Back to School

Jan. 9, 2024

Back to School – Media Release

Tucson, Arizona - The Tucson Police Department continues to follow up on leads related to the attempted abduction and groping incidents which occurred near the University of Arizona in December. As the spring semester begins, the Tucson Police Department and the University of Arizona Police Department want to remind students, faculty and staff of the following safety tips.

  • Transportation
    • Avoid walking alone after dark.
    • Use alternate transportation such as the Parking & Transportation Services Night Cat, ASUA SafeRide, taxis or ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. 
    • Call UAPD at 520-621-8273. When available, UAPD may provide a walking or driving escort to your on-campus location or vehicle.
  • Situational Awareness
    • Walk in well-lit areas. 
    • Know where you are going and familiarize yourself with alternate routes in case you must change your direction to avoid potentially unsafe or uncomfortable situations. If you change direction, go toward populated areas for safety.
    • Be alert. Save phone scrolling, text messaging and social media activities for when you arrive at your destination.
    • If you have to walk alone, keep your mobile phone handy and call or text 911 if needed.
  • Emergency Communication
    • When safe to do so, report criminal or threatening behavior immediately to 911.
    • Use the University’s more than 300 emergency blue light 911 phones located across campus and in classrooms and elevators. The phones automatically share their location and are directly connected to UAPD. Find them on the University public map.
    • University students, faculty and staff can download the LiveSafe app on Apple and Android devices for free, real-time assistance, such as connecting to 911, ASUA SafeRide, SafeWalk, or a map to help navigate on campus.

Please do not hesitate to contact either the University of Arizona Police Department or Tucson Police Department to report suspicious activity in or around campus. 

The Tucson and University of Arizona Police Departments welcome everyone back to campus and wish all a safe year.

 

Chris Olson                                                                              
Chief of Police                                                                           
Date: January 9, 2024                                                                                         

Contacts: Sgt. Andrew Valenzuela
Public Information Officer
520-626-8007
UAPDMediaRequests@arizona.edu