As spring in Milwaukee and warm weather arrives, the Marquette University Police Department wants to remind everyone to use caution when spending more time outside.
Here are some tips for a safe spring season:
- Always travel in pairs or groups and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.
- With more cars on the road, be sure to practice good pedestrian habits. Warmer weather brings more people outside and puts more cars on the road. Be vigilant when crossing the street and otherwise navigating roadways.
- Avoid mobs, large groups. If you see a large group of people, take notice of their behavior. Loud, chaotic or disorderly behavior could be an indicator of a mob. If you encounter a mob or any aggressive group:
- Stay calm.
- Avoid confrontation.
- Change your route.
- Enter MUPD’s number in your phone so you always have it handy. MUPD non-emergency: (414) 288-6800. MUPD emergency: (414) 288-1911.
- Travel on well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking through alleys and parking lots. Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.).
- Take note of suspicious vehicles, especially those that appear to be circling the block or driving unusually slow. If you observe a suspicious vehicle, relay its description and location to MUPD using one of the more than 450 blue light phones on and near campus, utilizing the EagleEye app or calling MUPD’s non-emergency line at (414) 288-6800.
- Download the EagleEye safety app: With one-click location services and access to MUPD, the app is free and equipped with:
- Mobile BlueLight: By tapping a button, MUPD will be dispatched to your device’s location to immediately respond; this feature does not require you to speak as long as you have location services enabled for the app.
- Friend Walk: This allows you to send your location to a friend so the friend can ensure you get to your destination safely or call emergency services if they are concerned. When you finish your trip, disconnect, and it will stop tracking.Download the EagleEye app from the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android. Enable location services for optimal use.
- Use MUPD’s EagleExpress campus transportation service: EagleExpress provides free door-to-door transportation for locations starting and ending on campus daily from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Anyone with a valid Marquette email address should download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for Android and set up a profile to request a ride.
- If you think someone is following you, cross the street, head for a well-populated, well-lit area and contact MUPD.
- Call ahead. Have someone meet you at the door of your destination.
These safety tips and more are available on the MUPD Safety Tips website.
