Campus on alert

University employees and students are asked to help be the eyes and ears of the campus regarding any potential threats to its security and safety, to report suspicious activity, and to make sure that their own security procedures are carefully followed.

Since the FBI warned the nation’s law enforcement agencies and the general public last week that they should be on the “highest alert” for potential terrorist attacks, the university has received inquiries about what that means for the campus community.

What is the highest state of alert? Campus police say “it is a mindset that leads you to notice unusual or suspicious behavior or circumstances and encourages you to report your observations to the proper authorities.” It is not, campus officials emphasize, acceptable to focus scrutiny upon the activities of people because of their background, nationality or religion.

Declaring the highest state of alert is not intended to induce fear or panic. Rather, it is designed to have people go about their normal business, while at the same time being particularly attentive to their surroundings, adds the police statement.

University officials say the safety and security measures are just one aspect of the overall campus response to recent attacks and subsequent developments.

For more information on safety, emergency response and more, visit the campus Web site, Sept. 11 and beyond — Campus response and resources or UWPD’s alert information.