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Recent Postings



November 6, 2009

SECURITY NOTICE

(Strong Arm Robbery Of Student
In Hoyt Hall)


At approximately 8:40 pm Friday evening, November 6, 2009, a male undergraduate reports he was the victim of a strong-arm robbery while in the men's restroom located on the lower level of Hoyt Hall. The student reports that a lone individual was already in the restroom when he entered. Moments later the individual come up behind the student, held an unidentified object at the student's upper back/shoulder area and demanded that the student turnover his cash. The student considered very briefly whether the suspect actually had a weapon, but decided not to take a chance, so he surrendered his cash. The lone suspect then fled the bathroom area in an unknown direction.

The student returned to his campus residence and called Security right away. The Rochester Police were contacted via 9-1-1 and requested to respond. Security officers checked campus areas near Hoyt with negative results. The victim provided a partial description of the suspect as follows:

  • Male Black in early 20's
  • Height: approx 6' 3" unknown build
  • Unknown if facial hair or distinct markings present
  • Wearing dark green camouflage style jacket and blue jeans
  • Possibly wearing a dark colored cap or a hoodie

Six Security staff assigned to River Campus patrols or special events maintained frequent and visible patrols of the campus. The Fauver Stadium lights remained on their lower setting throughout the night to enhance further the illumination of campus grounds.

At the time of this incident a movie was being shown in Hoyt Auditorium. If you were in the area of Hoyt Hall around 8:40 pm Friday evening and observed individual(s) or activities that you deemed questionable, please contact the Security Communications Center by dialing x13 from any campus phone to report what you have noticed. If you are off-campus and observe questionable activities, call 9-1-1 directly.



October 2, 2009

SECURITY NOTICE - UPDATE

(Off-Campus Disturbances
North Of Riverview Apartments)


On Tuesday, September 29, 2009, a Security Notice was distributed with information about a shots fired report investigated by the Rochester Police in the South Plymouth Avenue area, just north of the Riverview Apartments. It contained facts known at the time, including that several persons had been taken into custody. No injuries were reported.

In the days since, Rochester Police have responded to additional reports of shots fired and persons fighting one another in the vicinity of Plymouth Avenue at Cottage Street, and on Jefferson Avenue. They have identified many of the persons involved and some arrests have been made. It appears that the individuals involved knew one another and these were not random acts. The police intend to maintain a very visible presence in the area and to pursue information that may result in the arrest of additional persons. Police officers will take an active stance in the enforcement of local and state laws.

For the next several days the University community should use alternate routes when traveling in the area north of Riverview in the vicinity of Cottage Street and Jefferson Avenue near Plymouth Avenue. If you are in this vicinity remain alert to any events that might reasonably suggest the start-up of a disturbance. Remove yourself immediately and call 9-1-1 to report what you have seen. Rochester Police will patrol the area thoroughly. You may encounter an officer and be stopped for brief questioning. If the officer re-directs you to another travel path, follow their instructions. The officer may be aware of a situation being monitored and the desire is to keep bystanders safe.

The Gold Line shuttle is available. It continues to run on its regular schedule between Rush Rhees Library and Riverview, as well as to neighboring streets. Gold Line Shuttle Service Schedule

Security officers are in frequent contact with Rochester Police and can reach them right away if needed. Our staffing has been increased to a minimum of three (3) officers at all times in the Riverview, Brooks Landing and Pedestrian Bridge area. There are twenty-nine (29) Security operated CCTV sites between the River Campus side of the Pedestrian Bridge and Riverview. There are twelve (12) Blue Light Emergency Phones available for use as needed. We will continue to work closely with the police and our good neighbors to protect residents and visitors.

Call University Security at 585-275-3333 if you have information or questions.



September 29, 2009

SECURITY NOTICE

(Rochester Police Respond To
Shots Fired Incident
Near Riverview)


Rochester Police took several persons in for questioning Tuesday afternoon after responding to the report of shots fired in the vicinity of South Plymouth Avenue and Luther Circle. The incident occurred shortly after 1 pm in an area located just north of the Riverview Apartment complex. A security officer on patrol in the Riverview lot heard the noises but did not witness any activity. CCTV video records from Riverview are under review by Security to see if images were recorded that may assist the police.

