Important safety reminders and updates

Dear Carolina Community,

We understand recent public safety incidents on and around campus may be concerning to our community, so we want to provide some information about these investigations and describe additional actions UNC Police and others are taking.

The safety of our community is paramount. The University has an extensive network of safety measures in place, including multiple blue light call boxes, security cameras and widespread outdoor lighting. The Alert Carolina Emergency Notification System communicates in multiple ways with students, faculty and staff, as well as visitors, local residents, parents and the news media in the event of an emergency or dangerous situation.

We encourage every member of the University community to download the Carolina Ready Safety App and the CarolinaGO app, available in the App Store or on Google Play.

The Carolina Ready Safety App includes emergency alerts, tools for staying safe on campus, emergency response guides, campus maps and a variety of health and wellness resources.

When you download the CarolinaGO app you’ll be able to opt into Campus Advisories, which are mobile push notifications regarding an event on campus that may create congestion, necessitate increased security, or involve sensitive issues, so individuals may navigate the area as desired.

The following are tips for remaining safe on campus:

• Be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe and are able to do so, get to a safe place and call for help.
• Call UNC Police immediately if you see any suspicious activity. The UNC Police Department is available 24 hours a day by calling 911 in an emergency or 919-962-8100 for non-emergency assistance.
• Keep your suite and room doors locked at all times.
• Do not allow an unknown person to follow you into your personal spaces. If you feel unsafe with someone following you, call 911 or utilize the Carolina Ready Safety App to share your location.

For more information about campus and community resources and reporting options, please visit the Safe@UNC website. This site has many resources, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), which is available 24 hours a day by visiting caps.unc.edu or calling 919-966-3658.

Here are updates on the ongoing investigations:

Oct. 22 report of sexual assault in Carmichael Residence Hall

On Oct. 22, UNC Police received a report of an unidentified male following a student to their room in Carmichael Residence Hall and assaulting them. UNC Police issued an Alert Carolina Crime Alert to notify the campus of the assault, based upon the guidelines for engaging Alert Carolina posted on the UNC Police website. Students in Carmichael Residence Hall have received additional communication from Campus Housing regarding this report and providing resources and these important safety tips.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. The individual is described as a white male, around 6 ft. tall, in his late 20s to early 30s with short brown hair and short facial hair.

UNC Police makes an effort to have a presence around residence halls, especially at night, and will continue patrols in the area.

Oct. 24 arrest in front of Undergraduate Library

On Oct. 24, UNC Police responded to a complaint of drug use in front of the Undergraduate Library. Upon arrival, officers approached an individual not affiliated with the University who was using drugs. That individual was placed under arrest for possessing/concealing drugs and drug paraphernalia, and for resisting arrest. As is protocol, UNC Police routinely reviews encounters with officers and the community to ensure that established policies are followed. We conducted an initial review of the footage of this arrest and determined that departmental policies were followed by the officers.

If you have information on either of these incidents, please contact UNC Police by calling 911 in an emergency or 919-962-8100 for non-emergency assistance.

Thank you to our campus community as we all work together to make our campus as safe as possible.

George Battle
Vice Chancellor, Institutional Integrity and Risk Management

Brian James
Chief of UNC Police