Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the safety of our faculty, students and staff. Campus safety is a responsibility and a priority shared by all of us in the university community. Through the joint efforts of the Washington University Police Department (WUPD) and the campus community, we can reduce the opportunity for crime to occur.

Find safety tips and resources on the WUPD website.

Danforth Campus itself is generally safe, but you have to be aware that it is an open campus and risks of petty theft and other crimes remain.  For your safety and protection, it is important that you know what to do in case of an emergency and what resources are available to you.

Blue Light Emergency Telephones

The blue light emergency telephone system is a series of highly visible telephones strategically located throughout the Danforth Campus and extending into areas of university-owned off-campus housing. The telephones off campus have a direct link to the local police serving that area; on campus they connect directly to the Washington University Police Department.

Blue light phones are easily recognized at night by the bright blue light mounted above the telephone. Pushing the red button connects the caller directly to the university police dispatcher. The dispatcher knows the exact location of the telephone and will send help immediately, even if the caller cannot speak.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that occurs when your personal information (such as your name, date of birth or Social Security number) is stolen and used without your knowledge. To learn more about identity theft and to learn how to protect yourself, visit the WUPD website and the Federal Trade Commission’s website.

Items you should carry with you

  • Copy of your passport
  • Your health insurance card
  • Your Missouri driver’s license or nondriver identification
  • Your WUSTL ID

Items you should keep in a safe location and not carry with you

  • Your Social Security card
  • Your passport and other visa status documents

Sexual Assault & Relationship Abuse

WUSTL is committed to having a positive learning and working environment for its students, faculty and staff and will not tolerate sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that violates university policy. It is also illegal under state and federal law.

WashU’s sexual harassment policy is available on the university’s Human Resources website.

What is acceptable in one culture may not be acceptable in others. The university’s goal is to provide a welcoming and safe environment and to ensure that community members know what resources are available to them. Therefore, it is important that you understand the definitions of sexual harassment and sexual violence, available on the Student Health Services website.

WashU encourages victims of sexual harassment and violence to file police reports. Reports may be filed confidentially or non-confidentially. For more information about reporting procedures and your rights, please visit the Habif Health & Wellness Center website.

Scams

A scam is a fraudulent, dishonest or deceptive program, business or offer. Learn more about scams and schemes here or on the WUPD website.

Tax Scams

Get tips for avoiding tax scams in the Working at WashU section.

Housing Scams

Inform yourself to better avoid housing scams in the Living in St. Louis section.