skip to content

Homeland Security at UConn

Current National Threat Level:

The UConn Police and Fire Departments make up a portion of the Division of Public Safety at the University. Considering the separate and distinct mission of both of these agencies, the University community is assured to receive professional public safety service from these professional men and women who work 24 hours each day, every day of the year.

The UConn Police Department is accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), a coveted award sought and attained on a voluntary basis by certain law enforcement agencies worldwide. The Police Department employs sworn police officers as well as civilian support personnel at the main campus at Storrs and at the Avery Point, Hartford, and Stamford Campuses. Fully staffed and equipped with the latest in technology, the Patrol Division operates marked cruisers with appropriate emergency equipment and radio and data communications capabilities. Members of the Detective Division, Community Services, Training, and Professional Standards provide support to more lengthy investigations and to the matters facing our unique community.

The UConn Fire Department is also fully equipped with the latest in radio and data communications and has full fire fighting capability through the use of two fire trucks and one ladder truck used for high-rise rescue and operations. Two mobile intensive care ambulances provide transportation for the sick and injured and a special hazard truck is equipped to mitigate chemical and biohazard incidents, spills, and confined space rescue operations. Considered a leader in the area, the UConn Fire Department provides mutual aid assistance to area towns.

The University Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is housed at the Public Safety complex located at 126 North Eagleville Road in Storrs. In times of crisis, the EOC may be activated and staffed with appropriate University professionals who allocate and direct university resources to address whatever issues the particular crisis may present. As simple as a weather emergency or as complex as the relocation of shoreline communities being evacuated, the EOC provides a variety of communication methods that are linked to the statewide Office of Emergency Management. It is the statewide Office of Emergency Management that provides the support necessary to local communities whose needs may outweigh available resources.

The UConn Police Department also maintains networking contact with the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security. The Division of Homeland Security announces the current national threat level as established by the federal government. By maintaining this direct contact, University public safety officials are updated regularly on issues pertaining to the protection of our community. Be assured that we will strive to notify the community of any changes in the national threat level that are pertinent.

In this section you will find appropriate guidelines for the public that pertain to the current national threat level. Each individual may use these guidelines in the manner that suits your individual circumstances best. You may call the Police Department at any time at 860-486-4800 if you have questions.

Threat Levels and Suggested Protective Measures for the Public
SEVERE
A terrorist attack has occurred or credible and corroborated intelligence indicates that one is imminent. Normally, this threat condition is declared for a specific location or critical facility.
  • Continue all precautions from lower Threat Level.
  • Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert System radio/TV stations.
  • Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of critical facilities, asking detailed questions about physical security or dressed inappropriately for weather conditions (suicide bomber). Report these incidents immediately to state and local law enforcement.
  • Report suspicious activity and call 911 for immediate response.
  • Avoid repeating unsubstantiated information and rumors.
  • Expect delays, searches of purses and bags and restricted access to public buildings.
  • Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
  • Take personal security precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime or terrorist attack.
  • Avoid crowded public areas and gatherings.
  • Do not travel into areas affected by the attack or to an expected terrorist target.
  • Keep emergency supplies accessible and automobile tanks full.
  • Be prepared to evacuate your home or shelter-in-place on order of local authorities.
  • Assist neighbors who may need help.

 

HIGH
Credible intelligence indicates that there is a high risk of a local terrorist attack but a specific target has not been identified.
  • Continue all precautions from lower Threat Level.
  • Resume normal activities but expect some delays, baggage searches and restrictions as a result of heightened security at public buildings and facilities.
  • Continue to monitor world and local events as well as local government threat advisories.
  • Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities to state and local law enforcement agencies by calling 911.
  • Avoid leaving unattended packages or briefcases in public areas.
  • Inventory and organize emergency supply kits and discuss emergency plans with family members. Reevaluate meeting location based on threat.
  • Consider taking reasonable personal security precautions. Be alert to your surroundings, avoid placing yourself in a vulnerable situation and monitor the activities of your family members.
  • Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors to ensure their safety and emotional welfare.

 

ELEVATED
Elevated risk of terrorist attack but a specific region of the USA or target has not been identified.
  • Continue all precautions from lower Threat Level.
  • Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to local law enforcement agencies.
  • Take a first aid class.
  • Become active in your local Neighborhood Crime Watch program.
  • Network with your family, neighbors and community for mutual support during a disaster or terrorist attack.
  • Learn what critical facilities are located in your community and report suspicious activities at or near these sites
    • .
  • Attend your local emergency planning committee meeting to learn more about local hazards. (Call the city/town emergency manager to learn dates and locations of the meetings.)
  • Increase individual or family emergency preparedness through training, maintaining good physical fitness and health, and storing food, water and emergency supplies.

 

GUARDED
General Risk with no credible threats to specific targets.
  • Continue all precautions from lower Threat Level.
  • Continue normal activities but be watchful for suspicious activities. Report criminal activity to local law enforcement.
  • Monitor local and national news for terrorist alerts.
  • Review family emergency plans.
  • Increase family emergency preparedness by purchasing supplies, food and storing water.
  • Be familiar with local natural and technological (man made) hazards in your community.
  • Update immunizations.
  • Volunteer to assist and support the community emergency response agencies.

 

LOW
Low Risk of terrorism. Routine security is implemented to preclude routine criminal threats.
  • Continue to enjoy individual freedom. Participate freely in travel, work and recreational activities.
  • Be prepared for disasters and family emergencies. (See DEP | Dept. of Environmental Protection, DPH - Dept. of Public Health, and American Red Cross brochures.)
  • Develop a family emergency plan. (See DEP, DPH and American Red Cross brochures.)
  • Know how to turn off the power, gas and water to your house.
  • Know what hazardous materials are stored in your home and how to properly dispose of unneeded chemicals.
  • Support the efforts of your local emergency responders (firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical service).
  • Know what natural hazards are prevalent in your area and what measures you can take to protect your family.

For more information regarding Homeland Security, visit the Homeland Security webpage at www.dhs.gov