When students, faculty and staff notice behaviors of concern

The CU Boulder Police Department (CUPD) is reminding students, faculty and staff how to recognize and share behaviors of concern, providing details on campus safety protocols.

When people exhibit concerning behaviors, they typically need help or support. Concerning behaviors range from escalating anger to changes in appearance to sadness, depression or isolation. If they communicate a plan to cause harm to people or places, or they are in crisis, it is important to share or relay these concerns to people who can help. This assistance can include referrals to confidential counseling services, campus support resources, medical and health services, and protective or no contact orders through law enforcement.

When in doubt about someone’s or others’ safety, share your concerns and seek out referrals and resources so that others can provide assistance and support.

One of the most important lines of defense is notifying police of any suspicious behavior, threats of harassment or other concerns. If you are not sure if what you’re experiencing is an actual threat, let the experts evaluate and decide. Call the CU Boulder Police non-emergency number, 303-492-6666, any time of day or night. CUPD is a full-service police department, open 24/7, and responds to both non-emergency and 911 calls immediately.

Anyone can refer a student who is displaying signs of distress to Student Support & Case Management (SSCM). SSCM case managers can provide individualized support to students and are professionally trained to assess the safety and well-being of both the student and the CU community. 

A student in distress may be acting withdrawn, depressed or anxious, or exhibiting aggressive, destructive or disruptive behaviors. For more information on recognizing a student in distress and referring them to resources, find guidance in the CU Red Folder. As always, if a threat is imminent, call CUPD or 911 immediately. 

There are three ways to refer a student to SSCM:

• Fill out the SSCM referral form.
• Call SSCM at 303-492-7348.
• Email SSCM. 

Ongoing education is also provided by CU Boulder’s Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, which held a recent community event to raise awareness about the warning signs for violence and mechanisms to share concerns.

All police agencies rely on cooperation from the communities they serve. While CUPD officers are consistently and visibly engaged in many areas of campus, and the department has an embedded, licensed clinician riding along with officers on certain shifts, CUPD officers cannot be everywhere at once. As such, police rely on the campus community to notify first responders of any and all concerns. If faculty, staff, students or others see concerning behaviors, feel uneasy or sense a threat of danger from an individual or a situation, they should report it immediately by calling or texting 911.