MUSC’s Department of Public Safety Office is located at 101 Doughty Street. Visitors can access the Public Safety website at <http:www.musc.edu/publicsafety/index.htm>.

Home Security Surveys

Upon request, the Department of Public Safety can provide a home security survey of a student’s residence.

The inspection consists of a formal review of all doors, windows, parking and smoke detectors within a room, apartment or house. Following the inspection, a letter detailing security weaknesses, results and recommendations is provided to the resident.

Although these surveys provide valuable safety information, they do not in any way guarantee total security of a student residence against crime. The goal of these surveys are to make students aware of safety issues and methods suggested to make a dwelling less susceptible to theft.

Emergency Call Boxes

Since 1997, Public Safety has installed 52 Emergency Call Boxes throughout campus. The boxes are designed to provide an increased level of security and enhance the ability of Public Safety’s response to an incident on a real-time basis. The orange call boxes, complete with a flashing blue light when activated, are highly visible and easily identifiable at night.

To operate the box during an emergency, simply push and release the button on the box and you will be immediately be connected to a 24-hour MUSC Public Safety dispatcher. Push the button to talk and release the button to listen.

Victim’s Assistance Program

If you are the victim of a violent act on campus, contact Public Safety immediately. Off campus, call Charleston Police at 911. For follow-up assistance to a violent or non-violent crime or victimization, contact any of the following resources listed below:

• MUSC Counseling and Psychological Services, 792-4939.
• People Against Rape, 722-7273 (PAR has trained staff and volunteers to assist women or men who have been the victim of assult, rape or date rape, etc.)
• Student Programs, 792-2693.
• Public Safety Victim Advocate, 792-1512

Eight campus safety tips from MUSC’s Public Safety Office

• Never leave personal property: purses, briefcases, backpacks, etc. unattended.
• Avoid being alone If you must remain in campus buildings after closing time and after most people have retired for the day, try to have at least another student or person around to keep you company.
• Use busy sidewalks and thoroughfares when walking around campus. Refrain from using dark or obscure shortcuts, sidestreets or alleys.
• If you must walk alone on campus after dark, Public Safety can provide an escort within the immediate campus area. Contact the dispatcher, 792-2261.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Never advertise or display large amounts of money to anyone.
• Secure your automobile at all times. Refrain from leaving personal items (i.e. books, backpacks, money, etc.) on display from a car’s exterior. This is an open invitation for theft.
• Bicycles should be secured within designated bike racks throughout campus. All bikes must be registered by the City of Charleston Police Department through the Public Safety Office. A $1 license and recording fee must accompany the registration. A comprehensive booklet, South Carolina Road Rules for Bikes, is also available.
• Report any suspicious activity or persons to Public Safety, 792-4196. The MUSC Crime Watch Line, 792-3018, is also a useful outlet for reporting information or incidents, 24-hours a day. Students may obtain a booklet containing campus crime statistics during registration each year.