Update on campus safety

Updated: 3/22/10

On March 20, two female students were the victims of sexual abuse near the New York City campus. The students were walking south on William Street from Spruce Street around 3:15 a.m. when the incident occurred.

The suspect "approached from behind and forcibly touched both victims," according to the Security Alert sent to all University students by Director of the Department of Safety & Security Richard Abbinanti. He is described as "a light skin male Hispanic, approximately 24 years old, 5’ 5”,160 lbs, with short black hair, wearing blue jeans and a black waist length jacket."

A community meeting was held by University security and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) March 1 to discuss the assaults. Information about the meeting can be found here.

Students are encouraged to contact the security office at 212-346-1800 or call 911 if they notice anyone acting suspiciously on or around the University.

Updated: 3/6/10

On Feb. 21 a University student was a victim of attempted rape off of the New York City campus. Another incident occurred on Feb. 22 when a University student was sexually assaulted on Gold Street between Fulton Street and John Street. 
 

Please check for memo released by the security office posted around campus. Director of the Department of Safety & Security Richard Abbinanti was unable to be reached for comment due to recent snowstorms in the area and University campus closings.
 

In lieu of recent reports of sexual assaults near the University campus, security is taking steps to alert the community faster when safety is compromised. The Pace Press is currently researching the new plan and will send out the news as soon as possible. Keep checking our Web site as well as Pace.edu for updates.

Updated 3/6/10

The Pace Press was able to speak to Richard Abbinanti who informed us that the memos were posted throughout the campus and were in the process of being posted online. They appear as follows:

Security Alert on New York Campus

On Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at approximately 11:00 p.m. a Pace University student was the victim of sexual abuse off-campus. The incident occurred while the victim was walking north on Gold street, between Fulton St. and John St. An unknown male forced the victim into a secluded area on Gold St. stated he had a gun and then forcibly fondled the victim.

The New York City Police Department has been notified of the incident and has advised that there will be increased patrols in the area.

All Pace University Security Officers are aware of the incident and are doing everything to ensure your safety. If you have any concerns regarding this matter, contact the Security Office at 212-346-1800.

Students are reminded to walk in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and of suspicious persons or circumstances. Try to travel with a friend, if possible. If you observe person(s) that appear to be suspicious, notify 911 or call the Pace Security Office at 212-346-1800. 


Security Alert on New York Campus, February 24, 2010

As a result of the Security Alert issued yesterday, February 23, another Pace University student has reported an attempted rape off campus on Sunday, February 21 at 9:30 p.m.
The incident happened as the victim was walking south on William Street to 55 John Street after exiting the subway on William and Fulton. In the area of Pine and William, the attacker grabbed the student from behind and attempted to rape her. A loud noise deterred the attacker and he fled the scene.

The attacker was described as a male in his late 20s wearing a black or navy watch cap, black or navy ski jacket, blue jeans, and dirty brown boots.

The incident appears to have no relation to the sexual assault on a Pace University student that was reported yesterday, February 23. The New York City Police Department has been notified of both incidents and has advised that there will be increased patrols in the area.

The safety of Pace students, faculty, and staff is of utmost importance to the University. Students are reminded to walk in well-lit and populated areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings and of suspicious persons or circumstances. Try to travel with a friend, if possible. If you suspect you are being followed, cross the street to go into a store, restaurant, or public building. Know the whereabouts of 24-hour stores or other safe locations. Security will provide an escort upon request between any two points on campus, including the Fulton and John Street residence halls.

All Pace University Security Officers are aware of both incidents and are doing everything possible to ensure your safety. If you have questions regarding this matter, or if you observe person(s) that appear to be suspicious, notify 911 or call the Pace Security Office at (212) 346-1800.