THIS COMMUNICATION IS GOING OUT ON BEHALF OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, RODNEY CHATMAN

Dear Students: 

As warm weather arrives and we prepare for the end of the academic year, it’s important to remain vigilant about safety and security on and around campus. In the past few days we have had to issue two timely warnings as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. 

https://dps.brown.edu/clery-compliance-and-crime-reporting

The first was issued on April 11 regarding an auto theft from Brook Street and the second on April 14 regarding a breaking and entering/ burglary in the Everett-Poland residence hall.

I recognize that receiving these notifications can be unsettling and I’m writing to summarize the information about the two incidents that are under investigation, and to share the steps we are taking to support the impacted students and ensure the safety of our entire campus community.

Auto Theft:

On Tuesday April 11, a Brown University community member reported that they parked their vehicle on Brook Street at approximately 9:00 am and upon their return at approximately 5:00 pm it was gone.

Breaking and Entering/ Burglary:

On Sunday, April 14, a student contacted Providence Police to report that they returned to their dorm room in Everett-Poland as two unauthorized people were exiting their room with some of their property. When confronted by two Brown students, the two males claimed they had a weapon (none was seen) as they fled.

At this time, according to witness reports, it appears the perpetrators may have gained entry by posing as students who were let into the residence hall. 

Both of these incidents are being collaboratively investigated by Providence Police and Brown Public Safety. The impacted students are being offered resources by various departments at Brown to include the Administrator on Call (AOC) and the Brown DPS Office of Advocacy, Engagement and Communications.

Brown’s Actions to Protect Safety:

For those of you who frequent the areas where these incidents occurred, you may notice an increase of public safety, sworn and civilian personnel. The increased visibility not only serves as a deterrent to criminal activity, it also gives those indirectly impacted by these incidents an increased sense of security. You may also see DPS officers performing exterior building checks to identify any doors that have been propped open or locks that are malfunctioning/disabled.

• Call DPS immediately when suspicious behavior is observed
• Lock room doors even if you leave for a short period of time
• Do not prop doors open
• Do not admit unknown persons into secure buildings
• Register personal property with DPS for identification purposes if lost or stolen 

As your vice president for public safety and emergency management, your safety and the safety of our campus community is extremely important to me. I appreciate your assistance and cooperation as we investigate these two incidents and work together to finish the academic year and celebrate the many accomplishments of our graduates and the entire Brown community.

Sincerely,

Rodney Chatman
Vice President for Public Safety and Emergency Management