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Terrorism Preparedness Statement

For many years the University has provided a variety of safety and security services to the campus community. In this relatively new era of heightened concern about the potential for terrorism, our efforts to protect the campus have been strengthened accordingly.

First, long-standing operational practices such as patrol, special event planning and providing educational programs create a good foundation for preventing criminal activity and we have always adjusted them in response to new threats. The principles of securing our campus facilities, being vigilant at all times and reporting suspicious items/activities are timeless and have even more value in the context of these heightened concerns. So, if nothing else, stay alert and remember that everyone plays a part in protecting the campus.

As you can see from the Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness Index page we do have an active Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC). As part of their work an improved critical incident management manual is being developed, along with a variety of new policies and educational material for the campus community. It is important to realize that the responsibility for emergency preparedness is a shared one, and the EPC is only a piece of a larger picture that includes everyone.

There are numerous foreseeable emergency situations, from severe weather to crime to terrorism and it is impossible to develop specialized response plans for all contingencies. However, campus units that have prevention and/or emergency response obligations have relevant material via their links on the Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness Index page referenced above. Also, we have a list of links to other resources that can be utilized by any interested member of the campus community and we have a webmaster feature that will allow for questions/comments to the UAPD if desired.

One other major step in being prepared for any possible terrorism activity is sharing information with other government agencies, and we have committed a full-time police officer to the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to ensure that high level of communication is maintained indefinitely. Therefore, as intelligence is received we are part of the evaluation and of any response deemed appropriate. No combination of efforts will guarantee advanced notice of an act of terrorism, but this collaborative design does provide value for all participants and their constituencies.

As stated by our nation's leaders on a number of occasions, citizens should go about their daily lives without fear yet understand these new threats require an increased awareness and responsibility for all-we are working hard on our part and appreciate your help