Pratt Security Department

The Campus Security Department provides 24- hour a day protection to the campus. Security Officers are charged with the enforcement of Pratt Institute Rules and Regulations. They are staff employees and are responsible for a full range of services, including preparation of crime and condition reports, response to emergencies, conducting fire drills and any other situation requiring security assistance. Security Officers are not Police Officers. They have the same arrest powers as any other private citizen. They use a portable two way radio communication system that keeps them in touch with a main control center. The Main Control Center has instant communications with all city emergency departments. The security department is proud of maintaining an excellent working relationship with all the local police and emergency service units. These specialized groups will respond to all emergencies on campus. Every Pratt Security Officer is certified by the State of New York. This certification requires that they submit to an exhaustive background investigation as well as participating in a continuing rigorous in-service training program.

Alerts

on campus emergencies

dial 3333

William J. Schmitz
Director of Institute Safety and Security

engineering 111
200 willoughby ave.
brooklyn, ny 11205
tel: (718) 636-3540
fax: (718) 399-4409
security@pratt.edu

Location of Security Office & Booths

• view map

Campus Crime Statistics

Please download the Adobe PDF using the link below.

• 2007 Crime Stats(pdf)

download pdfs

• security services(pdf)
• safety awareness(pdf)
• safety tips(pdf)
• parking permits(pdf)
• bicycles(pdf)

• residence hall
• classrooms, studios, library, cafeteria, etc.
• vehicle safety
• personal safety
• student responsibility
• crime prevention
• lost & found property

• introduction
• how to report an incident
• sexual assault
• alcoholic beverages
• illegal drugs
• illegal weapons
• residence hall access
• campus gate closing
• id cards
• parking

Residence Hall

• Never leave a common area door propped open.
• Room doors should be locked even when student leaves for a short period of time.
• Keys should be carried at all times and never be given to others.
• Valuables such as jewelry, large amounts of money, etc. should be kept out of view.

Classrooms, Studios, Library, Cafeteria, etc.

• Do not leave any equipment, bags, supplies etc. unattended.
• Do not sit alone or utilize empty classrooms.

Vehicle Safety

• Always lock your vehicle and remove your keys.
• Never leave valuables, packages unattended in your vehicle.
• Always park in well-lighted areas.

Personal Safety

• When traveling in the evening, try traveling with a companion.
• Travel on well-lighted streets.
• If you must carry large sums of money, divide it between your purse, pockets and wallet.
• Don’t wait until you reach the door to your home before locating your keys, have them ready in your hand.

Student Responsibility

The cooperation, involvement and personal support of students in a campus safety and crime prevention program is crucial to the success of that program. Students must assume responsibility for their personal safety and their personal belongings. The use of simple, common sense precautions will enhance your personal safety. Be aware of your environment and surroundings. Trust your instincts, they are usually correct.

Crime Prevention

The Security department, along with speakers from the New York City Police Department will present crime prevention lectures and discussions for the campus community. We will also be available to conduct safety workshops throughout the school year. Contact your RA for more details and to schedule a workshop. We look forward to seeing you at one of these meetings.

Lost and Found Property

Lost property may be surrendered to Security’s administrative office (Room 111, Engineering Bldg) or the Security Control Booth at Grand and Willoughby avenues. The security department will make every attempt to contact the owners of recovered/found property. However, if after 30 days the property remains unclaimed, we will dispose of it. This policy also applies to unclaimed bicycles.

Parking

Parking on campus is by permit only and availability is extremely limited. All those authorized to park on campus must purchase a parking permit at the Security office in Room 111, Engineering Building. The current fee for the academic year is $125.00. Payment is by check or money order. We do not accept cash. Those approved to purchase a parking permit must produce a current Pratt ID card and the current registration to the vehicle. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to a violation notice, which may include a fine, and are subject to towing from Pratt property at the owner’s expense. Unregistered vehicles and vehicles with altered or forged permits will be immediately towed from Pratt Institute property and parking privileges will be revoked. Handicap parking rules will be strictly enforced.

