The Wayne State University Police Department has compiled a list of key tips to help all Warriors have a safe and successful school year.

Arrive early

Campus and the surrounding area are likely to be very congested with both pedestrians and vehicles during the first few weeks of the semester, so consider arriving early. Many parking structures fill to capacity as early as 9 a.m., so it is smart to have an alternative parking spot in mind. WSUPD officers and the parking staff will work to expedite structure entry on busy days. Download the free Wayne State Mobile app for updated parking availability and more.

Please note that the City of Detroit routinely monitors street parking and enforces meter usage throughout the area. Avoid tickets by not parking in front of fire hydrants, over crosswalks, in handicap parking spaces and at bus stops.

Take note of construction

Please use caution around construction and roadway projects on and around campus, including:

Anthony Wayne Drive Apartment Building

Construction of the new Anthony Wayne Drive Apartment Building is well underway on the east side of Parking Structure 2, resulting in changes to the structure’s pedestrian and vehicle entrances. All entrances on the east side off Anthony Wayne Drive are now permanently closed; vehicles must enter from the Lodge Service Drive side of the parking structure. Pedestrians should use the sidewalk along the north side of West Kirby (alongside Structure 5). To increase pedestrian safety on West Kirby, a new crosswalk was installed between Structures 2 and 5.

Cass Avenue

The City of Detroit is in the final phases of the Cass Avenue repaving project, which stretches from Cobo Center to West Grand Boulevard. In addition to a complete repaving of the roadway, the city is adding protected bike lanes along both sides of Cass, which relocates the street parking spaces to about 5 feet away from the curb. Take care not to drive or park in the new bike lane between the parking spaces and the curb to avoid ticketing and towing. As drivers, cyclists and pedestrians become familiar with the new markings, please use extra caution.  

Anthony Wayne Drive

The City of Detroit is beginning construction of a new right-turn lane with a small island on southbound Anthony Wayne Drive at Warren Avenue in front of General Lectures. The construction, slated to begin shortly after the start of fall classes, will result in lane restrictions and the redirection of pedestrian traffic.

Cyclist safety

When riding your bike, always go with the flow of traffic, wear a helmet and consider brightly colored clothing. All cyclists must obey the same laws as motor vehicles, including traffic signals and stop signs. Failure to comply could result in a ticket. Please note that it is illegal — and dangerous — to ride a bicycle in the dark without a headlight and a rear reflector . Bicycle safety tips are available from the Michigan Department of Transportation.          

Pedestrian safety 

Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable group of road users. Even when following traffic laws, those on foot must still be mindful of the motorists around them. As basic as it might sound, always look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with motorists whenever possible. Texting and talking on the phone are common distractions that prevent pedestrians from paying attention to their surroundings. Remember: Cross only at designated and marked crosswalks; failing to do so could result in a ticket.

Emergency alert system

The WSU Broadcast Messaging service delivers emergency and other significant university notifications via text message or email. You can set your notification preference when you enroll in the free service.

Theft

The theft of unattended property is a largely avoidable occurrence. Never leave valuables (or items that may appear valuable) unattended anywhere, including your vehicle. Because smartphones are a popular target for thieves, download a tracking app that can help find your phone if it goes missing.

Cybercrime

Cybercriminals are exploiting society’s increased dependency on computers and the internet.  They look for access to your personal information and then use it for financial gain. Visit the Computing & Information Technology website for suggestions on protecting yourself and your information.

Emergencies

When you need police, fire or medical services on campus or in the surrounding Midtown area, call WSUPD at 313-577-2222. Please do not call 911. The computerized 911 system actually takes longer than a call to WSUPD, and city operators may not be familiar with campus. When you call WSUPD, you will speak directly with the person who dispatches responding officers. All WSUPD personnel, from dispatchers to officers, are intimately familiar with campus and Midtown. WSUPD has a reputation for rapid responses to police, fire and medical emergencies, with officers arriving on the scene in an average of 90 seconds after the initial call. 

Other WSUPD services

WSUPD offers a number of ways to keep the campus community secure, including:  

Safe Walk

If at any time you feel uneasy about walking on campus, simply call WSUPD at 313-577-2222 to request the Safe Walk service. We will send a uniformed and radio-equipped cadet to walk with you to your destination, or a patrol officer in a marked scout car. Please note that Safe Walk is not intended to be used by appointment or on a regular basis. If you need regularly scheduled transportation to locations on and around campus, consider Wayne State’s free shuttle service.

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) training

Throughout the school year, WSUPD hosts a variety of RAD courses for students, staff and faculty. The RAD system teaches realistic self-defense tactics along with awareness, prevention and risk-reduction techniques. The 13-hour course is separated into four sessions and is open to women of all ages. Visit us online for details.

Vehicle Identification Number etching

WSUPD hosts free VIN etching sessions to help deter theft. A chemical process permanently and discreetly etches a VIN on your vehicle’s windows. Thieves know that each VIN-etched window will have to be replaced before they can profit from a stolen car. VIN etching is endorsed by experts as a proven deterrent to theft that also can aid in the recovery and identification of your car — and it may qualify you for discounted auto insurance.



Club car and bike lock discounts

WSUPD offers discounted Club steering wheel and bike locks to students, staff and faculty. The steering wheel locks cost $13 and bike locks cost $15. Club Locks can be purchased by cash or check from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each weekday at WSUPD headquarters, located at 6050 Cass Ave.  

Bicycle registration

WSUPD offers free bicycle registration each Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at WSUPD headquarters at 6050 Cass Ave. No appointment is necessary, but bring your bike and ID. WSUPD will record the bicycle’s identifying information, affix a registration sticker to the bike and give you a copy of the registration form.     

WSUPD welcomes your comments, questions, suggestions and concerns. Write to us at campuswatch@wayne.edu.