Safety is the University of Delaware’s top priority, and there are a variety of steps that students, faculty, staff and visitors can take to help protect themselves and each other.

Know what to do in an emergency

Dial 911 for any emergency, whether on or off campus. Program into your phone the UD Police Department’s phone number for non-emergency situations: 302-831-UDPD. You also can visit UD Police at 413 Academy Street. Safety blue lights across campus connect directly with UD Police. (There are dozens on the Newark campus, as noted with the blue dots on this map.) If you call UD Police, you will speak to a live person in UDPD’s 911 Communication Center.

Pay attention to UD Alerts

An important element in UD Police’s safety-communication system, UD Alert sends a succinct description of an incident, including the type of crime and the location, date, among other key details. These messages are sent when there is an imminent danger to the safety and welfare of the UD community. The UD Alert system supports the University’s adherence to the Clery Act — federal legislation that requires institutions to share timely warnings in an expedited manner. Learn more about UD Alert and confirm your contact information to ensure you can receive UD Alerts.

Download and use the LiveSafe app

LiveSafe is a free smartphone app that supplements the UD Alert system. LiveSafe helps users prevent crime and assists users in responding to incidents, like road closures and other non-emergency situations. LiveSafe also provides a Safe Walk, with students asking friends or family to virtually escort them to their destination and providing real-time location alerts. Anyone can use the LiveSafe app, including parents, community members and visitors to UD’s campus.

Use the safe-ride service

This free service is available to all students, faculty and staff from UD property or contiguous street, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Arrange a pick-up by calling 302-831-RIDE; using one of the campus blue light phones, or downloading and using the LiveSafe app.

Stay vigilant

If you see something, say something by contacting UD Police. Protect yourself and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night. Always follow common sense safety precautions. Keep the doors to your vehicle and residence locked. Be cognizant of who is entering the buildings; do not allow people you don’t know to “tailgate” into your residence hall. Report maintenance issues like broken locks or windows.

Protect one another

Under UD’s amnesty protocol, Community Standards & Conflict Resolution will not pursue conduct charges against a student or student organization if they seek assistance related to a serious and immediate risk of harm, such as intoxication, alcohol or drug overdose, or hazing activities. Contact 911 or a University official when you have a concern. Remain with the person who needs help and cooperate with emergency personnel by answering questions and following instructions.

Avoid “sextortion”

Sextortion is a growing online crime targeting young adults across the country. Criminals receive explicit videos or pictures from a victim, then threaten to publish that content unless the victim pays money or produces more images. Be selective about the information you share with others, especially if you have not met them in person. If you or someone you know becomes a victim, stop responding to the messages, do not send any money, and report it immediately to UDPD. 

Deter theft

In August 2026, UDPD arrested a suspect in connection with the theft of three e-scooters on campus. Thefts of e-scooters and e-bikes have become increasingly common on university campuses nationwide. To protect any kind of bike or scooter, use a high-quality U-lock, park in well-lit areas, and register it with UD Parking Services to help the University return it to you if it is lost or stolen. UDPD provides these tips about bike safety and theft protection.

Learn more

For members of the UD community, UDPD offers educational programs and services annually to better serve the University community. These include an active shooter preparedness program, a rape aggression self-defense program and more.

Get to know other campus resources

A wealth of resources and services is available to you through UD if you believe you are a victim of a crime. There are many other resources available at UD to support you on your path to success — from student counseling to overall student wellbeing.