ID Cards

All Students, faculty, and staff should have a valid Pratt ID card in their possession. After 5 PM Security officers will conduct random ID card checks during their routine patrol of buildings. Please cooperate with the officers; this policy is for your own protection. ID cards may be obtained and validated in the Security Office (ENGR Building, Room 111). Replacement ID cards are $25.00.

Campus Gate Closing

Campus gates will be closed at about 6 PM each evening. The Main Gate (located by the Security Booth) and the Thrift Hall Gate (located on DeKalb Avenue, near Thrift Hall) remain open 24 hours every day.

Residence Hall Access

Access to residence halls is limited to students and their guests. Students must carry valid Pratt Institute ID at all times. This ID must be presented to the Security officer on duty for admission to the residence hall. Guests must be signed in by a host student and must leave a photo ID with the Security officer. In addition, the host student must escort the guest into the residence hall.

Illegal Drugs

The possession, use, storage, or sale of illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia are prohibited (refer to the Pratt Institute Student Handbook and also the Pratt Institute Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy).

• more information on alcohol & drug abuse policy

Alcoholic Beverages

Any use of alcoholic beverages on campus must be in compliance with New York State law, which prohibits the use of alcohol by persons under the age of 21. For the full policy referring to alcohol on campus, refer to Policy for the Use and Distribution of Alcohol, which is printed in the Pratt Institute Student Handbook. Refer also to the Pratt Institute Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy, available through the Office of Human Resources.

Sexual Assault

Detailed information concerning sexual assault can be found in the brochure on the topic, included in all student orientation packages. These brochures can also be found at the Office of Health Services (Willoughby Residence Hall, first floor), Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs (Main Building, first floor) or the Security Department Administrative Office (ENGR Building, Room 111). If you become the victim of a sexual assault we strongly suggest you talk to someone. Contact Health Services, Student Affairs or the Security.

How to Report an Incident

Students, faculty, staff and guests of Pratt Institute are encouraged to report emergency, suspicious, or criminal activity to the Security department. To report an emergency, dial 3540 or 3541 from any campus phone. There are also emergency phones located in various areas of the campus. These telephones will automatically connect you to the Security department. Just push the button and speak. Emergency telephones are identified by a blue light directly over them. Please ask any Security officer for the exact locations. Victims of or witnesses to criminal activity may report an incident by calling the Security department at (718) 636-3540/3541, or by dialing 3540/3541 from a campus phone. If you are off campus and have an emergency (medical or criminal) you should use the police emergency number—dial 911 from any telephone; there is never a charge for this service.

We strongly encourage adherence to all Institute, Local, State and Federal laws and rules of conduct, as well as a modicum of common sense to assure maximum security.

Safety Awareness Guide

Most people believe that preventing crime on campus is the sole responsibility of the Security Department. While the Pratt Security Department is the primary department responsible for providing a safe, secure atmosphere, it should be noted that in order for crime prevention to be successful, a more complex campus-wide approach must be taken.

Similar to large city law enforcement agencies, the security department is often called to respond to a crime after it has occurred. This approach is called Reactive Strategy. It is not very effective in the prevention of crime. We need the cooperation of every member of the Pratt community in order to deal successfully with crime on campus. By serving as our eyes and ears we can be more effective in the task of crime prevention. Be cognizant about the security around you as you go about your daily activities. Encourage your classmates and friends to do the same. If you think something is wrong, call us! Don’t wait until its too late.

This brochure is part of our effort to assure that this collaborative endeavor is effective. We trust you will read it carefully and use the information to help us provide a safe campus environment.

William J. Schmitz
Director of Institute Safety and Security

Illegal Weapons

Possession and/or use of firearms, ammunition or other weapons, including any dangerous article or substance with the potential to injure or discomfort a person, is prohibited.

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