University Police

Report suspicious behavior promptly to police Call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or 9-1-1 if it’s an emergency. 

• Use the campus shuttle services or Night Walk (831) 582-3573.
• Choose well-lit, busy pathways and streets.
• Avoid alleyways or shortcuts through isolated areas.
• Travel in groups.
• Tell a friend or roommate where you are going and what time you expect to return.
• Know where the emergency call boxes are located on campus and learn how to use them.
• If you are being followed, change direction and go to the nearest business or home; knock on the door, and request that someone call the Police.
• Note the description of the person following you.
• Avoid shrubbery or other places of potential concealment.
• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it; carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket or your front pant pocket.
• Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.
• Don’t overload yourself with bags or packages and avoid wearing shoes that restrict your movements.
• Walk with a confident stride; keep your head up and look around.
• If a motorist stops and asks for directions, keep your distance from the car.

Report suspicious behavior promptly to police.  Call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or 911 if it’s an emergency. 

• Choose routes in advance that are safe and well-populated with others.
  Vary your route and schedule.
• Use extra caution when jogging and biking at night.  Use appropriate lighting and wear reflective clothing (and reflective gloves, to make hand signals while bicycling more visible).
  When jogging, face oncoming traffic when possible.  This allows you to see if a vehicle is pulling over so the occupant can interact with you.  Bicyclists, at every time of day, should always ride in the same direction of vehicle traffic, as required by law.
• Know open businesses and the locations of police and fire stations if you need to go somewhere for help.
  Consider carrying a whistle.
  Do not wear headphones. If you must listen to music while working out, leave one ear open so you can remain somewhat alert to your surroundings.

For more resources on bicycling and walking in Palo Alto, as well as links to content on how to ride safely, visit the Bicycling & Walking page from the City’s Office of Transportation.

Report suspicious behavior promptly to police.  Call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or 911 if it’s an emergency. 

• Look in the elevator before getting in to be sure no one is hiding or behaving oddly
• Always stand near the control buttons if possible
• Get off as soon as you can if someone suspicious enters
• If you are worried about someone who is waiting to get into the elevator with you, pretend you forgot something at the last minute and don’t get in with them.  Wait for the next elevator car
• If you are attacked while in an elevator, hit the alarm button and as many floor buttons as possible

Report suspicious behavior promptly to the police.  Call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or 911 if it’s an emergency. 

• Try to use well-lit and frequently used stops.
• Try to sit near the bus driver if possible.
• Don’t fall asleep. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
• With trains, stand back from the platform edge, and also avoid sitting near an exit door.  A criminal could reach in and grab a purse or jewelry as the train pulls away.
• While waiting, stand near other people or the token or information booth.
• If you are verbally or physically harassed, attract attention by talking loudly or screaming.
• Be alert to who gets off the bus with you. If you feel uncomfortable, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

Report suspicious behavior promptly to the police. Call our 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or 911 if it’s an emergency. 

• Plan your route, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips.  
• Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Don’t stop to aid motorists stopped by the side of the road. Notify the police.
• If your car breaks down, open the hood and attach a white cloth to the door handle. Stay in the locked car and use your cell phone to call for help.
• If someone stops to offer assistance, do not get out of your car. Let them know that help is already on the way.
• Park in well-lit areas. 
• Do not leave any valuables in your car, even hidden in the trunk.
• Check the back seat before entering your car.

If you are being followed while driving, call 911 from your cell phone and ask for assistance.  Consider driving directly to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station, or other business.  Try to get the suspect’s license plate and description.