Confronting Suspicious Persons

Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure whilst in a study or work area, however the University is open to the public and there will be times when we have people on campus who do not have a legitimate reason for being here.

Why should I question another person's purpose for being on campus ?

• It lets people know they're in a restricted area.
• They know they have attracted attention to themselves.
• They know that they can be identified and will be less likely to commit an offence.
• Your actions will greatly assist the aims of the CAMPUS WATCH program.

What should I do ?

If you find yourself in a position of confronting a person who is acting suspiciously, the following suggestions may assist you:

• Try to remain calm
• Be firm but polite
• You may choose to say something like, " Can I help you?"

This will allow you a little extra time to regain your composure and perhaps to obtain a good description of the person concerned for the information of Security staff.

• If possible, keep the person under observation and call for assistance from Security. When the Security staff member arrives at the scene, the matter should be handed over to them.
• If it is not possible to immediately involve a Security staff member and you have witnessed an offence taking place ( eg. Theft, Assault etc) you should approach the person and politely request identification details, and also production of some means of identification ( eg. Drivers Licence). If you are not satisfied that the person has a legitimate explanation, you can ask them to accompany you to an appropriate location and call for assistance from Security.
• If you have approached a suspect person and he or she refuses to identify themselves or to accompany you, then you should not take the matter any further, other than to obtain a good description of the person and any vehicle involved
• If the person is becoming violent then you are entitled under Victorian Statutes , to defend yourself, however, you must be able to show that you used means which were reasonable and in proportion with the circumstances.
• If possible you should note where the person has gone and ensure that you are able to provide Security with a good description of the person and any vehicle used. You may feel more comfortable with not approaching the person and remaining at a distance whilst taking a full description.

Your role in the confrontation has been completed at this point.

If for some reason you are unable to contact Security and you believe that your personal safety is at risk or that further illegal activity is continuing, you may then call the Police through their emergency number.

In normal circumstances it will be the responsibility of Security staff to call for Police involvement.

You should not feel obligated to take the matter any further or to rectify the situation . Arrange for assistance from Security staff on extensions 44674 or 46666 ( 8344 4674 or 8344 4666) or Free Call 1800 246 066.