When you travel, try to be in the company of others and BE SURE TO . . .

1)  Maintain visibility.  

Walk in the middle of the sidewalk away from any dark and hidden doorways, parked cars, subway entrances, and away from other locations where visibility may be impaired.

2)  Avoid shortcuts and deserted areas.  

Study the neighborhood surrounding the law school and your home.  Walk on well lighted and busy streets where there are pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Stay alert.  Walk briskly and confidently.  Trust your intuition.  If you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.

3)  Use cash machines only during daylight hours.

Use cash machines during daytime hours.  If you must use a machine at night, find one that is located near a busy intersection (or use the cash machine at the Law School).  Small amounts of cash should be carried and divided between clothing pockets and a handbag or briefcase. Do not count or display money in a way which attracts attention.  Be especially careful in the use of bank card account codes, to avoid being overheard or allowing the code to be seen.

4)  Be alert when using pay telephones, a cell phone, calling card, and credit/charge cards. 

Be aware of the persons near you when using a pay telephone or cell phone.  Do not place a wallet, handbag, telephone calling card, or credit/charge card on any exposed surface, including a shelf under the payphone. Be especially careful in the use of calling card account codes and credit/charge card numbers to avoid being overheard or allowing the code to be seen. 

5)  Avoid dark or deserted public transportation facilities.

When waiting for a bus or train, wait at a busy stop where there are other persons and when waiting for the train, use the off-hour waiting area.  Have your fare ready and do not fumble or hunt for change at the last minute.  On the train, wait or ride near transit personnel.

6)  Avoid overloading your arms with packages or other items.

Handbags should be carried over the shoulder, close to the body.  Wallets are safer in front pockets.  (If you choose to place your wallet in your back pocket, wrap a rubber band around it.  This will make it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.)

7)  Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and clothes.

When possible, wear comfortable clothing and dress casually.  Avoid shoes and clothing that restrict mobility.

8)  Have your door keys handy.

Always have your door keys in your hand before you arrive at your home. Check that you have locked the door after entering and before leaving your home.

9)  Call for help.

If an uncomfortable situation confronts you, cross the street or change direction.  Go to a well populated or lighted area.  Do not ignore the person following you–  look back to acknowledge his or her presence.  Do not hesitate to scream or yell "FIRE" to attract attention.  (It can be more effective in getting the attention of others.)

10)  Relinquish personal and valuable property to avoid personal injury.

Do not struggle to protect personal and valuable property.  Relinquish wallets and hand bags and note details about the person(s) that you could provide to police officers.