Park University Logo

Parkville Campus

Department of Public Safety
Your Location: Park.edu Home > Department of Public Safety

PREVENTION INFORMATION

Prevention Information Index:

Alcohol Awareness

Choosing not to drink is the best way to avoid problems with alcohol.  Did you know that most college students have 0-5 drinks per week?   Most college students choose not to binge drink.

UNDERSTAND THE RISK.  It CAN happen to you.   National statistics show that students who binge drink are 2-5 times more likely to experience problems from drinking, and twice as likely to die from injuries than non-bingers.

If you decide to drink,

  • Plan your drinking.  Think about how much you want to drink before you drink.  Remember that food, attitude, and the environment affect your susceptibility to alcohol.
  • Take care of yourself.  Don't put yourself in a situation where other people might have to take care of you, because they might not be there.
  • Be aware that drinking games put you at risk for binge drinking, since most games encourage drinking a lot in a short period of time.
  • Don't ever force or pressure anyone to drink, or spike drinks.  This is rude, harmful, and could be fatal.  Respect others' decision not to drink.

KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN ALCOHOL EMERGENCY

If you're with someone who has had too much to drink:

  • Don't let the person drink more alcohol.
  • Help the person avoid dangerous situations, such as driving, wandering outside, and sexual encounters.
  • If the person is unconscious, call "6444" on campus, if you are off campus dial "911".  Put the person on his/her side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.

Drinking too much alcohol can result in serious medical problems.  Do not allow the person to just "sleep it off".  Seek medical attention immediately.

Back to Top

Personal Safety
PREVENTION IS THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST CRIME!

What is personal safety?  Taking steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of a crime.

Many crimes can be prevented if you:

  • Trust your instincts-if a situation or location doesn't "feel" right, it probably isn't.
  • Avoid dangerous situations.
  • Observe and stay aware of activities around you.

SAFETY TIPS IN YOUR RESIDENCE HALL ROOM:

  • Always lock your doors.  Especially when inside sleeping and studying.
  • Use the peep hole.  Make sure you know who is at the door before you open it.
  • Never leave your door open, even if leaving for a short amount of time.
  • Always lock the bathroom door connecting the suite.
  • Immediately report the loss or theft of room and/or mailbox keys to housing staff.
  • Report threatening or obscene phone calls immediately.
  • If someone obviously does not belong in the hallway, lobby, etc. or if you see suspicious behavior, call "0".
  • SAFETY WHILE WALKING:
  • Never walk alone at night.  Walk with a friend, or call DPS at "0" anytime for a safety escort.
  • Walk in well-lit areas at night, don't take shortcuts through bushes, trees, etc. 
  • Be alert and aware of your surroundings.  Don't read or wear headphones.
  • Walk confidently and with a purpose.
  • Do not advertise that you are carrying money or wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Occasionally alter the route that you walk to and from the same places.
  • Avoid carrying too much--Keep your hands free.
  • Have your keys to your vehicle or residence in your hand and ready to use.  Avoid searching through backpacks or purses.
  • If you think you are being followed, change your direction of travel, go to the nearest area where there are other people or call DPS at "0".

SAFETY ON THE STREET:

  • Never hitchhike.
  • Use caution when using an ATM machine.
  • If you are carrying a purse or bag, carry it close to your body- carry no more money or credit cards than necessary.
  • Ask the person driving you home to wait until you are inside.  Do the same for other passengers.

SAFETY IN A CAR:

  • When approaching a parked vehicle, be aware of suspicious activity or persons. 
  • Always park in well-lit areas.
  • Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle.
  • When operating your vehicle, keep the doors locked.
  • Place valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
  • When stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, allow space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • If someone approaches your vehicle and attempts to enter, blow your horn to attract attention and drive away.
  • Purchase a mobile phone- especially if you travel long distances or late at night.
  • Do not open your window if someone approaches your vehicle to ask for directions, time, etc.  Keep your doors locked.
  • Do not stop for a stranded motorist.  Go to the nearest phone and call police for assistance.  DO NOT PICK UP HITCHHIKERS.
  • If your vehicle becomes disabled, do not get out of the vehicle.  Use a sign to request help, or ask someone who stops to call for help.
  • Never let your gas fall below 1/4 tank.
  • Carry emergency items in your vehicle, e.g. flashlight, fix-a-flat, map, warm clothes, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, empty gas can, mobile phone.
  • If you are driving somewhere unfamiliar, plan your route and check the map before you start out.

