Safety & Security

Overview

Every resident is responsible for knowing and following residential safety and security procedures. Prior to moving on to campus all new residents are required to complete the Wildcat Safety program. The Wildcat Safety covers informs residents about a variety of topics including Northwestern's residential security system, fire safety, and personal safety tips. More information will be emailed to all residential students in September.

In addition, Northwestern University offers many programs designed to promote safety and security.

Blue Light Phones

University "Blue Light" emergency phones are located throughout both the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Northwestern offers an interactive campus map which indicates the location of all Blue Light phones with a symbol of the letter "P" inside a circle.

CSOs

A residential security program includes a combination of overnight lobby staffing by a team of Community Service Officers (CSOs) and / or Security Officers, video surveillance of residence hall lobbies and some unalarmed secondary doors and alarms on secondary door without video cameras. CSOs, a part of the University Police staff, are stationed at posts inside the majority of the residence halls.

SafeRide

The SafeRide program website provides a description of their services and detailed pick up location information (look for the location closest to your residential area) in both list and map formats. SafeRide also employs many student drivers and dispatchers.

How to identify your belongings

Identifiable valuables are less attractive to thieves. Marking/engraving property with a unique number aids police in identifying and returning stolen property to the rightful owner. Record serial numbers, brand names, dates of purchase and purchase price or your valuables. The Police will ask for this information in the event of theft or loss.

How to register your bike

Register your bicycle on-line with University Police.

How to describe a suspicious person

You can read a University Police document which gives suggestions for describing a suspicious person (pdf).

NU Shuttle System

Northwestern has an extensive shuttle system that provides free transportation around the Evanston campus and between the Chicago and Evanston campuses.

University Police

The University Police website has valuable information including campus crime statistics, how to register for free personal safety courses, and other services provided by the police department.  They also provide an extensive list of safety and security tips.