Campus Safety

Reporting Unusual or Suspicious Activity

Every member of the RSMAS community plays a key role in our safety and security.  If you see unusual or suspicious activity please report it immediately to RSMAS Campus Safety 305-710-7991. 

Personal Safety Tips

• Do not hold doors open for strangers or leave them propped open
• Always lock your office or lab before leaving
• Use well lit, well-traveled routes and try to walk with others
• If you feel threatened by anyone, or any situation, contact RSMAS Campus Safety immediately.  You can always request a walking safety escort (make this a link to the “Walking Safety Escort” section) by calling 305-710-7991.
• Program the Campus Safety phone number 305-710-7991 in your cell phone

Vehicle Security Tips

• Always roll up your windows, put up convertible tops, and lock your car doors before leaving your vehicle
• Never leave valuables in plain view.  Takes valuables (i.e. purses, wallets, GPS, iPods) and place them out of sight or in your trunk
• If you are parked at Miami Seaquarium and working late, then consider moving your vehicle closer on to campus before dark.  Parking spaces on campus usually become available by 4:00 PM.
• Carry your vehicle registration and insurance in your wallet or purse, do not leave it in your vehicle
• Do not leave personal documents (i.e. bank statements, social security card, etc.) in your vehicle

Walking Safety Escorts

Walking safety escorts are available for any student, faculty or staff member who doesn’t feel comfortable walking alone. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I request an escort?
  Call 305-710-7991 to reach the on-duty Campus Safety Officer and the provide your location and where you are going.

• Will Campus Safety Officers drive me to my vehicle?
  No, Campus Safety Officers are only able to provide walking safety escorts.

• How long does it take for a Campus Safety Officer to respond and escort me?
  It depends on where you are calling from and other situations that are currently being addressed.  We suggest you plan ahead and call several minutes before you plan to leave to minimize your wait.

• When are safety escorts available?
  Safety escorts are available weekdays from sunset to sunrise and 24 hours a day on weekends and holidays.

Campus Safety Staff

• Matthew Shpiner, Emergency Preparedness and Campus Safety Manager

  Mr. Matthew Shpiner began working at RSMAS in October 2011.  Prior to joining RSMAS, Mr. Shpiner worked as the Southeast Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force Emergency Management Planner for the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management.  His background includes experience in public safety management, emergency management, and disaster response.  While at Miami-Dade County he co-authored the Miami-Dade Deepwater Horizon Contingency Response Plan and worked in Emergency Operations Centers during the 2010 Pro-Bowl and Super Bowl, Operation Haiti Relief, and was most recently deployed to the State of New York in response to Hurricane Irene.  He has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami and a Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

• Heidi Lopez, Campus Safety Officer

  Mrs. Heidi Lopez is a Honduran native, but has lived in Miami for over 20 years.  Mrs. Lopez attended Miami Beach Senior High School and spent over a decade working at the Fontainebleau Hilton Resort on Miami Beach.  She has been a contract Campus Safety Officer at RSMAS since 2010.

• Jorge Antunez, Campus Safety Officer

  Mr. Jorge Antunez has lived in Miami, FL for the past 28 years and has been a Campus Safety Officer at RSMAS since 2009.

• Rafael Gonzalez, Campus Safety Officer

  Mr. Rafael Gonzalez has worked as a Campus Safety Officer at RSMAS since 1995.  He was born in Havana, Cuba, but has lived in Miami for over 30 years.  Mr. Gonzalez attended Hialeah High School and Fort Lauderdale College.

Compliments or Complaints

Did have you an experience with one of our Campus Safety Officers that you would like to tell us about? Email us campussafety@rsmas.miami.edu