The Daily Plan-it / Dean of Students Blog, Columbia J-school

Dear Members of the Columbia community:

As we begin the new academic year, I am pleased to introduce Public Safety’s “Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2009.” The report includes important information about crime prevention programs, fire safety procedures and other resources critical to the safety and security of our campus community. In accordance with the Campus Security Act, the report also contains campus crime statistics for the last three calendar years, as well as residence hall fire data for last year.

The Public Safety Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2009 can be viewed online at: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety/SecurityReport.pdf. Printed copies are available at the Public Safety offices on both the Morningside and Medical Center campuses.

Best wishes for a safe and successful year.

Sincerely,

Jim McShane

James F. McShane
Vice President for Public Safety
Columbia University
Low Library, Rm. 101
Mail Code 4301
535 W. 116th Street
New York, New York 10027
212-854-6792

Dear Public Safety Friends,

Here is a great short video on “Do’s & Don’ts on the Streets” that was filmed by the NYPD & NBC news. Please share with your students, faculty, staff, family & friends. The more people know the better:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/Do_s_and_Don_ts_on_the_Streets_New_York.html

Thank you for your contined help.

Ricardo Morales
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Dear Public Safety Friends,

Great News! Thanks to our consistent partnership with Kryptonite bike locks, our prices for our Kryptonite bike locks have just decreased. What does that mean for you….You receive our discount as well. Here are our new prices for Fall 2009:

Kryptonite U-Lock Krpto lock series 2 -$20 comes with a free bike lock holder.

The NY U-lock- $45 comes with a free holder & $3000 anti-theft insurance for the first year. Free key replacement. Must register with Kryptonite.

The NY Forgetaboutit 3.25 ft Chain- $70 comes with a $3300 anti-theft insurance. Free key replacement. Must register with Kryptonite.

Also Available:

Discount Kensington Ultra Laptop Locks- $30

Free Bike Registration with the NYPD & CU by appointment.

Bike locks & Laptop locks can be purchased at the following locations:

Morningside Campus Public Safety Operations, 9am -5pm,
Mon-Friday oom 111 Low Library

Medical Center Campus Public Safety Operations, 24 hrs
Room 109 Black Bldg, 650 West 168 Street

For more information please call 212-854-8513, CU Crime Prevention.

Thank you for continued help.

Ricardo Morales
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Dear Public Safety Friends,

PC Phone Home for Windows, Vista & Mac is now available for FREE download directly from the CUIT Website, for Students, Faculty & Staff.

Free down load is available for department / personal computers and laptops.

Please follow the instructions on this link to down load. http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/pcphonehome/index.html

Not needed for down load, please keep your computer’s SERIAL NUMBER or MAC ADDRESS written down in a safe location. This is will speed up the process for recovery.

PC Phone Home & Mac Phone Home is a software that can help the Police & CU Public Safety locate lost or stolen computers anywhere in the world once reported by the owner.

We strongly recommend that departments who have not done so, and have their own IT technician, should make sure they down load this software to their department computers (desk tops & laptops).

This software has been very successful in aiding Public Safety & the Police locate reported lost & stolen computers.

Big Public Safety THANK YOU to CUIT Engineering, CUIT Network Security and CUMC IT for making this happen.

For more information on PC & Mac Phone Home please call:

CUIT 212-854-1919 (Morningside)

CUMC IT 212-305-HELP (Medical Center)

CU Public Safety Crime Prevention 212-854-8513

Thank you for your continued help

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs

Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

212-854-8513

www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

CELL PHONE DISCOUNTS

There are a number of cell phone carriers that give discounts to existing or new customers that are Columbia University Students, Faculty or Staff.

Below are links for several carriers that give monthly discounts. Follow the link to receive your discount. Every little bit helps:

International Students without a Social Security Number will have to pay a security fee to get a cell phone plan in the United States. Fees vary by phone carrier.

