Walters State Community College
Campus Police Department

Crime Prevention

The Walters State Community College campus is a great place to learn and grow. But a college campus, like any other community has its share of crime.

Crime is everyone’s business. Learning to work together can lower crime rate, reduce fear and help build a safer and more comfortable environment throughout our campus. The right attitude and actions can help protect you, your belongings, other students and your campus.

It is the intent of Campus Police to serve you well in every manner possible. However, this will require the cooperation of the college community as a whole to make the campus of Walters State Community College a safe environment.

If you have knowledge of, wish to report or have information concerning a crime occurring or which has occurred on campus please use our on-line CRIME REPORT form. It is not required that you identify yourself however, you do have this option if you wish. Campus Police Investigators will determine the validity of the report and take appropriate action.

Good self defense is most often mind set awareness or i.e., attitude and does not require fighting, guns or karate. Try to avoid situations that require fighting.

Often, a person simply being and looking alert and displaying an attitude of not putting up with any foolishness will signal a would-be attacker that this person is not a good target.

The opposite behavior, looking timid or afraid, often signals would-be attackers that this person is easy prey.

• Travel, walk or park in well lighted areas and with a companion whenever possible

• Keep your car in good repair and always lock your doors. Store packages or valuables in the trunk or out of sight.

• Never carry large sums of money.

• When you carry a purse, keep it firmly in your hand with the clasp near your body. Do not dangle it as a target. Males should always carry their wallet in a front pocket.

• If you must walk alone, use good judgment. Avoid any areas that present obvious danger. Walk along sidewalks closer to the street when passing alleyways, bushes, or other obstructions that someone could jump out of or grab a victim and pull them into.

• Whenever possible try to walk facing traffic. If a suspicious vehicle stops or someone were to attempt to grab or pull you into a vehicle it is easier to continue running in the same direction and harder for the vehicle to follow as it would be required to turn around to do so.

• If someone is following you, do not go home if there is no help available there. Go to a police station or some other populated area where help will be available.

• Never wear clothes that make safe movement hard, such as high heels or tight pants.

• Be cautious when using elevators. Stand near the buttons and get off immediately if you are suspicious of other occupants.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, making eye contact with those you meet.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times

• Do not use the ATM after dark unless someone else escorts you and the area is well lit.

• Do not continue a transaction if you feel uncomfortable.

• Pay attention to people who come up to the machine and wait in line. Make eye contact with the individuals.

• Do not count or display money at the ATM.

• Never leave your statement and transaction receipt at the ATM.

• Do not assist others who may be having difficulty using the ATM.

• Do not give your secret code to anyone. Do not write your secret code in your wallet or purse.

• Lock your doors every time you leave your office.

• Don’t leave your belongings, books, purses or other items unattended in libraries, classrooms, offices, etc.

• Keep your purse, wallet and other valuables in a secure location, i.e, locked in a drawer, your trunk etc.

• Never lend your keys to anyone. Many keys can be easily duplicated.

• Lock your vehicle and pocket the key. Remember to lock the trunk, hatchback or the tailgate of station wagon. Close all windows and lock the vent wings.

• Don’t leave vehicle registration, insurance policies, credit cards or other important papers in the vehicle glove compartment.

• Do not place a mini replica of a license plate or personal identification on a vehicle’s key ring. If lost it would be valuable information for a criminal.

• Store a spare key in your wallet, not inside or outside you vehicle. Thieves know all the hiding places.

• Do not disconnect the buzzer that warns you of keys left in the ignition. It’s for your protection.

• Use a locked gas cap, not only to prevent theft of gasoline, but to limit a thief to the amount of driving he can do on one tank.

• Don’t invite break-in by leaving packages or valuables in sight. Take valuables with you, place them under the seat or lock them in the trunk.

• Always park in a well lighted and busy area.

• Always keep you car serviced to avoid breakdown’s in deserted areas.

• Keep an eye on your fuel level. Never let the level get too low.

• If your car breaks down on the highway, raise the hood and turn on emergency flashers. Stay inside the car with the doors locked. Wait for police. If someone stops ask them to contact the police.

• When approaching your vehicle have your key in hand for quick entry.