Community Notification: Your Safety Is Our Priority

This message was sent to all students on August 17, 2022.

Dear Great Dane:

At the beginning of each academic year, we share information with students about how to remain safe on and off campus.

Albany is a vibrant city with a rich history, and we encourage you to get off campus and explore it. As is the case in many cities, Albany has recently seen an increase in crime, including in areas where many of our students live or frequently visit. This includes several violent incidents in midtown.

While the city is working closely with community partners to address this issue, the biggest step you can take to ensure your safety is to avoid large gatherings in midtown – both inside and out. We want you to enjoy your time in Albany, but the size of these crowds makes them inherently dangerous.

We also strongly encourage you to review the personal safety tips below.

Personal safety tips:

  • Walk in groups: When possible, walk in groups of three or more. Data shows that being with a group of people is safer than traveling alone.

  • Stay in well-lit areas: Do your best to travel in places that have good lighting.

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of who is around you. If you notice someone following you, move to an area where there are more people and call for help.

  • Parties/social gatherings: Avoid attending/hosting large gatherings with individuals you do not know and do not enter houses or apartments belonging to strangers.

  • Alcohol: If you are of legal age and choose to consume alcohol, do not drink to intoxication. Intoxication makes you less aware of your surroundings and statistically more likely to become a target of a crime. Avoid consuming drinks from open containers and drinks left unattended. This includes juice, punch, mixed drinks, etc. While the drink may appear fine, you don’t know what’s really in it.

  • See something, say something: Carry your cell phone with you and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you see something that doesn’t feel/look right.

Dial 911 in the event of an emergency off campus. If you need our help on campus, contact UPD at 518-442-3131 or 911 from any campus phone. 

Visit the UPD website and be sure to follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on how to stay safe!

We each have an important role to play in looking out for each other’s safety and well-being -- on and off campus.

Stay safe and healthy,

Paul Burlingame 
Chief of Police

Kenneth Louzier
Off-Campus Student Services, Coordinator