Safety Information

On Campus:
IUPUI has over 100 emergency telephones on campus which are direct lines to the IUPUI Public Safety Communications Center. These provide free access for people on campus to request any type of assistance. The telephones have yellow boxes with a distinctive blue light above them.

Ever see something that appeared to be suspicious? Ever get in your car to go home and then realize that your car won’t start or are you just concerned about your safety when leaving late? Call 274-SAFE (274-7233) and free help will soon be on its way.

Personal:
Since each situation is different, police advise that you always use your best judgment, but here are some thoughts:

• Unless you are proficient, police advise that you not use self-defense, but if you must, the elbow is one of the best parts to use.
• Some people say, "If a robber asks for your wallet/purse, rather than handing it to him, toss it away. Chances are, he is more interested in your wallet/purse than you. Then run like mad." Police suggest that this might work, but they suggest you comply with the demand. Use your best judgment in the situation.
• If you are ever placed into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights, stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you but everybody else will. If the lights can't be kicked out, try to disable the wiring to render the lights inoperative in hopes that police will stop the vehicle.
• After shopping, eating, working, etc., don’t sit in your car doing your checkbook, making a list, etc. If a predator is watching you, this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
• Things to think about as you approach your car: 1) have your keys out beforehand so you aren’t rummaging through your purse/pockets beside the car, 2) look around you and look into your car, especially the floors, 3) if the driver’s side is next to a van, enter on the passenger side, or 3) if a car with a male sitting alone is next to you, you may want to walk back into the mall or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. It’s better to be paranoid than to become a victim of a crime.
• Stop being so sympathetic. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked "for help" into his vehicle. Instead, offer to get a security officer to help the person.
• ICE (in case of emergency) your phone in order to help emergency workers know who to call in case you are incapacitated. Simply put in the number of the person you want contacted and label it as ICE (rather than the person’s name). Emergency personnel know to look for ICE numbers on cell phones.

IUPUI Police Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Training - http://www.police.iupui.edu/RAD.aspx