Dear Students,
In recent years, we have seen an uptick in crime and safety incidents around Halloween occurring in the immediate areas off-campus.
Please be cautious and remain vigilant when traveling through the neighborhood and city, and keep in mind these important safety guidelines:
- Never walk alone at night, and always walk along well-lit and well-traveled routes. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions like being on your phone or wearing earbuds while traveling.
- Call for help if you feel threatened. If on campus, call GUPD at (202) 687-4343 (add this number to your phone contacts today); if off-campus, call 911.
- Use the SafeRides safety shuttle service by calling (202) 784-7433 (also add this number to your phone contacts). The service is available seven days a week, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
- Utilize the late night neighborhood shuttles on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. All shuttles run on a continuous loop from Georgetown to K Street and Burleith and originate/end at the front gates.
- Lock your residence doors, both on and off campus, even if you’re home.
- Please pay particular attention to the issue of “tailgating,” where residents knowingly or unknowingly allow unauthorized individuals to pass through GOCard-accessed entrances with them or behind them.
- Download the LiveSafe app for emergency response information and the ability to communicate with GUPD (anonymously if you prefer). You can use its “SafeWalk” feature to share your location in real time with friends or family as you walk to your destination.
As you move through the residential neighborhoods, please also be considerate of community members and our Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) team.
Contact GUPD at police@georgetown.edu or (202) 687-4343 with any questions. Have a safe and happy Halloween.
Sincerely,
Jay Gruber
Chief of Police, Assistant Vice President for Public Safety