AT&T - 20% off per month www.wireless.att.com/business/enrollment

Sprint / Nextel - 18% off per month http://www.pcsorders.com/columbia
Verizon- 17% off per month www.verizonwireless.com/discounts

T-Mobile - 15% off per month http://extranet.t-mobile.com/tmobile-exc/extranet/select.do?id=2d2457fa1a658e5efb8491e94ec71db2b3e924cb8b6ef95a

Please don’t forget to join CU Public Safety’s NYPD Blue Light program for cell phones & other small electronics. The NYPD Blue Light (invisible ink) program is a new tool that the NYPD is using to identify stolen electronics. The unique number used can only be viewed by a special police light.
The NYPD Blue Light program is also great for laptops and other electronics. For more information on this FREE & effective program, please CU Crime Prevention at 212-854-8513.

Department of Public Safety
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Dear Public Safety Friends,

As Spring Break approaches here are some tips to keep in mind:

Having fun during Spring Break should always be a top priority. You are creating happy memories

that will be the inspiration for many tales to come. Following these few common sense safety tips will

ensure that you and your friends return safely to share those stories. Craziness and reckless abandon are often present

during Spring Break getaways, but it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. Safety precautions are not meant to be

deterrents to enjoyment. They are simply intended to help ensure the absence of anything but fun, both while you are

away, and when you return.

Before leaving:

• Secure your dorm room or apartment.

• Unplug all appliances.

• Make sure all windows are closed and locked.

• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone back home.

Use the buddy system:

• There is safety in numbers and it is best to do things as a group. Try to

have at least three members of your group with you at all times when

leaving your hotel to frolic and have fun. Don’t leave a friend behind. If

you go together, leave together!

Drinking:

• If you are of legal drinking age and you do decide to drink, do so responsibly.

• 98% of spring breakers injured were intoxicated.

• Keep your drink in sight at all times. Leaving it unattended gives anyone the opportunity to slip something into your

drink and take advantage of you.

• DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. Use a designated driver or choose public transportation.

• Drinking makes it easier for a person to become either the victim or the perpetrator of a sexual assault.

Traveling:

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Traveler’s checks are best. Leave

credit cards & ATM cards locked in a

secure place.

• Keep track of your baggage and personal

belongings at all times.

• Lock you hotel door at all times.

The most important spring break safety tip is to use common sense. With these safety tips in mind, stay safe, and enjoy

your sun-filled spring break!

Please see short video on a special report from CNN on Spring Break- (click) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UhzYX9ubZQ

Thank you for your continued help.

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs

Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

212-854-8513

Be a Peer Educator at the Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center!

Volunteer as a Peer Educator with the RC/AVSC. Peer educators help students, administrators and faculty learn about the dynamics and effects of sexual and relationship violence. They facilitate interactive workshops about a variety of issues, including: Consent, Sexual assault, Relationship violence, Intersecting oppressions, and How to help a friend.

Peer Educators receive extensive training on sexual and relationship violence, facilitation and education skills, and are a vital component of Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center’s work to create a safer and more aware community.

Peer Education Training begins the first weekend in March and applications are currently being accepted. Visit www.health.columbia.edu to download an application or email art2110@columbia.edu for more information.

The Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center is a program of SVPRP. Peer Counselors are available every night from 7-11pm, call 854-HELP. Peer Advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 854-WALK.

Dear Public Safety Friends,

Columbia University has started a big campaign on campus as part of the Columbia GO GREEN program, to encourage bike commuting to campus. CU Facilities has added 200 additional bike racks on campus to secure your bikes. These bike racks are not for long time use or storage, but for individuals who wish to commute by bike to campus daily.

To view bike rack locations and the bike policy on campus, please go to the CU Public Safety website: www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety click on bike rack locations and for bike rack policy:

www.columbia.edu/cu/administration/policylibrary/policies/psaf/00bb9c641133d05001118f3db2370005.

