Campus Safety

Safety escorts are provided by public safety officers for all members of the campus community and may be performed by foot patrol, vehicle patrol, or by members of the bicycle patrol. To request a safety escort, use the campus emergency phone or call 202-319-5111.

The Public Safety Assistants (PSA) program is a part of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). PSAs are placed at designated areas throughout campus, such as the Raymond A. DuFour Center and the Customer Service Center, Department of Public Safety.  They are stationed at the entrances of each location to offer a sense of safety to students, faculty, and staff members.

PSAs are not security officers or special police officers and, therefore, are not expected to enforce or attempt to enforce any laws or make apprehension of suspects who violate the law. They support DPS officers by being additional eyes and ears for the department, and they act as a source of information and goodwill.

Lost and found items are held for 90 days. Unclaimed items are sold at a public auction.

Fill in a Lock/Key Requisition Form to request a new key. All forms must be authorized by your department head and turned in according to the form's instructions.

The Department of Public Safety is not responsible for parking, transportation, or ID services. Please direct all inquiries for parking and transportation services to the Office of Transportation and Parking Services. 

Bicycles must be parked in bicycle racks or other spaces or areas designated for their use and must be parked clear of sidewalks, ramps, building entrances, handrails, and fences. Bicycles locked to any item other than an approved bike rack will be removed by the Department of Public Safety.

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

• Give the impression that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going.

• Trust your instincts. If it doesn't look or feel right, it might not be.

• Lock your door, even if you are only leaving for a minute.

• Lock your door when you are sleeping or napping.

• Keep your Cardinal Card and room keys secured. Immediately report stolen or missing Cardinal Cards and keys to Housing Services and Campus Police.

• Secure your valuables. Keep money, wallets, jewelry, handbags, or other valuables out of sight.

• Never admit strangers into your room or hall. When in doubt, request a Catholic University ID.

• Never prop open exterior doors.

• Immediately report suspicious persons or activity to the Campus Police. Report any strangers loitering in or around residence halls.

• Never remain alone in isolated or unoccupied areas, including classrooms, libraries, and other buildings. Notify the Campus Police of your location and expected departure time.

• Make sure all outside entrance doors are locked.

• Keep your area locked. Don't let anyone else in the building.

• Call for an escort if necessary.

• Stay alert, confident, and aware of your surroundings. Walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you. Trust your instincts.

• Avoid alleys, short cuts, and vacant lots. Stick to well-lighted, busy streets.

• Walk with a companion whenever possible.

• Avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Use ATM's during daylight hours only.

• If you are being followed, abruptly change directions, stay in a well-lighted area, and seek safety in a public building.

• Make noise, attract attention to you and the person who is following you.

• If on campus, locate the nearest emergency telephone. Off campus, dial "911."

• After dark, or when there's concern for your personal safety, call the Campus Police for an escort at 202-319-5111.

• Use the campus Shuttle/Loop Bus Service.

• Know the location of emergency telephones.

• Be aware of what you post on the Internet. You never know who is looking at your information. It could be stalkers, future employers, recruiters, family, etc.

Learn more personal safety tips from our Department of Public Safety