During the month of July, several assaults occurred near the campus. As of today, the suspect or suspects remain at large. University leaders and officials from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Ann Arbor Police are urging faculty, staff, students, and the community to be vigilant. DPS is working closely with the Ann Arbor Police, and has dedicated all available resources to this situation.
Consider Taking the Following Steps to Reduce Your Risk
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times. For example, don’t wear earphones or talk on the phone when walking.
- Walk with a trusted friend whenever possible.
- Reduce vulnerability by monitoring alcohol intake.
- Attempt to walk in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
- Keep apartment and car doors locked.
- Consider late-night transportation options, including taxi services (more on that below)
- Immediately report suspicious behavior to police. Police would rather respond to a tip that turns out to be OK than be called after suspects have fled the area.
If You Witness a Dangerous Situation
The following is suggested by the Ann Arbor SafeHouse:
- First, keep yourself safe. If you see an assault occurring, call 911.
- Call the police (1-800-SPEAKUP) if you have witnessed an attack—even if you believe you were only one among many to have observed or heard the assault.
- If a friend appears to be in a potentially dangerous situation — whatever the setting — ask if he or she wants to leave, then make sure that person arrives home safely.
- Call the U-M Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Center (734-936-3333) or e-mail sapac@umich.edu; or contact the Ann Arbor SafeHouse Center 24-hour HelpLine (734-995-5444) for support and options.
Alternatives to Walking
As an alternative to walking, U-M and the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) provide a number of free or low-cost taxi services that operate all night:
- S.A.F.E. WALK (734-763-9255) is a free ride home program that transports students from anywhere on campus to a nearby off-campus location between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.
- Ride Home (734-547-9800) is a free service that transports students from the UGLi, the Duderstadt Center or the Cancer Center on the Medical Campus to their residences between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.
- Night Ride (734-528-5432) is a $5 shared-ride taxi service within the city of Ann Arbor that runs 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday-Friday and 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. If you decide to take a cab, make sure you ask the driver to wait until you are safe before he or she leaves.
Emergency Blue Lights
The Emergency Blue Light system functions all across campus, including parking structures. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, just lift the receiver and it rings directly into DPS. An officer will come to that location.
Published in: Health and Wellness
Keywords: tools social safety life health & wellness