"Wake Forest University Police" Archive

Updated WFU 2020 Annual Crime and Fire Safety Report

January 12, 2021

Emergency response, evacuation procedures and notification of immediate threat

October 2, 2020

This information in this post is provided by Wake Forest University Police Department

The University maintains a Crisis Management Team which may be activated by senior University officials for response to emergencies on campus. The Team follows the guideline of the University Crisis Plan and the accompanying Incident Command System for the Wake Forest University Crisis Management Plan. Team members and University Police have received U.S. Department of Homeland Security Incident Command training. The University Crisis Management Team conducts emergency response drills annually and includes County Emergency Management, Winston- Salem Police, Fire and EMS.

BUILDING EVACUATION

How to evacuate:

• When you hear a fire alarm, leave the building immediately.
• Alert others as you leave and ask if they need help.
• Close doors to slow the spread of fire.
• Do not use elevators unless told to do so by emergency workers.
• Do not attempt to extinguish a fire yourself if you risk putting yourself in danger.

Things to watch for:

• Watch for people who need help, particularly people with limited mobility or physical disabilities.
• Activate an alarm if told to do so by police or emergency workers.
• Remain at an emergency assembly point. A head count may be taken, and emergency workers may have additional instructions.
• Do not go back into a building until firefighters, police or University officials say it is safe.

How to prepare for a fire-related emergency:

• Know your building’s floor plan. Remember where the stairs, fire extinguishers and emergency exits are located.
• If you regularly visit the same location within a building, know exactly how many doors you will pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit.
• Exit signs may be obstructed by heavy smoke, so you must know how to find an exit.

How to prepare for general emergencies:

• Know your building’s floor plan. Remember where the stairs, fire extinguishers and emergency exits are located.
• If you regularly visit the same location within a building, know exactly how many doors you will pass along your evacuation route before you reach the nearest exit. Exit signs may be obstructed in heavy smoke, so you must know how to find an exit.

How to prepare to leave campus:

• If the campus is evacuated, or you choose to seek shelter with family or friends, plan ahead.
• Tell your family and friends what your plan is, what route you will take, what means of transportation you use and when you expect to arrive.
• If you have a vehicle, ensure that it is in good condition and keep at least half a tank of gas in the vehicle. If you do not have a car, plan for alternative means of transportation.
• Take an emergency kit with you.
• Leave a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Be sure to keep your campus ID and vehicle registration with you. Access to the campus may be restricted by closing gates and staffing the gatehouses.

Crime Alert: Shot fired at University-owned house

September 16, 2019

This crime alert was emailed to students, faculty and staff on Sept. 16 and distributed in additional ways:

The Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University police departments are investigating an incident tonight (Sept. 16) in which a bullet was fired into a University-owned house on Polo Road. None of the house’s occupants, all graduate students, were injured. 

Police believe the shot was fired at approximately 7:15 p.m. It was nearly an hour later before the residents of the house realized what had happened and contacted police.

While the police continue their investigation, University staff members are offering support and assistance to the students who live in the house.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact Wake Forest University Police at 336-758-5911. 

Crime alert

June 21, 2019

This announcement was sent on June 21 to students, faculty and staff by Wake Forest Communications and External Relations:

Wake Alert crime alert announcement: At 7:06 p.m. this evening (June 21) an unknown male exposed himself to a female student near Benson University Center.  He grabbed her arm and then fled on foot.  Wake Forest University Police are investigating.

If you have any information that might be helpful in this investigation, contact the University Police at (336) 758- 5911 or, if you wish, anonymously through “Silent Witness.”

Update on Investigation into Unsubstantiated Threat

December 7, 2018

The following announcement was emailed to students, faculty and staff on the afternoon of Dec. 7 by Wake Forest Communications and External Relations:

The Winston-Salem Police Department, in partnership with Wake Forest University Police, continues to investigate an unsubstantiated threat to campus first reported on Sunday, December 2. The police investigation has ruled out several possible concerns, however, law enforcement officials have asked that details not be released due to the nature of the continuing investigation.

Barring a new development, this email will be our final campus-wide communication on this situation.

It is natural that rumors will circulate in the absence of information. We are aware of rumors that suggested individuals or groups affiliated with the campus community were possibly targets or suspects. Each lead has been thoroughly investigated by law enforcement and the University has been advised that there is no validity to any of the rumors brought to the attention of Wake Forest administrators.

There is no greater priority than the safety of our campus community. Wake Forest officials have consulted extensively on this situation with law enforcement and a national threat assessment expert. The University remains in regular contact with Winston-Salem Police.

If a threat were to require you to take action, or prompt a change in campus operations, Wake Forest would use more immediate forms of communication, to include text and phone messages. Please update your cell phone information at WakeReady.wfu.edu.

Wake Forest always offers support and counseling services for all students, faculty and staff. The University Counseling Center may be reached at 336-758-5273, the Chaplain’s Office at 336-758-5210. For faculty and staff, there is also the Employee Assistance Program at 336-716-5493.