Personal Rules for Campus Safety

1. Never walk alone; walk with a buddy.

2. Aviod poorly lit streets, alleys, parking lots and wooded areas.

3. Walk close to the curb facing traffic. Avoid areas of concealment such as shrubs, trees and building entrances.

4. Be alert of your surrondings. Don't be overconfident.

5. If someone is following you, create a disturbance and run towards an open building.

6. Always lock your doors, even while you are in your apartment or in your vehicle.

7. When leaving a building, look around the area outside before exiting the building.

8. Have your keys in your hand so that you do'nt have to search for them.

9. If you are being followed while driving, drive to a police station or a well lit and highly populated area.

10. Attackers expect passive victims, so walk with a steady pace and appear purposeful.

Preventing Date Rape

1. Remember that no one has the right to force you to have sex at any time, regardless of how much money or time he or she has spent with you, or even if you have had sex before.

2. Never accept a ride or lodging from someone you just met, no matter how nice they seem to be.

3. Be aware that ineffective communication can lead to serious misunderstandings. Don't give out confusing signals. If you mean no, say "NO" and act accordingly.

4. Remember that alcohol and drugs impair not only your judgement, but also your ability to make that judgement clear to someone else. If you are socializing with a group that is using alcohol or drugs, their judgement and their ability to understand you will also be impaired. If you choose to use these chemicals, you are making yourself vulnerable.

Preventing Campus Theft

Preventing Theft

Most crimes reported to Res Life or Police and Safety involve property rather than personal danger. You can minimize your chances of becoming a victim by remembering that college campuses are not immune to crime. Follow these common sense rules:

LOCK UP!

Lock your residence hall door, even when your home. Lock your car. Lock your bike. Lock your purse or wallet in a lockable drawer in your office, if applicable.
Lock your door when you leave, even if you're only leaving "just for a minute." It only takes a thief 10 seconds to take something from your room or office.
Lock your door when you sleep, even in a residence hall.
Don't hide the key to your room outside of your room. Thieves are more experienced than you at inventing-and discovering-such hiding places.

DON'T LEAVE YOUR PROPERTY UNATTENDED...
in the library, dining hall, classroom, restroom, or any campus facility. Theft of backpacks is growing more common. The resale value of books makes them attractive targets for petty thieves. If your leaving for a minute, take your things with you.

New Parking Tickets

Mercyhurst College Police and Safety parking violation notices have a new look.
The old two-piece flyers were replaced with a rigid card and mailer system. These new tickets are easily identified by the bright green color . The tickets will be handled as before but with a new option. With the attached mailer, individuals can now use campus or USPS mail to satisfy the notice.
If there are any questions, feel free to contact an officer or the office at x2304.

TIMELY NOTIFICATION BULLETIN

TIMELY NOTIFICATION BULLETIN
Possible Threat to the Community
“Your Right to Know”
August 25, 2004

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department is giving notice of an incident reported to have occurred at the Mercy Suites located on the southwest portion of Main campus of Mercyhurst College.

REPORTED OFFENSE: Criminal trespass - An intrusion into the bedroom of a female student while the she was asleep.

The complainant reported that on August 24, 2004, she was sleeping in her bed at about 11:39 p.m. and awoke to see a man sitting in a chair in her bedroom. The complainant exited the room unharmed and went to her roommate’s bedroom. The suspect was reported to have fled from the room through the ground floor window. Police and Safety was dispatched and arrived within two minutes of the victim’s call for assistance. The Erie Police Department responded to provide evidence recovery assistance, and have assumed the investigation. The investigation is continuing.

SUSPECT: The suspect is described as an adult male between the age of 30 to 40, Caucasian, of tall thin build, with light colored or gray receding hair, approximately 6’0” tall, and about 165 lbs. The suspect was fully dressed but his type of clothing could not be determined.

If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation, contact the Police and Safety Department by telephone on campus at extension 2304, or off-campus by calling (814) 824-2304. Or, you may come to the Police and Safety office located in the lower level of McAuley Hall. You may also report any information regarding this incident anonymously through the Mercyhurst College “Silent Witness” program at http://lakernet.mercyhurst.edu/departments/police_safety/forms.asp


HELP US TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PROPERTY

· NEVER PROP DOORS OPEN, EVEN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
· LOCK THE DOOR TO YOUR ROOM WHENEVER YOU LEAVE, EVEN IF
YOU WILL ONLY BE GONE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.
· DON’T “HIDE” YOUR KEYS OVER YOUR DOOR OR ELSEWHERE. KEEP
THEM WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES, AND NEVER, EVER LEND YOUR KEYS
TO ANYONE.
· NEVER LEAVE KEYS, BOOKS, PURSES OR OTHER VALUABLES
IN ROOMS, SHOWERS, OR LOBBIES, OR OTHEWISE UNATTENDED.
· STRANGERS LOITERING IN DORMITORIES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO
RESIDENT ASSISTANTS AND ASKED TO LEAVE THE BUILDING.
· PROMPTLY REPORT ANY THEFT OR OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO
THE POLICE AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT.
· IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, DO NOT WALK ALONE. WALK IN PAIRS,
ESPECIALLY AFTER DARK, AND WHEN WALKING ALONG ISOLATED
AREAS OF THE CAMPUS.
· YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. REMEMBER TO USE ALL OF YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU HAVE A “BAD FEELING” ABOUT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, BE VERY CAUTIOUS.

