Public Safety informs students and staff, in a timely manner, of any criminal activity or security problems, which may pose a reasonable threat to physical safety. Such information is distributed to students through the Student Activity Board and The Patriot Press student newspaper. Staff is informed through memorandums and the monthly Campus Crime Statistics Report.

Another critical element of a campus safety program is training. The Student Leadership Development coordinator and the Student Activities Board sponsor programs on various topics ranging from sexual assault and awareness to substance prevention.

Finally, all effective crime prevention programs include some measure of people watching out for one another. All staff and students are asked to be ALERT, SECURITY CONSCIOUS and INVOLVED. Call Public Safety if you have knowledge of a crime, or if you observe an incident or person on campus that causes you to feel unsafe.

• Ocala Campus at 352-854-2322, ext. 1261, or 873-5841
• Appleton Museum at 352-854-2322, ext. 1848
• Hampton Center at 352-427-4640
• Citrus Campus at 352-746-6721, ext. 6135, 352-302-6081
• Levy Campus at 352-658-4077, ext. 2100

AT HOME

• Don’t open your home to strangers – utility companies furnish ID badges. Be suspicious of door-to-door solicitors.
• Never reveal your phone number to a wrong number caller, and never listen to heavy breathers or obscene callers. Hang up gently.
• Lock your apartment doors as soon as you enter or leave.
• Don’t lend your keys to anyone – period!!
• If you notice any sign of forced entry when you come home, don’t enter. Go to a neighbor’s and call the police.
• Never leave messages on your door.
• Always have your keys out and ready when you come to your door.
• Don’t hide an extra key outside. Rapists and burglars know all the best spots.
• Be wary of neighbors or casual acquaintances who make it a habit of “dropping in ” when no one else is home.
• Don’t advertise that you live alone.
• Don’t leave underwear or bathing suits on the line, balcony or clothes racks at night. This could attract a rapist or a “peeping tom”.

WHILE WALKING ON OR OFF CAMPUS

• Walk briskly; look alert and confident; however, avoid presenting a “cocky” attitude or posture.
• If you are being harassed from a vehicle, turn and walk in the opposite direction. Try to head for lights and people.
• If you feel you must give directions to a driver or pedestrian, maintain enough distance to prevent being grabbed and dragged into the car or out of sight of passersby.
• Never hitchhike or accept rides from a stranger.
• Avoid dark and secluded places and do not bike, jog, or walk alone at night.
• After an evening class, walk to your car with someone you know, if possible.
• Trust your instincts when you sense danger. Don’t be embarrassed “to make a scene” if you feel you are in danger.
• Call the Public Safety office for an escort.

WHILE IN YOUR CAR

• Before getting into your car, be sure to check the floor of the back seat.
• When driving, keep your doors locked.
• Whenever possible, park in a well-lighted area.
• If you think you’re being followed, do not drive home. Drive to the nearest gas, fire or police station, or to the nearest well-lighted area where there are people.
• Don’t pull over for flashing headlights. If it is an emergency vehicle or the police, there will be flashing red or blue lights on the top of the car.
• Don’t pick up a hitchhiker under any circumstances.
• If you have car trouble on the road, raise the hood and then wait inside the car with the doors locked and the windows up. If a motorist stops to help, crack your window slightly and ask him or her to call the police.
• Always carry enough money for an emergency phone call and to purchase gas if you need it. Maintain your car in good running condition.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

• Be honest with your friend or acquaintance when you mean “NO”. Be sure that not only your voice but also your body language (non-verbal actions) is saying “NO”.
• It is very risky to accept a ride home or an invitation for a late night snack from someone you’ve just met.
• Be careful of whom you are with and where you are when under the influence of alcohol or other mood-altering drugs. Do not use drugs – period!
• When your are using laundromats or apartment house laundry rooms, plan to go with a neighbor or friend. Try to avoid entering the area alone if it is empty.