Safety Tips
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Duke is a safe place to live, study and work. You're a valuable partner in helping keep the campus safe. Please consider these simple precautions.
Personal Safety
Report crime, concerns, threats of violence, unwanted contact and suspicious activity immediately.
- Dial 9-1-1 to reach Duke Police or Durham Police, or (919) 684-2444 to reach Duke Police.
- Sign up to receive RSS feeds about campus safety.
- Learn more about Durham safety.
- Familiarize yourself with University emergency notification procedures and sign up for DukeALERT emergency text messages.
- Participate in a crime prevention program.
- Walk in groups or get a ride late at night by calling a Duke Van Services at (919) 684-2020. The vans operate on a limited schedule; geographic boundaries apply.
- If you are being followed, go to the nearest populated, well-lit location and call 9-1-1. If you are walking, cross the street away from the person and go somewhere else such as a convenience store. If you are driving, you can go to the Duke Hospital emergency room or Duke Police headquarters at 502 Oregon St.
- If a person confronts you and demands money or possessions, law enforcement officials suggest giving what is demanded and creating a safe distance.
- Excessive drinking may lead to negative consequences, including assault, illness and driving under the influence. The legal drinking age is 21. If you see someone who is passed out or sick from alcohol, call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Duke provides confidential counseling assistance for students and employees. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS for students), (919) 660-1000; Personal Assistance Service (PAS for employees), (919) 416-1727.
Active Shooter Information
The Department of Homeland Security has publications that inform the public on how to handle threatening situations. Included in these are:
Property SafetyMost campus crime involves theft of unattended property. This includes break-ins to motor vehicles.
- Lock your residence or office when away and secure your belongings.
- Don’t prop open doors, especially doors accessed with a DukeCard.
- Alert police to strangers or suspicious activity in your area.
- Don’t leave valuables unattended.
- When you park, do not leave personal property and valuables (laptops, backpacks, purses, GPS systems) in plain view.