Crime Prevention

You can call Public Safety for assistance at any time from a Blue Light phone—there are more than 200 outside Blue Light phones throughout the University’s campuses. Simply pick up a Blue Light phone and you will be immediately connected to the Public Safety Communications Center. In addition, there are more than 180 elevator phones and over 125 interior and exterior service phones that can connect you directly to Public Safety for more assistance.

Public Safety provides proactive, preventive foot and vehicle patrols in public spaces across the University. This includes foot patrols of residential areas and other University-owned properties. The goal with patrols is ultimately to promote the health and safety of the University community. Our team being out on patrols can help ensure open communication with the greater Rochester community, while also having a visible deterrent for crime.

There are more than 650 security cameras in and around University campus buildings and parking lots. Public Safety dispatchers monitor these security cameras 24 hours a day. Public Safety investigators review recorded images as needed when following up on reported incidents or concerns. Camera images are available under subpoena and for review by senior Public Safety staff only. These images are classified as University Public Safety records and are not released to the public. The University does not use facial recognition technology.

Approximately 40 trained, part-time student aides assist our professional staff. They work in selected areas of the campus and residence halls during the academic year. These students are in regular radio contact with Public Safety in case any safety issues arise.