The UMass Lowell Police Department depends on the cooperation of the campus community in order to prevent crime and keep our campus safe. Keeping the following tips in mind will help us all maintain a safe place to learn, work and live.

NOTE: Go to Emergency Preparedness to learn how to protect yourself if there is an active threat on campus.

Personal Safety

  • Always trust your instincts.
  • Report suspicious activity to the police.
  • Enter ICE – In Case of Emergency — contacts into your cell phone and your address book. Attach ICE information to your photo ID as well.
  • Learn to protect yourself with a Rape Aggression Defense course (R.A.D.).
  • Watch out for your friends and neighbors.

Residence Hall Safety

  • Do not share your key or your UCard. Report losses immediately.
  • Lock your doors, even if leaving the room for just a moment.
  • Always check to see who is at your door before opening it.
  • Use main entrances and exits, except during a fire alarm.
  • Do not prop exterior doors.
  • Do not let someone follow you into a residence hall when you enter.
  • Register all guests.
  • Follow the student conduct code.
  • Notify staff of broken doors and security equipment.
  • Take fire drills seriously and always evacuate when a fire alarm sounds (remember to lock your door).

Going Out

  • Use marked crosswalks, look both ways and make sure traffic stops before you cross.
  • When you go out, let a friend or roommate know where you will be and when you will return.
  • Avoid walking alone at night. Use the University’s Transportation Service or the free campus shuttle.
  • If you are out after dark, use only well-lit routes. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubs, dark doorways and other hiding places.
  • Be alert and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area.
  • Make note of the location of EMERGENCY phones.

Personal Belongings

  • Never leave your purse, wallet, backpack, laptop or other property unattended even for a moment.
  • Carry insurance on your valuables. Check your homeowners’ insurance policy to see if valuables are covered on campus or arrange for separate coverage.
  • Record serial numbers and keep photos or descriptions of your valuables.
  • Take advantage of Operation Identification, the UMass Lowell PD “etching” program, to identify lost or stolen items.
  • Use computer locking devices for extra protection.

Protecting Your Data, Privacy and Identity

  • Take advantage of the programs, information and tips available from the IT Office toprotect computers against viruses, worms, malware and other security breaches, and to keep user accounts secure.
  • Scan computers for security problems before connecting to the Internet.
  • Memorize all of your PIN numbers.
  • Never give any credit card, bank or social security information to anyone over the telephone or in response to an unsolicited email.
  • Take great care when using social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, or video sites like YouTube. Do not post risky, sensitive or potentially embarrassing personal information or videos.
  • Use only legal file trading sites and methods to download and share music.
  • Do not lend computers and accounts to others. Protect Social Security and Student ID numbers and only give them out when it is essential.
  • If you are the victim of identity theft contact the police immediately.
  • Understand your legal rights and responsibilities as a UMass Lowell student.