be kept out of sight or locked in the trunk.
- Exercise caution when parking in underground or enclosed parking structures.
- When stopped in traffic, allow space between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can drive away, if necessary.
- If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to get in, honk your horn and try to drive away.
- Be cautious of individuals asking for directions.
- Do not stop to assist stranded motorists. Instead, go to the nearest phone and call for help.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers.
- If you have a flat tire, drive on until you reach a well-lighted, well-traveled area.
- When traveling, let someone know where you are going, your ETA, and the route you will be using.
- Use the escort service when moving around campus at night by yourself.
- Always look to see who’s outside before opening your door.
- Do not prop open doors for friends.
- Never loan out a room key.
- Lock the bathroom door behind you.
- Lock outside doors and windows when leaving your room.
- Never leave radar detectors or other items of value in plain view inside your car.