Office & Building Security Tips
Teamwork
- Faculty, Staff, Students, and the University Police must work together for a safe and secure environment.
The University at Buffalo Police
- Know how to contact them. 645-2222 from any campus phone, Blue Light Emergency Phone, or elevator phone.
- Get to know the officers and services provided.
- Call for a Community Police Officer to meet with you or your group at 645-2228.
Key Security
- It is your responsibility to maintain security.
- Know which keys you have and to which locks.
- Only have keys to facilities you need to access.
- Never leave keys in a door lock.
- Don't loan keys out.
- Don't duplicate keys.
- Report key loss to University Facilities from any campus phone by dialing 71.
- Make sure that keys issued on a temporary basis are returned.
- Return keys you don't need or don't use.
Locking Doors and Windows
- Lock interior and exterior doors.
- Check all doors and windows when you leave
- Use alarms and sensory systems. (Call University Police at 645-2228 for a Community Police Officer to evaluate if alarms are needed.)
- Avoid false alarms by understanding how alarm systems work.
Securing Office/Classroom Equipment
- Use inventory control and keep detailed records.
- Follow policies that are in place.
- Tag and inventory property.
- Help when moving equipment to ensure security of property.
- Enter serial numbers and model numbers in records.
- Never dispose of property without following necessary procedures.
- Issue Property Removal Forms when loaning equipment.
Personal Security
- Park in well-traveled, highly visible lots.
- If it is dark, only use well-lit lots and walkways.
- Don't leave valuables in plain sight.
- Walk with your car key out and ready.
- Don't walk alone.
- Use escort services.
- Know where emergency phones are, what they look like, and how to use them.
Securing Personal Equipment
- Keep all equipment securely locked when not in use.
- Lock doors and windows.
- Lock laptop and personal computers in a secure cabinet.
- Store documentation and computer manuals away from the equipment itself.
- Secure software and program disks.
Propped Doors
- Security and fire safety are compromised when doors are propped.
- Remove item holding door open, close door, and throw away item.
- Report broken doors immediately to University Facilities at phone number 71.
Reporting Crime
- Notify University Police immediately when you know a crime has occurred.
- Be prepared to describe the situation or stolen item to an officer.
- Report any new information immediately at phone number 645-2222.
- Report things that appear out of place or suspicious activity immediately.
- Report solicitors immediately.
- Be prepared to give accurate descriptions of race, age, sex, appearance, location, etc.
Petty Cash
- Use a locked cash box.
- Lock cash boxes in a desk drawer or cabinet when leaving the office.
- Don't let cash accumulate; set an amount at which it is to be deposited.
Operation Identification for Personal Items
- Use engravers and identification stickers.
- Use tracking software and PC marking systems.
- Information on these services is available through your Community Police Officer at 645-2228.