No injuries were reported and police continued their investigation into the late afternoon.

This information is being shared to inform students of the facts known in case their personal plans call for travel in the vicinity to visit friends, return home or to frequent a destination in the area. The two Security patrols in the area remain assigned to patrols of the Riverview and Brooks Landing complexes, as well as the connecting streets and the pedestrian bridge link to the River Campus. Police calls are monitored and University and Rochester Police officers are in frequent contact with one another in the field.

The Rochester Police investigation is ongoing. Call Rochester Police at 9-1-1 or University Security at 585-275-3333 if you have information.



April 30, 2009

COMMUNITY NOTICE

(Musical Instruments Recovered and
Suspect Apprehended In Eastman School Thefts)


A joint effort by Rochester Police and University Security investigators resulted in the arrest Thursday afternoon of a suspect in the theft of two musical instruments on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, that belonged to two students from the Eastman School of Music. A violin, along with its accompanying bow and case, as well as a classical guitar, were taken from separate unlocked and unattended practice rooms in the Annex building.

The guitar was recovered late Wednesday afternoon by its owner after an Eastman professor learned of the theft and alerted a musical instrument vendor whose business is near the School. The thief had pawned the guitar earlier that day. Police recovered the violin Thursday afternoon at a second hand dealer's shop after the suspect was taken into custody.

The University is not revealing the name of the suspect at this time as authorities are still processing him. It can be reported that the suspect has no known relationship with the University as a current or former staff member or student. He is expected to appear in Court on Friday to face initial charges of Burglary and Grand Larceny.

The prompt resolution of these cases was made possible by a number of factors including the diligent work of Police and Security investigators, the very helpful efforts of an Eastman professor, the value of CCTV images captured by Security cameras in the area, and the ready availability of the victims to assist with investigative requests.



March 23, 2009

COMMUNITY NOTICE

(Assault Of ESM Graduate Student At
Off-Campus Apartment Building)


A female graduate student of the Eastman School of Music was the victim of a physical assault in her off-campus apartment building early Sunday morning, March 22, 2009 at about 1:00 a.m. The student entered the East Avenue building's main entrance and proceeded to walk up the stairs. As she reached the floor on which she resides, a lone male suspect grabbed her from behind and placed his hand over her mouth. The student fought back and kicked the suspect several times. The suspect fell down the stairs then fled. She did not observe anyone following her so it is possible the suspect was already in the building.

A partial clothing description was obtained as follows: light green 3/4 length puffy army-style parka with hood pulled up around the face, lightly faded blue jeans, and black colored knit gloves. The suspect was about 5'10" tall.

The student went to her apartment and called 9-1-1. Rochester Police responded right away and conducted a thorough check of the building and surrounding areas. The suspect was not located. The student received bruises and declined medical attention. She filed a report with University Security later Sunday morning.

Rochester Police continue to investigate this crime. University Security has offered assistance. Anyone with information should call 9-1-1 or contact University Security at: 275-3333.



February 17, 2009

COMMUNITY NOTICE

(Off-Campus Safety Issue Near
University Residential Facility)


On Monday night, February 16, 2009, at about 11:40 p.m., Rochester Police responded to an off-campus domestic dispute/assault in the 1100 block of South Plymouth Avenue. The residence is located just north and across the street from Riverview Apartments. On arrival police discovered that a female had been shot in the arm with a small caliber weapon during an assault by a former male friend. The suspect had already fled the scene in a grey colored vehicle before police arrived. The victim was transported by Rural Metro ambulance to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Neither the victim nor the suspect is affiliated with the University.

UR Security dispatchers monitored CCTV images of South Plymouth Avenue near Riverview into the night in case the suspect returned to the area. Video records are being reviewed in an effort to assist the RPD investigation.



