Along with the thousands of students, faculty, and staff, the number of pedestrians and vehicles on campus sees a significant daily increase due to visitors attending various events. This high volume of traffic necessitates strict enforcement of traffic laws by the ECU Police Department to ensure pedestrian safety and reduce vehicle accidents. Violations such as speeding, drunk driving, and blocking emergency lanes pose serious risks to the ECU community.
Effective community policing relies on shared responsibility. Protect yourself from crime by adopting these common-sense safety precautions:
- Trust your instincts – never ignore gut feelings.
- Always be prepared for the unexpected.
- Immediately dial 911 or contact ECU Police at (252) 328-6787 if you observe suspicious behavior or a crime in progress!
Residence Halls
- Report any unusual or suspicious activity to the ECU Police Department immediately at (252) 328-6787.
- Only allow your known visitors into residence halls.
- Ensure residence hall doors are never left ajar.
- Keep room and suite doors locked, even for brief absences.
- Always lock your room door and take your keys when leaving. Secure valuables in locked areas within suites.
- Store small valuables (jewelry, cash, electronics) out of sight in secure drawers or locations.
- Secure portable electronics like iPods, MP3 players, cell phones, USB drives, and laptops as they are theft targets.
- Utilize “Operation I.D.” offered by ECU PD to mark your valuables with a personal identification number.
- Request a Safety Escort from ECU Police Department for nighttime walks back to your room.
- Report any instance of rape or sexual assault, even if the assailant is known. It remains a crime.
Off-Campus Residence Security
- Always lock doors and windows when you are away and while at home when you might not hear an entry, such as during sleep. For sliding glass doors, enhance security by placing a wooden rod in the floor track to prevent opening.
- If your doors lack a deadbolt, consult your landlord about installation.
- Keep valuables and expensive equipment out of sight from outside view.
- Consider getting a dog for security. If not feasible, create the impression of having one by keeping a large dog bowl and chain visible.
- Leave interior lights on when away, using a timer for absences longer than a day.
- Inform a trusted neighbor if you’ll be gone for several days. Suspend mail and newspaper delivery. Use light timers in multiple rooms.
- Record serial numbers of all valuables. Mark valuables with a personal identification number through ECU PD’s “Operation I.D.”.
- Avoid leaving answering machine messages indicating absence; simply state unavailability.
- Use exterior lights at all entrances, ensuring they are turned off during daylight.
- Report any suspicious individuals to local police, providing a description, last seen location, and direction of travel.
- If you suspect a break-in upon returning home, do not enter. Go to a neighbor’s house or use your cell phone to call the police.
Office Security Measures
- Keep your office door locked when you are out.
- Never leave personal valuables in plain sight. Take purses or wallets with you when leaving the office, or secure them in a locked area.
- Secure small electronics such as iPods, MP3 players, cell phones, USB drives, and laptops to prevent theft.
- Avoid working alone in an office or classroom on campus at night.
- Report any suspicious sounds or sights immediately to the ECU Police Department at (252) 328-6787.
Personal Safety Guidelines
- Develop and maintain a personal safety plan.
- Always inform someone of your location.
- Program 911 and ECU Dispatch, (252) 328-6787, into your cell phone speed dial.
- Familiarize yourself with Emergency Blue-Light Phone locations on campus for instant contact with ECU Police Dispatchers.
- Avoid walking alone at night; always walk with a friend.
- Do not leave social gatherings with casual acquaintances.
- Never leave food or drinks unattended at social events.
- Avoid being alone on the street while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation immediately.
- Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings.
- If you sense danger, attract attention by screaming and running if necessary.
- At night, stay in well-lit and frequently traveled areas.
- Walk confidently and assertively, as attackers often target those who appear vulnerable.
- Walk in groups to classes and parking lots.
- Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially at night.
- Do not wear headphones while walking or jogging to maintain awareness.
- Know your route to your destination.
- Walk in the center of sidewalks, away from buildings, doorways, hedges, and parked cars.
- Carry a noise-making device (shrill whistle, personal alarm) and keep it accessible.
- Avoid isolated places.
- If avoidance fails and confronted with a weapon demanding valuables, comply. Your life is more valuable than possessions.
- Contact SafeRide for off-campus transportation after normal ECU Transit hours.
- If asked for directions, maintain at least two arms’ lengths distance while replying.
- Avoid wearing clothing and shoes that restrict movement, like clogs, high heels, tight skirts, capes, scarves, neckties or long necklaces that can be easily grabbed.
- Wear shoes and clothes that allow for quick movement.
- When dropping someone off, ensure they are safely inside before driving away, and request they do the same for you.
- NEVER hitchhike.
