Student Life

Campus Safety

The safety and security of our community is paramount. Students, faculty, and staff must work together to ensure that NYU-Poly is a safe and comfortable environment for all. Below are ways that we keep our community safe and secure. Please also see below for tips that you can follow for your own safety.

For an explanded look at safety and security at NYU-Poly, including statistical information, download our most recent Safety and Security Report (pdf).

NOTE: In the event of an emergency, always contact Campus Security at 718-260-3537.

ID Cards

  • All members of the community must carry their valid NYU-Poly ID card with them at all times. These cards must be scanned at each NYU-Poly building entrance. Individuals are required to show their cards upon request to any Institute official. Damaged ID cards must be replaced through Facilities Management, 152 Jacobs Building. Lost cards must be reported and replaced by the owner.
  • Using someone else’s ID cards is a violation of the Code of Conduct and will lead to disciplinary sanctions.
  • All guests of Polytechnic Institute of NYU must be signed in by a host. The host is responsible for the actions of their guest. All guests must abide by the policies and procedures of the university.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found is located in the Facilities Management office (JB 152). Please visit for any lost items or to hand in items found on campus. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Reporting Incidents/Violations

All incidents that violate Campus Safety policy should be reported to Facilities Management by filling out an Incident Report, which can be obtained in the Facilities office (JB 152). Please be as specific as possible, sign the report, and leave a telephone number where you can be reached.

Emergency Text Alerts

You can receive emergency notifications directly and instantly to your mobile or smartphone, wireless PDA, pager, e-mail address, or via an RSS feed. To quickly sign up, follow these steps:

  1. Visit e-Campus
  2. Complete the registration form
  3. Access your account at any time – day or night

Initially, this system will only be used to send emergency notifications; however, we plan to expand the notification system in the near future to include timely announcements pertaining to various events and activities throughout the Institute. You can control exactly how much contact you want to receive and to which devices or platforms. Please be aware that depending on your mobile device/cell phone plan, these messages may cause you to incur additional service related costs from your service provider.

MetroTech BID Public Safety

NYU-Poly’s Brooklyn Campus is located within MetroTech, a business and education center. MetroTech Business Improvement District (BID), a non-profit organization, provides security and other services for the area, including:

  • 28 Public Safety Officers with special Patrol/Peace Officer status
  • 24/7 patrols throughout the district
  • Bicycle patrol program
  • 23 closed-circuit TV monitors
  • Sophisticated communications equipment that links BID with the New York Police Department
  • Officer training provided by NYC Police Academy
  • Area Police-Private Security Liaison (APPL) Hub
  • District-wide Emergency Notification System

Personal Safety Tips

We encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, the people you encounter, and your personal property when you are on and off campus. Here are some helpful and simple ways to improve your safety.

If You Live on Campus

  • Have your ID with you at all times
  • Keep your residence hall room locked
  • Do not lend your keys or ID to anyone
  • Do not bring valuables to campus
  • If you do bring valuables, store them in your personal room safe
  • Have renters insurance
  • Let people know where you are going
  • Avoid being alone in isolated places such as the basement laundry room, deserted study lounges, etc

If You Live off Campus

  • Have good locks on your doors and windows — and use them!
  • Do not prop open doors. If someone is supposed to be in the building, they will have access.
  • Do not hide extra keys in easily accessible places
  • Do not let strangers into your home or apartment to use the telephone
  • Have working lights at all entrances and turn them on after dark
  • Let people know where you are going

When You Are Out

  • Always travel in groups, preferably with 4 or more people
  • Don't carry a lot of money
  • Be aware of your surroundings — don't wear headphones, read, talk on the phone, or do anything else that might distract you. If you observe anyone or anything suspicious, walk to where there are other people and call the police.
  • Be very careful when using outdoor ATMs at night or in unfamiliar locations
  • Do not get in a car with someone who is sleepy or under the influence
  • Refuse to accept drinks from strangers
  • Never become so intoxicated that you lose consciousness or awareness of your surroundings
  • Do not be alone with strangers
  • Avoid taking the train/bus at night or alone
  • When taking the subway, try to ride in the car with the conductor and avoid the last car
  • Keep a cell phone handy

When You Are in a Car

  • Always drive with the doors locked
  • Always park in visible, well-lit areas
  • When stopped at traffic lights or in traffic, allow space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you so you can drive away if necessary
  • Do not stop for stranded motorists. Instead, use your cell phone or go to the nearest telephone booth and call the police for assistance.
  • Do not open your window if someone approaches your vehicle to ask for directions, the time, etc.
  • Keep any valuables in your car in the trunk or otherwise out of sight

General Safety Tips

  • Program emergency contact information into your cell phone under the listing "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) and carry an ICE identification card in your wallet or purse. This can assist first responders in contacting family and friends in the event of an emergency.
  • Keep a cell phone charged and handy
  • Report any obscene phone calls right away
  • Do not give out personal information to people you meet online
  • Do not list personal contact info, such as your address, on publicly accessible websites
  • Let people know where you are (family, roommates, friends)