Emergency Situation Information and Resources

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department, in conjunction with Facilities Management, Computing Services and Systems Development, and other departments, works proactively to prepare for and deal with emergencies.

If necessary, the University can electronically lock down 80 percent of the buildings on the Pittsburgh campus from the Communications Center at Pitt's Public Safety Building.

University police also have access to over 1,000 closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras and over 500 emergency phones around campus, which are monitored 24 hours per day.

Active Killer Situation

Pitt students, staff and faculty can watch a video or download general guidelines for responding to an active killer situation directed towards the University.

Bomb Threats

All bomb threats are treated as a serious event here at the University of Pittsburgh. A checklist and tip sheet is at your disposal to be used should you ever find yourself directly involved with the actual threat.

Campus Safety Tips

The Pitt Police share some general campus safety tips and pedestrian and vehicle safety tips that can help keep community members safe on, or near the Oakland campus.

Campus Security Authority

The Clery Act requires the University of Pittsburgh to collect crime reports from a variety of individuals and organizations that Clery considers to be Campus Security Authorities. These include security and law enforcement officers; deans; coaches; residence hall staff; overseers and advisors to student clubs and organizations; and other campus officials who have "significant responsibility for student and campus activities," such as, but not limited to, student housing, student discipline and campus judicial proceedings.

If you have been designated as a Campus Security Authority, you must comply with the Clery Act reporting requirements by viewing a brief 15 minute video and completing a brief quiz following the video. If a crime has been reported to you, fill out the Campus Security Authority Report Form.

Notifications

Depending on the situation, Public Safety and Emergency Management will send out different types of alerts, most commonly Emergency Notification Service alerts and Crime Alerts.

Panic Buttons

As part of the University of Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and faculty, the University is installing panic buttons inside many academic classrooms.

Protecting our Children

The University strives to provide a safe academic and work environment for all members of its community and guests. This is especially important with respect to the safety and welfare of children. The Pitt Police offers a list of frequently asked questions and information about reporting child abuse, sexual misconduct and/or required clearances.

Rave Guardian App

The RAVE Guardian app is your one-stop campus safety app. It lets you contact Pitt Police, submit tips, set safety timers and more. It also sends you crime and safety alerts, right to the app.

Rights and Options for Survivors of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking

University policy prohibits any behavior that involves dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking of another person. These crimes can be traumatizing, and it is important to know there are University and community resources available to support all Pitt community members. Please refer to the Rights and Options Guide for Survivors of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking.

SAFE Defense Program

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department's self-defense awareness program — SAFE — is a free, two-hour, program designed to teach situational awareness, basic self-defense skills and tactics, and to empower students, staff and faculty during emergency and potentially life-threatening situations.

SafeRider and Walking Escorts

Sometimes, getting to your home, your car or even the bus stop can be a little dicey. Maybe it's at night, or maybe you're in an area that's unfamiliar. Don't panic! Two University of Pittsburgh services are designed to help in those situations: SafeRider and Walking Escort.

Safety Videos

Public Safety and Emergency Management have put together a series of videos on some of the most common safety topics, including panic buttons, lockdown, evacuations and more

Suspicious Mail and Packages

Learn how to recognize suspicious mail and packages and procedures for handling.

Terrorism Prevention

The City of Houston, Texas, Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security also released a video on terrorism prevention. The video's title is "Make the Call" and illustrates what to look for when identifying suspicious people or activity. The video encourages observers to call the appropriate authorities when suspicions are heightened.

Pitt's Campus Resources "Blue Card"

If you've had interactions with a Pitt Police officer, you may be aware of the Community Resources Blue Card, which offers contact information for useful groups, organizations and services on campus, in Pittsburgh, and nationally.

Leaving Campus for the Holidays

When finals are over and preparations begin to go home for the holiday break, it would be wise to check on a few things to prevent being a victim of theft.