In response to City of Columbia police reports of recent violence in Five Points, the University of South Carolina's Division of Law Enforcement and Safety has issued a special safety bulletin.

According to local police reports,
- There have been multiple incidents of violence in the Five Points area over the past several months.
- These incidents include shootings, armed robberies, and assaults.
- Most incidents have occurred after 1 a.m.
- Victims have been either alone or with few other people at the time of the incident.

University of South Carolina community members should keep the following safety tips in mind when visiting the Five Points area: 
- Travel in large groups and never alone. The larger the group of people you are with, the better (four or more is best). 
- All incidents have occurred after 1 a.m. It is recommended that you exercise extreme caution after this time. 
- Travel on major sidewalks along major streets and avoid shortcuts. Well lit and well traveled routes are best. Please avoid traveling on the path that leads across the railroad tracks and Laurens Street, from the 2000 block of College Street to the 1900 block of College Street, as this area has been particularly prone to violent crime. 
- If you see suspicious activity or persons, or if you hear what you believe to be gunshots, seek safety in a well populated building and call the police by dialing 911. 
- Do not allow strangers to ride in your vehicle or accept rides from persons you do not know well. 
- If you choose to drink alcohol, drink responsibly and do not allow yourself to become intoxicated. 
- Do not accept alcoholic or soft drinks from persons you do not know well and never leave your drink unattended.
- If you become the victim of a crime, call 911 immediately and give detailed information concerning description of suspect(s), suspect direction of travel, and any other pertinent information regarding the incident. 
- The University has and encourages the use of several available shuttle services for transportation to and around campus (Cocky's Caravan, the Late Night Shuttle, and the APO Shuttle). For more information about these shuttles, click here.