Crime Prevention
at UMass Dartmouth
The Department of Public Safety believes in educating members of the campus community about how to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of personal or property crime. For this reason, the department has a Crime Prevention Unit with a certified Crime Prevention Officer/Coordinator dedicated full-time to many Crime Prevention Programs.
For more information, contact Crime Prevention Officer Steven Mello: 508-999-8770 or smello@umassd.edu
Massachusetts Campus Watch is the central component of all campus crime prevention programs within the five University of Massachusetts campuses. It's designed to protect the campus environment by encouraging students, faculty and staff to report suspicious and criminal activity. This statewide initiative deters criminals from campuses by advertising the communication network between campus members and the police.
The following safety programs are available to UMass Dartmouth students, faculty and staff:
Emergency Call Boxes are located throughout the University. They are part of a two-way radio emergency communication system which provides anyone with a direct communication link to the police dispatcher when activated. Once activated, police personnel are dispatched immediately to offer assistance.
9191 Emergency Telephone Service is available to provide the community with immediate assistance from police personnel. If you are on campus and need emergency assistance, please dial 9191 or call 508-999-9191 from a cell phone.
Dart Van (Safety Escort Service) is a transportation service primarily for students which begins at approximately 5:30 p.m. and ends at 2:00 a.m., seven days a week. Physically challenged students may arrange for scheduled transports by calling x8107 or 508-999-8107. Designated DART service stops are at the Residence Halls, Cedar Dell Village, the Campus Center, the Athletic Center and the Library.
New Student/Employee Orientation A thorough presentation regarding crime on campus, crime prevention measures and our many community policing and crime prevention programs is covered in detail. Open discussion is encouraged.
Motor Vehicles Assistance Program Whenever possible, the UMass Dartmouth police will assist motorists with motor vehicle lockouts and jump-starts for disabled motor vehicles. This service is provided by the mobile patrol unit.
Lost and Found A Lost and Found bin is kept at the UMass Dartmouth police station. Please stop by or call 508-999-8107 to report lost items or check for items found on campus.
Whistle Program As part of the UMass Police Departments initiative to promote sexual assualt awarness, the crime prevention unit provides free whistles, for students, faculty and staff.
Safety Tips Online Our online Safety Tips and Seasonal Safety Tips provide you with suggestions on how to help protect yourself and your property.
Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Training The RAD System is a comprehensive course for women that begins with awareness, prevention, risk education and avoidance, while progressing to the basics of hands-on defense training. There is no charge for this program. To schedule a RAD class, please call 508-999-8967. More information
Lighting/Brush Surveys are conducted biannually to evaluate the safety conditions of the university. Our recommendations are forwarded to the Facilities Department who then take appropriate action to correct any problems affecting the safety and security of the University community. The Facilities and Physical Plant Department maintain all buildings and grounds for the University and inspects campus facilities regularly.
Crime Prevention Presentations and Materials Department members are available to conduct crime prevention presentations on a variety of topics. Examples:
- Personal safety on campus
- Sexual assault awareness and prevention
- Theft prevention
- Alcohol and drug education
To schedule a presentation tailored to your specific needs, please call x8770 or 508-999-8770.
Valuables Engraving/Operation Identification The UMass Dartmouth Police Department provides an Operation ID program in which officers will engrave identifying information on personal items. Items that are typically engraved include desktop and laptop computers, televisions, radios, cell phones, calculators, cameras, etc.
Items may be engraved at the police station, at a person's office or at a residence hall room. There is no cost for this service. If you'd like to arrange for an item to be engraved, please call us at x8770 or 508-999-8770 or send an email to make an appointment.
Security Surveys The Crime Prevention Unit is available to conduct security evaluations of any area on campus, including faculty/staff offices and residential areas.
