Heading Back to Campus? RMU Police Offer Tips

Students heading back to campus this fall should register with police to keep track of laptop computers and other electronics, said Police Chief Randy Mink. 

Mink said RMU's campus police will offer students the chance to register the serial numbers of laptops used on campus for the upcoming school year to deter thefts. 

"They can register the make, model and serial number with us," Mink said. "Because if you think about it, how many laptops do we have on this campus? Probably thousands." 

Theft marked one of the highest reported crimes at Robert Morris University during the 2011 calendar year, with 23 reported incidents. 

"But most of those occured at the Island Sports Center (on Neville Island)," Mink said. "I'd hate to brag, but we're actually a very safe campus." 

Mink said underage drinking and minor drug possession incidents were the most common reported crimes on the campus in 2011. One burglary was reported in a residence hall. 

"It's a very safe campus here," he said. "And we're here to provide students with safety, but they have to be aware of what's going on around them." 

The campus employs 12 full-time police officers and hosts safety orientations for incoming students and parents alike. 

Mink said students should lock vehicles and residence hall rooms and avoid leaving electronics and other valuables unattended on campus. 

Other tips for the campus safety: 

• Make sure friends or roommates are aware of where you are traveling or if you are leaving campus. 

• Be aware of the campus Blue Light Telephone System. The outdoor phones, which are equiped with cameras, are scattered throughout the campus and available for emergencies. "Once they pick up, they dial in directly to a dispatcher," Mink said. 

• Keep the campus police phone number saved in your phone: 412.397.2424.

• Also be aware of RMU's survellience system, which includes some 570 interior cameras and 18 exterior cameras, Mink said. 

• Mink said students walking across campus alone can call the campus police station to request a police escort. 

• He also reminds students of RMU's "zero-tolerance" drug policy. "We absolutely tell students about drugs and it's a zero-tolerance policy," he said. 

"Most of what you're here for his your education," Mink said. "But once and a while you'll run into somebody who isn't here for that. Just like anywhere else."