Safety At Rutgers New Brunswick: A Comprehensive Guide

Rutgers University – New Brunswick has been ranked one of the safest universities in the U.S. by ADT, which recognised the university as the third safest campus in the country. ADT's ranking was based on campus crime statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and the FBI Uniform Crime Report. However, some students have expressed concerns about safety on campus and in the surrounding area, with reports of theft, sexual assault, and other crimes. The university operates a 24/7 police headquarters and provides a range of safety resources and recommendations for students.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick is ranked one of the nation's safest universities by ADT

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is ranked one of the nation's safest universities by ADT. ADT's ranking considered campus crime statistics mandated by the U.S. Department of Education and the FBI Uniform Crime Report. With an enrollment of just under 66,000, Rutgers University–New Brunswick has been recognised as one of the safest campuses in the U.S., with campus safety always nearby and a well-regarded public safety escorts programme.

The university's commitment to safety is reflected in its Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD), which operates a fully-staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The RUPD provides emergency and non-emergency contact numbers, as well as a text service for non-emergency concerns and requests for help.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is also proactive in providing students with advice on how to stay safe on campus. This includes staying alert and aware of surroundings, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and using university transportation and walking chaperone services.

The university is located in central New Jersey, near New York City and Philadelphia. It is the flagship campus of New Jersey's state university and is split into five mini campuses: College Avenue, Douglass, Cook, Busch, and Livingston. Each campus has a unique setting and identity, student centre, and dining options.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is ranked #299 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and #40 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It is also recognised as a good value university by College Factual's value analysis, with Forbes ranking it #29 in the nation as a "Best Value College".

Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) helps create a safe environment and operates a fully-staffed police headquarters 24/7

Rutgers University – New Brunswick has been recognised as one of the safest campuses in the U.S. by ADT, which ranked it as the third safest campus in the country for safety. ADT's report noted that "with an enrollment just under 66,000, the university has a lot of work to do to keep each student safe—and it succeeds admirably". The report also praised the university's public safety escorts programme.

The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) is a key part of the university's commitment to creating a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. The RUPD operates a fully-staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a full range of police and security services. The department includes fully trained, commissioned, and armed Police Officers, as well as Security Officers, 911 Dispatchers, and student Community Service Officers.

The RUPD is a fully empowered law enforcement entity under state law with state-wide jurisdiction. Its jurisdiction is shared with local police departments, such as the New Brunswick Police Department and the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office, as well as the New Jersey State Police. The RUPD works closely with these agencies to ensure the safety of the Rutgers community.

In addition to the RUPD, Rutgers University also has a dedicated Emergency Management team that regularly conducts exercises to prepare the university for any kind of emergency or disaster. The university also offers a range of resources and safety tips for students, staff, and faculty to help keep the campus safe.

The university also provides a range of support services for students, including the Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance programme, which offers help and assistance to anyone who has experienced violence or harassment on campus.

Students can sign up for text alerts to receive emergency updates

Rutgers University–New Brunswick has been recognised as one of the safest campuses in the U.S. The university is committed to creating a safe environment for its students, and the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) operates a fully staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To further ensure the safety of students, Rutgers University offers a text alert system to provide emergency updates. Students can sign up for these text alerts using their NetID. This system is in place to ensure that students receive up-to-date information during emergencies. In addition to text alerts, the RUPD also shares public safety information on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

The text alert system is a valuable resource for students, as it provides timely information about emergencies and helps them stay informed and prepared. It is important for students to register for these alerts and to keep their emergency notification information up to date.

In addition to the text alert system, Rutgers University also provides a daily crime and fire safety log, which is updated within two business days of the RUPD receiving a crime report. This log is maintained in compliance with the Clery Act, which mandates the publication of information about reported crimes within the RUPD's patrol jurisdiction. The log includes information gathered from various sources, such as calls for service to RUPD, a student disciplinary database, and statistical crime reports filed by Campus Security Authorities.

By offering text alerts and maintaining a comprehensive daily crime and fire safety log, Rutgers University prioritises the safety and well-being of its students, enabling them to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to protect themselves.

The Knight Mover Shuttle service and on-campus walking escorts provide extra security for getting around campus after hours

Rutgers University–New Brunswick is committed to creating a safe environment for its students, staff, and faculty. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) operates a fully staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, all year round.

The on-campus walking escorts are provided by the RUPD to students, faculty, and staff upon request. The escorts are primarily walking and provide a personalized service to their vehicles, campus residences, or the university's mass transit system. To request an escort, call 732-932-7211 or use a campus emergency phone, available 24/7. It is important to note that escorts cannot be reserved in advance.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick reported 547 incidents related to crime and safety in 2019

To provide some context to these figures, it is worth noting that Rutgers University – New Brunswick has been recognised as one of the safest campuses in the U.S. by ADT. The ranking, which placed Rutgers at No. 3, was based on campus crime statistics mandated by the U.S. Department of Education and the FBI Uniform Crime Report. The report noted that, with an enrollment of just under 66,000, Rutgers succeeds admirably in keeping its students safe. It also praised the public safety escorts program.

Rutgers University – New Brunswick is comprised of five campuses: College Avenue, Douglass, Cook, Busch, and Livingston. The Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) helps to create a safe and secure environment and operates a fully staffed police headquarters 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The RUPD maintains a Clery Crime and Fire Log, which is updated within two business days of the RUPD receiving a crime report, to keep the university community informed about campus crime. In addition, during emergencies, Rutgers students, faculty and staff can receive up-to-date information via text message.

In 2019, 458 of the 547 incidents took place on campus, 27 occurred on affiliated off-campus properties, and 62 happened on public property in the surrounding New Brunswick neighbourhood. The remaining 269 incidents took place in residence halls and are also included in the on-campus crimes category.

The types of crimes committed were divided into the following categories: arrests for major crimes, arrests for possession, violence against women, and disciplinary actions. Disciplinary actions accounted for 26.0% of all crime and safety incidents at the school, while 43.0% resulted in arrests for possession, 16.8% were arrests for major crimes, and 14.3% were acts of violence against women.

It is important to remember that the number of incidents reported may not always reflect the true level of safety or crime at an institution. Zero incidents of reported crime may indicate lax reporting, while a high number of incidents could suggest stricter reporting and law enforcement practices compared to other institutions.

Frequently asked questions