Personal Safety

Awareness and planning can lessen your chances of becoming a victim of crime.

• Use the "buddy" system and walk with a friend or friends.
• When possible walk in lighted areas and on established paths. Shortcuts through fields and alleys may not be safe.
• Know the locations of the emergency phones on campus.
• Utilize the safety programs that are offered to you as a student:
  1. Safe Ride (785-864-7233) is a service available to KU students during the school year that provides safe rides home from anywhere in Lawrence between the hours of 11p.m. and 3 a.m. Expect to wait about 20 minutes on average for Safe Ride. This program can be utilized by a student for any reason, not just if you are intoxicated.
  2. JAYWALK(785-864-3222) is a campus walk service available to KU students during the school year, operating out of the KU Info Desk at Anschutz Library and from the lobby of GSP Hall. This program provides a pair of trained volunteers (one female and one male) to walk you to or from any location on campus between the hours of 9p.m. and 1a.m. The escorts will wait with you for Safe Ride, a friend or the Night Express bus to arrive.
• When possible drive your car on well traveled roads. Keep your car well maintained to avoid breakdowns.
• Look around your car when walking toward it. If you see anyone in the area of your car, don't go to it. Check your car before getting inside to be certain no one is hiding inside. Also be sure to lock your car. This will help protect your valuables and keep someone from getting inside.
• To prevent anyone from getting in your car while stopped in traffic or at intersections, keep your doors locked at all times. Be alert and keep looking around when using ATM's and pay phones.
• Carry your purse or backpack close to your body and grip it tight. If you are mugged, give them what they want and walk away.
• If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or the situation doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and leave.
• Have your house key or car key in your hand when going to your residence or car. This reduces the time you are standing at the locked door searching for keys.
• If you need to park in a remote parking lot, stop by your hall and pick up a friend so you can walk back together.

The Public Safety Office has pamphlets on various topics dealing with safety issues available at our office and also available to download.