Community Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement

The Community Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement (C.O.R.E.) Unit is responsible for crime prevention and the proactive commitment to the empowerment of the Kennesaw State University Community. C.O.R.E. provides educational guidance through brochures, presentations, social media, campus assessments, and informational programming. We understand that the law can be complex and confusing at times. The C.O.R.E. Unit offers informational sessions on how laws impact you, to aid in supporting good decision making. 

All the efforts of the police department are aimed at providing a safe and harmonious environment wherein our community can thrive. We believe the best way to build a community is to work together. Accordingly, we endeavor to preserve old relationships and continuously form new ones within our community. Whether you are representing yourself or a group, we encourage you to let us know how the C.O.R.E. Unit can serve you.

 

Tips and Public Service Announcements

 

Kennesaw State University Police Department Shares Holiday Safety Tips for Winter Shopping Season

Kennesaw, Ga. – As the winter holidays approach and shopping activity increases on and around campus, the Kennesaw State University Police Department (KSU PD) is encouraging students, faculty, staff, and visitors to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their property.

“Criminals look for easy opportunities—unlocked doors, distracted shoppers, and visible valuables,” the department noted. “By taking a few simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk and help us keep the KSU community safe this holiday season.”

Parking Lot and Shopping Safety

Holiday crowds and busy parking lots can create opportunities for theft and other crimes. KSU PD recommends the following:

• Park Smart: Park as close as possible to the entrances and exits of malls, businesses, and stores.
• Choose well-lit, well-traveled areas, especially if you will be leaving after dark.
• Avoid parking next to large vehicles that may block your view or provide concealment for someone else.
• Stay Alert and Aware
• Have your keys in hand as you approach your vehicle so you are not searching for them at the door.
• Scan the area around your car before you approach and before you get in.

Avoid distractions:

• Do not walk through parking lots while talking on your phone.
• Do not text or scroll while walking.
• Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds that block ambient sounds when walking to and from businesses, malls, or stores.
• If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, return to the business, ask for security, or contact law enforcement.

Protecting Valuables in Your Vehicle

Vehicles loaded with purchases are a prime target for thieves during the holidays. To reduce your risk:

• Never leave valuables in plain view.
• Keep purses, wallets, shopping bags, electronics, backpacks, and wrapped gifts out of sight.
• Lock items in the trunk before you arrive at your next destination—not after you park, where someone might be watching.
• If your vehicle does not have a trunk, cover purchases and bags with a blanket or cargo cover and keep the interior area tidy so valuables are not obvious.
• Always lock your doors and close your windows, even if you are only stepping away for a few minutes.
• Try not to make multiple trips to your car to drop off packages if you can avoid it; if you must, consider moving your vehicle to a different spot afterward.

Financial Safety and Avoiding Scams

The holidays are also a peak time for financial fraud, scams, and “flim-flam” schemes. KSU PD urges community members to be especially careful when paying for purchases and sharing financial information:

• Safeguard Your Cards and Cash
• Keep your wallet and purse secured and close to your body; do not leave them in a shopping cart or unattended.
• When entering your PIN, shield the keypad from view.
• Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar or suspicious charges.
• Be Cautious with Your Information
• Do not share PINs, passwords, or account details with anyone—legitimate businesses will not ask for this information in public.
• Be wary of anyone who tries to distract you, rush you, or create confusion around a purchase or transaction.
  If someone approaches you with a deal that sounds “too good to be true,” or tries to steer you away from normal payment processes, treat it as a potential hustle or scam and walk away.
• Only use secure payment terminals and ATMs in well-lit, reputable locations; if a card reader looks tampered with or unusual, do not use it.

If You See Something, Say Something

KSU PD encourages everyone to report suspicious behavior, unsafe conditions, or possible criminal activity:

• In an emergency, you  can contact the KSU PD at 470-578-6666 or dial 911
• For non-emergency concerns on or near Kennesaw State University property, you may call the KSU PD at 470-578-5555. If you are in a dangerous situation, deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability; or if a voice call might otherwise be impossible,  you may text the KSU PD at 770-356-3866. 
• You may also contact the KSU PD through the LiveSafe App available in the Google or Apple App Stores. This app is FREE and is monitored by KSU Police Dispatch 24/7/365.  
• For general inquires that do not require an emergency or an immediate response, you may email the KSU PD at: police@kennesaw.edu
• By staying aware, limiting distractions, securing valuables, and protecting financial information, the KSU community can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable holiday season for everyone.

We are here if you need us. Happy Holidays!