95.24 – Timely Warnings

May 2, 2011

A. Policy. Crimes occurring on campus, specifically arson, burglary, robbery, aggravated assault, criminal homicide, motor vehicle theft, and sex offenses with or without a hate bias, or larceny-theft, simple assault, intimidation and vandalism with a hate bias, or other unsafe situation, may require a "timely warning" to the campus community. In the event that one of these crimes or other unsafe condition is reported to a local police agency or to a campus security authority, the Risk Management Office (Risk) will determine if the situation represents a continuing or ongoing threat to students and/or employees and if so, issue the timely warning. In making the decision to issue a timely warning, consideration will be given to the nature of the incident, the continuing danger to the campus community and, if the timely warning is issued, whether it will compromise a law enforcement agency's investigation. The timely warning can be issued to the campus community through any available media: electronic communications; local press and broadcast media; the student newspaper; employee newsletter; leaflet; and flyer. Crimes reported to pastoral and professional counselors do not trigger timely warning obligations.

B. Process/Procedure. Emergency reports of a crime against persons or property or other unsafe situation occurring on campus should be made immediately to the local police agency by calling 911 (or 8-911 if the call is from the Idaho Falls campus). Non-emergencies can be reported to the Director of Emergency Management and Security Services by calling (208) 885-2254 or email. [rev. 5-11]

Risk will take the following actions after receiving notice of an incident:

B-1. Director of Emergency Management and Security Services or Risk Officer will determine if a timely warning is required. If no timely warning is issued, the circumstances, and reasons for not issuing a timely warning will be documented in writing and retained with crime statistic information for the current year. [rev. 5-11]

B-2. If a timely warning is required, Risk will work with University Communications and Marketing (Communications) and the Office of General Counsel to develop the communication statement and strategy to best notify the campus community.

Timely warnings will include:

a. The nature of the crime or unsafe situation;

b. The location of the occurrence;

c. The date and time of the occurrence; and

d. Suggestions for the prevention of similar crimes or unsafe conditions.

B-3. Communications will authorize Information Technology Services to distribute all electronic notices, prepare an article for Today@Idaho, and work with local media, such as newspapers or radio for notice distribution.

B-4. Risk and Communications will script statements for use in distributing leaflets and fliers.

B-5. Risk will authorize and work with units to distribute the notification materials.

B-6. Risk will post the contents of a timely warning on the University's security website at University of Idaho Security

C. Contact Information. Contact Risk with questions by calling (208) 885-2254 or email. [ed. 5-11]