In a joint effort between Facilities & Public Safety, bike racks will be monitored regularly for abandoned bikes and they will be removed.

We strongly recommend that you take advantage of CU Public Safety’s Free bike registration program. A unique ID number is engraved on the bike along with a non-removable police sticker. Bikes are registered in this program by appointment and are then automatically registered with the NYPD. This effective program can assist the Police in the recovery of your bicycle. For more information please call CU Crime Prevention 854-8513.

Kryptonite U-Locks and the Kryptonite NY Forgetaboutit Chains are available at both the Morningside & Medical Center campuses’ Public Safety Offices, located in Low Library room 111 (MSC) & Black Bldg room 109 (Med Ctr).

Please avoid using cables or thin chains to secure your bike because they can be easily cut and your bike removed. Always secure your frame & tire to a secured bike rack.

Thank You

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs

Crime Prevention Specialist

Columbia University

Department of Public Safety

212-854-8513

www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Dear Public Safety Friends,

CU Public Safety offers discounted security devices for students, faculty, staff and the community.
You can also purchase them for a relative or a friend:

Public Safety Crime Prevention devices available at discounted pricing:

The Club U-Lock- $15

The Kryptonite LS- $30

The Kryptonite NY-U-Lock LS- $50

The Kryptonite NY Forgetaboutit Chain - $75

PC Guardian Laptop Locks- $30

The Club “Dr. Hook” for auto- $12

The Club Cover for auto - $10 Protects steering wheel & air bag works with the Club.

The Club LS for Auto - $35

PC Computer security lock down device- $ 54 includes device & installation by appointment.

GagetTrak- Lost / Stolen Electronics recovery program (I-Pods, Cell phones, Auto GPS, Black Berry and windows mobile devices, cameras, desk top computers, laptops & Macs) The Columbia University 25% off discount link is: www.techchex.com/crimepreventionrus Once installed properly this program will give you a goggle map of the location of your device, and depending on the device, a picture of the person who’s in possession of it, with this information the Police can help you recover your device.

Locks are available at the following locations:

Morningside Campus room 111 Low Library Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 212-854-8513

Medical Center Campus room 109 Black Bldg. 24 hrs 212-305-8100

For questions on any of the above please call CU Crime Prevention 212-854-8513.

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

Dear Public Safety Friends,

Identity theft has become one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Identity Theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. It can start with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, a data breach, computer virus, phishing, a scam, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving). This crime varies widely, and can include check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and identity fraud.

Start the New Year right:

· Get a FREE annual credit report, www.annualcreditreport.com, check and review your credit report, report any discrepancies to the credit reporting agency. Put an alert on your credit if necessary.

· Stop pre-screen credit card offers coming to your home: www.optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPTOUT.

· Stop tele-marketing calls: www.donotcall.gov

· Stop receiving unwanted catalogs and other telemarketing mail: www.dmachoice.org

· Shred your old credit card, bank statements, bills, etc. to avoid dumpster diving or someone going through your garbage to steal your personal information.

For more information on ID Theft or what to do if you are a victim? Please go to: www.ftc.gov Federal Trade Commission.

Click here for a short video on ID Theft www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/video/avoid-identity-theft-video.html

Please share this message with Students, Faculty, Staff, Family and Friends, the more people know the more we can “Take a Bite Out of Crime”

Happy New Year!

