Prevention
PEDESTRIAN ASSISTANCE FOR SAFETY
The University provides an escort service every evening when the University is in session. Pedestrian Assistance for Safety may be reached at 874-SAFE. When the Service is not available, the Police Department and the Security Department will provide safe travel for any community member. The Police can be reached at 874-2121, (24) hours a day. Other transportation services include the Kingston Connection, a shuttle service provided by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority through the university. This is a shuttle bus service which operates from 7:30 AM until 12:30AM or later during the fall and spring semesters. There are several routes accessing the entire campus and its parking areas.
GENERAL CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS
The University Police Department presents workshops on a variety of safety and prevention topics. Interested groups are given information and support from members of the Police Department The workshops are developed to make the students aware of their vulnerabilities and to protect their belongings, themselves and each other. Additionally, workshops and programs aimed at reducing risk of victimization and at discouraging drug and alcohol use and abuse are available.
LIGHTING
The quality and effectiveness of campus lighting is surveyed on a regular basis and patrols note any lighting repairs necessary each night. This information is relayed to Facilities Services each weekday morning. Faulty lighting can be reported to the University Facilities and Operations Office at 874-4060. Additionally, each semester, a full campus lighting and safety survey is accomplished by a group made up of Student Senators, Police personnel, Security personnel, Telecommunications staff, Electricians, Facilities and Operations Directors, Student Life Administrators, and division vice presidents. Results of the survey are forwarded to the appropriate departments so that repairs and improvements may be implemented.
EMERGENCY TELEPHONES
There are (76) emergency phones installed at various locations throughout the campus. These emergency phones permit immediate contact with the Police Department. Once activated, the number and location of the activated phone is immediately transmitted to the Police Dispatch, whether or not the caller stays on the line. This feature allows the Police Department to instantly identify the location of the caller. Emergency phones are added as new construction projects change pedestrian patterns.
CLOSED CIRCUIT MONITORING
In cooperation with the Telecommunications Department , CCTV monitoring of most parking lots, intersections and roadways has been implemented. The Police Communications personnel monitor and operate that system.
SEXUAL ASSAULT WORKSHOPS
At the request of any individual or group, Student Life, the Women's Center, the Coordinator for the Violence Against Women Programs, Housing and Residential Life Education and the Police Department will conduct informative workshops on specific safety topics, including sexual assault. Written materials are always available on this subject for anyone who requests them from any of these Departments.
ALCOHOL WORKSHOPS
Also by request, the office of Substance Abuse in Student Life, Housing and Residential Life Education and the Police Department will conduct presentations on topics such as alcohol and controlled substances abuse and driving while intoxicated.
USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The use of alcohol (by a minor) or illegal drugs and/or illegal drug paraphernalia, is not permitted on the University of Rhode Island Campus. Illegal or inappropriate behavior accompanying and/or following the use of alcohol or drugs (e.g., behavior which violates the rights of others or causes personal injury and/or property damage) by a member of the University of Rhode Island community, shall be considered a serious offense and will result in disciplinary, administrative, civil and/or criminal action.
The University of Rhode Island will follow and adhere to all laws of the State of Rhode Island and University regulations pertaining to alcohol/drugs. The legal drinking age in Rhode Island is 21 years old.
WEAPONS
To prevent injury, the University of Rhode Island prohibits the possession and use of ANY potentially dangerous weapon or explosive device. Firearms, ammunition, air guns, spring weapons, slingshots, fireworks, edged weapons, paint guns and water guns are among the prohibited items.
The University is not a sanctuary from the law; therefore, any laws which apply in the local community or the State of Rhode Island apply at the University of Rhode Island as well.
