Take these five daily actions to promote safety at VCU

By Jake Burns
VCU Police

As a new academic year brings a vibrant energy to Virginia Commonwealth University and downtown Richmond, the VCU Police Department is reminding the community that everyone plays a role in public safety.

Buy-in from students, staff and healthcare providers is a big reason why 91% of VCU community members surveyed reported feeling "safe" or "very safe" on campus this spring.

Here are five actions that community members can take every day to promote the culture of safety at VCU and VCU Health.

1) Stay alert when traveling

With campus activity in full swing, the roadways near VCU and VCU Health facilities are already extremely busy.

• Drivers: The speed limit at VCU is 25 mph. Drivers should put away phones, slow down and stay alert when traveling through VCU's downtown campuses, particularly when turning at intersections.
• Pedestrians: About 2 million vehicles pass through VCU every month. Pedestrians should put down their phones, take off headphones and stay alert when it is their turn to cross the street. Here are updated tips, figures, projects and more for a key VCU priority: Pedestrian safety.

To help make the environment safer for all travelers, VCU Police issued more than 4,600 traffic summonses last academic year (a 154% increase from the previous year). At the same time, VCU and the city of Richmond have a slate of projects planned to improve conditions near the Monroe Park and MCV campuses.

2) Keep belongings safe

The No. 1 crime reported to VCU Police is typically 100 percent preventable: personal property theft. Whether someone is taking a shift break or studying in the library, they should never leave their items unattended or in the care of someone else.

"Most people are not thinking about theft before it happens, which is why taking preventative measures all the time is so critical," said Det. Caine Green, who routinely works larceny cases.

Thieves require means, motive and opportunity. Preventive actions and vigilance can eliminate two of those factors every time.

3) Report concerns to VCU Police

Although the majority of the VCU community never experiences or witnesses a crime near campus, officials encourage everyone to report concerns to VCU Police. The department would rather respond to a situation that turns into nothing than never get the call in the first place.

VCU Police dispatchers are available 24/7, 365. To reach them:

• Save these numbers: 804-828-1234 (emergency); 804-828-1196 (nonemergency).
• Download the free VCU LiveSafe app to send text updates and have access to safety resources.
• Utilize one of the more than 400 emergency phones (typically gold boxes or beacons) located across both campuses.

4) Stay informed

In an emergency, information that is timely and actionable is crucial. VCU Alert is a full-scale emergency alerting operation to inform the community of events that may impact their day.

• VCU Alert text messages: VCU Police send text message notifications whenever an event is unfolding/ongoing and may impact the operation of VCU-related business (such as significant traffic crashes or roadway closures). Texts are also sent when police confirm a reported crime that could pose a threat to the VCU community.
• VCU Crime Alerts: These email messages are sent after a crime of significance near VCU's core campuses is reported to police. These messages include safety tips and information about the incident, in an effort to help community members make informed decisions about their safety.

5) Share your voice

If community members have a concern or question, they are encouraged to approach one of the nearly 100 VCU Police officers who might be visible on campus or in the roadways. Emails can be sent to [email protected].

VCU students also have the opportunity to bring their concerns to the department's command staff as members of the Student Voice Committee. Entering its second year, this unique advisory group meets monthly with VCU Police leadership to discuss issues.

Last year, the committee's work led directly to an upcoming revamp of the RAMSWay initiative and a more student-focused approach to the Perception of Safety Survey. No matter a student's major or background, they may consider joining.

"I value this feedback immensely, " said Clarence T. Hunter Jr., chief of VCU Police. "I ask our officers to provide voice, respect, neutrality and trustworthiness to every individual they interact with during the course of their duties. We value your contribution to our community and its safety."

Recently, the department selected a motto that represents its values, commitment and service. Overwhelmingly, the VCU Police force voted for "Our Community. Our Commitment" as the phrase that best captures their daily objective.

"We wanted to share this with you now because each and every one of you is at the center of our work," Hunter said. "Welcome back, and let's make this new academic year safe and productive together."