December 21, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Medical Center South Corridor Area Robbery)


At about 4:45 pm on Saturday, December 20, 2008, a lone suspect robbed a staff member as she worked in her locked office the South Corridor by using a deceptive pretense to gain access to her work area. Around 4:15 pm, he knocked on the office door and asked directions to the Chapel. The staff member provided information then offered to escort him part of the way. She returned to her office and resumed work. The suspect came back at 4:45 pm, knocked again and the staff member opened the door to him, again. At that point the suspect forced his way into the office and robbed her after making threats and displaying a pointed/sharp object. He took personal items and keys.

Upon leaving the office the suspect proceeded towards the area of the "Red" elevators. The victim went into the hallway and called for help. A staff member and a visitor heard her and saw the suspect pass the "Red" elevator area, at which point the visitor began to follow. The visitor lost sight of him in the 1-5200 area. Another staff member encountered the suspect in the 5200-area fire stairwell.

Security received the first report at 4:49 pm by the staff in the "Red" elevators area. Rochester Police were notified immediately. The first security officers were on scene in a little over a minute as other officers began to check the Medical Center. Rochester Police arrived shortly thereafter and they, along with security officers, searched the Medical Center extensively. Unfortunately, the suspect was not apprehended.

The victim was shaken but did not require medical attention at that time. Family members took her home after initial interviews.

Additional Security patrols of the area were put in place through the evening. Special attention patrols will remain in effect along the main corridors through the weekend. CCTV video records for the Medical Center are under careful review for any images of the suspect and his movements. The lock to the office where the staff member and others work was changed as a precaution. Further steps will be reviewed Monday.

Please contact Rochester Police by calling 9-1-1 or University Security by calling x13 if you have any information about this event.



November 23, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Student's Guest Arrested
After Committing Campus Robberies)


Shortly after 2 am on Sunday, November 23, 2008, University security officers stopped an individual moments after he reportedly robbed two students as they were walking between the Psi U and SAM houses. The suspect gestured to the victims and made statements regarding a weapon in his coat pocket although none was displayed. One student gave up a small amount of cash and a second student told the suspect he had no money. A third student also had contact with the suspect just prior to this incident but was not the focus of a robbery attempt.

Officers were already in the area in response to a different report of suspicious behavior when the victims saw officers and called out to them. Other officers on scene had just made contact with a suspicious person near the Sigma Chi house when the robberies were reported, followed shortly thereafter with suspect clothing and physical description details that matched. The victims were relocated to the Security office in the Community Living Center and the individual was patted down for weapons (none were found) and placed in a patrol car.

When first approached the suspect informed officers he was waiting for friends and pointed to a 1999 black colored Cadillac parked on Fraternity Road. One officer approached a bit closer to read the license, however the driver then sped away from the area. Partial identifying information was obtained by the officer and by use of CCTV cameras. About that time they learned of the robbery. Rochester police were called and arrived at 2:20 am.

At about 2:50 am a student aide noticed that the Cadillac had returned to campus. Rochester police approached the vehicle and took its two occupants into custody and all three individuals were taken downtown.

Moses Lamik, (20), of Rochester, was arrested on Robbery and Attempted Robbery charges. It was determined that he had been on campus earlier that night as the guest of a current UR student. Officers had talked with the suspect and the student about a half hour before the robbery report in connection with a disturbance at a fraternity house. At that time his UR host and Lamik promised to depart the area with others as the party was being shut down.

Security officers did not have contact with the two occupants of the vehicle and it was learned later that police did not charge them. No weapons were found. As of Sunday night Lamik remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail.



November 12, 2008

COMMUNITY NOTICE

(Riverview Complex Parking Lot Event)


UPDATE, November 20, 2008: The Campus Times today carries an update on this event. A student has been identified as the person who left the object in the parking lot. He stated he intended no harm to anyone. Read the article here.


At about 4 pm Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2008, an alert Riverview resident discovered a questionable piece of plastic pipe with capped ends lying on the pavement by one of her vehicle's tires. She immediately brought it to the attention of a Security officer who was on foot patrol nearby. As a precautionary measure, the space around the plastic pipe was secured and general access was restricted. The Rochester Police were notified and arrived on scene minutes later.

