Campus security

Our Mission Statement

"The mission of Campus Security is to protect people and property, premises, and assets at the Faculty of Education campus. We also aim to maintain a safe and secure environment where students, faculty, staff, visitors to the college campus can conduct their academic and related activities in a safe and secure manner. We aim to achieve this by operating in a proactive and preventative manner."

Personal Safety on Campus

Welcome to the Faculty of Education. More than 5300 full and part-time students and around 720 staff work, study and enjoy the facilities at our Epsom campus. A further 20 full and part-time staff and around 200 students work and study at the faculty's Whangarei campus.

As part of our concern for your personal security and safety, the Faculty of Education encourages awareness of the dangers inherent in any similarly sized community. Everyone has the right to feel safe on campus. You can help make the campus safe for everyone by having a plan of action you can implement if you have to deal with a situation which puts your safety at risk.

Security Policies and Processes

A printable, PDF-formatted document can be downloaded here Security policies and processes (5MB)

Your personal safety plan

Having your own individual safety plan means thinking about what action you would take if faced with various situations which may occur on campus. It is important you settle on an action plan which suits you. Being aware of and observing, safety precautions will reduce risks to your personal safety.

• Personal safety plan suggestions
• Keeping yourself safe while you are working or studying
• Working or studying after hours
• Security escort service
• Reporting an incident on campus
• Property
• Lost/ Found Property
• Your car
• Security help phones
• Important telephone numbers

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Personal safety plan suggestions

Consider the following points when drawing up your personal safety plan. Think about what you would do if you felt threatened. You will also be able to use aspects of this personal safety plan, and the other tips and suggestions contained here, when you are off campus.

• Make sure you know the location of public telephones on campus.
• Arrange for a Campus Security escort to accompany you when you leave your office if you are working at night.
• If you are assaulted on campus, report the incident to Campus Security.
• Consider carrying a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream or shout loudly if attacked.
• Recognise potentially dangerous situations before they develop.
• Trust your intuition. Do not allow rationality to override your ‘sixth sense’ - it could save you from danger.
• Consider taking a self-defence course.
• When you are socialising, do not drink too much. Using more than a moderate level of alcohol lowers your awareness and increases your vulnerability. Your instincts, perceptions and ability to be in control and react to a situation can be affected.
  

Keeping yourself safe while you are working or studying

• Always lock your office, even if you are leaving it for a short time, or ensure valuables, such as handbags, are locked away.
• Never lend anyone your office keys or ID access card. Do not leave keys or combinations in desk drawers.
• Do not wedge doors open.
• Cash should be banked at the end of the day.
• Stop and challenge strangers in your work area. If in doubt, phone Campus Security on ext 85000.
• The last person to leave for the day must ensure all windows are shut and the working area is locked.
• If you are confronted in the workplace, ensure there is a barrier you can place between yourself and the other person, such as a desk or counter.
• Consider what you could use as a weapon (a pen, ruler, keys) and know where they are kept.
• Devise an escape route from your office of place or study.
• Decide upon a "safe place" you can retreat to if you feel threatened while on campus.
  

Working or studying after hours

• If you are working after hours, notify Campus Security on ext 85000.
• Make sure there is someone else in the building that you know.
• Use the Campus Security escort service to walk you to your car or bus stop.
• Body language is important. A person who is confident, walking upright and briskly, is less likely to become a victim.
• Carry your keys in your hand for quick access to your vehicle, workplace or study area.
• Carrying a mobile phone may make you feel more secure
  

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Security escort service

Campus security officers are available to escort students and staff between buildings, campus carparks and to local bus stops. This service is available both during the day and at night. To access this service, telephone extension 85000. Although we are sometimes busy, there will always be an officer available and we anticipate short delays only.

Reporting an incident on campus

If you need to report a theft or any other type of incident on campus, telephone Campus Security immediately on extension 85000. Security officers will attend the incident, investigate the circumstances, prepare a security incident report and advise you on what further steps to take. If you have left the campus, it is important that Campus Security is informed of the incident. External callers should phone Security on (09) 623 8835 with incident details. Any suspicious behaviour should also be reported to Campus Security, regardless of how minor it appears to be.

Property

• Never leave your wallet, bag, purse or other items of property unsecured or unattended.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash. You should only have cash for your immediate needs.
• Clearly mark your property.
• Never carry your personal identification number (PIN) number with you and don’t tell anyone what it is.
• Don’t put your bag or purse on the floor when in a public toilet cubicle.
• Lock your car and office when you leave it.
  
  

Lost / Found Property

If you have Lost Property or Found Property, please complete the respective forms and return the forms to Student Association in K Block (Room K605).

Your Car

• Do not leave valuables in the car.
• Always lock your car and close the windows.
• Walk confidently to or from your car with your keys held ready to open the door or to defend yourself.
• Check the backseat and hatch before getting into the vehicle.
• Once inside, lock the doors and, if possible, leave the windows up until you reach your destination.
• If a passing motorist indicates you should stop, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and the window partly open to speak through.
• Drive away if you feel threatened.
  

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Security help phones

Security help phones are strategically placed around the college campus. They will connect immediately through to security once the handset is lifted. Public calls cannot be made from these phones. See campus map.

• Entrance to Teacher Resource Centre (TRC), N Block
• Entrance from Contact Centre through N Block
• Kohia Teachers Centre (KT)
• Main entrance to H block, Level 2
• Entrance to Gym M block
  

Important telephone numbers

Report any suspicious behaviour on campus to Campus Security, regardless of how minor it may appear. If you need help or advice, it is available from:

Campus Security: ext 85000, or +64 (9) 3737 500 / 0800 373 7550 from an external number. (City campus has direct radio telephone connection with the security at Epsom 24/7)
Occupational Health and Safety Adviser: ext 48847 or +64 (9) 623 8847 from an external number.
Health Centre: ext 48526
Chaplaincy: ext 48575
Student Support Centre: ext 48463
Student Association (ACESA): ext 48544
Counselling services: ext 48634 and ext 48631

For further information on safety in public places, visit the New Zealand Police website regarding safety tips.

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