Heightened State of Security

What is a "Heightened Security State of Alert"?

"A mindset that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior/circumstances and reporting your observations to authorities in a logical, rational and timely manner."

Heightened Security is not intended to induce fear and panic. People should go about their normal business while paying particular attention to their surroundings.

Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances:

Be aware of and report to University Police (if an emergency 911, otherwise extension 22375):

  • People in buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
  • People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
  • Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
  • People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
  • People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions at large gatherings (bulky coat in warm weather etc.)
  • Abandoned parcels or other items in unusual locations or high traffic areas.
  • Individual attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).
  • Multiple persons who appear to be working in unison, committing the above.
Be alert to the following and notify the University Police at extension 22375:
  • Abandoned Vehicles
  • Vehicles Parked Near Buildings or Public and Common Areas
  • Unexpected/Unfamiliar Delivery Trucks
  • Unfamiliar Vehicles Parked For Long Periods
  • Vehicles Containing Unusual/Suspicious Parcels or Material
  • Vehicles Arriving and Being Left Behind at Odd Hours
  • Substances Leaking or Spilling from Vehicles
Building/OfficeSecurity:
  • Don’t prop open building/residence hall entrance doors/windows. Rectify these situations when you observe them.
  • Account for and secure keys. Don’t leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons. Report lost keys to Facilities Management or the University Police.
  • Account for and secure all sensitive material/information when not able to attend to it.
  • Account for and secure sensitive deliveries in a timely manner.
  • Secure all areas when not attended.
  • Be aware of unfamiliar persons in or visitors to your office/lab etc.
  • Protect access codes, combinations and cards, change codes regularly. Report compromised codes promptly to the person in charge of area.
  • Be Prepared: Take time out to familiarize yourself with alternative exit routes you’re your building.
  • Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks etc.)
  • Talk with co-workers; know what is out-of-place (unclaimed items etc.)
  • Be prepared to work with University Police and/or fire fighters if there is a need to lock down or evacuate a building or the campus.
  • Familiarize yourself with what belongs in your work area. You may be asked to assist police personnel in determining whether a suspicious package actually belongs in the department or is a potential hazard.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and American Red Cross guidelines for disaster preparedness for the home. (see links below)

https://www.dhs.gov/

https://www.fema.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/