Wellness and Safety

University Police Department and Personal Safety

911 from any campus phone or 316-978-3450 from any phone • wichita.edu/police

Available 24/7/365, this fully commissioned law enforcement agency of 33 sworn law enforcement officers offers a full range of services, including: criminal investigations, community services, special events, training, dispatch, parking enforcement.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of a natural or man-made emergency, WSU and WSUPD have preparedness plans in place.

ShockerAlert

ShockerAlert is a notification system that all students, faculty and staff can register for. These notifications provide necessary information during an emergency situation or an event which needs attention for safety reasons. Notifications come in the form of emails and / or text messages, social media and message boards throughout campus buildings. To sign up, visit wichita.edu/alert.

Guardian App

WSU students can use the free Guardian personal safety app available on Google Play and Apple App Store.

Personal Safety Tips

• Use the buddy system.
• Stay in populated, well-lit areas.
• Don’t run or walk alone, especially at night—go with a friend.
• Ensure that you can hear others approaching if you are listening to music, etc.
• Become familiar with emergency blue phone locations.
• Walk confidently.
• Be aware of your surroundings; don’t text if you are walking alone.
• Follow your intuition; trust your feelings.
• Be aware that alcohol and / or drugs compromise your awareness and your ability to identify and act on your feelings. They also increase the opportunity for victimization.
• Be able to identify your sexual limits; it’s your body and no one has the right to force or pressure you to do anything that you do not want to do. No means NO.

Emergency Blue Phones

More than 37 emergency blue phones are located across campus. Each phone can be easily identified by the blue light located at the top of the poles, and each pole is marked “Emergency.” Calls are activated by pushing the button, which starts the strobe light.

Once the dispatcher answers the phone, tell them what assistance you need. If there is no answer, or if you are unable to answer, an office will be sent to the phone’s location. The location of the call is noted and only the dispatcher can disconnect the phone. Calls coming from the emergency phones are treated as a top priority.

Detecting suspicious activities

Suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place and should not be happening in that area. It occurs when a person’s conduct or action does not fit the norm of the area or the surrounding circumstances. Suspicious activity draws your attention to a person’s conduct because it’s unusual, different, odd, dangerous, appears wrongful, or just not right, under the circumstances.

Reporting suspicious activity

• Remain calm.
• Keep the number to the Wichita State University Police Department readily available—316-978-3450 or 911 from any campus phone.
• Call 911 if it is a life-threatening situation and you need police, fire or ambulance immediately.
• Avoid taking any risks—your safety is most important.
• Keep away from the crime scene to preserve evidence.
• When you call WSUPD or 911, you will be asked for your name, address and telephone number. This information is requested so you can be re-contacted after the initial call, if necessary.
• The dispatcher will ask you several questions to determine the appropriate law enforcement, fire or ambulance response.

Remain on the telephone until you are certain the police department has all the necessary information.

Back to top