The police made an assessment of the situation and could not determine with certainty the nature of the item. Police requested that their Hazardous Device Unit respond to the scene and take appropriate measures to secure the item. In accordance with safety protocols, Building C was partially evacuated and access restrictions to Riverview were maintained.

Responding police specialists examined the pipe. Eventually, they decided to effect a safe disposal by using a small charge to disable/destroy the item without it being moved from its open-air location. This procedure did cause an audible sound that could be heard nearby. The remnants were field tested and determined to possess no hazardous contents. Technicians collected samples for further review.

Police and Security officers conducted a safety check of the entire parking lot and surrounding grounds, after which the site was safe to re-open by about 6 pm.

If you have questions, please contact Security at 275-3333 and ask to speak with a supervisor.



November 6, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Robbery & Apprehension In
Medical Center Annex Parking Lot)


A suspect was apprehended shortly after a male graduate student reported a robbery last evening, November 5, 2008, in the Medical Center Annex parking lot (Lot #7). At about 9:50 P.M., the student walked from the River Campus toward the Medical Center on the path between Intercampus Drive and Lot #7. Once in the parking lot, he was approached by a lone male suspect. The suspect gestured as though he had a concealed weapon in his pocket and demanded property. The student surrendered his wallet and cell phone. The suspect removed a bank card from the wallet, directed the student to remain in the parking lot and then fled, running east to Elmwood Avenue. No weapon was displayed. The student was not injured.

When the student felt it was safe, he walked a short distance back to the pedestrian path and notified Security from the Blue Light Emergency Phone. He provided valuable descriptive information about the suspect. The Rochester Police were called immediately, and Security staff and police conducted a thorough check of the surrounding areas. Security staff located the suspect at the south entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital. The suspect was kept under observation as he left the area and proceeded east on Crittenden Blvd. towards Mt. Hope Avenue. Rochester Police arrested the suspect in Medical Center Lot #4.

Security is reviewing video from our CCTV cameras and any images that may be related to this incident will be forwarded to the Rochester Police. Clear thinking by the student and the excellent response by security and police officers resulted in a quick apprehension of the suspect. As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone to remain alert to your surroundings. Please call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions or dial x5-3333 and ask to speak with an on-duty Security supervisor.



October 31, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Strong-Arm Robbery Near Residence Quad)


A male undergraduate student was the victim of a strong-arm robbery early Friday morning, October 31, 2008, at about 12:45 am as he walked to his Residence Quad room from Dandelion Square. Two male suspects called out to him as the student reached the stairs between Burton and Crosby. The victim thought they were fellow college students and approached them. They were wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and blue jeans.

The suspects directed the student to walk with them through the Residence Quad to the pedestrian/bike path along the Genesee River under threat of harm. Once there the suspects demanded his money. The student surrendered his cash. He was then directed to walk along the path [towards Towers] as the suspects fled in an unknown direction. No weapon was displayed or used. The student was not injured.

The victim returned to his residence hall and Security was notified shortly thereafter. Rochester Police were contacted. The surrounding area was checked but the suspects were not located.

CCTV images recorded around the time of the event, as well as earlier in the evening, are being checked - to help determine when the suspects came onto campus and, hopefully, to obtain good video images.

Security patrols have been adjusted to maintain a ready presence along Wilson Boulevard from 7 pm to 3 am until further notice. The lower level field lights for Fauver Stadium will be turned on through the night hours.

If you believe you may have information, please call University Security at x5-3333. As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone to remain alert to your surroundings. Please call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions or dial x5-3333 and ask to speak with an on-duty Security supervisor.



October 28, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Off-Campus Robbery on Genesee Street)


University Security learned today that a male part-time graduate student and staff member was the victim of an off-campus robbery early Saturday morning, October 25, 2008, on Genesee Street near Barton Street. The student left a convenience store at Genesee and Barton Streets about 1:45 am and walked towards his nearby residence. He was approached by two male suspects. They grabbed the student and forced him to walk a short distance to a driveway off Genesee Street.

