Threats
Immediate Threats
If you believe that someone you encounter on the College campus is an immediate threat to campus or public safety do the following:
- Call 911 and immediately follow that call with a call to security. Provide details about the threat i.e., your location, the person or situation and if anyone has been hurt. Stay on the line only if safe to do so.
- Stay safe. Get away from the threat as soon as possible.
- Shelter in place in a building or dormitory. Barricade your room or the building entry points if possible with furniture etc. Stay away from windows and doors. Turn the ringer off on your cell phone or other personal devices.
- Never confront the threat. Don’t be a hero.
- Only leave when told to do so by law enforcement or Campus Security. Listen to law enforcement and Campus Security instructions.
Potential Threats
Most people, through their words and actions, show indicators or clues of violent tendencies before resorting to violence. If you believe or have concerns that someone you encounter on the College campus is a potential threat to campus or public safety, immediately contact Campus Security. In most cases, your cooperation will be confidential.
Bomb Threats
See Bomb Threat Standard Operating Procedures.
Active Shooter
See the Active Shooter Standard Operating Procedures Section under the Threat and Hazard Specific Annexes. Remember the Active Shooter protocol…. RUN, HIDE, FIGHT!
Suicide
Call 911 and Campus Security immediately for ALL actual, attempted, or potential suicides
If you know of someone who is contemplating suicide seek help immediately from your Dean of Students, Resident Assistant/staff, or Campus Security.
Seek help. Suicide is usually a permanent solution for a temporary problem.
Don’t be afraid to ask the person if they are contemplating suicide.
Never leave the person contemplating suicide alone unless they pose a threat to your safety.
Ask them if they have done anything to harm themselves i.e., overdosed on medication/drugs, or have any weapons.
Don’t try to be a problem solver or judgmental. Empathize with them, and let them know you care about them. By empathizing with the person you show you understand their crisis or situation without condoning it.
Let the person contemplating suicide talk or ventilate. You can ask them open ended questions, and summarize verbally what they are saying. This lets them know you are listening to them and truly care. The more time that goes by helps rational thinking return to a normal level.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (988) lists the following behaviors as possible indicators of someone at risk for suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
- Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or isolating themselves
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Extreme mood swings
