Many potential safety threats can be averted by simply informing the Amherst College Police Department (ACPD) at 413.542.2111 of suspicious activity. Describe specifically what you observed, including:
- Who or what you saw
- When you saw it
- Where it occurred
- Why it’s suspicious
Suspicions worth noting:
- Unusual items or situations: A vehicle parked in an odd location, a package/luggage left unattended or an open window/door that is usually closed, for example.
- Solicitation of information: A person who questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
- Observation/surveillance: A person who pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. Examples include extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans; etc.
Download a PDF of the Amherst College Emergency Response Handbook.