- Exercise extreme caution when using ATMs at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- When walking, face oncoming traffic to deter abduction attempts and monitor approaching vehicles.
- Avoid overloading yourself with packages. If necessary, mentally prepare how to free your hands if approached.
- Enroll in personal safety courses like RAD (https://police.ecu.edu/rad/) offered by ECU PD.
In Your Car: Enhancing Security and Understanding Your Vehicle’s Systems
Your car is not just a mode of transportation; it’s a personal space that requires careful attention to safety and security. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems, and understanding some basic safety measures can significantly enhance your protection. While physical security measures are crucial, awareness of your vehicle’s electronic systems, particularly the Engine Control Unit (ECU), can add another layer of security and preparedness. Think of Unlocking Car Ecu knowledge not in a criminal sense, but in the context of understanding your vehicle’s vulnerabilities and how to mitigate risks.
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Pre-Entry Checks: Before entering your car, always check inside and around it to ensure no one is hiding. Pay special attention to the back seat and under the vehicle.
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Stranger Approaches: If approached by strangers while in your car, do not open your window more than an inch to communicate. Be wary of anyone asking for help or directions in unusual circumstances.
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Keys Ready: Have your keys ready in hand when approaching your vehicle to minimize time spent vulnerable outside the car.
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Vehicle Surroundings Awareness: Before getting in, scan your vehicle’s surroundings for any suspicious activity. If you notice someone loitering near your car, walk past until they leave or seek assistance from security or law enforcement if available.
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Parked Car Underside Check: Glance under your car as you approach to ensure no one is hiding underneath.
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Locked Doors and Closed Windows: Always keep your doors locked and windows fully closed while driving and parked. This simple habit is a fundamental security measure.
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Avoid Assisting Stranded Motorists: Do not stop to assist disabled motorists, especially in isolated areas. Instead, use your cell phone to contact a service station or the police to request assistance on their behalf. Your safety is paramount.
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Safe Distance at Traffic Lights: When stopped at a traffic light, maintain enough space between your car and the vehicle in front to allow for a quick escape if needed. This prevents being boxed in.
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Suspicious Approaches: Be wary of anyone approaching your car with flyers, asking for change, or seeking directions, especially in areas known for carjacking or petty theft. Be prepared to drive away cautiously, even if it means disregarding traffic signals if you feel threatened.
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Secure Parking: Park in well-lit, designated parking areas. Avoid parking next to vans, as their sliding doors can provide cover for potential assailants.
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Valuables Out of Sight: Keep all valuables out of sight, preferably locked in your trunk. Items left visible can attract unwanted attention.
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Emergency Communication: Always carry a cell phone or have change available for emergency phone calls. Ensure you have emergency contacts programmed for quick access.
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Suspected Following: If you suspect you are being followed, change direction and drive immediately to a high-traffic area or police station. Call the police while driving to report the situation and your location.
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Driveway Protocol: If followed as you turn into your driveway at night, stay in your locked car until you can identify the occupants of the other vehicle. Use your horn to signal for help if necessary.
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Breakdown Safety: If your car breaks down, raise the hood to signal distress, but remain inside with doors locked. If someone stops to offer help, do not open your window or door or accept a ride. Ask them to call for assistance.
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Post-Parking Awareness: Check your surroundings before exiting your car to ensure it is safe.
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No Hitchhikers: Never pick up hitchhikers. This poses a significant risk to your personal safety.
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Fuel Management: Don’t let your fuel level drop below ¼ of a tank to avoid being stranded in unsafe locations.
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Emergency Kit: Always carry an emergency kit in your car, including: a flashlight, flares, tire inflator (fix-a-flat), maps (in case of GPS failure), warm clothing, a first-aid kit, an empty gas can, a white cloth to signal distress, and a cellular phone charger.
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Basic Auto Maintenance: Learn basic auto maintenance skills. Knowing how to handle minor issues can prevent breakdowns in vulnerable situations. Understanding basic car diagnostics, which sometimes involves unlocking car ECU access for reading error codes (using safe and reputable tools), can also be beneficial for preventative maintenance and catching potential problems early.
Notice, Remember, and Report
In any situation where you observe suspicious activity or become a victim of crime, try to remember and report the following details to the police:
- License plate number of any involved vehicle.
- Direction of travel of vehicles or individuals.
- Any items left at the scene by either the assailant or the victim.
- Description of any vehicle involved: color, number of doors, make, and model.
- Description of any person involved, including:
- Approximate age, weight, height, and build
- Gender
- Hair color and length
- Eye color
- Skin color
- Clothing description
- Distinctive marks such as scars, tattoos, and body piercings.