A third suspect appeared and displayed a handgun. They demanded his property. The suspects searched the student's pockets and took a cell phone and cash. They ordered him to remain on the ground, then fled, running northbound on Genesee Street. The student was not injured. The Rochester Police were notified and conducted a thorough check of the surrounding neighborhood, which included the use of a tracking dog. The suspects were not located.

Security is reviewing CCTV video from our cameras in the Plymouth Avenue neighborhood. Any images that may be related to this incident will be forwarded to the Rochester Police. Suspect information is vague. However, two suspects were described as being in their late teens and around 5'8" to 5'9" tall - while the third suspect was a little over 5' tall and about 12-13 years old.

As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Please take a moment to review these safety tips. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER

  • HEADS UP - - STAY AWARE of your surroundings. Display a sense of confidence while walking. Keeping alert is your best defense.
  • BUDDY UP - - WALK or TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE whenever possible. There is strength in numbers.
  • PLAN AHEAD - - REHEARSE IN YOUR MIND what you might do if confronted with a threatening situation. Do not limit yourself to one action - think about your next steps.
  • GIVE IT UP - - DON'T FIGHT BACK if your property is forcibly taken - turn it over rather than risk personal injury.
  • STAY CALM - - THINK CAREFULLY about a suspect's description, actions and words - so the information can be relayed quickly to responding officers.
  • WHEN YOU ARE SAFE - - CALL UR SECURITY from the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone or by dialing x13 if on campus. By cell phone, dial 585-275-3333. AT&T or Verizon callers may dial #413, a free call to University Security. From off campus locations call the police by dialing 9-1-1. (Every minute counts!)


October 16, 2008

COMMUNITY NOTICE



The University issued the following statement on October 16, 2008:


University Reaffirms Stand on Cooperation with Investigations

"The University of Rochester is committed to compliance with applicable law and will not tolerate obstruction of any kind," President Joel Seligman said today.

He referred to State Police allegations that Professor Thomas Hahn had warned a University graduate student that the student was under investigation for inappropriate Internet use.

The student, Gilbert Kirton, was charged by the state on October 10 with "possession of obscene sexual performance by a child" and was summarily suspended by the University.

Hahn was director of graduate studies in the Department of English, Kirton's department. He stepped down from that administrative position on October 15.

University spokeswoman Sharon Dickman said that University Security has cooperated fully with the criminal investigation since its inception.

"We have every confidence that the police investigation will be thorough and careful," Dickman said. "We do not want to prejudge its outcome. Everyone is entitled to a presumption of innocence."

"When the criminal investigation is complete, the University will decide what further action, if any, the University should take to determine whether or not Professor Hahn violated its policies," she said.


The University issued the following statement on October 14, 2008:


Graduate Student Charged, University Cooperating with Investigation


Gilbert Kirton, a graduate student in English, has been charged with "possession of obscene sexual performance by a child," according to a statement by the New York State Police on Oct. 14. He was arraigned on Oct. 10.

Kirton, a graduate student since 2004, also has taught courses in writing and study skills to undergraduate students

He is now on leave and has been summarily suspended. Summary suspensions are put in place to protect the University community, pending review of the case. He is not allowed on campus.

"The charge is serious. The University has cooperated fully and vigorously in this investigation," said Walter Mauldin, director of University Security. "In order to comply with federal privacy laws and to protect the integrity of this investigation, we cannot offer further details. Mr. Kirton is entitled to a presumption of innocence."

The police statement also mentioned a faculty member accused of alerting Kirton to the investigation. To our knowledge, charges have not been filed

"Without attempting to pass judgment in this particular case," University President Joel Seligman said, "let me remind all members of the University community of our duty as citizens to cooperate fully with legal investigations. Our integrity as an institution is reliant on full and complete compliance with the law.



September 16, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Off-Campus Attempted Robbery
on Pedestrian Bridge)


Two young teens (ages 13 and 15) were apprehended by Rochester Police and University Security officers shortly after a male undergraduate student was accosted while exiting the west side of the Genesee River pedestrian bridge on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at about 8:35 P.M. The student was enroute to his Riverview residence from River Campus. The suspects passed the student, turned around and began to follow him. One suspect told the student to stop and demanded the student give them some money. The student did not respond.

