General security

• Walk with another person after dark
• Be aware of your surroundings and any signs that something is amiss or out of place
• Stay in well lighted areas and walk away from alleys, dark corners and bushes whenever possible
• Don't carry numerous credit cards or large sums of money
• Remember to record serial numbers, makes, and models of all valuables including both vehicular and residential electronic devices. Keep this information in a safe place.
• Purses are an attractive target for thieves...don't carry one if it isn't necessary
• Lock your valuables securely, even in your room
• Do not risk injury if someone attempts to forcibly take your wallet, purse, or personal belongings
• Carry a whistle and use it if you feel threatened
• Don't attach your I.D. to your keys or mark your key chain with your name and address
• If College keys or Access Control ID is lost or stolen, notify Portland Campus Operations and Director of Student Services
• Get to know your neighbors and share information about suspicious activities

Office security

Students, staff, faculty, work-study students and student organizations typically work in an office environment. This situation poses a special concern due to the high amount of traffic through buildings and offices. Opportunistic crime occurs when security awareness and crime prevention decline.

The best plan is to be a good ambassador for your department and the College. If you see someone who appears lost, out of place, or loitering, approach and offer assistance with directions. If their business is legitimate, you have created a good impression. If it is not, you have put the person on notice that security awareness is a priority. You have also taken the opportunity to get a good description.

If the answer you get is hostile, evasive, or otherwise unsatisfactory, call Linfield Public Safety at 971.369.4200. If the person is clearly a threat to safety or property or is acting in an unusual manner, avoid contact and call Linfield Public Safety at 971.369.4200 or 911 immediately. Other tips for a safe office are below:

• Do not loan out office keys or allow them to be copied.
• Keep your purse, wallet, or other valuables locked in a cabinet or drawer. Office thieves know the usual unlocked "hiding places."
• If your office will be unattended, even for just a minute, lock the door.
• Record the description and serial numbers of office equipment- especially highly portable computer equipment.
• Keep petty cash locked up at all times and make periodic checks of the amount.
• Lock doors and close windows at the end of the working day.
• Never prop exterior doors.