Student Safety Protocols

Before You Leave

  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and what you are doing. Leave your cell phone number with someone who knows you are in the field.

  • Be sure your cell phone is charged.

  • Make sure you have some money on you, but don’t carry too much.

  • Always know where you are going. Just in case there is a problem with getting maps on your phone, print out a map of the area where you are going before you leave.

  • Always travel with an adequate Metro Card balance.

  • Think about what you are wearing and what you are carrying. Would these items stand out in the neighborhood in which you are reporting and make you a potential target? Carry only the equipment you need.

  • Use the buddy system, especially if you are reporting in an area known to have higher crime rates or if you are doing any reporting at night.

  • If reporting in a neighborhood that is known to be dangerous, contact the police precinct for that area ahead of time. Get information about spots that are dicey and let them know when you will be in the area.

In the Field

  • Try not to do reporting at night unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you are in the field at night, take a buddy. Avoid isolated areas including in the subway system.

  • Don’t leave equipment or other valuables in view. It’s an invitation for thieves.

  • When reporting in a neighborhood where you feel unsafe or that is unfamiliar, connect with a person or business in the area. Restaurants are often good places to start. Talk to people in the restaurant or other business. That can serve the purpose of enlisting them in watching out for you or being a place to come for help, if needed.

  • Don’t wander around looking lost. Always project that you have a destination or a purpose.

  • Avoid secluded locations. Do your reporting and interviews in well-lit, public areas.

  • When walking around, stay alert to your surroundings. Don’t walk around while you are talking on the phone or listening to music on headphones. Be conscious of who is around you.

  • Walk with a self-assured stride. Look confident and in control. Keep your head up and look around; make brief eye contact.

  • If you hear someone walking behind you, turn around and look at them.

Adapted from USC-Annenberg Student Safety Protocols with changes in recognition of the fact that NYC students take subways rather than driving cars.

For tips on crime prevention and personal safety and safe subway riding, please review these links from the NYPD:

http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/crime-prevention-and-safety-tips.page

Additional Student Safety Tips

  • Be particularly mindful when entering subway stations, on subway platforms and crossing streets.

  • If biking, always wear a helmet and observe traffic rules and keep a safe distance from vehicle doors that may swing open.

  • Never arrange to meet sources in isolated or private places. (This is a bit repetitive but we want to emphasize not only that students should not travel in isolated places but also that they should not agree to meet sources in isolated places).

  • Do not text or be otherwise distracted while walking around New York City, especially near traffic, steps and subways.

  • In addition to students leaving their phone numbers and locations with someone, they should have cell phone contacts in case of a problem, but should be instructed to first dial 911 in the event of any kind of emergency.

  • Students should try to anticipate any safety issues in advance and should always feel comfortable discussing and troubleshooting safety concerns in advance with faculty members and with deans and Office of Student Affairs.

  • These safety tips are not meant to anticipate every type of unsafe situation or safety concern that can arise, but to provide some useful guidance on a few measures to promote student safety while reporting. From the journalism school's standpoint, student safety is a paramount priority.