A Disruptive Individual, what should I do?
If you witness an armed individual on campus at any time or an individual who is acting in a hostile or belligerent manner, immediately call 911 or the University Police Department at 508-531-1212
Disruptive Individual Definition:
If confronted by the individual:
Actions to take:
Disruptive Individual Definition:
- An individual who makes threats of physical harm to you, others, or themselves.
- An individual who has a weapon.
- An individual who behaves in a bizarre manner or exhibits unstable behavior.
- An individual who is intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance.
If confronted by the individual:
- Contact the University Police Department (UPD) at 508-531-1212 or call 911.
- Give your name and location with a brief explanation of the situation to the operator.
- Take note of the individual’s age, personal appearance, vehicle, and any other information that would help identify them.
Actions to take:
- Stay calm.
- Sit or stand up straight. Do not slouch.
- Smile and make eye contact.
- Speak clearly and distinctly in a confident, normal tone.
Do not touch your face. (This may be seen as a sign of aggression.) - Do not touch the individual, sigh or glare at them, or invade their personal space.
- Use their name, if known, and ask them to sit down.
- Paraphrase what they say so that they know you are listening.
- Offer assistance and explain how you can help, using “we” to include them in the solution process.
- If possible, advise others of the potential problem.