The University of Texas Police at Houston (UT Police) offers several safety classes to reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime. UT Police believes the actions and awareness of the faculty, staff and students on the UTHealth and MD Anderson campuses are the best methods to eliminate the opportunity of a potential crime.

Safety classes are regularly offered throughout the year to all employees and students, and class schedules are announced through the UT Police Community Email Distribution list. A class schedule is listed on the UT Police website and registration is available through the MD Anderson Education Center and UTHealth Learn2Succeed platforms.

Departments and work groups within UTHealth and MD Anderson may visit the Campus Safety section of utph.org to see a list of classes offered in January or request a safety class.

Classes offered in 2020 include:

Active Shooter Prevention and Response/Behaviors of Concern: The course provides faculty and staff with critical guidance on how to recognize and survive an active shooter situation. The course helps attendees identify behaviors of concern that may signal the need for intervention to prevent a violent incident from occurring. With an emphasis on providing people in duress the support services they need, the class also provides information about the institutional resources available and the 2-STOP and STOP program. (1-hour course)

UT Police also offers Active Shooter Prevention and Response training for clinical staff emphasizing Avoid, Deny, Defend in a patient care setting. (1-hour course).

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: This course is designed to educate pedestrians, cyclists and motorists on how to commute safely in and around the Texas Medical Center. Emphasis is placed on biking with safety and confidence, and navigating the streets under various traffic conditions. (30-minute course)

Conflict in Relationships: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: The course familiarizes attendees with Texas laws associated with family violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Guidance is provided on how to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence, the significance of early action and reporting options. (1-hour course)

CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention: The course teaches nurses strategies to safely defuse anxious, hostile or violent behaviors at the earliest possible stage, while balancing the responsibilities of patient care. For more information, contact UT Police Training at 713-563-4741 or UTPHTraining@mdanderson.org. (8-hour course)

Don't Fall For It: Scams and How to Spot Them: The course familiarizes attendees with Texas laws associated with common scams. Guidance is provided on how to spot scams, tips to protect yourself and how to report a scam. (1-hour course)

General Campus Safety: The course provides general safety tips on how to minimize the risk of being a potential target or victim, and community resources that aim to curtail crime. (1-hour course)

Identity Theft: The course teaches attendees about various kinds of identity theft, ways to protect against identity theft and the impact identity theft can have on its victims. The course also discusses action steps and resources for identity theft victims. (1-hour course)

Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.): The course is taught by certified instructors associated with UT Police. A lecture, discussion and demonstration of hands-on self-defense practices are provided to help women feel confident in their ability to avoid and fend off attackers. (12-hour course)

Stop the Bleed: Massive bleeding from any cause, but particularly from an active shooter or explosive event where a response is delayed can result in the loss of life. Similar to how the general public learns and performs CPR, this class aims to teach proper bleeding control techniques, including how to use your hands, dressings, and tourniquets. (3-hour course)

Travel Safety: The course provides guidance and best practices for safe travels. The individual will learn how to pack, increase their security during hotel stay, avoid scams and minimize the risk of being a potential target. (1-hour course)

Verbal Defense and Influence (VDI): The course teaches individuals to defend and deflect words with proven strategies that can turn a heated conversation to their advantage while keeping tension to a minimum. VDI has been taught to hundreds of thousands worldwide over the last 30+ years and has been shown to reduce complaints, liability and injuries, while improving team performance, morale and overall safety. (4-hour course)

UT Police also offers an Introduction to Verbal Defense and Influence, an abbreviated course that introduces VDI principles, tactics and objectives. (1-hour course)