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Homeland Security Operational Conditions Guide

The Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) is a national communication strategy featuring five threat conditions, each represented by a different color code, that denote an increasing risk (low to severe) of terrorist attacks. Suggested protective measures for each threat condition in this HSAS are provided as a general tool for organizations of all kinds (government, business, schools, etc) to develop their own preparedness plans. Since the HSAS is a nation-wide instrument the threat of local terrorism may vary, but on campus we will operate at the same level or above.

The following is a matrix for the University of Arkansas Police Department (UAPD) to follow during the various levels of alert.

The following protective measures may be applied:

• continue routine patrol and investigative operations  
• provide basic Homeland Security information to campus community via web pages
• respond to any reports of suspicious activity
• assist campus units with emergency preparedness planning upon request
• participate in any scheduled meeting(s) of Emergency Preparedness Committee

When there is general information, but no specific threat of possible terrorist activity or violent protest or any other significant event. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied:

• check communications with designated emergency response agencies
• review/update emergency response procedures
• provide campus community with any relevant information about threats
• report/note suspicious activity, circumstances and items/packages

When there is a significant risk, but no specific threat of possible terrorist activity, violent protest or some other significant event. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied:

• issue reminders at shift briefings about patrol patterns, surveillance priorities and any
• reports/notes of suspicious activity, circumstances and/or items/packages
• increase patrols
• contact selected campus officials (including Building Executives) to verify that safety/security practices are being utilized
• assess any threat information to determine if special protective measures are needed
• liaison with federal, state and local agencies as appropriate

Where there is a specific threat or an imminent likelihood of terrorist activity or violent protest or other significant event. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied:

• issue reminders at shift briefings about possible cancellation of vacation days and extended shifts
• issue reminders at shift briefings about any/all special safety/security practices in place increasing bike patrols, focused on appropriate facilities and high population areas
• review lines of succession and decision-making processes in police operations
• convene Emergency Preparedness Committee to assess threat to campus community
• notify campus community of threat condition upgrade and any changes in operations
• consider implementation of additional safety/security measures throughout campus restricting access to certain facilities changing hours of operations for certain facilities reviewing special event calendar activating emergency communication protocols for key university officials reviewing plans to convey emergency messages throughout campus if needed reviewing Emergency Operations Center activation criteria modifying mail handling processes implementing additional protective measures for on-campus deliveries
• prepare to activate contingency plans for UAPD and campus overall
• ensuring redundant facilities/equipment
• checking EOC location(s), supplies, equipment, resources, communications, etc.

When a terrorist attack, violent protest or other significant event has or is occurring. In addition to the previously outlined protective measures, the following may be applied:

• cancellation of vacations and/or extended shifts for UAPD personnel
• notify campus community of threat condition upgrade and possible activation of Condition Red protocol components securing certain facilities altogether changing class schedules canceling special events dismissing non-essential personnel activating emergency messaging system for internal/external communications prohibiting visitors to residence halls and requiring photo ID for access disseminating public emergency preparedness information via e-mail/web pages safe zones/facilities, traffic flow changes, communication strategies, etc.
• contacting emergency response agencies in area to activate Condition Red component(s) mobilizing of staff and volunteers in specialized roles implementing county-wide emergency plans