Suspicious Person, Activity, Substance, Package

Suspicious activity can range from an unknown person to a questionable package. The most important thing to remember is that if you see something that does not look or feel right, call University Police immediately. Do not wait! You could help prevent the next crime.

What to Do: Suspicious Person or Activity

A suspicious person may present themselves in different ways. You may notice someone who looking inside of empty offices or cars, or trying to open doors to offices or vehicles. Other times you may notice someone trying to cut a lock off of a bicycle. Remember, if something does not look or feel right, contact Appalachian Police immediately (828-262-8000). If you are off campus, dial 911.

Keep these steps in mind:

Do not confront the person.
Contact Appalachian Police immediately (828-262-8000). If you are off-campus dial 911.
Provide as much information as possible:
- A description of the individual.
- Where they are located; and what direction they may be going.
- What they are doing.
- Do they have any weapons?
Follow the instructions of Appalachian Police.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings.
Remember your safety is most important.
Always call as soon as you witness a suspicious person or activity. If you wait, it may be too late to prevent something from happening.

What to Do: Suspicious Substance

Suspicious substances are rare, but it is possible that you may encounter an unknown substance. Situations may include receiving an envelope from an unknown sender that feels like it has powder inside or maybe a strange substance in an unusual location.

If you receive a letter or package and believe there is a suspicious/unknown substance (such as white powder) inside, do not open the package. Do not discard of the package. Do not carry/move the package around.
Contact Appalachian Police immediately (828-262-8000). If off campus, dial 911.
Provide as much information as possible:
- A description of the package.
- Is anything coming out of the package?
- Is anyone sick (coughing, difficulty breathing, etc...)?
If the package was opened, and an unknown/suspicious substance was seen, do not move or carry the package. Do not discard of the package. Lay the package down, and contact Appalachian Police immediately (828-262-8000). Provide as much information as possible.
Be sure to remain calm, and follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
Do not evacuate the building unless instructed by Appalachian Police, or unless there is an immediate threat to your health and safety.

What to Do: Suspicious Package

If a suspicious package is identified, consider the following actions:

Do not touch, move or disturb any suspicious object.
Do not activate the fire alarm.
Keep people away from the area where the suspicious object is and call the Appalachian Police at 828-262-8000.
Be sure to include a description of the object and its exact location when reporting.

Emergency Preparedness