University of Missouri offers MU Alert to notify students about possible danger
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The University of Missouri uses the MU Alert system to notify students, faculty, and parents about possible threats on or around campus 24/7.
MU Spokesperson Christian Basi says the system includes a variety of alerts.
"We have a very robust emergency alert system. It involves a number of different tools," Basi said.
These tools include sending out desktop alerts, text messages, and emails. Basi said the alerts are optional, and encourages student's who are unsure if they are in the system to go to its website and check, or sign up here.
Basi said those alerts come out when there is an imminent danger to campus. Alerts are sent when police are made aware of a situation, and are responding to the situation, have identified a person of suspect, or are made aware of a possible threat, that is on campus or near campus.
The University of Missouri has its own police department, and has also partnered with local law enforcement including the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Sheriffs Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Alerts from off campus incidents are provided when possible. Basi said it depends on the situation, and how it could affect MU students, and the department's ability to notify the campus on if and when those off-campus alerts are sent.
Basi said to report a possible threat, you should call 911 if you are in immediate danger, and they will dispatch the appropriate department. Basi said the school offers safety classes, and a safety week that takes place in September, that includes everything from personal safety to how to stay safe during weather emergencies.
MSHP Corporal Kyle Green said Columbia receives a large influx in population as local colleges including Mizzou welcome student's back, and with that, an increase in arrests, including driving while intoxicated.
Green said the increase in population means "majority are college kids, and with that, a lot of drinking takes place." Green said with that there "probably is an increase in DWI arrests."
Both Green and Basi encourage students to plan ahead, and have a sober driver if you are planning on drinking. Basi said "there are some basic safety tips that we want to let folks know about like for example, when you're leaving, or when you're going anywhere. It's great to go with a group of known friends."