Thank You

Ricardo Morales

Manager Crime Prevention Programs
Crime Prevention Specialist
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
212-854-8513
www.columbia.edu/cu/publicsafety

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

In conjunction with the:
New York City Police Department

Presents:
“STREET SMARTS SEMINAR”

This important event will feature
crime prevention exhibits, as well as presentations from:

NYPD
Commanding Officer, Manhattan North Grand Larceny Unit
Crime Prevention Officer, Transit District #3

Columbia University Public Safety
Director of Investigations
Crime Prevention Specialist

Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 6 P.M
Law School (Jerome Greene Hall)
435 West 116th Street Room 103

(Light refreshments will be served)

Seating is limited. Please RSVP To:
Ricardo Morales, Crime Prevention Specialist:
Rm29@columbia.edu Phone: 212-854-8513

Below you will find Prof. Sig Gissler’s annual guide, “Safety Suggestions For Students/Reporters.” Written in his inimitable style, the guide is a useful document for our students (and any new reporters) as they navigate the city. During orientation, we receive a formal presentation from the University’s security operation, but our students, of course, get to know the city in very different ways than the typical CU student. Several students from previous years have praised this document each time it’s been handed out. The idea isn’t to scare you about New York City, but to offer practical, common sense (though not necessarily common knowledge) tips.

Please make sure you discuss this with your RWI professor after you read it - he/she might have amplifications and additional tips.

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS/REPORTERS
- Compiled by Prof. Sig Gissler, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism

How to navigate neighborhoods
* If possible, begin with a briefing at the police precinct and community board.
Ask not only about crime but also about cultural customs that can affect how
well or poorly you will relate to residents.
* Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t day dream.
* Before whipping out a notebook on the street, get a general “feel” of
the place. Walk around, look around.
* Keep your valuables at home. Take only what you can afford to lose.
But carry some identification.
* Try to stay on the main streets where people cluster. Be careful of
deserted streets or areas (at least until you know the neighborhood).
* Look for safe places to interview people, such as under store awnings
or in bus-stop shelters or churches.
* If the neighborhood is dangerous, avoid being on the street at night,
especially in deserted, poorly lit areas.
* Don’t hesitate to take a taxi to a safe subway stop.
* Regularly share reporting experiences in your seminar. Learn from each other.

The craft of reporting
* Approach people with a confident, friendly manner. Don’t look fearful
(it can convey disrespect). Don’t look like a victim (it can invite trouble).
* Project genuine interest. Let your humanity show. Talk about some
personal things. Practice striking up conversations with people
everywhere (elevators, subway platforms, etc.).
* Dress in casual, comfortable clothes (don’t “dress down” or “up”).
* Let people get comfortable before jotting down notes. Try some small
talk. Don’t rush. Slide into the relationship.
* If people recoil from a question, ease off and loop back later.
* If a language barrier arises, seek help, most likely from younger people.
* After sizing them up, ask strangers for help. They’ll often oblige.
* Trust your gut. If a situation feels creepy, it probably is. Back off.

Any recurring booboos?
* Don’t wander too far off the beaten track, especially after sundown.
* Don’t explore without a good map. You can easily end up in the wrong
place at the wrong time.
* Avoid the subway after midnight, especially out in the boroughs.
* Be careful about getting into cars with people you don’t really know.
* Don’t travel without quarters (for pay phone) or MetroCard (for mass transit).
* Don’t get cocky or complacent. Just because New York isn’t as menacing
as you might have imagined, stay alert.
* Oh, yes. Don’t forget to eat a good breakfast.

-30-

Dear Columbia Community:

CU Public Safety and CUIT have teamed up to offer FREE downloads of PC PhoneHome, software that can help recover a lost or stolen laptop or PC. If your computer is reported lost or stolen, PC PhoneHome secretly sends information to law enforcement officials containing the physical location of your computer whenever a network connection is made.

Don’t be a victim of computer theft. Students, faculty and staff can download the software at http://www.columbia.edu/acis/software/pcphonehome. All you need is your UNI and PASSWORD – it’s free, easy, and smart. To learn more about how to protect your own computer and data and contribute to a safer network at Columbia, click here http://www.columbia.edu/acis/security/users/index.html.

If you have any questions regarding this software or about safer computing in general, please contact the CUIT Help Desk at 212-854-1919.

This program is for both personal & University laptops and PCs

Coming soon…..MAC PhoneHome for FREE as well.

