UTPD has a responsibility to comply with Clery Act requirements, releasing timely warnings about reported crimes to the campus community in a manner that will aid in the prevention of similar crimes, as well as providing emergency notifications within Clery Act geography when the health and safety of the campus community is at risk. The department utilizes one or more of the following methods of communication to post warnings: text messages, campus wide email, social media (Facebook & Twitter), UT Emergency and home page, campus siren system, and closed circuit television systems in residence halls and other buildings.
- Text alerts
- Used to communicate a credible, immediate, ongoing threat to campus
- Alerts provide immediate direction to students, faculty and staff with specific actions to take
- Students must sign up to receive text alerts before they can register for classes at orientation. Text alerts are optional for faculty and staff.
- Emails
- Used to communicate crimes and incidents on and immediately near campus
- Emails provide details and updates that can aid in the prevention of similar incidents
- All UT community members automatically receive email notifications
- Outdoor Warning Siren
- Activated in the event of certain emergencies, such as severe weather, that require people to seek shelter immediately
- Social Media and Emergency Website
- Twitter: @UTAustinPolice, @UTAustin and @AustinPolice
- Facebook: UT Austin Police, The University of Texas at Austin
- emergency.utexas.edu
Alerts issued for incidents beyond UTPD jurisdiction are dependent upon notification from outside agencies. UTPD is not obligated to issue alerts outside Clery geography, but will relay safety messaging from other agencies as a courtesy to our community.