Frequently Asked Questions

Police

Can I get security or police officer coverage for an event?

Yes, security and police officer coverage can be obtained if you request it at least three days prior to your event. Please submit our online form by clicking here.

How do I get to the Yale University Police Department?

The YPD is located at 101 Ashmun Street right next to the Yale HEALTH Plan on the Red Line of the Yale Shuttle.

What should I do if I have lost something?

If you have lost property, please contact the YPD by calling 203-432-4400 to determine if your property has been recovered.  The Lost and Found center can be reached at 203-432-4405 and is located in the University Police Headquarters, 101 Ashmun St., New Haven, CT 06511 and is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

What's the difference between the Yale Police Department and the New Haven Police Department (NHPD)? Who should I call?

YPD officers patrol campus and the area immediately surrounding it, while NHPD has jurisdiction for the entire City.  Both police forces are comprised of armed officers with full arrest powers.
In case of an emergency always call 911, the call will go to either YPD or NHPD depending on your location. Either way, there will be a response to your location, either by the YPD alone or a joint response. To reach the YPD directly for routine non-emergencies call 203-432-4400.

What's the most common crime that happens on campus?

The vast majority of crime on campus is property crime (95%) especially of electronic portable items such as laptops, cell phones, iPods. Thieves are constantly looking for unattended, easily transportable, and valuable property to take. Most of the property stolen is left unattended in public areas or in unlocked rooms, public spaces (such as libraries) or offices. The best advice to follow is to never leave your property unattended and to always lock your door.

Where can I obtain my criminal history or background records if I'm applying for a visa or an internship? Does the Yale Police Dept offer a fingerprinting service?

The Yale Police Department does not keep any records. Reports can be obtained from the CT Dept of Public Safety and more information can be found here. The Yale Police Dept can arrange for fingerprinting if an appointment is made. Contact the Yale Police at 203-432-4400 for more information.

Where can I view the Daily Crime Log?

The Daily Crime Log can be viewed here.

Safety & Security

Does Yale Security maintain a lost and found?

Yes. The primary location is 4 Bristol Street Central Alarm Station (203-785-5555). Please note that items of value are forwarded to the Yale Police Department for storage (203-432-4400).

How can I locate a lost iPhone, iPad, ipod or Mac?

If one of your Apple devices goes missing, iCloud can help you figure out where you left it. Just sign in at iCloud.com or use the Find My iPhone app to see your missing Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch on a map. And iOS 6 and iCloud offer Lost Mode — making it even easier to find and protect a missing iOS device. With Lost Mode, you can immediately lock your device and send it a message with a contact number. Then whoever finds it can call you from the Lock screen without accessing the rest of the information on your device. Get the Find My iPhone app or visit http://www.apple.com/icloud/features/find-my-iphone.html.

How do I find my lost Android device?

The YPD IT staff recommendes this free app Where's My Droid.  For information on how it works and where to download visithttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alienmanfc6.wheresmyandroid&feature=more_from_developer#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwMiwiY29tLmFsaWVubWFuZmM2LndoZXJlc215YW5kcm9pZCJd

 

How do I go about having a burglar alarm, card access, or other electronic security system installed in my area?

Send an e-mail to the University Security Project Manager David Nevins at david.nevins@yale.edu, detailing the location and scope of the request and the reason for the request. The director will assign a member of the Security Project Team to follow through with you please submit our online form by clicking here.

How do I order a key?

Keys can be ordered through your business office.

I have a burglar alarm system in my office. Where is this being monitored?

At our own University Security Central Alarm Station located at 4 Bristol St.

I have an existing alarm system, and I need information on the annual service and maintenance charges. Who do I call?

Please contact Pam Ruck at (203) 436-4396.

I live in a dorm room, and there's an alarm sounding from a pass-through door. Who do I contact to silence this?

Please call the Central Alarm Station at 203-785-5555 and a Uniformed Security Patrol Officer will be by to assist you.

I lost my room key and am locked out of my room. What should I do?

For undergraduates on campus, during daytime (9am-5pm) please visit your Residential College’s master’s office who will let you in your room. When the Master’s Office is closed you can call Yale Security at 203-785-5555 and a uniformed Yale Security Officer will be dispatched to your location to provide this service. You will be asked to sign a lockout form that will be given to your Master’s or business office. Students, please be prepared to provide: your name, the college in which you reside, entryway letter, room number, floor, and the last four digits of your security number for verification purposes when calling Yale Security. You will then be instructed to wait for the officer in front of the locked door. Should you get into your door prior to the officer's arrival, please call Yale Security and inform them that services are no longer needed.

I lost my Yale ID card. What should I do?

Lost, stolen or damaged ID cards should be reported immediately to the Yale Security at (203) 785-5555. Replacement cards are available at the ID Card Center (246 Church St) during normal business hours. During non-business hours, temporary ID cards are available at the University Police Department located at Phelps Gate. For more information visit: http://www.yale.edu/sfas/idcard/

What are the hours of operation for the shuttle buses and the walking escort program?

For information on daytime shuttle bus routes visit http://www.yale.edu/transportationoptions/shuttle/dayshuttle.html.
For nighttime shuttle bus routes visit http://www.yale.edu/transportationoptions/shuttle/nightshuttle.html
Between 6 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on 359 days a year, any person with a valid Yale ID card can obtain a safe walking escort or safe ride from Yale buildings to residences, from residences to Yale buildings within the service boundaries by called 203-432-WALK or 203-432-6330.

What security information do I need when planning a Yale College event?
Where can I get more information about parking on campus?

Emergencies

How will I be informed of an Emergency at Yale? Does the University have a text messaging system?

Yes. Yale has a robust Emergency Management group led by the Secretary’s Office. Yale ALERT can reach students, faculty, and staff with time-sensitive information during unforeseen events or emergencies using voice, e-mail, and/or text messaging.  The University will use emergency contact numbers that have been registered with Yale. More information about Emergency Management communications can be found at : http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency/communications.html

I want to learn more about Emergency Preparedness at Yale?
What do I do if I or someone I know has been sexually assaulted?

Call 911 or the Yale Police at 203-432-4400 or call the New Haven Police. You may also contact the SHARE Center (Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources & Education) for advocacy, education & support at 203.432.6653. Details of other resources can be found at the SHARE Centre website.

What should I do if a friend is very drunk, has passed out, and is not waking up?

You should 911 immediately. You should not delay in calling as any delay could be life threatening depending on the level of intoxication. The Police’s main focus is to get the person immediate medical attention and not to get you or them in trouble. The health and well-being of the person should far outweigh any concerns about disciplinary action.

Where can I find information about snow or other weather-related emergencies?

Information can be found at http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency/