Reporting Crimes

If you witness a crime involving a physical confrontation or violent act, or think a crime has occurred, call 911.

For situations that don't present an immediate threat to individual safety, you can report crimes anonymously to University Police.

Reporting a Crime

  1. Call 911.
  2. Help clear bystanders from danger.
  3. Do not attempt to separate and/or mediate fighting individuals
  4. Be prepared to report the following:
    • Number of people involved, including those you may know
    • Presence of weapons
    • Physical description of participants including:
      1. hair color
      2. height, weight & build
      3. race & gender
      4. facial hair
      5. tattoos, piercings or scars
      6. color of clothes
      7. shoes or hat
    • If someone is fleeing the scene, note direction
    • If cars are involved, note direction and:
      1. color
      2. make and model
      3. license plate number
      4. number of passengers

Dealing with Threatening Individuals

A threatening individual is any person who you deem to be a threat to yourself or others. This person may have weapons or may just make you feel uncomfortable. Trust your instincts.

  1. Call 911 regardless of whether you face an immediate threat.
  2. Be prepared to be able to tell someone what you're seeing.
  3. Stay safe. If possible, seek protection in a classroom or office that has locks and phone access, or leave the building immediately if safe to do so.
  4. Err on the side of caution. Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate.

Psychological Crisis

A mental health emergency may include:

  • Suicidal behavior
  • An individual threatening harm to themselves or others
  • A psychotic break characterized by sudden loss of contact with reality or bizarre behavior
  • An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic events
  • Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing to the work environment

What To Do

  1. Call 911
  2. Treat all suicidal comments seriously: never assume comments are made only to gain attention
  3. Try not to act shocked, which may cause further distress to the individual
  4. Keep your own safety in mind at all times; maintain a safe distance