Personal Safety, CWU and You Student Strategies for Personal Safety and Crime Prevention at Central Washington University By Shelby Gifford, Crime Prevention Specialist CWU Department of Public Safety and Police Services

What is your definition of crime prevention? Locking the door at night Locking the car Walking in pairs after dark Not hitchhiking Turning on the porch light after dark Keeping your telephone number private

Definition of Crime Prevention “The anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to remove or reduce it.”

Crime Prevention is… The ability to observe settings and situations and assess what can be done to impact the opportunity for crime to occur Recognizing suspicious activity and taking the necessary action sooner rather than later

Crime Prevention 101 A basic premise of crime prevention says that you are more likely to successfully prevent crime if you know which types of crime you are likely to experience. There are no guarantees, only the opportunity to reduce the risk.

What types of crime occur at CWU? Almost any type of crime can occur anywhere at any time. Statistical data can help us decide what type of crime we are most likely to experience, so we can take steps to prevent it.

2001 Crime Statistics at CWU Murder 0 Robbery (not burglary) 2 Sex offenses – forcible 2 Sex offenses – non-forcible 1 Aggravated assault 0 Arson 3

2001 Crime Statistics at CWU Burglary 41 Malicious mischief (vandalism) 98 Vehicle prowl 33 Theft (all degrees) 97 Bicycle theft 80 DUI 19 Vehicle theft 6

Which type of crime are you most likely to experience? Murder? 0 Robbery? 2 Bike theft? 80 Burglary? 41

Prepare to prevent Most criminals are looking for the “perfect opportunity.” Don’t supply it. Invite campus police to conduct a free residential security survey on your residence hall, apartment or home. The survey is available to anyone living on campus and takes ½ hour. The survey will identify ways a burglar might enter the home and provide you with information about how to reduce the risk of residential burglary. Call to make an appointment with a Crime Prevention Specialist.

Residential Burglary “A person is guilty of residential burglary if, with intent to commit a crime against a person or property therein, the person enters or remains unlawfully in a dwelling other than a vehicle.” R.C.W. 9A Residential burglary is a Class B felony. CWU had 41 reported cases of burglary in 2001.

Residential Burglary Close your doors and windows completely and lock them whenever you leave, even if you will only be gone a minute. Over half of all burglaries are non-forcible entry, which means the burglar entered from an unlocked door or window. Don’t leave doors “propped” open for any reason.

Residential Burglary Protect access to your room carefully. Do not allow your keys to sit out where anyone could find them, copy them and access your room later. Consider engraving your belongings with your Washington State Driver’s License number. For more information about Operation ID, call Remember that even if you don’t think you have any valuable “worth protecting”, a burglar who can gain access to steal your computer is a personal safety threat to you.

Car Prowling Most car prowlers look for cars that are easily (and quietly) accessible. Close all windows and lock all doors to your vehicle, even if you will return shortly. Park in a well-lighted space. Remove your stereo face plate. Never leave valuables, ID or cash in the car. If your car is prowled, do not touch anything and call police.

Car Prowling Record the serial numbers of any stereo equipment you may have in the car. Consider engraving your stereo equipment with your Washington State Driver’s License number. If the equipment is stolen and later recovered, the officer can use your WDL to contact you. Serial numbers of recovered stolen items are matched against a database to see if the owner can be identified.

Bicycle Theft Record the serial number of your bicycle. Consider registering your bicycle with campus police. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. Call for information. ALWAYS use a bicycle lock, even if you will only be away a few minutes. Thieves prefer unlocked bikes.

Motor Vehicle Theft 6 cars were stolen off the CWU campus in Always lock your car and don’t leave a hidden key nearby or on the vehicle. Never leave your vehicle running unattended “to warm up.” If your vehicle is stolen, report it to police immediately.

If your vehicle is stolen… Be prepared to provide police with: Color, year, make, model of the car (i.e. Red 1988 Honda Accord 4-door) License plate, significant identifying features (i.e. primered front quarter panel, custom paint, etc) Insurance & Registered Owner information

When describing a vehicle, think CYMBAL Color Year Make/Model Body And License

Speaking of cars… Central Washington winters present several driving hazards. Be prepared to drive in the snow, slush and sleet. Better yet, stay home if you can. If you are traveling over area passes, call ROAD before you leave to assess pass conditions. Always carry an emergency kit in your car.

