James Madison University - Safety & Security

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

As with any college, especially one where there are more females, there is bound to be the occasional peeping tom or aggressive, drunk frat boy. However, students pretty much agree when they say they feel snug as bugs in a rug walking around campus, day or night. Campus police make regular visits, visibly patrolling the sidewalks on foot, and patrolling the roads by car. The constant visible presence of the police force, along with the emergency phone boxes, creates a feeling of safety on campus.

Dorm security is taken very seriously at JMU. Doors that access resident living areas are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Public areas are free to all for certain hours on weekdays, but all interior doors to residence areas remain accessible to residents only. In addition, regular inspections occur to ensure complete and effective security exists at all residence halls. Additionally, JMU has placed high-intensity metal halide or sodium vapor lights in areas with heavy student traffic. It goes without saying, however (although I’m going to say it anyway), that common sense is the best precaution. Don’t let the relative safety of JMU and Harrisonburg make you feel invincible. Late-night walks by your lonesome through dark alleys, propping open outside doors in dorms at night, and leaving valuable possessions out are not a good idea anywhere. JMU is no exception.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Campus itself is very safe.... Campus itself is very safe. Personally, I’ve never felt threatened or in danger, but I also try to avoid stupid situations. Don’t be that girl who walks home alone at three in the morning; it’s just not a good idea anywhere. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I have a few friends who are... I have a few friends who are Campus Cadets, and it seems like they are kept pretty busy, always patrolling campus. There are also always police cars around, on and off campus. Sometimes, you hear word of a rape or a peeping tom episode, but I guess those happen everywhere, right? 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I feel very safe on campus. I... I feel very safe on campus. I think it’s a very secure community. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

I never lived on campus, but when... I never lived on campus, but when I am there at night and in the daytime, I feel very secure. There are always police cars patrolling campus, and Cadets patrolling around where the cars can’t go. Even off campus, I feel safe. On the weekends when everyone is partying, no one really bothers you if you’re walking alone. They’ll just say ‘hey’ and be on their merry way. Walking alone down dark alleys or in places that are unlit or deserted is really stupid, and I think that would be dangerous anywhere. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Anonymous says:

As a guy, I feel pretty secure... As a guy, I feel pretty secure wherever I go, but I guess as far as cops and stuff on campus, they’re pretty cool, and they make my girlfriend feel safe. 12345 Safety & Security Report

Did You Know?

The Silent Witness Form, located online on the Public Safety Web site, allows students to anonymously and confidentially report incidents
of crime.

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