SAFETY IN A BUILDING:

  • Avoid isolated corridors or hallways.
  • Be extra careful in stairwells and isolated restrooms.
  • Avoid entering an elevator which is occupied by only one other person who is a stranger.
  • In an elevator, stand near the controls and locate the emergency button.
  • If you are assaulted while in the elevator, hit the emergency button or alarm button, and press as many floor buttons as possible.

REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY:

    If you are reporting a suspicious person(s) or activity to the Department of Public Safety, be prepared to give the following information.  Be as specific as possible, and stay on the phone until the dispatcher indicates that you can hang up.

  • Location
  • Number of individuals
  • Description of individual(s)
  • License number and direction of travel
  • Whether or not any weapons are involved

Suspicious activity can be reported to DPS by dialing "6444" on any campus phone.

Back to Top

Sexual Assault

One out of four women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime.

How do you avoid becoming a shattered statistic?   Unfortunately, there are no foolproof methods to counter sexual assault.  But there are precautionary measures that can significantly reduce your chances of attack.

Help yourself and others develop a sixth sense about rape awareness.  It's the best weapon you have.

AT HOME ALWAYS...  

  • Lock your doors and use the peep hole.
  • Pull curtains at night.
  • Ask service and delivery men for required identification.  If you have doubts, check their company, or call the police.
  • Hang up immediately on obscene phone calls.
  • Know your neighbors.  Watch for strangers in the area.

AT HOME NEVER...

  • Open your door to strangers or admit them inside.  If they need assistance, offer to make phone calls for them.
  • Leave doors or windows unlocked.
  • Hide a key outside.
  • Leave notes about  your whereabouts or you planned return.
  • Reveal to telephone callers that you are alone, or give out personal information.  Call out to an imaginary person.
  • Enter an elevator occupied by an unknown man.  Wait for the next elevator.  If you're on the elevator and an unknown man enters, stand by the control panel, then leave. 

Most people imagine a rapist as a stranger waiting behind bushes.  But most often, rape victims are raped by someone they know.   Regardless of who the rapist is, rape is a crime.  It is a violent act that can cause great emotional and physical damage.

What is Date Rape?

Date rape, or acquaintance rape, is when someone you know forces you to have sex.  Date rape is very serious, and it's common.  It has nothing to do with love or a healthy sexual relationship-- It's a violent crime.

Why does date rape happen?

  • Sex Role Stereotypes.  Many people believe that men should be competitive and aggressive, and women yielding and passive.
  • Mixed Messages.  Date rape can occur when a man, thinking a woman is "playing hard to get" believes she really means "yes" when she says "no."  Mixed messages may be communicated verbally or through body language.
  • Poor communication.  The potential for date rape exists when two people do not have a clear understanding of each other's sexual intentions and expectations.
  • Learned violence.  Violence is often seen as an acceptable way to solve problems, so some men feel it is okay to use force to get what they want from a woman.

KNOW YOUR SEXUAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Women should know.. you have the right to

  • dress as you please
  • agree to have sex with someone and then change your mind at any time.
  • be treated with respect at all times.

You have the responsibility to

  • talk openly and honestly about your sexual expectations, wishes and intentions
  • assert yourself by standing up for your rights
  • take an equal role in your relationships with men
  • reject sexual stereotypes that define women as passive, weak, and irrational.

Men should know.. you do not have the right to pressure or force a woman to have sex, even if

  • you paid for her dinner or a night out
  • you've had sex with her before
  • she agrees to have sex with you, then changes her mind
  • she dresses provocatively, flirts, or "comes on" to you
  • you met her at a bar or picked her up hitchhiking
  • you think women enjoy being forced to have sex or want to be persuaded.

Back to Top

Created and Maintained by Department of Public Safety
Copyright © 2002 Park University Department of Public Safety
Last Updated