CU Public Safety + CUIT

Ricardo Morales
Crime Prevention Specialist
Columbia University
Department of Public Safety
212-854-8513

Q: Does Columbia have a “safe-ride” or something like a buddy system to walk people home if it’s late at night? Since I’m
new in my neighborhood, and living off-campus, I just want to play it safe at first until I get to know the area a bit better.

A: Yes, there’s a very good program run by the Security office. See info below and be sure to attend the Orientation briefing and to stop by the Security booth at the Orientation Fair.

Public Safety Escorts
Telephone: (212) 854-SAFE (7233)

During the school year, Columbia University Escort Service will send two specially trained students to accompany students to their door any time from 8 pm to 3 am, seven nights a week. Escorts carry two-way Columbia Public Safety radios. This service is available from West 103rd Street to West 110th Street between Central Park West and Riverside Drive, and from West 111th Street to West 122nd Street between Morningside Drive and Riverside Drive.

When using this service, please allow escorts 5 to 15 minutes to arrive and ask them to show a Columbia Card. If you need an escort before 8 pm or after 3 am, call Public Safety at (212) 854-2798.

Medical Center - for any of you who live uptown near the Medical campus.
Telephone: (212) 305-8100

Columbia Public Safety officers will escort students door to door to or from any of the University buildings on the Medical Center campus or at private residences on Haven Avenue, Fort Washington Avenue, or Broadway from West 165th to West 178th Streets.

“A shuttle service is also available between 7pm and 11pm within the Morningside Heights area and between the Morningside and Medical Center campuses. During these hours, the bus make specific, scheduled stops. After 11pm you can call (212) 854-SAFE (7233) to request a drop at a specific location.”

It may also be worth calling the Public Safety office to find out more about your neighborhood, incidents, areas to avoid and also safe routes to take when walking home

Below you will find Prof. Sig Gissler’s annual guide, “Safety Suggestions For Students/Reporters.” Written in his inimitable style, the guide is a useful document for our students (and any new reporters) as they navigate the city. During orientation, we receive a formal presentation from the University’s security operation, but our students, of course, get to know the city in very different ways than the typical CU student. Several students from previous years have praised this document each time it’s been handed out. The idea isn’t to scare you about New York City, but to offer practical, common sense (though not necessarily common knowledge) tips.

Please make sure you discuss this with your RWI professor after you read it - he/she might have amplifications and additional tips.

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS/REPORTERS
- Compiled by Prof. Sig Gissler, Columbia Graduate School of Journalism

How to navigate neighborhoods
* If possible, begin with a briefing at the police precinct and community board.
Ask not only about crime but also about cultural customs that can affect how
well or poorly you will relate to residents.
* Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t day dream.
* Before whipping out a notebook on the street, get a general “feel” of
the place. Walk around, look around.
* Keep your valuables at home. Take only what you can afford to lose.
But carry some identification.
* Try to stay on the main streets where people cluster. Be careful of
deserted streets or areas (at least until you know the neighborhood).
* Look for safe places to interview people, such as under store awnings
or in bus-stop shelters or churches.
* If the neighborhood is dangerous, avoid being on the street at night,
especially in deserted, poorly lit areas.
* Don’t hesitate to take a taxi to a safe subway stop.
* Regularly share reporting experiences in your seminar. Learn from each other.

The craft of reporting
* Approach people with a confident, friendly manner. Don’t look fearful
(it can convey disrespect). Don’t look like a victim (it can invite trouble).
* Project genuine interest. Let your humanity show. Talk about some
personal things. Practice striking up conversations with people
everywhere (elevators, subway platforms, etc.).
* Dress in casual, comfortable clothes (don’t “dress down” or “up”).
* Let people get comfortable before jotting down notes. Try some small
talk. Don’t rush. Slide into the relationship.
* If people recoil from a question, ease off and loop back later.
* If a language barrier arises, seek help, most likely from younger people.
* After sizing them up, ask strangers for help. They’ll often oblige.
* Trust your gut. If a situation feels creepy, it probably is. Back off.

