News
As our University community fully returns to learning and living together, we write today to share important information and University resources for your safety.
One of Columbia’s greatest strengths is its location in New York City, which affords us the opportunity to learn from and engage with the City’s vibrant neighborhoods, institutions and communities. And yet, we must be mindful of the increase in crime throughout New York City’s neighborhoods. We encourage you to move about with increased awareness, and use these University resources available to you.
Getting Around Safely:
Columbia Transportation and Public Safety have partnered with VIA Rideshare Point to Point Service to provide free and safe alternatives to walking alone at night. Learn more about how this service works, the calendar of service hours that adjust with seasonal daylight, and how to download the app and get a unique promo code (UNI login required) to get started. Additionally, the Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Saturday, excluding University holidays. For additional transportation information, visit Columbia’s Transportation website.
Columbia’s App for Public Safety - LionSafe:
Please download the LionSafe app. This app not only connects users with quick access to Public Safety emergency services, it helps keep you updated with crime alerts, emergency protocols and critical campus safety protocols. The app also includes maps, shuttle schedules, and Friend Walk, which allows you to send your location to a friend in real-time, so they can track you virtually as you walk to your destination.
Safety Awareness Opportunities this Fall (Virtual and In Person):
Being mindful of what is present and happening around you is critically important, and will help keep you safe. Please consider joining a situational awareness skills training to learn actionable tips to protect your personal safety in threatening situations. Register here.
Throughout September, Public Safety is also hosting Security Awareness Days at each campus for students, faculty, and staff. In addition to learning about crime prevention resources, including the Operation ID Program (free engraving for your electronic devices), you can receive a free bike tune-up, and get discounts on bike locks and other crime prevention accessories.
Emergency Text Messaging:
Please sign up for emergency text updates to receive real-time notifications of emergency events on or near campus.
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Columbia’s Public Safety is available at any time of day, every day. Please store these critical numbers in your phone:
- Morningside Campus Emergency Line: 212-854-5555
- Manhattanville Campus Emergency Line: 212-853-3333
- Medical Center Campus Emergency Line: 212-305-7979
You can always email both University Life ([email protected]) and Public Safety ([email protected]) with feedback and questions, and follow us both on our Facebook and Instagram channels (@cusafety and @ColumbiaULife) to keep up to date with the latest information.
We wish you all a safe, happy and healthy year ahead.
Best,
Dennis A. Mitchell, DDS, MPH (he/him/his)
Executive Vice President for University Life
Senior Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
Professor of Dental Medicine at CUMC
James F. McShane
Vice President for Public Safety
As part of the Columbia Community Service (CCS) Back to School Supply Drive, CCS and the Office of Public Safety teamed up to collect school supplies for over 700 students in the local community.
The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more.
I am pleased to welcome you back to campus as we begin a new academic year of in-person learning. As we continue as a community to navigate through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Department of Public Safety’s commitment to maintaining the health and safety of the Columbia community remains as strong as ever. Please take a moment to read about some important Public Safety resources available to you.
Public Safety has partnered with Vistelar, a conflict management training and consulting institute to offer an online training to serve as a supplement to the comprehensive crisis management and de-escalation training already in place.
After receiving a call from a CU affiliate requesting immediate assistance to help a family member who was locked in their apartment bathroom due to a defective door lock, Sergeants Michael Rodriguez and Peter Plata immediately responded and, together with the building superintendent, were able to free the family member from the room without harm.
As we prepare for the return to campus, Public Safety will be hosting personal safety training sessions for students, faculty, and staff to provide tips on how to be mindful of what is present and happening around you. Register today!
Public Safety Officer Richard Castro’s quick response helped to revive an unaffiliated male near the Medical Center from an overdose. After being notified about the unresponsive individual, Castro quickly notified the Operations Desk to dispatch emergency responders and stayed onsite to assist a CUIMC doctor in the area who administered treatment. PSO Castro’s quick actions, calm demeanor, and professionalism played a major role in saving the man’s life.
On Wednesday, August 25th, 2021, Public Safety will support the 6th Annual Back-2-School community event being held at Old Broadway between 125th and 126th Street, from 1 PM - 5 PM and hosted by the 26th Precinct Community Affairs along with Manhattan Community Board 9, featuring a school supplies distribution, entertainment, refreshments, and other back-to-school resources.
The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more.
The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more.
After responding to a non-affiliate laying on the ground and suffering from serious injuries, Lt. Lau requested CUEMS to transfer the male to the hospital immediately for further treatment. Because the male was disoriented and unable to provide an account of the incident, Lt. Lau and Sgt. Batts conducted a video review of the area, confirming that the male suffered injuries from a significant fall on campus.
After noticing an emotionally disturbed person near the bike racks with a box cutter slashing bicycle tires, Officer Gomez quickly notified the Operations desk and ensured a swift and efficient response from DPS units who apprehended the perpetrator and turned him over to the NYPD.
Using self-defense is the most effective way to protect yourself in threatening situations on and around campus. Join the Department of Public Safety and Shotokan Karate Club on June 23 for a FREE self-defense class for all students, faculty, and staff to build confidence and improve your street awareness.
The Public Safety monthly e-newsletter offers the Columbia community valuable safety, security, and crime prevention information along with information about our comprehensive training programs and more.