Promoting Safety

Safety and Security at SUNY Orange

The objective of the Safety and Security staff is to provide a safe environment for teaching, learning and social endeavors, and to protect the lives and property of students, employees and visitors at SUNY Orange. This objective is pursued within the framework of College’s policies and procedures, as well as all local, state and federal laws. The investigation of crimes committed on the College’s campuses falls under the jurisdiction of either the City of Middletown or City of Newburgh Police Departments, with assistance from the Safety and Security Director and staff. Safety and Security maintains an excellent rapport with the local law enforcement agencies and works closely with them to maintain safe campuses.

The College upholds the rights of students and employees to be informed, as necessary, of incidents which occur on either campus, the measures taken to promote safety precautions, and swift effective responses to crises. The responsibility for Maintaining personal and campus safety is the shared responsibility of all students, faculty and staff of the College.

SUNY Orange and its Safety and Security Department recognize the value of maintaining a community that is open, accessible and intellectually stimulating, where diversity of ideas is valued and every person’s safety, dignity and autonomy is respected whether that person is a student, employee or visitor, and regardless of race, color, ancestry, citizenship status, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, religion, age, disability (physical or mental), gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, domestic violence victim status, service in the military, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law.

What can students do to promote safety?

Exercise caution with regard to having photos and personal information disseminated in campus publications. Students have been “targeted” through the use of this information. Survey the campus and adjacent areas. Determine and use the safest routes between your residence, work, classes and activity locations. Are emergency telephones available? Are walkways frequently traveled or somewhat isolated? Are parking lots well lit and patrolled frequently? If you need to seek help quickly, are there places nearby where people tend to congregate?

Whether in person or on the Internet, know who you are befriending. Do not disclose personal information or place yourself in a vulnerable situation until you know people and know them well!

Create a "buddy" system by sharing your schedule with parents, roommates and close friends. Advise your roommate or leave a timed and dated note if you intend to change your normal schedule, particularly if you will not be returning in the evening. Give a network list of telephone numbers to your parents, academic advisor and friends. Travel in groups or use a shuttle service after daylight hours. Avoid short-cuts and walking alone.

Do not loan your keys or access cards to anyone. Promptly have locks changed or reprogrammed if your key or access card is lost or stolen. Always keep doors and windows locked.

Never leave your valuable possessions (e.g. identification, wallets, checks, jewelry, credit cards) in open view.

If your telephone has a speed dialer, program it with emergency numbers that include family and close friends.

Learn basic escape techniques and occasionally practice them to maintain proficiency.

Promptly report suspicious activities or unlawful conduct.

If you've moved into a new apartment nearby the school, carefully evaluate your neighborhood. Do you feel comfortable in the building, with the neighbors and the neighborhood? Is the building well-maintained? Is the building owner or manager responsive to questions and needs?

Please take a moment and visit the following site: http://www.securityoncampus.org/