Students Beware

Mercyhurst College Police and Safety is issuing an alert to all students.
This office was contacted on 01/14/2005 and advised that a student received a phone call from an organization identifying themself as Government Grant Information Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The student was advised that they won a grant in the amount of $8,000.00. All they needed to do to get the grant money was to pay a $257.00 finder's fee by credit card. The caller also stated that they would accept payment directly from their bank account if the student provided their bank account and routing number.
The caller correctly identified the student's address and obviously had a correct phone number.
A web search conducted by Sergeant Patterson indicates that this is a scam. Other postings were found that warned of this type of call and two other hits were found where students were taken advantage of by this organization.
All students are reminded that they should never release any personal information to any unknown person on the phone. Most companies that need that information will be known to you such as credit cards, bank loans, etc. They may ask for a security check and request a portion of an account number, social security number or other pre-set safety word or phrase. They will not ask for a complete social security number as they have that on file.
Students are also cautioned when submitting information via the internet. Many well known companies will sell their contact lists. Less credible sources can buy these lists and obtain your student information.
If you are contacted by this organization or others fitting this same pattern, get as much information as you can. Pretend to be interested but request a phone number to call back, get a street address where you can mail a response to or any other information. Then you should call Police and Safety at once. If you have Caller ID, try to log the number that they called from and provide that as well.
For any other information, please call Police and Safety at 2304 or Sgt. Patterson at 2514.

Timely Notification Bulletin

Possible Threat to the Community
“Your Right to Know”

April 17, 2006

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery disclosure of campus security policy and campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department is giving notice of a disturbing act reported to have occurred in or around upper parking lot #2, on the main campus of Mercyhurst College.

REPORTED OFFENSE: The Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department received a report that on March 19, 2006 at approximately 10:30pm, a male subject was exposing himself to female students in upper parking lot #2.

SUSPECT: Described as an adult male in his early twenties with scraggly dark hair wearing blue jeans and a dark hooded sweatshirt.

Investigation revealed that on March 7 and 12, 2006 the above described suspect also exposed himself to Mercyhurst female students. The incidents took place at the rear of the buildings off of the west side of the 3800 block of Briggs Avenue, and as previously mentioned, also in upper parking lot #2. The suspect has made no attempt to approach students in a physical manner, but did expose himself and leave the area. All female students living in these areas are advised to keep their blinds closed during the evening hours and immediately report any suspicious behavior to Police & Safety (824-2304).

It is the subject may pose a threat to students and guests of the Mercyhurst College community. It is the duty of this institution to warn of possible “dangerous conditions” on or near the campus; an “affirmative duty” exists to warn persons associated with the college of possible peril at the hands of a third party. Consider carefully whether your presence at or near this complex could place you in danger.

Please forward this notice to your student and visiting friends and post it on the appropriate bulletin boards in your area. If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation, contact the Police and Safety Department by telephone at campus at extension 2304 of off campus by calling (814) 824-2304; in person at the Police and Safety office located in the lower level of McAuley Hall, or anonymously through the “Silent Witness” at http://lakernet/Mercyhurst.edu/police_safety/witness.htm.

TIMELY NOTIFICATION BULLETIN

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department is giving notice of an incident reported to have occurred at the Erie campus on Lewis Avenue.


REPORTED OFFENSES: Forcible Sexual Assault.

The Erie Police Department advised that they are investigating a report of a possible forcible sexual assault in the 3900 block of Lewis Avenue. It was reported that a female student from another college reported that after leaving a party on Lewis Avenue at about 4:20 AM on November 10, 2007 she was attacked from behind by an unknown male who attempted to rape her but was scared off by a passing car driving south on Lewis Avenue. The victim then ran north on Lewis Avenue and called the City of Erie Police Department. The Erie Police Department is continuing their investigation.


SUSPECT: A description of the suspect has not been provided to the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department by either the victim or the Erie Police Department at this time.

If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation, contact Detective Sergeants John Barber or Pam Barber of the Erie Police Department at 870-1155, or the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department at extension 2304 (if off-campus dial 824-2304). Or, you may come to the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety office located in the lower level of McAuley Hall. You may also report any information regarding this incident anonymously by accessing the Mercyhurst College “Silent Witness” program site at http://lakernet.mercyhurst.edu/departments/police_safety/forms.asp.


HELP US TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF

• Strangers loitering in dormitories should be reported to resident assistants and asked to leave the building. Never allow unknown individuals into your room or apartment.
• If at all possible, do not walk alone. Walk in pairs, especially after dark and when walking along isolated areas of the campus. At night, try to walk in well lighted areas.
• Walk close to the curb facing traffic and avoid areas of concealment such as shrubs, trees, and building entrances.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be overconfident.
• If someone is following you, create a disturbance and run towards an open building.
• When leaving a building, look around the area outside before exiting.
• Attackers expect passive victims, so walk with a steady pace and appear purposeful.
• Promptly report any suspected criminal activity to the police and safety department.

REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU HAVE A “BAD FEELING” ABOUT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, BE VERY CAUTIOUS.

TIMELY NOTIFICATION BULLETIN

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department is giving notice of incidents reported to have occurred at Neuman Hall and other locations at the North East campus.

REPORTED OFFENSES: Burglaries. Actors enter dorm rooms to commit the crime of theft.

Complainants have reported that on several occasions during the fall term individuals enter apartment and dorm rooms and remove various items of personal property. Most recently, a dorm room was reported to have been entered and 5 text books were removed valued at approximately $100 each, for a total loss of about $500.

SUSPECT: A description of the suspect or suspects regarding the most recent burglary has not been provided to the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department.

If you have any information that may be helpful in these investigations, contact the Police and Safety Department by phoning 814-725-6103, or you may come to the Police and Safety Department office located in room 7C in Miller Hall. You may also report any information regarding this incident anonymously through the Mercyhurst College “Silent Witness” program at http://lakernet.mercyhurst.edu/departments/police_safety/forms.asp


HELP US TO HELP PROTECT YOU AND YOUR PROPERTY

• LOCK YOUR APARTMENT OR DORM ROOM EVEN WHEN YOU’RE HOME.
• DON’T PROP EXTERIOR DOORS OPEN. IF YOU SEE A DOOR PROPPED OPEN, REMOVE THE PROP.
• LOCK YOUR DOOR WHEN YOU LEAVE, EVEN IF YOU’RE ONLY LEAVING FOR “A MINUTE.” IT ONLY TAKES A THIEF 10 SECONDS TO TAKE SOMETHING FROM YOUR ROOM.
• LOCK YOUR DOOR WHEN YOU SLEEP, EVEN IN A RESIDENCE HALL.
• SECURE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET IN A LOCKABLE DRAWER.
• DON’T HIDE THE KEY TO YOUR ROOM OUTSIDE OF YOUR ROOM. THIEVES ARE MORE EXPERIENCED THAN YOU AT INVENTING AND DISCOVERING SUCH HIDING PLACES.
• MARK YOUR BOOKS WITH YOUR NAME AND DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER.
• RECORD ALL MODEL NAMES AND SERIAL NUMBERS OF YOUR ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT. THE MERCYHURST POLICE AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH A FORM TO COMPLETE THAT WILL BE KEPT ON FILE AT THE POLICE AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT OFFICE.
• STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW THAT UPON COMPLETION OF A TRIMESTER OUR INCIDENTS OF THEFTS OF BOOKS INCREASE. STOLEN BOOKS ARE AN INSTANT SOURCE OF CASH FOR THE THIEVES WHO SELL THEM BACK TO COMPANIES WHO BUY USED BOOKS.
• REPORT ANY THEFT IMMEDIATELY TO POLICE AND SAFETY, AND IF THE STOLEN PROPERTY IS A TEXTBOOK OR TEXTBOOKS, TO THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE


REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU HAVE A “BAD FEELING” ABOUT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, BE VERY CAUTIOUS.

TIMELY NOTIFICATION BULLETIN

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Act of 1998 the Mercyhurst College Police and Safety Department is giving notice of incidents reported to have occurred at several locations off campus.

REPORTED OFFENSES: Assault

The information available at this time indicates that over the period of the last ten days a pattern of physical assaults has emerged. On two separate occasions, male students traveling alone were approached by several other males who proceeded to physically assault the victims. The attacks appear to be random and have occurred at different locations near campus.

Other similar incidents have occurred in recent months and years.

SUSPECT: The suspects are described as African American and Caucasian males who appear to be late adolescent to early young adults. No further descriptions were given or are available.

If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation contact the Police and Safety Department by telephone on campus at extension 2304, or off-campus by calling (814) 824-2304. Or, you may come to the police and safety office located in the lower level of McAuley Hall. You may also anonymously report any information regarding this incident through the Mercyhurst College “Silent Witness” program at:



http://lakernet.mercyhurst.edu/departments/police_safety/forms.asp





HELP US TO HELP YOU PROTECT YOURSELF

· If at all possible, do not walk alone. Walk in pairs, especially after dark and when walking along isolated areas of the campus.

· At night, try to walk in well lighted areas.

· Walk close to the curb facing traffic and avoid areas of concealment such as shrubs, trees, and building entrances.

· Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be overconfident.

· If someone is following you, create a disturbance and run towards an open building.

· When leaving a building, look around the area outside before exiting.

· Attackers expect passive victims, so walk with a steady pace and appear purposeful.

· Promptly report any suspected criminal activity to the police and safety department.





REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS. IF YOU HAVE A “BAD FEELING” ABOUT SOMEONE OR SOMETHING, BE VERY CAUTIOUS.