Public Safety Message from Chief Ronnell Higgins

To the Yale Community:

As the weather improves and more of us are out and about on campus and the city, it is a good time to remember some actions that you can take to help reduce crime.

Overall, 2015 crime on and near campus continues trending down. However, recently a number of street robberies have occurred in neighborhoods near campus, including an armed robbery in the East Rock neighborhood, and an armed robbery at Starr Street and Mansfield Street. The New Haven police are investigating, but no arrests have been made yet. Although these crimes did not occur on campus, they are a reminder that, even during daylight hours, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to remember basic safety tips, such as:

• When you walk, run or bike—particularly after dark or in isolated areas—please do so in a group, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Street robberies typically occur in isolated or poorly-lit areas. Pick well-lit, well-populated areas for your travel routes.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel you are in a potentially dangerous situation, call the Yale Police at (203) 432-4400, or dial 911 or use the Blue Phones in an emergency.
• Don’t display cash or portable electronic devices on the street.
• If you are coming from or going to the train station, don’t walk by yourself. Call a cab, take the shuttle, or walk with a group.
• Pay particular attention to pedestrian and bicycle safety: if you’re driving, slow down, stop for pedestrians and be alert; if you’re walking, make sure to cross at the crosswalks and, even then, pay extra attention during this busy time of year.
• Don’t walk with ear buds in.
• Don’t leave portable electronic devices unguarded—even “for a minute.”
• Don’t ever hand your phone to a stranger. Some thieves use this scam to take your phone and run.
• If you are leaving campus for the summer, keep a close eye on your belongings as you move out, and lock all doors and windows.
• It is always a good idea to note the location of emergency blue phones along your route and make use of security services including shuttle services and door-to-door rides at night by calling 203-432-9255.

The Yale Police and Security officers remain highly flexible to meet community expectations to safeguard our open urban campus. Please contact us immediately if you observe any suspicious behavior, or to report a crime. Call the Yale Police directly at (203) 432-4400 or use YaleTip by texting to 67283; begin the stream with yaletip. For a full list of our safety services including locations of Yale’s emergency blue phones, nighttime safe rides, and shuttle services, visit the Public Safety section of this website.

In partnership with the police and security patrols, these few safety tips can help us have a safe end-of-semester.

Sincerely,
Ronnell A. Higgins
Chief, Yale University Police