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

Earlier today (Oct. 1), an employee at the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center -- which is located in South Street Landing, also home to Brown administrative offices on four floors -- received a threat via an online submission form. The threat was shared with Cushman & Wakefield, the building's property manager, which took immediate measures to evacuate the building and notify Providence Police. Providence Police responded quickly and conducted a security sweep of the building. Brown DPS responded concurrently and provided assistance to Providence Police, who had quickly determined that the threat was unfounded and allowed re-occupancy of the building and a return to normal activities.

Despite the fact that there was no credible threat, we know that the need to evacuate the building and the visible response from law enforcement was a concern for many in the building. Brown DPS and colleagues from other Brown offices involved in emergency response are in communication with the Rhode Island Nursing Education Center, and public safety officials from the other colleges and entities who use space in South Street Landing. As we do for all incidents, we'll work collaboratively with those partners to review our response and ensure that we continue to have the necessary protocols in place to effectively respond to reports in a building shared by multiple groups. 

As a reminder, any member of the Brown community can request support from Brown DPS at 401-863-3322 or the Providence Police at 401-272-3121. For any emergency situation, dial 911.