There are a great number of things you could be doing NOW to prevent a crime from occurring:

• Join UAB Campus Watch.
• Take one of our Crime Prevention or Personal Safety/Self Defense Classes
• Stay abreast of media alerts and prevention measures.
• Read campus newspapers to stay abreast of local concerns.
• If possible, never walk alone in dimly lit areas without a companion or associate. If you must walk alone, be cautious., stay alert, and be aware of your surroundings....or call for an ESCORT.
• Use the best lighted and heaviest traveled routes while walking.
• Have your keys ready when you get to your car for quick entry. Lock your doors immediately and keep windows rolled up once you get in.
• Don't roll your window down to talk to a stranger under suspicious circumstances. If you think you are being followed, turn abruptly several times, and if you are being followed, drive to a crowded, well lit area (fire station, store, etc.) and have someone there call the police for you.
• Do not stop and get out of your car to call for help in isolated areas. If you are walking, begin looking for an escape or someone to help.
• If someone demands your valuables (car, purse, wallet, etc.), just give it to them. It is all replaceable and not worth getting hurt, seriously injured, or killed over!
• Keep your valuables out of sight (in your trunk, under the seat, etc.) in your car.
• If you are going away from the office for more than just a few moments, lock your door. Keep your personal valuables (purse, wallet, etc.) locked in a drawer.
• Call the UAB Crime Prevention Specialist at (205) 934-2409 for additional information.

If there should be a need for potential threat information to be made available to the public, it may be distributed to the UAB community in various ways by:
 

• Fax machines
• Electronic mail
• UAB Reporter
• Monday mailing
• UAB Campus Watch
• Kaleidoscope
• Flyers and posters
• Hand delivered messages

You can visit the UAB Emergency Information page for where and when to look for updates in an emergency situation.

UAB Emergency Information

Reporting Suspicious Activities

Remember, your UAB Police would rather be called and not needed than needed and not called!

• Remain calm. Keep away from the suspicious person(s) or activity and avoid taking any risks. Notify the UAB Police Department, dial 911.
• Give your name, address, and phone number. The university police need to contact you for more information later. If you prefer, you can remain anonymous.
• Tell the police whether the crime is in progress or has already been completed. (if you see a crime in progress, report it immediately. If you wait, the police will have a much more difficult time apprehending the suspect).
• Be prepared to give the following information: A description of what happened (time, place, was anyone injured...). A description of the suspect (sex, age, race, weight, distinctive characteristics). You may use the following sketch to help you remember key descriptive details; Description of Suspect Checklist.
• A description of any vehicle (s) involved, license plate number if possible Time and direction of escape
• Additional details and circumstances (if any).

Crime Prevention is everyone's business!

Report suspicious behavior immediately to the UAB Police Department.

Suspicious behavior on campus can also be reported using an emergency phone. Just pick up the receiver and you will be connected directly to a dispatcher at the UAB Police Department.

These are always suspicious activities:

• Person screaming, cries for HELP or POLICE.
• Loud or obscene shouting indicating a disturbance.
• An explosion or gunshot.
• The sound of breaking glass.
• Someone trying to break into a building.
• Someone tampering with a motor vehicle.
• Person(s) publicly displaying weapons.
• Smashed doors or windows.

The Description of Suspect Checklist can be used to help you with key descriptive details.