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 Prevent crime on the job By Gene Friedman Sometimes people forget basic crime prevention practices when they are in their office or classroom. These homes-away-from-home can become very comfortable and familiar places which lull people into a sense of security that is not justified. While these can be alert on the street, the same people feel that they play by a different set of rules in the workplace. Of course this is not true, as crime can occur anywhere. To maintain your personal safety and protect your property at work, follow these rules: • Lock your office or room whenever you leave, even if you will be gone for only a few moments. • Keep your purse, wallet and other valuables in a secure location. A locked desk or filing cabinet is much more preferable than the top of your desk. Remember, it only takes a few seconds for a thief to act. • Don’t carry an excessive amount of cash with you. Take only as much as you can afford to lose. • Do not leave cash unattended or in your office, especially overnight or on a weekend. • If you have valuable personal property in your office, such as a CD player, mark it with a unique identifier. Engraving pens are available at the college security department to do this. Note the make, model and serial number of these items and keep this information in a safe place. • If you are issued an office or building key, do not lend it to anyone. • Report the loss or theft of keys, equipment, or valuables immediately to the college security department at 525-4500. All crimes, regardless how minor they may seem, should be reported. • Immediately report any suspicious person loitering in your area to college security. Also, be alert to strangers near the building or in the parking lot. • If you are in your office or classroom after hours, keep your door locked and notify the security department. Officers will periodically check on you and walk you to your vehicle, if desired. • If you encounter a stranger in your building or in the hallway, ask if you can assist them. Everyone at SCAD should display an ID card. If this person does not have one, ask him or her if they belong there. Contact college security if you are uncomfortable doing this. An officer will be sent to your location to assist. • Do not hesitate to call security if something doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts. • Remember, security at SCAD is a participatory process. We all must work together to ensure a safe college environment. Friedman is director of college security. The Department of Safety and Security, Pellissippi State Technical Community College, provided information for this article. |
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