Seasonal security: Strangers in the workplace

This is the third of three stories on seasonal security.

Here are some tips if you encounter a person who appears to have no purpose or legitimate reason for being on campus:

If you encounter a stranger:

Project calmness and confidence. Be friendly but professional.
Challenge persons only when you can do so safely and never alone.
Never jeopardize your safety by acting alone when challenging or even approaching a person, regardless of how unthreatening the person may appear.
Never provide personal information to someone you don’t know.

Stranger safety

How to challenge a stranger:

Be alert to people entering your work or learning area. Approach a stranger only when safe to do so, without risking your safety, or the safety of others.
Greet people with a friendly and professional tone of voice:
- “Good morning. May I help you?”
- “Are you looking for someone? Perhaps I can help?”
- “Are you looking for a particular room? Perhaps I can direct you.”

Things to look for:

If people have no legitimate reason for being on campus, they may react in a variety of ways:

Mumble and quickly leave.
Provide an explanation for their presence that causes you to feel doubtful or suspicious.
Reply defensively, e.g. “Why are you bothering me?” or “This is a public place.”
Stare at you in an attempt to intimidate.
React negatively and show no apparent intention to leave.

If you believe a person has no legitimate purpose on campus, call Security Dispatch at (402) 559-5111 to alert them to the individual and give a location, description of the person, and details of the incident.
Never try to physically remove someone yourself.

Trust your intuition. It’s important to remember if a situation feels wrong, it probably is. If you feel uncomfortable or threatened in any way, remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible and call Security Dispatch at (402) 559-5111.

Do not feel embarrassed to ask for help or to report an incident, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Any situation that causes you fear or concern is a legitimate reason for contacting Security.

If you encounter a stranger in your path and you are unable to avoid them:

Do not confront them or block their exit route.
Act unconcerned and confidently continue on your way.
Be assertive. Do not worry about being rude. Assertiveness is not rudeness.
Lead the stranger to believe that there are others in the area.
As soon as you can do so safely, call and alert campus security (402) 559-5111.

Elevator Safety:

Look inside an elevator before entering.
If there is someone in the elevator that makes you uncomfortable, do not get in, wait for the next one.
When you are in the elevator, stand beside the control panel. Most elevators have an emergency call button on the control panel.
If a suspicious person enters the elevator, get out before the doors close.

The Social Scene:

Plan ahead. Let someone know where you are going, who you are going/meeting with and when you plan to return. Plan in advance how you are going to get home. Stick to your plan.
Use a buddy system, go out with friends you trust and keep an eye out for each other.
Know your limits. Alcohol can affect your judgment and cause you to make poor decisions.
If you drink, never let your drink out of your sight. Don’t sample drinks from other people — even if you know them.
Do not drink and drive.

Seasonal security: Strangers in the workplace

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