Any recurring booboos?
* Don’t wander too far off the beaten track, especially after sundown.
* Don’t explore without a good map. You can easily end up in the wrong
place at the wrong time.
* Avoid the subway after midnight, especially out in the boroughs.
* Be careful about getting into cars with people you don’t really know.
* Don’t travel without quarters (for pay phone) or MetroCard (for mass transit).
* Don’t get cocky or complacent. Just because New York isn’t as menacing
as you might have imagined, stay alert.
* Oh, yes. Don’t forget to eat a good breakfast.

-30-

Two events that all students are encouraged to attend. Please let your friends know.

Thursday, April 19, 2007: Take Back the Night - on campus
Friday, April 20, 2007: NYC Annual SAYSO!

April 19, 2007: Take Back the Night
8pm — Take Back the Night march (Barnard Hall)
10pm — Speakout (McIntosh)

We march because we should be able to wear whatever we want.
We march because men are survivors too.
We march because domestic violence is a problem in all communities.
We march because family and friends share the pain.
We march because no one should have to be afraid.

Tonight is a night of survival in the most active sense of the word.
We shout to combat the silence that is forced upon us.

Join us for Columbia University’s annual march against relationship
and sexual violence, Take Back the Night. We will meet in front of
Barnard Hall at 8pm on Thursday, April 19th. The speakout will
follow and last as long as people stay. We invite you to come to any and
all parts of the march and speakout.
Food will be served. Free childcare is available.

Tonight is a night of unity.
We march because we recognize only together can we break the cycle
of violence. With rage we march and with strength we speak.
–Please direct questions or concerns to tbtn@columbia.edu
–If you are interested in marshaling, please visit our tables in
McIntosh and Lerner from the 16th-19th
–T-shirts will be on sale from the 16th-19th in McIntosh and Lerner

- - -

Jenn Tierney
NYC Alliance Against Sexual Assault

MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT: Jennifer Tierney
Tel: 646-522-3766
Email: jtierney@nycagainstrape.org

RAPE VICTIMS SPEAK OUT IN NYC
*Lack of forensic evidence does not mean a sexual assault did not happen*
*Most victims never report the assault*

(April 16, 2006—New York, New York) Despite the chilling effect of the Duke rape case on rape victims’ willingness to come forward, this Friday rape survivors will publicly tell their stories.

Starting at noon April 20 in Union Square Park, for the next 12 hours NYC survivors will tell their stories of rape out loud, on stage. Part vigil, part community event, the Sexual Assault Yearly Speak Out (SAYSO!) will end the silence around NYC’s epidemic of sexual violence.

It is estimated that last year alone more than 22 thousand women and seven thousand men were sexually assaulted in New York City. Most of these cases are never reported to the police. An average of 1,700 rapes are reported to the NYPD every year.

The city’s rape crisis programs tell another story: In one year alone, NYC rape crisis programs received more than five thousand calls, with more than a thousand children receiving services for sexual assault.

The purpose of the SAYSO! is to raise public awareness about the silent norm of sexual violence in our city. To openly acknowledge that most sexual assaults are perpetrated by people the victims know and trust. To say out loud that we know someone affected by sexual violence. To say that we want it to stop.

The SAYSO! is spearheaded by the New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault, a coalition of rape crisis centers and service providers.

For more information, call Jennifer Tierney, NYCASA, Tel: 646-533-3766; email: jtierney@nycagainstrape.org; http://www.nycagainstrape.org/saam_2007.html

Click here to see sketch, as released by NYPD on April 16, 2007.

POLICE DESCRIPTION:
Police sketch of a suspect in a brutal rape case, described as a bald black man in his thirties and about 6-foot-1 and 180 lbs. The rapist had a goatee and scar on his stomach, police said. Police ask anyone with information to 800-577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.