Staying safe on campus

The fall term can be an exciting time for staff, faculty and students. For many, it’s their first time on campus and for this reason, the University of Waterloo Police Services is providing a friendly reminder to help ensure your time at Waterloo is memorable for all the right reasons.

Located within the Commissary Building (COM) in south campus, our office is available to the University community 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. You can contact our office directly at 519-888-4911 or ext. 22222. Online reporting is also available on our website.

We also encourage all members of the University community to download the WatSafe app which will provide you with instant access to contact information for the University of Waterloo Police Services and Waterloo Regional Police Service, campus maps and emergency alert notifications.

Phones and help lines

• Pay phones: Every pay phone on campus has a red button that provides a free and direct line to Campus Police. Simply remove the receiver and push the red button to be directed to our offices.
• Help lines: There are several blue help-line devices that are strategically placed in outlying parking lot areas and near residences and student village areas, providing a direct line to Campus Police. These can be used for general inquires, to report safety issues or emergency situations. Help line locations are listed on campus maps under the information tab.

Theft

Although the University of Waterloo is a place to study and work, we are unfortunately not immune to theft. Prevent stolen goods by never leaving valuable items such as laptops, cell phones or wallets unattended or out-of-sight — even for a minute.

When using Athletics and Recreation facilities always lock up your belongings in a locker.

When bringing a bike to campus, always secure it to a bike rack using a hardened steel u-lock, locking both the frame and front wheel to the rack when possible. Avoid using cable or chain style locks as they can be easily cut.

Infractions and fines

Please remember that infractions and fines will be handed out for the following reasons:

$125 fine

• Smoking cannabis on campus or in residence. 
  • Should medical-use be granted, please contact the Occupational Health and Safety Office (ext. 36264) for next steps.
• Persons under the age of 19 having or consuming alcohol.
• Consuming or having open liquor in public.

$65 fine

• Being intoxicated in public or common space.
• Failing to leave premises when directed.

The Police Services’ number one priority is the safety, security and wellbeing of all the students, faculty, staff and visitors coming to the University of Waterloo.

In the event you have any further questions regarding our department, the services we provide or simply have an inquiry about the campus, please never hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve you.