SF State offers numerous programs and resources to help students stay safe.
First and foremost, said UPD Chief Jason Wu, safety is enhanced when students trust that police are here to help.
Typically, people interact with police only in upsetting situations like a traffic violation, a police interview or when needing to report a crime. UPD is trying to change that negative perception.
“We’re trying to … let them know that we’re part of the campus community, that we are here to serve and to help create a safe environment so our students can focus more about their education than about having to worry about their safety,” Wu said.
To that end, UPD offers the Campus Alliance for a Risk-Free Environment, or C.A.R.E. From 4:30 to 11 p.m., specially trained escorts respond to students wishing to travel safely between classes, or from the university campus to a nearby residence, to a vehicle or to public transit.
C.A.R.E. escorts go through fingerprinting and a background check before being hired. During off hours, UPD officers take over escorting duties.
Call 415-338-7200 to request an escort. Go to https://parking.sfsu.edu/care-escort-program for more information.
Students are alerted to on-campus crime when it occurs through Timely Warnings sent by email. The UPD emphasizes personal responsibility with safety reminders on and off campus.
Security tips include:
Don’t walk alone at night
Be alert and aware of surroundings at all times
Avoid isolated areas, alleyways, vacant lots or construction sites
Wearing earphones can distract from potential threats
Alert friends or family when going on a first date
Don’t accept rides from strangers or pick up hitchhikers
Don’t leave valuables in a vehicle
Lock doors at night
Don’t flash valuable belongings
Don’t carry passports or important documents around
Be alert on public transportation
Emergency UPD phones should be used when spotting:
Suspicious strangers loitering in residences
Someone testing doorknobs while walking down hallways
People carrying property out of a building late at night
Someone staggering about obviously intoxicated or needing medical help
People involved in a fist-fight or threatening violence
Sounds of glass breaking or loud explosives
People peering into or tampering with cars
For students, faculty or staff who have experienced trauma from sexual abuse, harassment or violence, SF State Student Services offers The Safe Place. The program provides free and confidential counseling for survivors.
It also provides workshops to educate the campus community on sexual violence, affirmative consent, reactions to sexual violence, and how to support someone who has experienced sexual violence.
The Safe Place also reminds the SF State community on relationship rights.
These include the right:
To be treated with respect
To live without verbal, psychological and physical abuse
To express feelings and opinions
To pursue personal interests, goals and education
To participate in decision making
To privacy and time alone
To friendship outside the relationship
To time with family
To disagree
To consensual and safe sex practices
To change your mind
To get help
To leave
For more information on resources or support, call 415-338-2208 or drop by The Safe Place in the Student Services Building room 208.