Memo on Campus Security and Safety


TO: All Campus Personnel
FROM: Steve Mecham, Director University Police
DATE: June 7, 2002
SUBJECT: Campus Security and Safety

The current state of events in the United States and around the world have changed our lives and the way we do business. NO longer can we assume that terrorism and the safety of our homes, community and businesses is someone else's concern.

In keeping with President Bush's creation of Homeland Security, the Utah Department of Public Safety has changed the name of the Division of Comprehensive Emergency Management to the Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security. We have regular contact with that agency and others that have responsibility for homeland security. It is important that all citizens of our campus community be involved in the effort. Our national and state leaders have asked us to be in a state of heightened alert. Following are some suggestions that will assist in keeping our homes, families and campus community safe.

Promptly report criminal or suspicious activity

Be aware of individuals who are often in the area but do not appear to attend class.

Keep a watchful eye on labs, storage and equipment areas. Report any suspicious person in these areas.

Keep sensitive areas locked at all times.

Report individuals who appear to be overdressed for the current weather conditions.

Report apparently abandoned or suspicious vehicles in parking lots. Note the license number of suspicious vehicles.

Report unauthorized persons loitering around infrastructure and persons taking photographs of sensitive areas or active security measures employed at a site.

Immediately report employees or public officials who appear to be under the control of other persons (kidnapping in progress).

Report persons without authorized credentials who ask detailed questions about a critical facility or the security at that site. This includes individuals who claim to be students obtaining information for a report.

If you see something dangerous or if you become suspicious of possible illegal or terrorist-related activity, call 911 for immediate response.

REMEMBER -- IF IT SEEMS OUT OF THE ORDINARY, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!

To make a report or for more information please call the USU Police Department at 797-1939. For emergencies anywhere dial 911. You may also call the Utah Division of Emergency Services and Homeland Security at 1-866-4secure, (toll free, 1-866-473-2873).