Procedures for Supporting a Violence-Free Campus
As part of Iowa State University’s policy on a Violence-Free Campus, the University has adopted the following procedures and resources that students, employees, and visitors may use to prevent and address acts of violence, threats, and intimidation.
Stop Immediate Threat or Harm - Report It
You should call 911 for emergencies. Please do not ignore or disregard violence or threats against you or others - the University needs your assistance to make our campus safe.
If you are experiencing or observing an immediate threatening or violent situation, you are responsible for alerting local enforcement as soon as you are able. Delaying your report may unnecessarily allow the behavior to continue, harm your own well-being, or jeopardize the investigation due to the passage of time, fading memories, or departure of witnesses.
The central location for tracking reported concerns of violence is the Iowa State University Police Division. In all cases, it is important that the Iowa State University Police Division is informed of the concern either through you or local law enforcement personnel. You can reach the Iowa State University Police Division by calling 294-4428.
Other Complaints
As a member of the University community, you are also encouraged to report other behavior that is unusual or threatening even if you do not perceive the risk as immediately dangerous or imminent. To report other concerns that may not pose immediate threats, call the Iowa State University Police Division (294-4428).
If you have concerns over the conduct of a student, employee or visitor on campus, you may also inform the following persons in addition to notifying the Iowa State University Police Division:
- your supervisor, if the concern is about a student, employee or visitor
- the Director of Human Resource Services, if the concern is about an employee
- the Dean of Students Office , if the concern is about a student
In all cases, be sure to communicate that you feel the behavior involves violence or a violation of the policy on a Violence-Free Campus. You may be asked to provide your complaint in writing.
If a supervisor receives a complaint that the policy on a Violence-Free Campus has been violated, the supervisor is responsible for informing the Iowa State University Police Division. The supervisor should also coordinate with the Department of Human Resource Services or the Dean of Students as appropriate to make sure the complaint is addressed. If disciplinary action against the accused is required, such action shall be taken in accordance with the applicable contract, policy, or handbook for that person’s classification.
Preparedness: How You Can Help Prevent and Mitigate Violent Situations
Do not ignore a potentially violent situation. On the other hand, do not unnecessarily put yourself at risk of danger - call the Iowa State University Police Division at 294-4428 or local law enforcement at 911. The Iowa State University Police Division can offer you, your group, or your department education on how to avoid finding yourself in a violent situation and what to do should a violent situation arise. Some of the programs offered cover sexual assault, workplace safety, and travel safety. More information regarding educational training programs can be found at http://www.dps.iastate.edu/wordpress/?page_id=114.
Management of Concerns
The Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is an administrative group formed to promote awareness and responsiveness across campus to avoid or address situations that may involve violence, threats, or intimidation. In addition, a Threat Management Team, which is part of CIRT, may assist the Iowa State University Police Division and departments to assess the potential for violence and to recommend interventions to de-escalate and prevent such situations where that is possible. CIRT is a confidential body, so while CIRT may be working to address a situation, it may not be able to publicly disclose its assessment, plans, or actions.
Similarly, while the University, including the Iowa State University Police Division, will work with the complainant to keep him or her informed of the investigation and procedures, please understand that not all action taken against an accused can be revealed if it is confidential. If you have questions about a complaint you have made, you may contact the Iowa State University Police Division to see if there is any information that can be released.
Recovery from Violent Situation
After a violent situation occurs, the affected employees, students, or families may often face difficulties in resolving their feelings and concerns. As situations are assessed, CIRT can facilitate group discussions or debriefing sessions as needed for the affected area to provide some understanding of and closure to the situation. The affected students or employees could also seek assistance from CIRT in the recovery process. Please also know that the Employee Assistance Program and the Student Counseling Center are available as a resource.
Protective Orders/Restraining Orders Issued by a Court
If you have a protective order or restraining order that covers you at work, you should notify your supervisor and provide a copy of the order to the Iowa State University Police Division.
Interim Measure/Restrictions
In some cases, it may be reasonable for the University to take interim measures or impose restrictions on contact with persons who may be subject to a threat of violence. In addition, the University may also revoke permission of persons violating this policy from remaining on campus. [Iowa Admin Code § 681-13.19]
Additional Resources
Policy Iowa State University Police Division Human Resource Services Dean of Students Employee Assistance Program Student Counseling Center Iowa Administrative Code § 681-13.19
