Timely Warnings: Alerting and Protecting the Campus Community

• NCJ Number: 203783
• Journal: Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2003 Pages: 11-15
• Author(s): Nancy Greenstein
• Editor(s): Karen E. Breseman
• Date Published: November 2003
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article examines a UCLA campus community questionnaire and focus group responses from a qualitative study which provided information on enhancing the provision of alerts to the public on a crime or serious threat, and balanced and reflected the needs of campus individuals and organizations.

Abstract

A timely warning is information published by security authorities alerting the public to a crime or serious threat in the community. Timely warnings are viewed as critical tools in the campus public safety arsenal. A study was conducted to better understand campus community members’ perceptions of safety information and alerts regarding crime or serious threats. The results of the study offered information to enhance the provision of alerts that balanced and reflected the diverse objectives and needs of campus individuals and agencies. The two-part qualitative study included responses from: (1) UCLA campus community members through questionnaires and focus groups and (2) questionnaires/interviews with national campus safety administrators and key UCLA executives. This article focuses on the UCLA campus community questionnaire and focus group responses and presents key findings and reactions to timely warnings. Approximately 100 students and university staff responded to the questionnaire on bulletins or alerts, and 2 focus groups, which included respondents and non-respondents, were conducted. One group included staff members and the other included students. When confronting the choice of knowing the facts or not knowing the facts, most individuals want information. Information empowers individuals, thereby leading them to take action. However, one of the key findings was the importance of approaching the varied cohorts differently, for groups differ in their perception of danger and their response. Timely warnings, in addition to providing information on a current safety threat, also provide an opportunity for education. In the long-term, through education a larger achievement is developing a stronger community consciousness and awareness of the important role each individual can play in ensuring the safety of all. References