Alerts
THIS COMMUNICATION IS SENT ON BEHALF OF VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, RODNEY CHATMAN:
Over the past several days, Brown DPS has responded to multiple incidents in which pedestrians have been struck with non-lethal water-based projectiles or paintballs. In each instance, medical attention was not needed for the person struck. I recognize that incidents like these are concerning and I write to you today to advise you that we take the safety and security of Brown University and our community members seriously. Brown DPS investigators are working hard attempting to identify these perpetrators and hold them accountable to their actions. We have classified these incidents as criminal assaults.
There is no indication that any particular group of people are targeted. We are advising everyone to be vigilant when walking around campus, especially in the evenings when these assaults have been occurring and consider taking the following actions:
- Walk in pairs or groups whenever possible.
- Utilize Brown's Safewalk Program (401) 863-1079
- If you see a car circling an area, please note whatever information you observe (license plate number, vehicle color, make and model, and if observed, description of occupants, observable damage to vehicle or bumper stickers).
While this type of crime is difficult to prevent, the safety of our Brown community is our collective concern. DPS will alter our normal patrol activity to provide a heightened presence in the streets around campus. Additionally, we will share this information with Providence Police, RISD Public Safety, and our Allied contracted security (Yellow Jackets) who are strategically positioned around the campus.
If you see suspicious behavior — a vehicle, for example, that continues to circle a particular block — or an assault occurring on or near the Brown campus, please contact Brown DPS at (401) 863-4111 immediately. If you are targeted in an assault, please contact us for help. We will quickly get on-site support to you. In addition, if DPS learns about incidents as they have just occurred, we hold a greater chance of identifying and locating the subjects and ultimately preventing more of these incidents.
Brown DPS is honored to be entrusted with protecting the safety and security of the Brown community, and we are committed to partnering with community members as we work to do so. This partnership is our greatest asset in keeping the community safe, and we greatly appreciate your efforts to work with us.
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BROWN DPS EMERGENCY CONTACT: (401) 863-4111
BROWN DPS NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT: (401) 863-3322
PROVIDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT: 9-1-1
PROVIDENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT: (401) 272-3121
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How can DPS Help webpage: https://dps.brown.edu/
SAFEWALK: https://dps.brown.edu/programs-services/safewalk (401) 863-1079
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INCIDENT LOCATIONS: Google Maps