Public Safety

The University has information and resources for a variety of safety related issues such as use of drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, threatening or harassing behavior, and hate crimes.

Alcohol

College students spend approximately $42 million yearly on alcohol, more than it costs to operate campus libraries and fund all scholarships and fellowships nationwide. Use of alcohol has other consequences, including: increased risk of accidents, homicide, suicide, physical injury, sexual assault and psychological and behavioral problems. This is in addition to the legal, health, and academic risks of abuse. These same risks hold true for alcohol or drug-impaired faculty and staff.

Domestic Violence

If you have been battered, shoved, or physically abused in any way, it is a crime. Unreasonable jealousy or distrust, verbal abuse, and the destruction of property, are all symptoms of domestic violence. Domestic violence laws apply to you if the responsible person is your spouse or domestic partner. They also apply to you in dating circumstances or if the responsible person is someone with whom you have had a child.

The University Health Services has counselors who can help you develop a safety plan. They have community resource information, and they can provide emotional support to you while you consider your options. They provide crisis counseling, can help you access medical care and academic adjustments as needed, and have recourse for alternative housing. They will work with you to reduce the impact that violence has had in your daily life.

For students: contact Social Services at (510) 642-6074, or Counseling and Psychological Services at (510) 642-9494, Monday–Friday.

Faculty and staff should contact CARE Services at (510) 643-7754.

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Policies

The buildings on the Berkeley campus are for appropriate use and enjoyment by students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Policies have been established to promote the safety and security of all occupants and visitors including

  • Following posted rules related to use or access
  • Unauthorized duplication or distribution of keys
  • Assisting unauthorized access to buildings or propping open exterior doors
    Intentionally initiating a false fire alarm
  • Disrupting classroom, administrative, or other University sponsored or approved activities
  • Smoking in buildings (except for private residences)
  • Use of campus or departmental bulletin boards without appropriate authorization
  • Tampering, misuse, abuse or destruction of emergency equipment or other University property

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Free Speech

UC Berkeley has a tradition of being an open forum for the expression of political and social ideas. While the University and its Police Department recognize the rights of individuals to engage in constitutionally protected free speech and public assembly, this activity must be conducted in a reasonable and responsible manner.

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Rape and Sexual Assault

The Berkeley Campus Student Policy & Procedures Regarding Rape & Sexual Assault prevention, education, policy, and procedures are governed by The Berkeley Campus Student Policy and Procedures Regarding Rape and Sexual Assault. This policy describes in detail prevention and education programs around the topic of sexual assault, as well as policies and procedures for dealing with incidents after they have occurred.

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