University Police

Office & Building Security Tips

Teamwork

• Faculty, Staff, Students, and the University Police must work together for a safe and secure environment.

The University at Buffalo Police

• Know how to contact them. 645-2222 from any campus phone, Blue Light Emergency Phone, or elevator phone.
• Get to know the officers and services provided.
• Call for a Community Police Officer to meet with you or your group at 645-2228.

Key Security

• It is your responsibility to maintain security.
• Know which keys you have and to which locks.
• Only have keys to facilities you need to access.
• Never leave keys in a door lock.
• Don't loan keys out.
• Don't duplicate keys.
• Report key loss to University Facilities from any campus phone by dialing 71.
• Make sure that keys issued on a temporary basis are returned.
• Return keys you don't need or don't use.

Locking Doors and Windows

• Lock interior and exterior doors.
• Check all doors and windows when you leave
• Use alarms and sensory systems. (Call University Police at 645-2228 for a Community Police Officer to evaluate if alarms are needed.)
• Avoid false alarms by understanding how alarm systems work.

Securing Office/Classroom Equipment

• Use inventory control and keep detailed records.
• Follow policies that are in place.
• Tag and inventory property.
• Help when moving equipment to ensure security of property.
• Enter serial numbers and model numbers in records.
• Never dispose of property without following necessary procedures.
• Issue Property Removal Forms when loaning equipment.

Personal Security

• Park in well-traveled, highly visible lots.
• If it is dark, only use well-lit lots and walkways.
• Don't leave valuables in plain sight.
• Walk with your car key out and ready.
• Don't walk alone.
• Use escort services.
• Know where emergency phones are, what they look like, and how to use them.

Securing Personal Equipment

• Keep all equipment securely locked when not in use.
• Lock doors and windows.
• Lock laptop and personal computers in a secure cabinet.
• Store documentation and computer manuals away from the equipment itself.
• Secure software and program disks.

Propped Doors

• Security and fire safety are compromised when doors are propped.
• Remove item holding door open, close door, and throw away item.
• Report broken doors immediately to University Facilities at phone number 71.

Reporting Crime

• Notify University Police immediately when you know a crime has occurred.
• Be prepared to describe the situation or stolen item to an officer.
• Report any new information immediately at phone number 645-2222.
• Report things that appear out of place or suspicious activity immediately.
• Report solicitors immediately.
• Be prepared to give accurate descriptions of race, age, sex, appearance, location, etc.

Petty Cash

• Use a locked cash box.
• Lock cash boxes in a desk drawer or cabinet when leaving the office.
• Don't let cash accumulate; set an amount at which it is to be deposited.

Operation Identification for Personal Items

• Use engravers and identification stickers.
• Use tracking software and PC marking systems.
• Information on these services is available through your Community Police Officer at 645-2228.