Oakland University proudly boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Oakland County. In order to maintain that high level of security on campus, OU Police offers the following safety tips to help reduce your possibility of falling victim to crime.
- Be alert. Your safety depends mostly upon your own attitude and actions. Practice common sense and avoid putting yourself in a situation likely to make you a victim of crime.
- Report unusual activity. For police, fire or medical emergencies, you may contact OU Police by calling 911 from an on-campus phone or by calling (248) 370-3331 from any other phone.
- Use any of the blue light emergency call boxes throughout campus. Push the button to be connected directly with the OU Police Communications Center.
- Use the buddy system. While on campus, use the “buddy” system. There is always safety in numbers, and at all times you should walk with someone, especially after dark.
- Stay in well-lit areas. During the evening hours, walk along illuminated pathways. These well-lit sidewalks are frequently patrolled by members of OU Police.
- Call for an escort. The SAFEwalk program provides a visual escort while you are walking on campus. To request a SAFEwalk escort, call OU Police at (248) 370-3331 and a Police Officer or Police Service Aide will respond to the area while you walk to your location.
- Park in well-lit areas. Lock your doors to discourage would-be thieves from breaking into your car.
- Keep valuables at home. If you live in University Housing, try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables to campus.
- Always lock your doors. Whenever you leave your room for any reason, take the time to lock the door behind you.
- Be able to positively identify your belongings. Make a list of all valuable items with model and serial numbers. Keep a copy in your room and one left at home will make recovery of lost or stolen property much more likely.
The officers of the OUPD patrol the campus buildings and sidewalks on foot and patrol the roadways and parking lots in marked patrol vehicles. Highly visible police cars and uniformed police officers deter most criminals; however, we cannot do it all. We rely on an informed public, one interested in becoming involved to deter crime and aid in the apprehension of criminals.
If you practice the crime prevention tips mentioned above, there is a very good chance that you will not become the victim of a crime. With your help, we can continue to keep OU one of the safest communities in Oakland County.