How can I be safe while wandering the streets of
Oakland?
Who we asked: Steven King, Director of Public Safety at
Mills, and the Oakland Police Department Commercial Security
Unit
The answer:
= Walk with confidence and stay on busy, well-lighted
streets.
= Never walk alone at night.
= Walk close to the curb. Keep away from alleys, obscure
pathways, doorways, and dense shrubbery.
= Plan your travel and carry directions.
= Keep your car in good condition and the gas tank at least 1/4
full at all times.
= Park your car in a well-lighted location as close as possible
to your destination.
= When taking public transportation, use a transit schedule to
avoid waiting longer than necessary.
= At a bus stop or BART station ticket machine, make sure you
have the exact fare in your hand ready for deposit. Do not open
your purse or wallet at these locations.
= Sit in aisle seats when riding the bus or train at night,
close to the driver.
= If you are confronted by a robber, listen to the robber’s
demands. If the robber wants your money or property, comply without
hesitation. Don’t try any tricks. However if a robber wants you to
get into a car, do not comply. You have no choice…you must run or
fight.
= Keep your house keys separate from your car keys, never attach
a tag with your name or address to a key ring.
= Minimize the amount of money and credit cards you carry.
= Carry a whistle or other type of personal alarm. Use it if you
feel threatened.
= Don’t over-dress and avoid wearing expensive-looking jewelry.
High heels and tight skirts may restrict you from running. Scarves
and necklaces could give an attacker a strangle-hold.
= Don’t be overburdened carrying baggage. Keep at least one hand
free.
= Wear good running shoes.
The intrepid investigative reporters at The Weekly are here for
you. If you have been curious about issues on or around campus,
want to find out if gossip is true, or want to know why something
broken hasn’t been fixed yet, e-mail your questions to
kcreps@mills.edu.
We will find you answers.
