Personal Safety

Drink spiking is a serious problem of concern within the Emmanuel Community. There have been several suspected cases of Drink Spiking throughout the city. Please remember that drink spiking is when a person adds a scentless, colorless, and tasteless drug in the drink of an unsuspecting individual. It is illegal for someone to spike a person’s drink.  

Reports of drink spiking typically occur between the hours of 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM at bars and restaurants. But drink spiking can also occur at private gatherings. 

Some symptoms of drink spiking may be indistinguishable from alcohol intoxication. The effects of drink spiking vary, but possible drink spiking victims have noted the following indicators leading them to believe their drink was spiked:

• Feeling intoxicated from fewer drinks than usual
• Sharing drinks with others who also reported similar symptoms
• Sudden loss of motor skills, pinpoint pupils, memory loss, inability to walk or talk, nausea, vomiting, shivering, and/or passing out 

Emmanuel College Campus Safety would like to remind all students of the following ways to safeguard yourself and others from drink spiking:

• Other than a server at a reputable establishment, don’t let a stranger mix or give you a drink
• Do not accept drinks from strangers
• Avoid sharing drinks
• Always hold on to your drink and do not leave it unattended
• Don’t drink unidentifiable drinks
• When going out try to be with trusted friends and watch out for each other

 Also remember if your drink is spiked, it is not your fault.

If you, or someone you know, think they may be a victim of a spiking incident tell someone and seek medical attention through the following resources:

• 911
• Emmanuel Campus Safety (617) 735-9710

• Keep all offices and labs locked when not in use.
• Report any broken doors, locks or windows.
• Faculty should report a lost ID to Campus Safety immediately.
• Always lock your desk and file cabinets.
• Consider using password protection for your computers.
• Don't leave expensive personal property unsecured in your office.
• When leaving make sure you lock your door. If you see somebody suspicious notify Campus Safety.

• Don't give anyone your ID or code to your room.
• Don't leave valuables or cash where someone can easily pick them up.
• Don't leave your name or address on your key ring.
• Don't leave valuables in classrooms, cars, the library or dinning hall.
• Report any suspicious or unauthorized person.
• Report any broken windows or doors.
• Report any door to door solicitors who do not have proper authority to be on campus
• Report anyone looking into windows or parked vehicles.
• Report anyone hanging around residence halls, hallways, or other campus buildings with no clear purpose for being there.
• Report any suspicious vehicles driving around campus.

Remember, do not attempt to stop or restrain a suspicious or unauthorized person. Call Campus Safety at 617-735-9710.

• Don't give anyone your ID or code to your room. Close any windows that are accessible from the outside.
• Don't put your name or address on your key ring.
• If you should lose your ID, notify Residential Life and Campus Safety. Arrangements will be made to have a new ID made.
• Don't study in poorly lit or secluded areas.
• Residents should always ask for identification from service personnel. If in doubt and you don't recognize the person, call the Campus Safety.
• Don't let strangers use your phone. Make the call for them or direct them to a residence hall front desk.
• If you start receiving harassing phone calls, notify the Campus Safety.
• If you find your room has been entered don't go inside. Go to a phone and call Campus Safety. Don't touch anything in the room; you may disturb evidence that is important to an investigation.
• If an intruder awakens you do not try to apprehend the person. An intruder may be armed or may be able to arm themselves with something in the room. Try to leave the room and call for help.
• If you see a suspicious person or vehicle on campus, contact Campus Safety with as much information as possible.
• Don't prop open exterior doors. Doors are locked for your safety.
• Report any broken doors, locks or windows.
• Try not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables to campus. If you must, try not to let anyone know you have them and keep them in a safe place.
• Keep items of value out of sight if possible. Don't leave valuables in plain sight from the outside.

• Don't pick up hitchhikers.
• Whenever possible, limit driving to well-lit and heavily traveled roads.
• Keep your windows and doors locked.
• Sound your horn. If ever threatened and you cannot drive away, sound your horn to attract attention.
• If your vehicle ever breaks down, signal for attention by raising your hood. Stay inside your vehicle with your windows closed and your doors locked.
• If you are being followed, keep out of desolate areas. Look for a place where there are people and stop. Ask someone to call the police.

• Walk with a friend. Avoid traveling alone after dark. Call the Campus Safety Department for a ride or escort.
• Avoid shortcuts. Only walk on well-lit regularly traveled pathways.
• Don't hitchhike. Don't accept rides from casual acquaintances.
• If threatened by an approaching vehicle, run in the opposite direction. The vehicle will have to turn around before it can follow you.
• Run, scream and make noise. If you are being followed or feel you are in danger let someone know you are in trouble.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay in populated areas.
• How you carry yourself is crucial. Look confident in where you are going, how your walk and what you are doing.
• In crowded subways, keep your wallet in your front pocket, rather than the rear, and keep your purse closed and held in front of you or on the side.
• Don't flaunt jewelry, cameras or cash in public.
• Use caution when using ATMs and don't carry too much cash around with you. Most places accept credit/debit cars and there are ATMs everywhere.
• After dark, stick to main streets if you don't know where you are going.
• If you feel uncomfortable or lost, approach a police officer or a friendly store owner to get your bearings or directions.
• When in doubt of your destination or the safety of a neighborhood, take a taxi cab, especially late at night.
• Many business districts are desolate at night; keep this in mind when deciding whether to walk or take a taxi cab.