C O R N E L L U N I V E R S I T Y
A N N O U N C E M E N T
Cornell Police issue Halloween safety statement
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
Cornell University Police Department Deputy Chief Kathy Zoner has issued the following statement and advice for Halloween holiday safety:
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“Halloween is almost upon us, and the Cornell campus will be alive with an amazing display of costumes and decorations. The Cornell Police will be out and about, doing their best to create the safest environment possible for all celebrants.”
In an effort to increase the safety of everyone on this eve of festivities, the Cornell Police offer the following advice:
· Take weather into consideration when choosing your costume. Last year, the evening began at 55 degrees, and it was snowing by 11 p.m.
· Carrying or concealing any weapon or mock weapon increases the danger to the carrier and those around him or her. Cornell Police strongly recommend that students do not carry weapons or mock weapons, especially realistic-looking models of firearms.
· If you are confronted by law enforcement because you appear to be either carrying a weapon or putting yourself or others at risk, immediately comply with all requests of the officer. Discussions can occur later, after the safety of all is ensured.
· Alcohol, even in small amounts, impairs judgment. Know your limits and obey the law at all times.
· Travel together in groups of three or more whenever possible. Make sure at least one other person knows your plans, and update that person as your plans change.
· Be respectful of others. Costumes sometimes inspire people to temporarily change their behavior, and not always for the better. Your response to another person’s costume or actions, and another person’s response to your costume and actions, can affect everyone’s safety.
· Remember, not everyone is as nice as you are. Stay safe and walk away from confrontation. Adhere to community expectations and standards throughout the night, and help us help you have a great evening.
· Report all criminal and suspicious activity immediately by calling Cornell Police at 255-1111.
Safety Tips:
Dos..
Advise Cornell Police immediately of any suspicious person or circumstance in your residence hall or elsewhere on campus.
Keep only small sums of cash in your purse or wallet, or in your room or office.
Lock your car doors when you leave your vehicle unattended, and place packages and other items out of sight - preferably in the trunk.
Participate in Cornell's key-tag program, which will enable lost or stolen keys to be returned to you by Cornell Police.
Participate in Cornell Police's Operation ID program, which enables you to permanently mark your personal property.
Report an emergency by calling 911 or by using any Blue light or other campus emergency phone. For general information or other non-emergency assistance, call Cornell Police at 255-1111.
Use the Blue Light bus, escort, and phone services.
...and Dont's
Don't attach personal ID information to your keys.
Don't bring irreplaceable property and heirlooms to the campus.
Don't go out at night or away for the weekend without telling a roommate, family member, or friend where you are going, with whom, and when you will return.
Don't hitchhike - and be wary of giving a stranger a ride. Controlling a situation inside of a moving vehicle can be difficult. Use public transit or ride with a friend, and notify the appropriate authorities if someone appears to need assistance.
Don't leave books, jackets, backpacks, or other personal items of value unattended anywhere on campus.
Don't leave your unoccupied residence or office unlocked - and don't prop exterior building doors open. Most thefts in college residence halls occur when outer and inner doors are left open. Lock you door even if you will be gone briefly.
Don't lend your keys, ID, or credit cards to anyone, including a friend or roommate.