Identifying and responding to security concerns and emergencies

Do you ever wonder how you would respond in an emergency situation? Fortunately, most of us will never have the opportunity to find out. But, should you ever need help with a security issue, the following information will enable you to evaluate the situation and respond in the safest and most appropriate manner.

Be smart. Wear your ID badge. And be on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity in the workplace.

To report a security concern or crime, call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-7828. Dial 911 in an emergency.

Calling 911

When calling 911 to report a security concern, it helps if you can supply the following information:

• Your name.
• Where you’re calling from.
• A phone number where you can be reached.
• A detailed description of what happened and the person or people involved.
• A physical description of those involved.
• If the person is already gone, the direction in which they left.

Be smart. Wear your ID badge. And be on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity in the workplace.

To report a security concern or crime, call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-7828. Dial 911 in an emergency.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

Trust your instincts. If you feel like you need immediate help with a situation, call 911 to reach the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). You should also call 911 if:

• You see someone or something suspicious in a secured office, lab or other workspace.
• You see someone trying to gain access to a secured area.
• You encounter a person or situation that presents danger to you or your co-workers.
• Someone is injured or needs immediate medical attention.

There are often situations that require police assistance; however, an immediate response isn’t necessary. For example, you should call the UMPD for non-emergency assistance at 612-624-7828 if:

• You find something missing from your office during the workday. For example, you return from lunch and your purse or computer is missing.
• You see something, such as a broken lock that presents a potential security risk.
• You have information about individuals who may be involved in criminal activity, or you have knowledge of plans — such as demonstrations or acts by extremists — that present a security threat.

Be smart. Wear your ID badge. And be on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity in the workplace.

To report a security concern or crime, call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-7828. Dial 911 in an emergency.

How to Approach a Stranger

Keep these tips in mind when approaching someone who’s not wearing an ID badge:

• Act as if you were a greeter in a retail store — be friendly, ask if they need help.
• Offer directions or, better yet, offer to escort them to a specific office or work area.
• If they resist help or become hostile when approached, call 911 to reach the UMPD.

If someone appears suspicious but you’re uncomfortable approaching them, call 911.

Be smart. Wear your ID badge. And be on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity in the workplace.

To report a security concern or crime, call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-7828. Dial 911 in an emergency.

How to Identify a Suspicious Individual

Not sure who qualifies as a suspicious individual? Here are some potential clues:

• Lack of visible employee ID badge.
• ID badge that doesn’t look like the approved Academic Health Center ID or that looks fake.
• Someone who’s taking pictures in an office or laboratory.
• Someone who appears to be searching for something or who asks questions about things of value, such as research labs, animals, computer supplies, or other University property.
• Someone who becomes hostile when asked if they need help.

Be smart. Wear your ID badge. And be on the lookout for suspicious or unusual activity in the workplace.

To report a security concern or crime, call the University of Minnesota Police Department at 612-624-7828. Dial 911 in an emergency.