Community Safety Office

Safety Services and Resources

Community Safety Office
21 Sussex Ave. , 2 ^nd Floor
Telephone: 416-978-1485 (main line)

What is the role of the Community Safety Office?

• The Community Safety Office addresses personal and community safety issues for students, staff and faculty across all three campuses.

When should you contact the Community Safety Office and what can you expect when you call?

What is the role of Campus Community Police?

• Campus Community Police are committed to creating a safe and secure environment to students, staff, faculty and visitors. Campus Community Police are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• They are committed to enforcing the Criminal Code statutes, Provincial and Municipal statutes and University policies. Some examples of calls that Campus Community Police would respond to include: threats to personal safety, stolen property, responding to a suspicious person or unwanted person call, emergency response.
• Individuals from the University community can file police reports with the Campus Police. Some examples of reports taken by Campus Community Police include: stolen property, trespassers etc.
• They provide crime prevention and detection programs, such as the STOP program (anti-theft program for computers)

Campus Community Police Safety Programs & Services

• Emergency Call Stations : There are over 120 Emergency Call Stations located throughout campus that are monitored by the Campus Community Police. If you require emergency assistance (ie. you are concerned about your personal safety; you witness a crime or see a suspicious person on campus, you have a medical emergency etc.) you can press the emergency button located on the call station to contact the Campus Police Emergency line immediately.
• Free Emergency Calls : You can contact the Campus Community Police from any campus Bell Canada phone for free when contacting Campus Police and/or 911 emergency services.
• WALKsafer: The Walksafer programs is a service for students, staff and faculty who do not want to walk alone at night. The Walksafer program offers a reliable, safe alternative to walking alone on campus at night by providing escorts to walk you from one campus building to another or from one campus building to the nearest TTC stop. To access the program call: 416-978-SAFE (7233)

• Workalone Program: The WorkAlone Program is available to all members of the community who work on the campus during the quiet hours of the evening, weekends and statutory holidays. In order to access the program, contact Campus Community Police and register for the Workalone Program. University Police will visit or telephone you during the period you requested. In the event of an emergency in your area, the University Police will contact you and will advise you on the appropriate procedures to follow. If the University Police have not heard from you at the designated time, then follow up procedures will be initiated, including immediate police investigation of your work site. In the event, that you are not located, then Campus Police will contact your emergency contact. If you require an escort to your vehicle or the subway, the University Police will make the necessary arrangements for you. The hours of this service are Monday to Friday 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 am and 24 hours during weekends and statutory holidays. To access the program call 416-978-2323 .
• STOP anti-theft program : The STOP (Security Tracking of Office Property) program involves purchasing a security plate and affixing it to a laptop or other personal property. The plate, available from Campus Police for $20.00, features a bar code and the word STOP written across it. UofT Campus Police staff records the purchaser’s information and registers it with the STOP program. The sight of the STOP plate is often a deterrent for potential thieves. If the potential thieve tries to remove the plate (it takes over 800 lbs of force) there is a permanent tattoo underneath the plate that indicates the property is stolen and provides a 1-800 number to report the theft. To register call Campus Police at 416-978-2323.

Safety is a priority at the University of Toronto, with a number of services and programs to assist you. The safety tips are listed below have been provided to help you plan for your personal safety at work and at home. Everyone has the right to live, work and study in safety and we all share in the responsibility to make this possible!  With your assistance we can build a safer community!

• Immediately go to a safe place and call the police at 911 (Fire, Medical, Police)
  
• Provide a description of the incident and remain on the phone until the operator says it is okay.
  
• If the incident occurred on-campus, call Campus Police at 416-978-2222.
  
• Call your supervisor, if possible and inform them of the incident.

• Unusual noises, including: screaming, sounds of fighting, glass breaking, or illegal activity.
  
• People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
  
• Unauthorized personnel in restricted areas.
  
• People in the building who do not appear to be loitering.

• Be aware of the emergency numbers and post them in visible areas.
• Know where the nearest exits are located if you need to escape.
• Know where the nearest fire alarm is located.
• If you are working alone, ensure that the exterior doors and/or your main office door is locked.
• Don't bring valuables, jewelry or large amounts of money to work if you don't have to.
  
• Never prop open doors, even for a brief time. It may save you a few extra steps or a few moments, but it places the safety of everyone in your building at risk.
• Lock your office door, even if you are leaving only for a few minutes.
• If a tradesperson, repair person or courier requests admittance to your building, office or room, ask for identification. If you are not satisfied with the person's credentials, direct him or her to someone in authority for assistance.
• If someone unknown requests entrance to your building, or attempts to enter a locked area with you, refuse them entry. Tell them, "I'm sorry, but we are very concerned about security in this building" or "If you will tell me whom you want to visit, I'll buzz them for you." If they persist, direct them to someone in authority. Report any unauthorized entry to your building security or to the University Police.
• Be especially aware of maintaining security in your building during holiday or vacation periods, or during quiet times, when there are fewer people around.
• Use the buddy system. If you are going to work late at night in a University building, try to locate yourself close to someone you know. Or, let someone else know where you are and when you expect to leave.  If you will be working after-hours, use the WorkAlone program offered by Campus Police.

Increase Your Awareness: Safety on Elevators

• If the person waiting to get on the elevator with you makes you feel uncomfortable, don't get in. If you are riding with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, leave. Get off before the door closes, or leave at the next floor. You don't need to feel guilty for protecting yourself.
• In elevators, stand near the control panel with your back against the wall. If you are threatened, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible.

Increase Your Awareness: Safety in Parking Lots and Garages

• When you know you will be returning to your car late at night, try to park it in a well lit area.
• Before getting into your car, visually check the interior.
• Have your keys in your hand, so that you don’t have to search for them when you reach your car.
• Try not to park on levels of a parking garage that will be empty when you return.
• Know your nearest safe exit route from a garage.
• Back your car into a parking stall in a garage. This gives you greater visibility and allows you to drive away more quickly if you are being approached by a stranger.
• When you leave your car, walk briskly and confidently. Do not be distracted.
• If you are worried about becoming a target, vary your routine. Park in different spots at different times.

Increase Your Awareness: While You Are Out

• Be alert! - Being alert to what and who is around you is the best defense.
Walk with a self- assured stride, with your head up, and look around. (persons who look strong and in control are less attractive targets.)
• Avoid walking alone on-campus at night.
• Call Walksafer Service at: (416) 978-7233(SAFE)
• Avoid using short cuts or other routes that are less traveled and may obscure you from being seen by others.
• Try to stay in well lit areas, and use routes that are frequently traveled by others.
• Know where you are going-plan your route.
• Have your keys or ID card ready in your hand.  This prevents you having to fumble with your keys at the doors.
• Be aware of what is going on around you. If you suspect you are being followed, indicate your suspicion by looking behind you. If you are on foot, cross the street, change directions or vary your speed. In a commercial or residential area, head for a place where there are other people as soon as possible.<!--[endif]-->
• If someone is following you or you even think someone is following you, go immediately to a  phone and contact the University Police at 416-978-2222 (on-campus) or 911  (off-campus).
  

Increase Your Awareness: Using an ATM machine

• Try to avoid using an ATM by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around.
  
• If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lighted and does not have tall bushes nearby.
  
• If When you arrive at an ATM, look around. If you are uncomfortable, do not stop.
  
• Have everything you need ready when you approach an ATM.
• When using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Look up and around every few seconds while transacting your business.
• Protect your personal identification number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see you enter it. Shield your PIN from onlookers by using your body.
  
• When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt and leave immediately. Do not count your money at the machine.