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TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE
Living in New Haven has many advantages: cultural diversity, historical
areas, and nightlife attractions.
However, like other U.S. cities in the U.S., New Haven also has some
disadvantages, one of which is the
problem of public safety. You should always be careful. Upon arrival at
Yale, begin orienting yourself:
- Familiarize yourself with campus by walking around in the daylight.
Be aware of the locations of the Security Blue Phones.
- Do not walk alone at night. When traveling at night, use Yale’s
walking escort service or the Yale Shuttle or minibus.
- Familiarize yourself with the resources of the University's Polices
Services, which is a full service police agency of about 79 officers.
University Police officers are armed and have full police powers,
including the authority to make arrests throughout the city of New
Haven. The Yale University Police Department is located at 98-100
Sachem Street with a sub-station at 258 Park Street. The Police
Communications Center is located within Phelps Gate on College Street
between Chapel and Elm Street. For emergencies on campus call 111.
For emergencies off-campus call 911. For non-emergencies you
can call the Yale Police Department at 432-4400.
- Keep "emergency" numbers near your telephone at home.
- No lock works unless you use it. Lock public doors or gates to your
apartment building, dormitory, lab or office.
- Never attach your address to your key chain. Yale urges you never to
attach your ID tag to your key chain.
- Report to police any unusual or suspicious activity near your
office, lab, home, room or around your neighbors' homes or apartments.
Street Sense
- When walking, always be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and
be aware of who is walking in front of and behind you.
- Walk with confidence. Your body language tells others a lot about
you. Walk with an air of being in control.
- Trust your instincts; they are usually right. If you feel
uncomfortable or that something is wrong, leave the area.
- Walk in well-traveled areas. Never take shortcuts through alleys or
open lots.
- Be cautious when crossing the street, particularly busy streets.
Always look both ways before you cross the street even if your light
is green or if you have a "walk" sign. Some drivers have
their uniquely flexible interpretations of the traffic lights and they
often jump green lights and run red ones.
- Never "jaywalk" (the American term for crossing the street
outside the designated crosswalks).
- Homelessness is unfortunately a growing phenomenon in the U.S. You
will see people living on the streets of New Haven and they may ask
you for money. Your safety is not usually at risk, but it is generally
advisable not to give money to them. If you want to help, donate time
or money to a homeless shelter. If any person intimidates, harasses,
or threatens you, notify police immediately.
  
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