Crime is may not be a major problem in Washington,
but it is wise to take precautions to minimize the chances that you will become victims.
Personal Safety
Walk or jog with a friend. Do not jog after dark. If you must, jog with friends and stay in well-lit, public areas.
Avoid working or studying alone in a building at night.
Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
Know who to call in an emergency. Keep emergency numbers on you.
Dial 9-1-1 if you need help.
Carry small change with you to make a phone call.
Know where you are going and how to get there.
Do not carry a lot of money on you. Credit cards are safer!
Be careful about when and where you use ATMs. Getting cash in remote locations, particularly after night fall, could expose you to risk of robbery.
Don t fight back if a thief asks for money. Give it up rather than risk personal injury, and call the police as soon as possible.
Safety With Strangers
Cover your windows at night.
Do not invite strangers into your room, especially those who are not students.
Do not give rides to strangers.
Do not accept rides from strangers
If you have trouble, find a telephone. Do not go with a stranger.
Talking to strangers may be fun, but do not give personal information out.
Do not go anywhere with a stranger.
Protecting Your Property
Don't lend your keys. Keys can be duplicated.
Don't mark your keychain with your name, address or license number. Lost keys can lead to theft.
Engrave or mark all valuable personal property with your name and phone number. Keep an inventory of items.
Move valuable items out of easy sight through windows and doors.
Lock your room at all times.
Copy all important papers, including your passport and immigration papers. Keep the originals in a safe place and the copies in a separate place.
Make copies of other important documents that you carry with you, e.g., your driver's license and credit cards. Keep the copies in a safe place.
Know The Law
Know the laws of the United States.
Obey the laws.
Obey the police.
Know the laws about alcohol.
All drugs are illegal.
Prostitution is illegal.
Use public toilets. Do not urinate in the streets.
Legal Aid
If you are arrested in the US for a serious crime, say nothing until you have spoken to an attorney. You have the right to remain silent. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you by the court free of charge.
You will be given the opportunity to make one telephone call. You should use this telephone call to call your director, roommate or IPA.
The American legal system differs significantly from legal systems in other countries. The accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty by the state beyond a reasonable doubt.
These rights are guaranteed by the US Constitution.
