Threat of Violence

Active Shooter

If you witness any armed individual or shooter on campus at any time, immediately call 911 and University Police at 701.777.3491.

• If you cannot get through by phone and have e-mail capability, you can e-mail University Police), providing each dispatcher with the following information:
  • Your Name
  • Nature of the incident
  • Location of the incident
  • Description of person(s) involved
  • Number of persons who may be involved
  • If shots have been fired
  • Injuries to anyone, if known
• Assist the officers when they arrive by supplying them with all additional information and ask others to cooperate.
• Should gunfire, weapons, or explosives be involved, avoid the incident. Take cover. Leave your cover, or seek first aid for the injured only when completely safe. Call 911 and University Police at 701.777.3491.

Active Shooter Protocols

Active Shooter Resources

• Active Shooter Booklet
• Active Shooter Poster
• Active Shooter Pocket Reference

Bomb Threat

If you observe a suspicious object or potential bomb on campus, do not touch the object. Clear the area and immediately call 911 first then University Police at 701.777.3491.

• For a bomb threat, immediately call 911 then notify University Police at 701.777.3491. Any person receiving a phone call bomb threat should obtain the following information from the caller:
  • When is the bomb going to explode?
  • Where is the bomb located?
  • What kind of bomb is it?
  • What does the bomb look like?
  • Why did you place the bomb?
• Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and record the following:
  • Time of the call.
  • Age and sex of the caller.
  • Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
  • Emotional state of the caller.
  • Background noise.
• Do not activate the building alarm. Do not touch suspicious objects. Do not open cabinets, drawers, or closets. Do not turn lights or office equipment on or off.
• Due to the special nature of a bomb threat, evacuation procedures, rally points, and gathering sites for evacuees are restricted and have not been provided.
• When University Police arrive, follow their instructions exactly. Law enforcement personnel will conduct a detailed bomb search.

In the case of a bomb threat, only the President of the University or designee has the authority to evacuate a facility or part of a facility, or to enter or remain in an evacuated facility. Deans, department heads, faculty, or staff may not order evacuation or remain in or enter an evacuated facility.

For more information, view the Homeland Security Bomb Threat Checklist.

Violent or Criminal Behavior

Threats may be statements of intention or expressions of strong emotion. They can be indirect or direct, verbal or nonverbal. Shaking a fist or pounding the desk, throwing things, and showing a weapon are all examples of nonverbal threats.

• Verbal threats may be indirect expressions of frustration or anger directed toward a person or office, or they may be direct statements of the intention to harm.
• These situations are complex, and it is not expected that individuals will be able to assess whether the threat is serious and might actually lead to harm. However, it is expected that university employees consider any threat or display of hate as potentially serious.
• Most people who commit violent acts exhibit warning signs. It is important to take seriously any behaviors or words that imply threat and consult appropriate people to assess the risk and plan interventions.
• Everyone is asked to assist in making the campus a safe place by being alert to suspicious situations and promptly reporting them.

If you observe a suspicious person on campus, immediately notify University Police at 701.777.3491 and report the incident. If you observe criminal behavior on campus dial 911 and report it. Then call Public Safety with information: 701.777.3341.

Violent or Criminal Behavior Protocol