Detecting Suspicious Activity
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The university, like any other community in our nation, is at risk of terrorism or other threats to life and property. Vigilance is a key protective measure that can help reduce risk. All members of the university community, when on and off campus, are urged to be attentive to their surroundings, notice suspicious behavior or circumstances, and to report their observations to authorities in a timely fashion.
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When noticing something that you feel may be suspicious: |
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Place your observation into context. Is there a plausible explanation that would account for the activity you observe? Does this explanation convince you that there is no potential for a threat to public safety? |
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Do not accept a benign explanation for an observation without considering other possibilities. Do not attempt to rationalize your suspicions away. |
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After this analysis, if you have any feeling that the actions or circumstances you observe are suspicious, report your observations immediately! |
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Suspicious activities on campus should be reported to the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD). If the suspicious activity is in progress and poses an immediate threat dial 9-1-1 (from university extensions, first obtain an outside line then dial 9-1-1), dial (732) 932-7211 from cell phones, or use a campus emergency telephone. Non-emergency observations should be reported to the RUPD by dialing (732) 932-7211. Suspicious activities observed off campus should be reported to the appropriate municipal police department. |
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| When reporting suspicious behavior or circumstances include as much of the following information as possible: |
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| WHO? Identify yourself. Describe who you feel is involved in suspicious activity. |
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| WHAT? Describe the suspicious activity. Indicate if there is an immediate threat to persons nearby or to responding officers (such as the presence of weapons, hazardous materials, etc.)? |
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| WHEN? Indicate if the activity is in progress. Give the time(s) that the activities occurred. |
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| WHERE? Give your location, the location of the suspicious activity, and the location of the suspect(s). |
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| WHY? Indicate why the activity is suspicious to you. If known, tell what might be the target of the activity. |
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| HOW? Describe how the suspicious act(s) were carried out including methods or techniques. |
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| Please include any other information that would aid the responders. |
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| Stay on the telephone until released by the dispatcher. If you are in a position of safety, you may be asked to maintain observation and report developments until the arrival of emergency response personnel. You may also be given emergency instructions by the dispatcher. |
