WashU has recently initiated the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, aiming to encourage campus community members to take an active role in ensuring campus safety. In a show of dedication to this cause, WashU IT leaders joined leaders across campus for a training session hosted by the WashU Police Department (PD).
The presentation included key updates and protocols that are essential for all leadership roles.
The role in a safer campus
The essence of the “See Something, Say Something” initiative lies in collaboration. While WashU PD and Protective Services through the WashU School of Medicine are on duty around-the-clock, the vigilance of students, faculty and staff are vital to identify and report any potential risks. This campaign is focused on helping individuals recognize behaviors and circumstances that could threaten the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Identifying what to report
Individuals are strongly encouraged to report activities or behaviors that elicit concern or appear out of the ordinary. Examples follow.
- Suspicious activity and items:
- Unattended items: Items such as backpacks, bags, or packages left alone in busy areas or near building entrances.
- Unauthorized access: Attempts to enter restricted areas without proper ID or credentials or “tailgating” into secured buildings.
- Surveillance: Persons showing unusual interest in building security, filming exits/entrances, or sketching floor plans beyond what seems necessary.
- Social media posts: Any posts on social media platforms that cause concern, whether about the well-being of an individual or others, or identifying a potential threat.
- Concerning behaviors:
- Threatening language: Direct or implied threats of harm, whether verbal, written, or posted on social media.
- Weapon fixation: Sudden or inappropriate interest in firearms, mass casualty events, or tactical gear.
- Signs of extreme distress: Alarmingly sudden changes in behavior, expressions of hopelessness, severe withdrawal, or paranoia.
- Stalking or harassment: Persistent unwanted following or communication that causes someone to feel unsafe.
Reporting methods
Reports can be made through several channels:
- In case of emergency, immediately dial 9-1-1.
- On the Danforth campus (including North, West, South and Fontbonne campuses): Call WashU PD: 314-935-5555.
- On the Med School campus call Protective Services: 314-362-4357.
- Anonymous reporting: Use the Silent Witness Form.
- WashU Medicine Protective Services: Feedback Form.
- Mobile App: Download and use the WashU Safe App.
- In-Person: Visit the WashU PD station at 6615 Shepley Drive, Clayton, MO, and
When reporting, providing detailed information is essential, including a description of the person or activity, location and time of occurrence.
Police Services
The WashU PD offers numerous services to enhance campus safety, including:
- Active Threat Response
- Bear Patrol
- Bike Registration
- Crime Prevention Programs
- Fingerprinting Services
- Laptop Security
- Lost and Found
- Missing Student Notification
- Personal Safety Devices and Tips
- Self-Defense classes
- Sexual Assault and Survivor Support
- STOP Tags
- Using the WashU Safe App
About WashU PD
The WashU PD is dedicated to working in partnership with the campus community. The department remains on duty 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, with staff and officers ready to assist whenever and wherever needed. The PD’s mission is to cultivate a safe learning environment by delivering high-quality police service in a fair, sensitive and professional manner, while promoting crime prevention awareness. The department aspires to set the standard of excellence in higher education policing. This vision is realized through the selection and development of exceptional personnel and the use of emerging technologies and effective strategies to safeguard the community.
About WashU Medicine Protective Services
WashU Medicine Protective Services is a combined force of armed response officers, unarmed communications officers, and unarmed public safety officers. These are university employees providing security coverage for campus on a 24-hour-per-day, 7-day-per-week basis. Additionally, an unarmed contract security contingent staffs certain fixed posts on campus. A crime awareness and campus security overview is provided through an Operations and Facilities Management Department website.
“See Something, Say Something”
Through the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, WashU reaffirms its commitment to campus safety, asking every community member to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any risks, thereby fostering a safer and more secure environment for all.