Emergency Response - Menacing Person

Background Information

If you encounter a potentially dangerous person, take steps not to aggravate the situation or the person. While with or near the person, remain calm and cooperate. Be sure to make no sudden movements. When it is safe to do so, call 593-1911 to report the problem to Ohio University Police and give as much information as possible under the circumstances, especially your name and location (department, building, and office number). If safe to do so, alert other employees/students that an emergency/ dangerous situation is present or imminent and that everyone should quietly leave the area.

Disruptive Behavior

Be alert for behavior that interferes with other students, faculty, or staff and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment. This includes the ongoing and pervasive disruption of academic, administrative, and other campus activities. Some behavior, while disruptive, does not come under the jurisdiction of the criminal system or the Student Code of Conduct. Therefore, this information is to provide you with the tools for addressing these disruptive situations when they arise.

Examples of Disruptive Behavior:

  • Habitual interference with educational, work, living, or social environments.
  • Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention inside or outside theclassroom.
  • Words or actions that have the effect of intimidating or harassing another.
  • Words or actions that cause another to fear for his or her personal safety.
  • Threats of physical violence.

Action Steps

If you encounter a potentially dangerous person:

  • Remain calm.
  •  Cooperate with the person.
  • Make no sudden movements.
  • Call 593-1911 as soon as possible.
  • Prepare to provide as much information as possible.
  • If safe to do so, alert others of the emergency/danger.
  • Advise others to quietly leave the area.

If you encounter a disruptive person:

  • Remain calm.
  • Do not ignore disruptive behavior.
  • Tell the disruptive person that such behavior is inappropriate.
  • Set limits and explain that disruptive behavior has consequences.
  • Explain clearly and directly what behaviors are acceptable.
  • Allow the disruptive person to voice what is upsetting him/her.
  • Acknowledge the disruptive person’s feelings.
  • Maintain eye contact.
  • If appropriate, postpone dealing with the situation.
  • Set a mutually agreeable time and place to discuss the issues again.
  • Apprise supervisor or department chair of the problem.
  • Call Ohio University Police at 593-1911.
  • Be prepared to give your name, the name of the disruptive person, your location, and a brief description of the incident.