August 29, 2024
Dear Campus Community,
As the new semester begins and you begin to explore all that downtown Binghamton has to offer, we want to remind you of some important safety tips to keep in mind. This past weekend, there were several incidents downtown. Thankfully, no students were involved, and no one was hurt. However, these incidents serve as an important reminder to remain vigilant and take precautions while in the downtown area. Whether you're heading out with friends or spending time on your own, your safety is our top priority.
Safety Tips for off-campus
- Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or when walking alone. Keep your phone charged and accessible, and avoid distractions while walking. Know your neighborhood and where you are.
- Travel in Groups: Have a plan before you go out and stay in pairs or groups. Help your friends make good decisions and remember that alcohol impairs judgment and your ability to recognize dangerous situations.
- Communicate: Let your friends know where you are and when you will be returning.
- Use Trusted Transportation: Use the OCCT and BCT bus systems if you don't have a car.
- Emergency Contacts: Keep a cell phone on you with emergency numbers programmed in.
- Say Something: Report all suspicious activity and persons to the police. Call 911 from your cell phone if you feel threatened or spot suspicious persons or activity.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and any alerts from the University regarding safety concerns. Being informed can help you avoid risky situations.
Personal safety is a shared responsibility, and we encourage you to take care of each other by following the safety tips in this message. We want you to safely take advantage of all that the Binghamton area has to offer — and we care about your well-being and want you to have a great experience while you're here. If you have any concerns or need assistance, reach out to us, at police@binghamton.edu.
Stay safe and take care,
University Police