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Campus Safety
Tips
The University
community has become a vibrant academic, social, cultural and sports
center for our city. Unfortunately, the advantages, of an open urban
location can be an attraction to those with criminal intent.
The Columbia Police Department and the USC Police
Department have join forces to beef up patrol around the University
community to help provide a positive environment.
What can you do to help? The number one thing you can
do is take a few precautions and follow a few safety tips:
- Trust your instincts. If a place or situation
doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Leave.
- Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas when walking
after dark.
- Don't walk alone after dark. Early evening to late
evening, travel only in groups of three or more in well lighted and
traveled areas. Use the APO Escort Services 777-DUCK or call for a
police escort 777-4215.
- When traveling in your vehicle, keep windows and
doors locked.
- If approached, don't resist a robber, especially if
he has a weapon.
- Never venture into or through dark or undesirable
neighborhoods.
- Familiarize yourself with call box locations.
- Don't carry large sums of cash.
- Get a good description of the attacker and locate a
safe area in the event of an encounter.
- If attacked or approached by someone suspicious,
contact the police immediately by calling 911 or use the nearest call
box.
Identity Theft Safety TipsIdentity
theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation, and students
may be particularly vulnerable to this crime. Learn how to protect
yourself and your future from identity theft by going to
www.ed.gov/misused
The first step to prevent identity theft is awareness of how and when
you use your personal information. By keeping close tabs on your
personal information, you can reduce your chances of becoming an
identity theft victim.
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Memorize your Social Security number and passwords. Don’t record
your password on papers you carry with you.
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Don’t
use your date of birth as your password.
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Shred
pre-approved credit applications and other financial documents
before discarding them.
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Order
credit reports every year from each of the major credit reporting
agencies and thoroughly review them for accuracy.
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Never
give personal or financial information over the phone or Internet
unless you initiated the contact.
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Don’t
carry your Social Security card or birth certificate with you.
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Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately.
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Check
your monthly credit card and bank statements for unusual activity.
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Use a
firewall program on your computer, especially if you leave your
computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.
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Do
not download files sent to you by strangers or click on hyperlinks
from people you don’t know.
PREVENTING TERRORIST ATTACK: How You Can Help
The FBI has
compiled a
list of suspicious activity that could possibly indicate
terrorist activity. If you see any suspicious activity, call us at
777-4215.
For
additional safety advice and tips, you may contact Officer Kenneth Adams at
777-0855 or e-mail
adamskl@mailbox.sc.edu
or Inv. Calvin Gallman at 777-7786 or e-mail
calvinr@mailbox.sc.edu
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