Safety Tips

Duke is a safe place to live, study and work. You're a valuable partner in helping keep the campus safe. Please consider these simple precautions.

Personal Safety

Report crime, concerns, threats of violence, stalking behavior, unwanted contact and suspicious activity immediately.

• Dial 9-1-1 to reach Duke Police or Durham Police, or (919) 684-2444 to reach Duke Police.  

Stay informed.

• Sign up to receive RSS feeds about campus safety.
• Learn more about Durham safety.
• Familiarize yourself with University emergency notification procedures and sign up for DukeALERT emergency text messages.
• Participate in a crime prevention program.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times — whether at work, in class, at home or at a party. Don't walk alone at night and avoid unfamiliar, dimly lit areas.

• Walk in groups or get a ride late at night by calling Duke Van Services at (919) 684-2020. The vans operate on a limited schedule; geographic boundaries apply.
• If you are being followed, go to the nearest populated, well-lit location and call 9-1-1. If you are walking, cross the street away from the person and go somewhere else such as a convenience store. If you are driving, you can go to the Duke Hospital emergency room or Duke Police headquarters at 502 Oregon St.
• If a person confronts you and demands money or possessions, law enforcement officials suggest giving what is demanded and creating a safe distance. 

Avoid risky behavior.

• Excessive drinking may lead to negative consequences, including assault, illness and driving under the influence. The legal drinking age is 21. If you see someone who is passed out or sick from alcohol, call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Duke provides confidential counseling assistance for students and employees. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS for students), (919) 660-1000; Personal Assistance Service (PAS for employees), (919) 416-1727.

Critical Incidents

During a critical campus incident like an active shooter, consider the following responses:

• Get out of danger area.
• Hide out in a safe/secure location.
• Defend yourself.

Active Shooter Information

The Department of Homeland Security has publications that inform the public on how to handle threatening situations. Included in these are:

• Active Shooter Pocket Card
• Active Shooter Poster

Property Safety

Most campus crime involves theft of unattended property. This includes break-ins to motor vehicles.

• Lock your residence or office when away and secure your belongings.
• Don’t prop open doors, especially doors accessed with a DukeCard.
• Alert police to strangers or suspicious activity in your area.
• Don’t leave valuables or electronics unattended.
• When you park, do not leave personal property and valuables (laptops, backpacks, purses, GPS systems) in plain view.
• Personal electronics (laptops, etc.) can be engraved with your driver's license number to deter theft. Engraving will help police get in touch with you when stolen items are recovered. For an appointment, call (919) 681-5609.

Off-Campus Safety

• Plan your route in advance and choose well-traveled routes.
• When traveling to/from campus late at night, get a taxi or use Duke vans.
• Stay informed about safety in the city of Durham at durhampolice.com.

Be Ride-Share Safe

• Always make sure someone else, like a friend or parent, knows where you are going and how you are getting there.
• Always check the license plate, make, model and color to match with ridesharing service.
• Always check that the driver’s picture matches the person picking you up.
• Always ask the driver who he/she is picking up. The driver will know your name if the ride is for you.
• Always test the door to ensure the child locks are off and that the door opens from the inside so you can get out if necessary.