As the student approached South Plymouth Avenue, he was struck from behind by one of the suspects. He turned around to see one suspect display what appeared to be a handgun. The suspect attempted again to strike the student, who deflected the blow with his arm. The student heard the sound of breaking plastic, believing the weapon was apparently a toy pistol. The suspects fled, running south and west on Plymouth Avenue towards Genesee Street. The student was not injured.

The student went to his apartment at Riverview and notified Security, who called 911. Several security officers and police officers responded. A security officer on patrol in the Riverview/Brooks Landing area observed two individuals who matched the description provided by the student. They were riding a bicycle across the pedestrian bridge towards the River Campus. Security officers kept them in sight until Rochester Police arrived. One suspect surrendered immediately. The second suspect was apprehended following a brief chase on the pedestrian path towards Elmwood Avenue. Burglar-type tools (chain cutter, pry bar) were taken from one suspect. Complaints against the suspects are pending.

CCTV images are being reviewed to determine if the suspects had been on campus earlier in the evening. Security officers remain on patrol along the path from the pedestrian bridge to the Riverview Apartments. Seven new CCTV cameras (including two in the middle of the bridge) and four Blue Light Emergency Phones are expected to be operational in the area by the end of this week as contractors finish the fiber optic cable project. Sixteen cameras and six Blue Light Phones are already operational in the Riverview complex.

As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Personal safety talks by police and University Crime Prevention staff have been held already this semester. More are planned - so attend one. Contact the University Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 for more information.



September 10, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Off-Campus Robbery of Eastman Student
on Grove Street)


An Eastman School female undergraduate student was about to enter her apartment building on Grove Street early this afternoon when a lone male suspect approached from the rear and robbed her. The suspect displayed a box knife-type cutting device. He broke the strap on her shoulder bag as he pulled it from her. No words were spoken. The suspect immediately fled west towards Chestnut Street.

The student proceeded to a friend's residence in the building. They called an Eastman resident advisor, who then notified Security and 9-1-1. Several Rochester police officers responded, as did University security staff. The police conducted a thorough check of the surrounding neighborhood, at one point using a K-9 tracking dog. The suspect was not located. However, the student's bag and most of its contents were found between Franklin Street and Chestnut by police.

Recovered at the robbery scene was an aqua-colored men's style mountain bike with white lettering. It is believed the suspect may have been riding the bike just before accosting the student based on information gathered.

A daytime incident like this is very unusual. As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Please take a moment to review these safety tips. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.

As a precaution, University Security staffing at Eastman has been increased until further notice.

SAFETY TIPS TO REMEMBER

  • HEADS UP - - STAY AWARE of your surroundings. Display a sense of confidence while walking. Keeping alert is your best defense.
  • BUDDY UP - - WALK or TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE whenever possible. There is strength in numbers.
  • PLAN AHEAD - - REHEARSE IN YOUR MIND what you might do if confronted with a threatening situation. Do not limit yourself to one action - think about your next steps.
  • GIVE IT UP - - DON'T FIGHT BACK if your property is forcibly taken - turn it over rather than risk personal injury.
  • STAY CALM - - THINK CAREFULLY about a suspect's description, actions and words - so the information can be relayed quickly to responding officers.
  • WHEN YOU ARE SAFE - - CALL UR SECURITY from the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone or by dialing x13 if on campus. By cell phone, dial 585-275-3333. AT&T or Verizon callers may dial #413, a free call to University Security. From off campus locations call the police by dialing 9-1-1. (Every minute counts!)


May 2, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(ESM Area Assault - Gibbs St.
Near East Main St.)


