Dear Colleagues,

As we prepare to embark on a new semester following the tragic events of Dec. 6, we would like to update you on the steps we are taking to both address the aftermath and enhance safety and well-being for our university community.

First and foremost, our thoughts and support continue to be with the victims and their families. We will continue to honor their memory and their enduring commitment to their students and colleagues in all that we do.  

The safety and security of our campus remain our top priority. In the short-term, University Police Services (UPD) will increase staff presence on the UNLV Maryland Parkway campus. Beginning in early January, teams of trained security professionals, wearing a distinguishable uniform that identifies them as security personnel, will be deployed on foot and bicycle patrol. They will provide support to UPD by bolstering general crime prevention and deterrence. 

UPD, in partnership with the UNLV and NSHE Risk Management teams, is also in the process of evaluating security in Beam Hall (BEH). The goal of this assessment is to identify and implement improvements to current safety protocols for BEH. We will take what we learn from the BEH assessment and use that to inform security enhancements in other campus buildings as well.  

We understand the eagerness within our community to be proactive about safety measures, but it is critical to maintain a coordinated approach to ensure the effectiveness of our efforts. To this end, the president is establishing a UNLV security and safety committee consisting of faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Vice President Adam Garcia also will chair the Chancellor’s Ad Hoc Committee on Public Safety. 

The two committees will actively engage the local public safety community, along with regional and national experts in the field of campus safety, to gain any new insights into best practices and cutting-edge technologies that can further strengthen our security infrastructure and protocols. 

Our strategy for procuring public safety enhancements will be aligned with the guidelines set forth by these committees. Until then, we ask that individual or departmental purchases of security equipment be put on hold. Business managers will be provided with detailed instructions on the procurement process in alignment with our collective safety strategy.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s investigation into the events of Dec. 6 remains ongoing, including the motive of the lone suspect. UPD is also continuing to work with the LVMPD Fusion Center in an attempt to identify the origin of the separate, hateful message that was sent to some of our Black faculty and staff, to determine the threat level to campus as a whole or to any specific individuals. We are committed to keeping the campus community informed about the progress of these ongoing inquiries. 

Finally, we wanted to share this safety reminder: 

• Contact University Police by dialing 9-1-1 from any campus phone, (702) 895-3669 from any cell phone, or by using the RebelSAFE app for any emergency.

• Non-emergency situations, including suspicious persons or situations, should be promptly reported by dialing 3-1-1 from any campus phone, (702) 895-3668 from any cell phone, or via the RebelSAFE app. 

• RebelSAFE Alert is the emergency notification system used for incidents that present an imminent threat to life, health, or safety to UNLV students, employees, faculty, and community members. RebelSAFE Alert messages provide emergency information and instructions to protect yourself during an emergency. 

All UNLV students and employees are automatically enrolled in the system and will receive an email notification when an emergency or disaster occurs. To ensure you receive immediate alerts about campus emergencies, update your contact information to receive notifications via text and voicemail on your cell phone. UPD strongly encourages you to review your contact information now and at the beginning of every semester to ensure that emergency alerts are sent to the correct communication platforms.  

We also encourage everyone to take advantage of training opportunities offered by UPD. The department hosts active assailant presentations several times throughout the year, with the goal of reaching as many campus members as possible. Additionally, you can request a presentation for your department or class through our Community Outreach Request Form and find more information on “Run, Hide, Fight!” protocols to be prepared for an active assailant on our Emergency Safety webpage (NOTE: viewer discretion is advised).

We continue our commitment to fostering a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being among our students, faculty, and staff. Counseling services are being expanded, and awareness campaigns on mental health resources are being strengthened to encourage an open dialogue and enhance our culture of empathy and understanding. Continue to look for updates on the UNLV Strong website.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our university. Your support and solidarity are essential as we navigate through these challenging times together.

Warm regards,

Keith E. Whitfield, Ph.D.
UNLV President

Adam Garcia
UNLV Vice President of Public Safety Services
Director, University Police Services - Southern Command