Take Action Guides

Everyone is encouraged to be vigilant, “If You See Something, Say Something^®.” Report suspicious activity as well as suspicious email messages or other messaging. The “If You See Something, Say Something®” campaign respects citizens’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties by emphasizing behavior, rather than appearance, in identifying suspicious activity.

Please remember, we are an educational institution, it is not unusual to see backpacks, satchels and other bags located around campus, these should be considered suspicious packages ONLY if they appear to emit or display suspicious items or are located in an unusual location where you would not expect to find a backpack, satchel, etc.

• When reporting, remember to use the 5W’s:
  • Who did you see?
  • What did you see?
  • When did you see it?
  • Where did you see it?
  • Why is it suspicious?

1. Suspicious Person, Behavior, or Activity
   • Remove yourself from any danger by leaving the immediate area
   • Immediately dial or text 911.
   • Be prepared to give Police the following information:
     • Location and room number of incident
     • Number of possible hostage takers
     • Physical description and names of hostage takers, if possible
     • Number of possible hostages
     • Any weapons the hostage takers may have
     • Your name
     • Your location and phone number
2. It’s important to remember, that it is a person’s behavior, not their race, gender, religion or national origin, that may be suspicious.
3. Behaviors do not have to violate the law or VPCC conduct/care policies to be of concern.
   • Don’t hesitate. Even if you are unsure as to what is going on, the best thing to do is to let officers investigate. You may help prevent violence or theft. You shouldn’t worry about taking up an officer’s time.
   • DO NOT physically confront a suspicious person or block their access to exit.
   • DO NOT allow a suspicious person to enter a locked buildings or office.
   • Notify your supervisor or professor.
   • If the situation is emergent, immediately call 911 or contact the VPCC Department of Police, Safety, and Security with the following information:
     • Name and location
     • What you see
     • Description of person(s) involved
     • Location of person(s) involved
     • If a vehicle is involved, provide:
     • Color
     • Make
     • Model
     • Plate/Tag Number
     • Direction of Travel
4. Suspicious Person, Behavior, or Activity
   • It’s important to remember, that it is a person’s behavior, not their race, religion or national origin, that may be suspicious.
   • Behaviors do not have to violate the law or VPCC conduct/care policies to be of concern. Refer to the “Report A Tip” button on the home screen of this app to report suspicious or concerning behavior.
   • Don’t hesitate. Even if you are unsure as to what is going on, the best thing to do is to let officers investigate. You may help prevent violence or theft. You shouldn’t worry about taking up an officer’s time.
   • DO NOT physically confront a suspicious person or block their access to exit.
   • DO NOT allow a suspicious person to enter a locked buildings or office.
   • Notify your supervisor or professor.
   • If the situation is emergent, immediately call 911 or contact the VPCC Department of Police, Safety, and Security with the following information:
     • Name and location
     • What you see
     • Description of person(s) involved
     • Location of person(s) involved
5. Suspicious activities or behaviors may include, but are not limited to:
   • Wandering around campus areas attempting to open multiple doors
   • Seeming nervous and looking over their shoulders
   • Entering restricted areas when not authorized or following immediately behind others into cardaccess areas while the door is open
   • Claiming to represent a utility company, but not wearing a uniform, does not produce identification upon request or does not have a company logo vehicle
   • Carrying property at an unusual hour or location, especially if they are attempting to hide the item
   • Using binoculars or other devices to peer into apartment and home windows
   • Driving a vehicle slowly and aimlessly around campus
   • Sitting in a vehicle for extended periods of time or conducting transactions from a vehicle
   • Abruptly changing behavior when seen
   • Dressing inappropriately for the weather or occasion (having a coat on when the temperature is warm, etc.)
   • Leaving packages, bags or other items behind
   • Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms
   • Unusual noises like screaming, yelling, gunshots or glass breaking
   • Individuals in a heated argument, yelling or cursing at each other
   • If you witness concerning or suspicious behavior:
   • Keep a safe distance from the person until law enforcement arrives. Keep an eye on the person only if it is safe to do so.
   • Get a good description of the suspicious person if personal safety allows. Note their height, weight, sex, complexion, approximate age, clothing, method and direction of travel, and name if known. This provides vital information to investigating police officers.
   • If the person attempts to leave the scene in a vehicle, bicycle, etc., do not attempt to detain them but try to make note of the vehicle’s make and model, license number, color and any outstanding characteristics.
6. Concerning Behavior:
   • Having a preoccupation with high profile, violent incidents
   • Responding disproportionately to a given situation
   • Lacking concern for the safety or wellbeing of others
   • Having a romantic obsession, usually unrequited
   • Having an obsessive fondness or fascination with firearms
   • Refusing to accept personal responsibility for one’s own actionsusually blaming others for one’s own mistakes
   • Holding grudges
   • Sharply declining in job or academic performance, including frequent absences
   • Personality, mood or behavior changes
   • Cutting social ties
   • Crying excessively with little cause
   • Allowing personal grooming habits to decline
   • Feeling severely stressed (academic, job, financial, family or relationship problems)
   • Abusing drugs or alcohol
7. Escalating Behavior:
   • Failing to recognize appropriate boundaries in the classroom or at work
   • Intimidating, belligerent or defiant behavior
   • Confrontational, angry, unpredictable or agitated behavior
   • Reckless, antisocial or violent behavior, including towards people or animals
   • Making direct or indirect threats about harming or killing oneself or others
   • Stalking