The Department of Public Safety is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all USD students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Emergency Services
Counselor-on call
A counselor-on call is available to consult about after-hours psychological emergencies at all times. The counselor-on-call can be reached by calling Public Safety (x2222 on any campus telephone, otherwise call 619-260-2222).
24-hour San Diego Access & Crisis Line
The 24-hour San Diego Access and Crisis Line (1-888-724-7240) also offers crisis intervention, information and referrals.
Alcohol & Drugs
In order to consume alcohol, you must be at least 21-years-old. This law is strictly enforced and there are major consequences for breaking this law. If you are a minor and caught in possession of alcohol in any public place is guilty of a misdemeanor.
See a Complete Code of Section 25662: minor possessing alcoholic beverage and University’s Alcohol and Drug Policy.
For more information on various USD university policies, such as "Illegal, Dishonest, or Fraudulent Conduct" and "Tobacco Policy", please read the The Code.
The law is very strict about carrying alcohol or drugs in a vehicle whether the vehicle is on or off the freeway. You must not drink any amount of alcohol in any vehicle.
A container of liquor, beer, or wine carried inside the vehicle must be full, sealed, and unopened. Otherwise, it must be in the trunk or in a place where passengers don’t sit. Keeping an opened alcoholic drink in the glove compartment is against the law.
Remember: violating the drug and alcohol policy may have consequences related to your immigration status and good standing at USD.
Driving
- When you see the police pull behind you with lights on, turn on your blinker and pull over to the side of the road. Do not get out of the car and remain calm.
- It is important that you keep your hands on the wheel until the officer asks you for your license and registration. The officer may ask if you know why you have been pulled over. This is his way of getting an admission of guilt from you. When the officer asks for your papers, take your car registration and proof of car insurance out of the glove box and leave the glove box open. This shows you have nothing to hide.
- The officer will go to his car to check your information and possibly write you a ticket (fine).
- The officer will then return to the car with your papers and perhaps a “ticket” (explaining the offense) — sign the ticket, if asked. You cannot do anything about the ticket at this point; however you can contest the ticket when the bill arrives in the mail.
- The official notice takes a few weeks to be mailed to you. After the notice arrives, you have two options — you can pay the full amount of the ticket or you can contest (fight) the ticket in court. Contesting the ticket could decrease the amount of the ticket and your insurance may not increase. This depends on what the judge’s decision will be. To contest the ticket, you must show up to the court house on the date and time listed on the notice.*
- You are allowed to drive with an international license or one from your home country during your period of study in the United States. Some police officers may not be aware of this regulation and you may have to remind them about it. If the police officer insists that you are not allowed to drive with an international license or one from your home country and gives you a ticket for it, you may accept it and appeal it afterwards.
When involved in a driving accident:
- Promptly notify the police (call 911) and call an ambulance if anyone is hurt. Always cooperate with the authorities that come.
- If possible, consider moving your vehicle out of the flow of traffic but only if it is safe to do so.
- Try to write down details of the scene of the accident, including:
- Identifying information about the other vehicle (license plate number, make, model)
- Insurance company and policy number of the other vehicle
- Identifying information about the other individuals involved (name, driver’s license number, date of birth, address)
- Names and badge numbers of authorities involved
- If possible, take pictures
- Do not accept money, accept fault, or agree to forget about the accident.
- Get copies of all the police reports.
- Call your insurance company and ask for guidance before any steps are taken to repair the car.
- Cooperate with the insurance representative in the investigation, defense or settlement.
- Send your insurance company copies of any notice or legal papers received in connection with the accident as soon as possible. Make sure you keep the originals.
- If you are injured, submit to physical examinations by physicians selected by the insurance company.
- File a claim (a notice to your insurance company that you have been in an accident). Your insurance agent should help you through this process.
Scams Targeting International Students and Scholars
International students and scholars are potential targets for scammers looking to take advantage of vulnerable populations.
- Includes emails or phone calls by entities claiming to provide legal services or representing government agencies
- Includes emails or phone calls by entities claiming to represent the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and demanding payment for unpaid or underpaid taxes
- Read more about common tax scams at the USCIS website
- If you are unsure if you owe taxes or want to verify communication by the IRS, you can call them at 800-829-1040
- Includes emails or phone calls by entities claiming to represent the above agencies and demanding payment to avoid imminent deportation or arrest
- Includes text messages or emails claiming that personal information or payment is urgently needed to deliver a package
- Scams are frequent on websites such as Craigslist
- Often they involve offering rentals before they can be viewed in person, etc
- Read How to Protect Yourself from Scams Targeting Renters before renting a property
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WILL NEVER:
Call or email and demand immediate payment
Call or email and demand payment using prepaid gift cards or debit cards nor ask for banking information
Call or email with threats to have you arrested or deported by police or immigration agencies
If there is an issue with your immigration status, the Office of International Students & Scholars will contact you. Government agencies will contact you, if necessary, by traditional mail on official stationary. You can call the agency to verify communication if you deem it suspicious.
Your Social Security Number is private: protect yourself and guard this information. Learn more about avoiding fraud.
Questions?
If you are ever unsure if you are receiving a scam call or email please contact the internationaloffice@sandiego.edu for assistance.