Safety Guide

To learn more about how UTPD is dedicated to providing a safe campus environment and safety features on UT’s campus, please visit the Safety Overview.  

Additionally, please note that UTPD has specific resources tailored to help you better understand where crime is happening in and around campus. These tools include the 60-day Crime Log and the LexisNexis Community Crime Map. 

Living off-campus means being part of the Knoxville community, and the City’s 3-1-1 service makes it easy to report neighborhood concerns such as potholes, missed trash collection, graffiti, and broken streetlights. 3-1-1 connects residents directly with city services through phone, online requests, and the My Knoxville app. Learn more or submit a service request.

• Lock doors and windows whenever you leave your property, even for a short period of time. 
• Do not prop open building, stairwell, or exterior security doors. 
• Never allow individuals you do not know to follow you into a secured building. 
• Avoid sharing your apartment number, address, or personal information publicly on social media. 
• Ask properties how often smoke alarms are tested and report maintenance concerns promptly. 
• Know at least two ways to exit your apartment in an emergency. 
• Do not hide spare keys outside your apartment. 
• Discuss expectations for guests, parties, and apartment security with roommates. 
• Report broken locks, gates, lighting, cameras, or other safety concerns to property management immediately. 
• Students can register any personal items with a serial number with UTPD (i.e. bicycles, computers, etc.) through Operation Identification 
  • For more information about how to register your items, please visit the Public Safety website.

• Protect personal property and secure valuable items. 
• Know who has access to your apartment and keys. 
• Never share gate codes, access codes, key fobs, or keys with unauthorized individuals. 
• Discuss emergency contacts and procedures with your roommates. 

• Get to know your neighbors and apartment community staff. 
• Save your property management’s emergency contact information in your phone. 
• Report suspicious activity to property management or law enforcement. 
• Avoid leaving valuables, packages, bicycles, or other personal belongings unattended in common areas, on patios, or on balconies. 
• Ensure outdoor areas around your residence remain well-lit. 
• Become familiar with the safest routes between your residence, campus, work, and frequently visited locations. 
• Pay attention to community crime alerts and UT emergency notifications. 
• Participate in neighborhood or apartment safety meetings when available. 

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. 
• Walk in well-lit, populated areas whenever possible. 
• Avoid distractions such as texting or scrolling on your phone while walking. 
• Keep headphone volume low enough to hear what is happening around you. 
• Use designated crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. 
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing roadways. 
• Share your location with a trusted friend when traveling alone at night. 
• Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas, parking garages, vacant lots, or wooded spaces after dark. 
  • Safe at UT App 
  • K-Town Connect Ambassador 

• Wear a properly fitted helmet. 
• Use front and rear lights when riding at night. 
• Lock bicycles and scooters with a quality U-lock or heavy-duty lock. 
• Follow all traffic laws and ride predictably. 
• Avoid riding while distracted or impaired. 
• Never leave bicycles or scooters unsecured outside overnight. 
• Register your bicycle with UTK Parking & Transportation
  • All bicycles parked on campus must be registered and must display a current UT Bicycle Parking Permit. 
  • To register your bicycle for free and learn more about bicycling polices on campus, please visit the Parking website.

• Verify the driver’s name, photo, vehicle make, model, and license plate before entering a rideshare vehicle. 
• Share your trip information with a trusted friend. 
• Sit in the back seat whenever possible. 
• Avoid accepting rides from individuals not associated with the rideshare platform. 
• Trust your instincts and exit the situation if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. 

• Lock all vehicle doors and close all windows. 
• Never leave a vehicle running unattended. 
• Remove valuables from your vehicle or store them out of sight. 
• Park in well-lit, highly visible locations whenever possible. 
• Have your keys ready before approaching your vehicle. 
• Check the area around and inside your vehicle before entering. 
• Take a photo or note your parking location in large apartment complexes or parking garages. 

• Exercise with a friend whenever possible. 
• Let someone know your planned route and expected return time. 
• Carry a charged cell phone and a form of identification. 
• Stay in visible, well-traveled areas. 
• Wear reflective or high-visibility clothing during low-light conditions. 
• Vary your routine and route when exercising regularly. 
• Stay hydrated and monitor weather conditions before outdoor activities. 
• When using Knoxville’s greenways, parks, or trails, remain on marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.

• Attend social events with trusted friends and use the buddy system. 
• Keep track of your beverage and never leave it unattended. 
• Plan your transportation before going out and establish a safe way to get home. 
• Charge your phone before leaving and consider carrying a portable charger. 
• Check in with friends throughout the evening and look out for one another. 
• Never leave with someone you do not know or trust. 
• Contact emergency services immediately if someone appears to be experiencing a medical emergency.