Frequently Asked Questions
about safety and procedures
How do I contact the New York State University Police?
The New York State University Police Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,
365 days a year. For non-emergency issues, contact the department at 607-777-2393
or police@binghamton.edu. For emergencies, call 911 from a campus phone or 607-777-2222 from a cell phone.
Where is the Lost and Found on campus?
Lost and found items are maintained by New York State University Police in the basement
of the Couper Administration Building. Items are kept for a limited time before being
donated or destroyed. Call 607-777-2393, email police@binghamton.edu or visit AD-G24.
Is there a safety escort service for students on campus?
New York State University Police will provide safety escorts 24/7/365.
How accessible are the residence halls?
All residence hall doors are locked on a 24-hour basis, requiring key-card access.
What are blue light phones?
More than 80 blue light emergency phones can be found on Binghamton University campuses.
Each includes a yellow emergency phone box attached to a blue light, which can be
easily seen at night. Anyone who picks up the phone is immediately connected to the
New York State University Police dispatcher.
How safe is the campus? Are crime statistics published?
Binghamton University is a relatively safe campus and continually evaluates its safety
procedures. For campus crime statistics, see our Annual Security and Fire Report online.
Do I have to worry about my personal property being stolen?
There are no 100 percent guarantees, but protection of personal property is a shared
responsibility. Students should not leave personal belongings unattended and should
always lock their doors when not in their rooms. New York State University Police
offer a number of programs that can educate students about how to protect their personal
property. Parents might also consider checking to see if their students’ items are
covered by the parents’ homeowner’s insurance. If not, renter’s insurance might be
an option.
Is the campus well lit at night?
The Binghamton University campus is well lit, and each semester our Personal Safety Advisory Committee does a night-time walk around campus to check on lighting and other safety issues
and make recommendations as needed.
Will a student get in trouble for assisting a friend who needs medical treatment for
alcohol or drug-related situations?
Binghamton University abides by the New York State Good Samaritan Law: In cases of
alcohol and prohibitive drug intoxication, the primary concern is the health and safety
of the individual(s) involved. Individuals are strongly encouraged to call for medical
assistance for themselves or for a friend/acquaintance who is suffering alcohol poisoning.
No student seeking medical treatment for an alcohol or other drug-related overdose
or other life-threatening medical emergency will be subject to University discipline
for the sole violation of using or possessing alcohol or drugs. This policy shall
extend to another student seeking help for the intoxicated student or the student
who is facing a life-threatening medical emergency.
Who should parents contact when they have questions about their student?
Binghamton University is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA) that protects the privacy of student education records, defining what may
and may not be shared with the public. FERPA does not automatically grant parents
the right to access their student’s information, but parents may gain access with
the written consent of the student. The Release of Student Records form can be found online. For additional information or other concerns, contact the Dean
of Students Office at 607-777-2804 or dos@binghamton.edu.
How does an individual access a police report?
Individuals wishing a copy of a police report must make a Freedom of Information Law
(FOIL) request through the Binghamton University records access officer. The request
must be made in writing and "reasonably describe" the record being requested. The
request must be for records that currently exist. The FOIL does not require the University
to make a new record in response to request. For additional information, visit the web or email foil@binghamton.edu.
