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As part of a long-standing commitment to the safety of it's community members, the University Police Department works closely with our neighboring police departments through regular information-exchange meetings and coordinated response in emergency situations. This page will outline important safety information and offers easy-to-follow guidelines to help you increase your security and safety while living off campus.
Many SUNY Cortland students live off campus, and the security of those residences is generally not the responsibility of the college. Lighting, locks and other safety measures are dependent on the landlord, and vary widely by place and neighborhood. Living off campus is a very different experience than living in a campus residence hall, so it is important for our students to be informed about safety when selecting off campus housing.
Things you might consider before and after choosing an apartment. This list is not exhaustive, but is intended as a guide to assist with finding a safe living environment.
Exterior lighting around the apartment building is important. Notify the building manager or superintendent when exterior lights are not working.
Shrubbery and trees close to the apartment building, parking lot(s) and walkways should be well trimmed so they do not block out light or serve as a hiding place.
For your apartment door, a solid core wood or steel door is preferable with a deadbolt lock.
It is advisable to have a peephole viewer on your apartment door.
If the lobby exterior door is suppose to be locked, help keep it locked. Never prop this door open. If the door is propped open, unprop it.
In a small college town like Cortland, just about everyone knows that students leave the city between academic terms and on College breaks (i.e. Thanksgiving or Spring Break). Thieves are likely to know the dates and times of year of these breaks and may take advantage of empty student homes. You should take extra precautions in protecting your house or apartment against burglary to reduce your risk. You should take expensive belongings home during the breaks.
Do not allow anyone that you do not know into your apartment or your house.
One of the best deterrents of crime can be your neighbors. Get to know other tenants and report suspicious people and activity to the police immediately.
Important Information
SUNY Cortland
University Police Department
Whitaker Hall, Room 110
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency:
607-753-2111
Email: upd@cortland.edu