The Tempe Police Department’s Media Relations Bureau, in conjunction with its Patrol, Traffic, and Criminal Investigations Bureaus, its Crime Prevention Unit, and Arizona State University, is pleased to introduce Tempe S.A.F.E. Start (Safety Awareness for Everyone).

This new safety campaign created by the Tempe Police Department will encompass several education and enforcement programs.  These programs include sexual assault prevention awareness, traffic enforcement around Tempe schools, party patrols, cool weather crime prevention tips and a newly developed youth alcohol enforcement squad.  The purpose of Tempe S.A.F.E. Start  is to make everyone aware of their safety regardless of the time of year.

Citizens will be encouraged to check this webpage periodically for updates reference specific dates, times, and locations for particular components of this safety awareness campaign.  The first such component is Sexual Assault Prevention and helpful information regarding this topic can be found below.

SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION EMPHASIS
August 15th - 27th, 2008

AT HOME OR IN A RESIDENCE HALL
IN A SOCIAL SITUATION
DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES TO AVOID
IN THE EVENT YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS ASSAULTED

AT HOME OR IN A RESIDENCE HALL:

  1. Keep your doors LOCKED even when you are home.

  2. Install outside lighting with motion detectors or use existing lighting from dusk till dawn.

  3. Do not prop doors or windows open.

  4. Keep your door closed when someone knocks until the person knocking can be appropriately identified.

  5. Install a peep hole in your door.

  6. Keep your vehicle doors locked even when parked in your driveway.

  7. Do not leave items of value or identification in a location that is visible to passersby.

IN A SOCIAL SITUATION:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings so you can find a quick and easy way out of a bad situation.

  2. When you go to a party, arrive with a group of friends, check in with each other periodically, and leave together.

  3. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS!  Never feel obligated to do anything you do not want to do.  Remember, "No" means "No."

  4. If someone continues pressuring you, let them know their advances are unwanted and leave immediately with friends.

  5. ALCOHOL is the number one drug involved in sexual assaults.  Drink responsibly and surround yourself with people you trust when alcohol is present.

AVOID DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCES:

  1. Keep your cell phone with you and charged at all times.

  2. Never become isolated with someone you do not know or do not trust.

  3. When walking or exercising, avoid putting headphones in both ears in order to be more aware of your surroundings.

  4. Refrain from carrying valuables like laptops, large amounts of cash, and/or jewelry.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED:

  1. REPORT THE ASSAULT IMMEDIATELY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT BY DIALING 9-1-1!

  2. Remember, biological evidence can be lost.  Refrain from showering, washing your clothes, and, if possible, using the restroom until an examination can be conducted by a nurse.

  3. Avoid disturbing the scene of the incident.  Washing sheets, clothing (including undergarments), and carpet can damage evidence and hinder an investigation.

  4. And, never forget . . . sexual assault is a violent crime and those who commit it need to be brought to justice.


For additional crime prevention information, click here.