Off-Campus Safety

Off the Grid is the Tampa campus off-campus safety task force, made up of students, Hillsborough County government and Sheriff's Office officials, and University Police and is chaired by the Dean of Students. The USF community includes the thousands of students living in apartment communities close to campus.

Check out the resources below and click here for more off-campus safety tips on from the Dean of Students.

Tips for Off-Campus Safety

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• Walk in well-lit and well-traveled areas. • Carry a flashlight (a keychain flashlight is convenient) in case you find yourself in a dark area. • Avoid walking alone after dark. • Make a safety plan with friends. Tell them where you are going and when you will get back. • Do not drink anything that you did not open or mix yourself. • Go out together, come home together; always use the “buddy system” when you are going to a party or a bar. • Take a RAD self-defense course with University Police. Call 813-974-2859 to reserve a spot. PERSONAL SAFETY • Lock all doors and windows. • Don’t hide spare keys outside your residence. • If you have a sliding door, place a long piece of wood in the floor track to prevent the door from being opened. • Keep your outside light on at night to deter criminals. HOME SAFETY • Always have your keys in-hand when approaching your vehicle. • Be aware of surroundings. • Never hide a spare key outside your vehicle. • Do not personalize your car; it may give criminals information they can use against you. • Do not stop to help a motorist; call law enforcement to assist. • If you think someone is following you, don’t drive home. Drive to a police station or 24-hour business. • Register your bike with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (813-276-2548) to help with its recovery if stolen. VEHICLE/PROPERTY SAFETY TASKFORCE • Don’t walk alone at night on campus! Call the SAFE Team for an escort from 6:30 pm to 2:30 am at 813-974-SAFE (7233). • For the latest campus emergency information, always check the main USF Website at usf.edu. • Sign up to receive official emergency text messages from MoBull messenger at mobull.usf.edu. • The Tampa, Hillsborough and Temple Terrace police departments use The Alert Center to distribute important information regarding incidents in the community, including traffic and weather alerts affecting the Hillsborough County area. Sign up to receive notifications at hillsboroughcounty.org/alertcenter.aspx. • USF Parking & Transportation Services offers free, year-round transit service on the Tampa campus. For more info, visit usf.edu/bullrunner OTHER TIPS Trust your instincts. Always report suspicious behavior to the police. Off the Grid is USF’s off-campus safety taskforce, made up of students, Hillsborough County government and Sheriff’s Office officials, and University Police, and is chaired by the Dean of Students. Our objectives are: • To raise safety awareness of students living off campus • To provide safety information to students preparing to move off campus • To create partnerships with local officials and apartment staff to improve safety measures • To develop student residential relationships with communities adjacent to campus. To share your ideas or to contact Off the Grid, call the Dean of Students office at 813-974-6677. BE SAFE, BULLS! ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES • University Police: Emergency: 911 Non-emergency: 813-974-2628 • Student Government SAFE Team: 813-974-SAFE (7233) • Dean of Students: 813-974-6677 • Counseling Center: 813-974-2831 • Victim Advocacy & Violence Prevention: 813-974-5756 • Student Rights and Responsibilities: 813-974-9443 OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES • Police: Emergency: 911 Non-Emergency: Hillsborough County Sheriff: 813-247-8200 Tampa: 813-231-6130 Temple Terrace: 813-989-7110 • Fire/Medical Department: Hillsborough County: 813-272-5655 Tampa Fire Rescue: 813-232-6800 Temple Terrace: 813-506-6700 • Crime Stoppers (tipline): 813-873-8477 • Hillsborough County Code Enforcement: 813-274-8211 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: The USF community includes the thousands of students living in apartment communities close to campus. Utilize these tips to improve your personal safety on-the-go and in your residence while attending USF. (rev. 10/2015)

Choosing an Apartment: Safety Features & Tips

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