Emergency Kits Should Contain: Extra clothing and appropriate footwear Food and bottled water Extra windshield wipers and wiper fluid Anti-freeze Sand or cat litter Shovel Flares Gloves, scarf, hat Blankets Flashlight with batteries Fire extinguisher Jumper cables Extra ice scraper Tire chains (know how to use them!!!)

Other Road Hazards… In 2001, CWU officers made 19 DUI arrests Alcohol and other drugs impair judgment. Don’t ride with someone who’s been drinking or using other drugs. Don’t drive if you have been drinking or using other drugs. Use the SafeRide program by calling_______.

Alcohol & Other Drugs Alcohol is a factor in 53% of all fatal traffic collisions that occur on weekends. (NTHSA 2000 Report) Washington has a “zero tolerance” DUI law A driver over 21 is considered intoxicated at a BAC of.08%. For drivers under 21 years of age, it’s.02%. That’s just for DUI. A minor with any BAC can be arrested for Minor In Possession/Consumption.

It’s Not Just Alcohol Washington State DUI laws pertain not just to alcohol, but to any substance that may affect driving – marijuana, prescription drugs, etc. First time DUI offenders will lose their license for up to one year, spend up to 2 days in jail, and may be required to install and pay for an ignition interlocking device. First time DUI offenders can expect to shell out $3,465 to $24,825 by the time it’s all done. (M.A.D.D. Stats 2001) Bottom Line: Don’t drive under the influence. It’s not worth it!

Sexual Assault In 2001, campus police investigated three founded sexual assault cases. National statistics suggest only 1 in 10 rapes is reported for females, 1 in 30 for males victims.

Sexual Assault Schedule “first dates” to include activities with a group of people. Meet your date somewhere public, and drive yourself. Pay attention to your instincts. If you hear a warning bell, listen to it. Do not use alcohol or other drugs. When impaired, you lose your ability to protect yourself and react quickly.

Sexual Assault Women – consider taking a self-defense course to learn ways to physically thwart an assault attempt. For more information, call You are the only person who can decide what’s right in your particular situation. Learn a variety of ways to get out of an attack situation and keep trying them until something works. Resist or fight with the attacker if necessary.

Sexual Assault Response Commitment Sexual assault, including date or acquaintance rape, is a very serious concern of this police department. If you feel you are a victim of a sexual assault on campus, the Department of Public Safety and Police Services will guarantee the following:

Sexual Assault Response Commitment We will meet with you privately at a time and local place of your choice to take your report. We cannot and will not notify your parents without your consent. We will treat you and your case with courtesy, sensitivity, dignity understanding and professionalism. Our officers will not prejudge you, and you will not be blamed for what occurred.

Sexual Assault Response Commitment We will assist you in arranging any necessary hospital treatment or other medical needs. We will also assist with emergency housing if needed. If you would feel more comfortable talking with a friend or advocate of your choice present, we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Sexual Assault Response Commitment We will fully investigate your case, and will help you to achieve the best outcome. We will assist you in privately contacting counseling and other available resources. We will continue to be available to answer your questions and be a listening ear if you wish. We will consider your case seriously, regardless of your gender or the gender or status of the suspect.

Safety on the Go When you leave, tell your roommate or someone else where you’re going and when you’re coming back. Leave phone numbers of where you can be reached. Keep you car doors locked when traveling. In traffic and at stop lights, “read” the situation and always leave yourself a way out.

Safety on the Go Keep your purse or wallet secured near your body. Women – do not wear your purse around your neck. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to change your course if necessary. If you’re being followed, go into a public place such as an open business.

Emergencies on Campus Use the blue phones to connect immediately with police dispatch. Know your location and be able to give an address if possible. Stay calm and let the dispatcher guide the conversation. Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

Emergencies on Campus Alert others to the emergency and ask for help from passersby if necessary. Be prepared to answer questions that the emergency dispatcher will have. If the threat is still present, whether it be a suspect, fire, or other, advise the dispatcher and attempt to go to a safer place. Do not move injured persons unless the threat of letting them stay where they are is greater than their injury. Follow the emergency plan for CWU, available at the Department of Public Safety and Police Services.

Wrapping it up…. Questions? Comments?

For more information about crime prevention… Contact the CWU Department of Public Safety and Police Services at or Visit the CWU Police website at