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

download pdfs

• Institute Safety and Security Services(pdf)

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

• 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 Lap-Top computers, I-Pods, Cell Phones, jewelry, large amounts of money, and other valuables should be kept out of view and safely secured.

Classrooms, Studios, Library, Cafeteria, etc.

• Do not leave Lap-Tops, I-Pods and other electronic equipment, bags, supplies, etc. unattended for even the shortest period opf time.
• Do not fall asleep, sit alone or utilize empty classrooms.

Vehicle Safety

The biggest cause for vehicles being broken into is electronic devices and other valuables, and packages being left in the vehicle in plain view where they can be seen by criminals.

Additionally, be aware, electronic devises that use suction cups to mount to the windshield leave a ring from the suction cup on the windshield which is a telltale sign for criminals that a valuable electronic device may be stored inside the vehicle.

• Always lock your vehicle and remove your keys.

• Always park in well-lighted areas.

Personal Safety

• When traveling in the evening, try traveling with a companion.

• Consider using a car service after hours.

• Avoid dark and deserted streets and do not use shortcuts.

• Keep electronic devices and earphones hidden as well as jewelery.

• Travel on well-lighted streets.

• If you must carry large sums of money, divide it between your purse, pockets and wallet.

• Try to only use ATM machines at bank branches avoiding using ATMs in conveiniences stores.

• 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 Institute Safety and Security Department offers a three (3) safety and security presentations on Pratt's LMS (Learning Management System). Presentations number (2) and (3) below are also offered on the Security Web Page.

1. Security, Safety, and You- this introduces the Institute Safety and Security Department to you.

2. Crime Prevention-this addresses basic crime prevention methods and tips.

3. Safety in the City-this is geared towards the student who is not familiar with New York City or big city life, however it provides vaulable information for everyone.

The Institute Safety and 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 $150.00. 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 and vehicles not displaying a parking permit 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Bicycles
Bicycles have become a very popular mode of transportation on campus. They
are environmentally friendly and the Institute encourages their use.
In an attempt to help safeguard your bicycle, the security department strongly
recommends that you participate in a police department sponsored program
called “Operation ID”. This means that the security department will etch a
unique serial number on the frame of your bicycle. This registration will remain
on file at the 88th Police Precinct and a copy retained at the Security Office.
Should your bicycle be lost or stolen this information will help the police and or
security to identify it. This service is provided free of charge and will be done in
the security office, room 111 Engineering Building.
Bicycle parking is permitted only on the designated racks available throughout
the Campus. Bicycles should not be parked or secured on railings, doorways,
stairways, scaffolding or ramps. They should not block pedestrian walkways or
campus streets. Improperly parked bicycles will be removed and confiscated by
the Security or Facilities Department. Bicycles may also be removed or
confiscated from bike racks due to construction conditions or if they are deemed
to be abandoned. Any bicycle that is observed parked in the same location for
more than a two week period will be considered abandoned. Bicycles removed or
confiscated may be claimed by the owner at the Security office, room 111,
Engineering Building. Please be prepared to produce proof of ownership. After 30
days unclaimed bicycles will be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Institute.
Pratt Institute is not responsible or liable in any manner for lost, stolen, or
damaged bicycles, as well as the replacement cost of locks, chains, or other
security devices.

Lock your bicycle securely, using the 3 point locking method, (which is by placing a heavy chain or Kryptonite lock thru the rear wheel, frame and bike rack).

1 of 5

next>>