Safety Alerts
Timely Warning Policy
In the event that a situation arises, that, in the judgment of the Chief of Police, constitutes an ongoing or continuing threat to persons; a campus "timely warning" will be issued. The warning will be issued to students, faculty and staff through the "Campus Watch" e-mail publication and will be posted on the Police Department's web site. Such web site posting will be identified as a "Special Alert".
Determinations by the Chief of Police will be made on a case by case basis. Warnings may be delayed if sufficient information is not available or if the warning may compromise an ongoing law enforcement effort.
All Active Special Alerts are listed below.
Special Crime Alert: Sexual Assault Incident
The following information is provided to alert both WSU students, staff and faculty, as well as area residents, to this crime incident so that they may take additional precautions in the area.
On October 1st, 2009, a 20 year old female student reported she was the victim of a sexual assault (touching) incident while walking inside State Hall at approximately 11:15am.
The victim reported she had just left the Undergraduate Library when she observed an unknown male running towards her stating, "Hey Girl!". The student continued walking east towards State Hall with the subject following her. The student continued into State Hall where the subject walked up to her and pulled on her belt (trying to pull the student towards him). The student yelled for the subject to "Let me go!". The student then walked outside the Cass (east) side door of State Hall with the subject following her out the door. The subject then fondled the students buttocks and kept his hand there until the student pushed his hand off. The student then ran to a vehicle of a person waiting to pick her up from classes. The offender then disappeared in an unknown direction. The female student was uninjured.
A search of the area by responding officers failed to locate the subject, who is described below:
Description: Black Male, 22 years of age, 6'2" 180 lbs., light skinned, full beard, medium build, wearing a green knit hat, grey hooded shirt, blue jeans and dirty white tennis shoes
PREVENTION TIPS -
Beware of Your Surroundings:
Police Officers use this term frequently. It means nothing more than simply being aware of what is going on around you and whether or not that activity is normal and expected for the setting. If something seems strange, unusual or suspicious, you are asked to contact the WSU Police immediately at 577-2222. Officers will be dispatched to check out the activity.
Notice Other People:
Look at the people around you, not just a momentary casual glance, but take a good look. Notice if they just glance at you (a normal reaction when making eye contact with a stranger) or if they are watching you. If you notice that they are paying more than momentary attention to you, that may be a red flag that you are about to be targeted.
Trust Your Instincts:
If someone makes you feel uneasy, trust your instincts and act accordingly. Whether indoors or out, change directions and proceed to areas where other people may be around.
Access Your Own Vulnerability:
Strangers aren't out to attack YOU. It is nothing personal, they are just looking for a target of opportunity. Your goal, therefore, is to look like somebody who will be too much trouble to mess with. They also want to make you their victim without attracting attention from others. Make it a point, wherever you go, to stay in areas where other people are present. As soon as you enter an area where no one else is around, your guard and defenses should be on alert.
Attitude:
Keep your head up and walk purposefully. Look at your surroundings and be aware of them. Headphones may give the impression that you are less aware, as well as being completely engaged in a cell phone conversation.
To reduce your chances of becoming a robbery victim, we recommend you routinely walk in areas where you can see others and others can see you.
Robbery perpetrators, like any other criminal, don't want to be caught "in the act" of robbing someone. They prefer areas where neither potential victims or witnesses will see them. By staying in populated areas, you increase your chances of never being selected for this type of crime.
Whether you are in the city or the suburbs and you find yourself confronted by a robber, the most important thing that you can do during the incident is to prevent, if possible, any violence. Always assume the robber is armed, even if you can’t see a weapon, and act accordingly. If you are the victim of a robbery, consider these important tips:
- Get it over with quickly. Chances are if you stall, the robber will get nervous and may be more prone to violence.
- Nothing you have or own is worth getting hurt for. Valuables can be replaced, you can not.
- Do what the robber asks, but do not volunteer to do anything more. Move quickly, but carefully to give the robber exactly what they want.
- Do not fight or try any impulsive heroics. The risks are high if the robber is armed.
- Do not volunteer to go anywhere with the robber or allow them to take you anywhere. The odds are heavily against you if you allow them to take you to a secondary crime scene where they have more privacy and more control over you.
- Do not chase the robber. Carefully note their physical description and the direction they flee in. If they have a vehicle, note it's type, color and license plate if possible.
- If you have the opportunity to flee, do so immediately. The robber wants your property most of all. Drop it or throw in one direction, then run in the opposite direction, to any area where there may be other people around.
- Call the Wayne State University Police immediately at 313-577-2222.
We also recommend you carry your cell phone on your person (on a belt clip or in your pocket), rather than in a purse or backpack. That way, if you become separated from your purse or backpack, you can still call for assistance.