A male undergraduate student of the Eastman School of Music was the victim of an assault that occurred on Gibbs Street near the corner of East Main Street at about 11:05 P.M. on Thursday evening May 1, 2008. The student was walking from the Eastman School to the Student Living Center. As he passed by the YMCA, a lone male suspect approached from behind, punched the student several times, then fled, running west on Main Street. The suspect did not speak. The student fell to the ground, dropping some items he was carrying. The student immediately ran to the Student Living Center and alerted the on duty front desk worker. The desk worker notified Security, who also notified the Rochester Police. The student suffered a cut and swelling to his lip.

The Rochester Police conducted a thorough check of the surrounding area. The suspect was not located. An ambulance was summoned and responding medical staff treated the student for his injury. The student declined further medical attention.

University Security has added an additional officer to patrol the Eastman campus during the late evening hours, through the end of the academic school year.

As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Maintain awareness of your surroundings. Limit use of personal audio players or cell phones that may distract one's attention. Travel with a friend when possible. Remember, too: Personal safety escorts are available at any time. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.



April 23, 2008

Community Update



(AlertUR - First Test Of
New Emergency Notification System)


By now you have probably seen the posters advertising the first test of the university's new emergency alert system (AlertUR) on Thursday evening, April 24, 2008, at 6:30 pm. In addition, information about this new program and notices about the upcoming test with undergraduates have been published in the Weekly Buzz, reported in The Campus Times, and mailed to the families of undergraduates.

If an emergency situation were in progress, you would go to the University's emergency Web site at www.rochester.edu/emergency for the latest information.

This test will not disrupt scheduled University activities or staffing.

If you have not yet done so, please visit the AlertUR web site, now, at https://alert.rochester.edu/

Add your personal notification options. The test message will go automatically to your university provided email account. You have the choice of additional message options including phone numbers(s), text messages, and personal email accounts - by logging in with your NetID and Password on the AlertUR web page.

The distribution of the test message tomorrow evening will be based on updated records as of 8:00 pm Wednesday evening.

As of 4:30 pm this afternoon, 1,411 registrants have included additional notification options to their AlertUR files.



February 8, 2008

EASTMAN COMMUNITY NOTICE

(Recent Off-Campus Robberies)


A male graduate student reported he was the victim of an off-campus attempted robbery on Friday evening, February 1, 2008, at about 8:45 P.M. The student and a relative were walking on Broadway near East Avenue. They were approached by a lone male suspect who indicated he had a handgun, but none was displayed. The student wrestled the suspect to the ground and passersby assisted in holding him until the arrival of the Rochester Police. Rochester resident Daniel Ramos, aged 20, was taken into custody and charged with attempted robbery. The student and his companion were not injured. There was no weapon found on the suspect.

An off-campus strong arm robbery in the same area involving another Eastman graduate student occurred on Tuesday evening, February 5, 2008, at about 10:30 P.M. The male student was walking on Broadway near East Avenue when he was approached by three male suspects. One suspect said he had a handgun, although none was displayed. They demanded money and property. The student surrendered his wallet and cell phone. The suspects took money from the wallet and gave the wallet back. The suspects fled on foot. The student was not injured. He notified the Rochester Police. The police conducted a thorough check of the surrounding areas, which included the use of a tracking dog. The suspects were not located.

University Security is working closely with the Rochester Police Department on these cases. Security has added an additional roving vehicle patrol at the Eastman Campus during the evening hours to monitor the perimeter of the campus and the streets that criss-cross through it. As you go about your daily activities, you are encouraged to exercise good safety practices. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.



January 30, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Attempted Strong-arm Robbery - Exterior of Hoyt Hall)


A female undergraduate student was the victim of an attempted (strong-arm) robbery on Tuesday, January 29, 2008, at about 7:00 pm near the lower level of the stairs between Hoyt and Dewey Halls that lead to the Eastman Quadrangle. The student was approached from behind by a lone suspect who grabbed her arm and demanded money. As the student was reaching into her pocket, someone else walked by the general area and the suspect let her go. It is believed the suspect entered Hoyt Hall through a nearby door that connects on the tunnel level. The student returned to her room then called Security at 7:16 pm. No weapon was threatened or displayed. The student was not injured. The student elected not to file a police report at the time of incident.

