Safety & 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.

0. Security, Safety, and You- this introduces the Institute Safety and Security Department to you.
0. Crime Prevention-this addresses basic crime prevention methods and tips.
0. 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 valuable 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.

Staying Safe

Pratt Institute is located in an urban environment. Therefore, all students must be keenly aware of their own personal safety and security, and must contribute to the overall safety and security of all members of the community. Pratt's Security Department is located in the Engineering Building, Room 105 (which is located on what seems like the second floor of the building because it is not on ground level). Security Office hours are limited, but there are Security Guards on duty 24 hours a day, every day. If you should experience a security-related incident, or hear about one, please notify the Security Office at x3540 and your R.A. as soon as possible.

In the event of an extreme emergency contact Security first. If you need to call 911, call 9-911 first and then call Security immediately following to inform them that you have called 911. Campus Security can direct 911 to your location. The Security Department strives to heighten students' awareness about taking responsibility for their personal safety. Although 24 hour coverage is provided by the Security Department, each individual student must make conscious decisions daily that involve personal safety. For example, it is clearly advisable to do the following:

• Do not walk around the neighborhood/campus alone after dark.
• Do not leave the door to your room/apartment unlocked, whether you are home or not.

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 of 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 convenience stores.
• Don’t wait until you reach the door to your home before locating your keys, have them ready in your hand.

Lost and Found Property

Lost property may be surrendered to Security’s administrative office (Room 105, 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.