Crime Prevention Tips and Information

University Police present a number of programs designed to inform students/employees about security procedures. These programs include: CUSTOMS, Adopt-a-Cop (see below), RAD* (Rape Aggression Defense), Operation ID, and other programs listed below. These programs are offered throughout the semester or upon request. CUSTOMS, the MTSU student orientation program, is offered during the summer to new freshmen and transfer students. University Police calendars, which contain safety information, are also distributed to new/transfer students during this orientation program.

University Police has implemented a presentation titled “Avoid Deny Defend” to help inform the MTSU community about what would occur on campus in the event of an “active shooter.” This presentation covers topics such as police response to an active shooter, shelter-in-place procedures, and the survival mindset needed in such encounters. MTSU departments and organizations may request an “Avoid Deny Defend“ presentation by contacting Captain Jeff Martinez.

MTSU Human Resource Services offers a new employee orientation. The orientation is an overview of the MTSU campus and the many services available to its employees. University Police calendars are provided to all MTSU employees annually. These calendars include crime-prevention safety tips, a description of the Department’s services, crime statistics, and other useful crime-prevention information.

*The RAD program is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The course begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction, and avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training.

Programs to Inform Students and Employees about Crime Prevention

Additional Crime Prevention Programs, which include Assault Awareness 25 (i.e., “Date/Stranger Rape”), Alcohol Awareness, Individual Security, and Operation ID, are presented throughout the academic year upon request. To request that an officer present a program to a class, sorority, fraternity, department, or other organized group, please contact a department member at (615) 898-2424.

Additional Crime Prevention Programs include: Adopt-A-Cop, DUI Awareness, Crime Prevention, Rape Awareness, RAD (Rape Aggression Defense), Bicycle Safety, Crimestoppers, University 1010 classes (for crime prevention), Drunk Goggles presentation, and other programs as requested. Further educational programs take place within the residence halls and, upon request, for student organizations.

Adopt-A-Cop is a joint effort between University Police and the Office of Housing and Residential Life. This long-term program was created to serve the student resident population. Adopt-A-Cop establishes a police presence in residence halls in which a University Police officer essentially becomes a member of a residence hall’s staff. Officers work to establish rapport with residents by implementing crime prevention measures, conducting educational safety programs upon request, and assisting in maintaining the physical security of the buildings. Officers attend Housing and Residential Life staff meetings and provide updated crime statistics for their residence halls; they then follow up with students and staff to implement appropriate crime prevention measures.

A New Employee Orientation is offered by MTSU Human Resources Services. The orientation is an overview of the MTSU campus and the many services available to its employees.

University Police calendars are provided to all MTSU employees annually. These calendars include crime-prevention safety tips, a description of the Department’s services, crime statistics, and other useful crime-prevention information. 

The MTSU community and visitors are encouraged to utilize the University Police Safety Escort Program (now known as “Raider Escort”). University Police provides the safety escort program to students, staff, and campus visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at no cost.

Rave Guardian

Rave Guardian is an additional service provided by MTSU through the MTSU Critical Notification System. The Guardian Timer may be used whenever an individual is out alone on campus, in an unfamiliar area of campus, or would like University Police to check on him/her while he/she is on campus if the timer is not deactivated. The user may call the Guardian Timer number at (615) 692-1516 and set a realistic time frame to reach his/her destination, and leave a voice message containing details about him or herself and the situation (e.g., clothing, route of travel, etc.). If the designated destination is reached safely, the timer is deactivated by dialing the Guardian Timer number: (615) 692-1516 and entering a PIN. For more information, please contact University Police or log onto the MTSU Critical Notification System website.