Department of Public Safety

Kicking off the Academic Year

Welcome to the 2023-2024 Academic Year!

Bicycle and student

Bicycles and Scooters

Brown is a beautiful campus, which makes it an enticing place to ride your bicycle or scooter in order to get around. Given the nature of our open campus, we anticipate the normal rise in bicycle theft upon students’ return. A few things, you can do to reduce your risks are:

  • Register your property (including laptops and mobile devices) with us so we can return it to you should it be lost or stolen.
  • Purchase a U Lock or catch us at our next tabling event where we give them out for free. Cable locks are easily cut. 
  • Find a Bike rack if your residence does not have storage.
  • Eyes up! Pay attention to traffic and pedestrians.
  • Wear proper gear and helmets- reflectors are also recommended.
  • Lastly, do not charge scooters in your rooms- they can cause a fire!

city street with houses

As part of a residential community, we seek your collaboration in safeguarding your living space. Get to know community members in your building. Remember doors should not be propped; if you come across a door that is wedged open, please close it. Stay alert. If you see anything that seems out of place, give us a call.

If you are living in an off-campus residence, you have an opportunity to show who Brown students are to the greater Providence community. We encourage you to be a good neighbor by reaching out to introduce yourselves to your neighbors and to exchange contact information. Be mindful of your noise levels and keep your spaces tidy- ridding trash on a timely basis.

 

Trainings are being offered through Workday for staff and faculty. Student groups can request a training by emailing us at campus_safety@brown.edu. In the event of an emergency, please visit the Brown Emergency Information page for the most up-to-date information, including current instructions for the campus community. Here, you will also find instructions on how to receive emergency alerts.

scam alert sign

We regularly receive reports of scams involving students who have been deceived into providing money for various purposes, including job listings in the form of checks or gift card payments. Most employers do not require you to pay a fee.

International Community members: If you encounter any communication or receive threats related to your visa or immigration status, we strongly advise you to refrain from engaging and promptly reach out to the Office of International Student and Scholar Services or the Department of Public Safety for verification before complying with any requests.

You may check the University’s Phish Bowl to see common cases reported. Informative tips on scams, avoiding becoming a victim, and identity theft are also provided on our website.