(Approved by the Executive Vice President by authority of Administrative Order No. 9)
The function of the Crime Prevention Unit of the University of Washington Police Department is to identify and assess criminal risk. The successful elimination and reduction of crime at the University of Washington depends on the involvement of students, faculty, and staff. The following section describes ways in which members of the University community can assist in preventing crime. For assistance in implementing crime prevention techniques call the Crime Prevention Unit, 206-543-9338.
Valuable property items should be engraved or rubber-stamped with an identifying mark in a conspicuous location. Marking property discourages theft and facilitates recovery. Engravers may be borrowed from the Crime Prevention Unit, 206-543-9338. State property should be marked with the individual department name and "University of Washington." Private property should be marked with the owner's driver's license number.
Theft can be reduced by securing valuable objects. Offices, storage facilities, desks, and files should be locked when left unattended for any period of time. Office items of value such as computers, printers, fans, and other equipment should be secured with lock-down devices.
A crime prevention officer can be requested to assess the security level of a department or work unit. During this review the officer will offer advice on physical and procedural changes that can increase security without disrupting operations. This service is also available for narcotics storage and cash handling facilities.
When not in use, keys should be stored in a locked key cabinet. The key cabinet should be bolted to the wall and the bolts should be placed inside the cabinet. Periodic audits should take place to ensure that spare keys have not been loaned, lost, or stolen. Unused keys should be returned and sent to the Lock Shop, Box 355200, for recycling.
A suspicious person is someone unknown to you
who is in an unauthorized place. Approach this person and
ask, "May I help you?" If the person leaves quickly after
an offer of assistance or gives a vague or suspicious response,
notify the University Police by calling 9-911. Try to
give the police as complete and accurate a description as
possible (height, weight, hair and eye color, clothing). Do
not confront the individual; this is the responsibility of
the police.
If property loss is discovered, always report property losses
immediately to the University Police Department, 9-911.
Require that maintenance persons, visitors, and the like, show identification or explain their presence to authority. Place the reception desk where staff have a clear view of entrances, stairs, and elevators. Lock seldom used entrances, if possible. Display crime prevention signs. Maintain the following:
The Crime Prevention Unit of the University Police Department offers the following programs. All are available upon request at any time during the year.
This is a display which can be set up in requested areas concerning personal and property safety, including bicycle theft prevention and registration.
This seminar is one hour in length and can be scheduled at departmental convenience. The police can also serve as a resource for academic classes on rape.
This program provides training for persons regularly handling cash or narcotics.
This is a "Welcome to the University" presentation for students, staff, and dormitory residents. This presentation lasts 15 to 30 minutes.
November 1992.