The victim did not get a look at the suspect. Responding security officers reported that many students were in the tunnel area near Hoyt when they arrived on scene. If anyone observed an individual appearing to be fleeing the area or taking other furtive action, we request that you contact Security at x53333 and provide your information.

As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.

REMEMBER - WHEN YOU ARE SAFE - - CALL UR SECURITY from the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone or by dialing x13 if on campus. By cell phone, dial 585-275-3333. AT&T or Verizon callers may dial #413, a free call to University Security in the Rochester area. From off campus locations call the police by dialing 9-1-1. (Every minute counts!)



January 15, 2008

SECURITY NOTICE

(Attempted Strong-arm Robbery
East Main & Chestnut Streets)


A female graduate student of the Eastman School reported today that she was the victim of an attempted robbery (strong-arm) on Sunday, January 13, 2008 at about 5:00 P.M. in the parking lot at the corner of East Main Street and Chestnut Street. The student was approached by a teenage male suspect who asked for money and the use of her cell phone. A second teenage male suspect then approached and asked for money in an aggressive manner. The student told them she had no money. The teenage suspects walked away. Three young adult suspects immediately approached the student. They demanded she go with them to an alley off Chestnut Street and give them her valuables. The student declined, telling them no. One suspect said they had to leave. The three young adult suspects walked away. No weapon was threatened or displayed by any suspect. The student was not injured. The student filed a police report after returning to her off-campus residence.

As you go about your daily activities we encourage everyone in the community to continue exercising good safety practices. Please take a moment to review these safety tips. Please feel free to call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220 with any questions.

Remember these tips:

  • HEADS UP - - STAY AWARE of your surroundings. Display a sense of confidence while walking. Keeping alert is your best defense.
  • BUDDY UP - - WALK or TRAVEL WITH SOMEONE whenever possible. There is strength in numbers.
  • PLAN AHEAD - - REHEARSE IN YOUR MIND what you might do if confronted with a threatening situation. Do not limit yourself to one action - think about your next steps.
  • GIVE IT UP - - DON'T FIGHT BACK if your property is forcibly taken - turn it over rather than risk personal injury.
  • STAY CALM - - THINK CAREFULLY about a suspect's description, actions and words - so the information can be relayed quickly to responding officers.
  • WHEN YOU ARE SAFE - - CALL UR SECURITY from the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone or by dialing x13 if on campus. By cell phone, dial 585-275-3333. AT&T or Verizon callers may dial #413, a free call to University Security. From off campus locations call the police by dialing 9-1-1. (Every minute counts!)

    January 10, 2008

    SECURITY NOTICE

    (Strong-arm Robbery and Assault
    in the Intercampus Drive Lot)


    A male graduate student was the victim of a strong-arm robbery in the Intercampus Drive Lot shortly after 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday evening, January 9, 2008. The student was approached by a group of five (5) teens. Two male and one female suspects came closer and demanded money. The student gave them cash, then his wallet. One male suspect then punched the student in the face and knocked him to the ground, causing a contusion. All the suspects fled, running south towards Elmwood Avenue. No weapons were displayed or threatened.

    The student entered his car and drove a short distance to Trustee Road, then notified 9-1-1 from his cell phone. A Security supervisor (who monitored the dispatch of police) and University officers responded immediately. An ambulance was summoned as a precaution. Security and the Rochester Police conducted thorough checks of the surrounding areas, which included the use of a tracking dog. The suspects were not located. The student was treated by ambulance staff at the scene, then drove himself to Strong Hospital for follow up care.

    CCTV images are being reviewed to determine if the suspects appear in images recorded earlier in the day and into the evening. If you believe you have information, please call University Security at x5-3333 or the Rochester Police at 9-1-1.

    As you go about your daily activities we encourage you to continue to exercise good safety practices. Personal safety escorts at the University are available at any time. Dial x5-3333 from any campus phone or pick up the nearest Blue Light Emergency Phone. By cell phone, dial 585-275-3333. AT&T or Verizon callers may dial #413, a free call to University Security in the Rochester area. If you have any questions, you may call the University's Crime Prevention Office at x5-2220.