Safety Alerts

On 8/21/21 at approximately 3:20 a.m., the Charlottesville Police Department responded to a report of shots fired in the 800 Block of Hardy Drive which is behind “The Standard” apartment complex.  Multiple shots are confirmed to have been fired.  Charlottesville Police states that a suspect involved is described as being approximately 5’10” wearing a grey shirt with dreadlocks.  This individual is reported to be armed. 

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the Charlottesville Police Department at (434) 970-3280.   

The University of Virginia shares this information to protect members of the University community, to promote safety, to help reduce the likelihood of future crimes, and to raise awareness of how to seek prompt assistance should a crime occur.

• No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for another person's abusive or criminal conduct. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing a crime, or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, do what you can to get out of that situation or call for assistance.
• Safely intervene and/or call for help if you witness disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, or a violent crime. Plan in advance: discuss how you might do this in conversations with your friends, using different scenarios, when you aren't facing a potential crisis. Remember the three D's of Green Dot: Distract, Delegate, Direct.
• Invite a Hoos Got Your Back facilitator to your residence hall, suite, or organization to present on bystander intervention, or increase your understanding of these issues by inviting a peer educator from Culture of Respect Educators (CORE) to present to your organization.
• If you feel as though someone may be stalking you, ask someone who understands these issues like UPD, Office of the Dean of Students, the Women’s Center, or CAPS to help you clarify what’s going on and to develop a safety plan.
• If you feel afraid, call 911 or utilize transportation resources, such as the Yellow Cab Charge-a-Ride program (434) 295-4131, and P&T Safe Ride (434) 242-1122.  Put their numbers into your speed dial. Know Safe Ride’s service area and hours by visiting http://www.parking.virginia.edu/saferide.
• If you feel threatened on Grounds or in nearby areas, look for a blue light emergency phone or call 911.

University (Non-Confidential) Resources: For information regarding resources and reporting options, you are encouraged to contact the University’s Title IX Coordinator at [email protected] or at (434) 297-7988, the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at [email protected] or (434) 924-3200,  the Office of the Dean of Students by phone at (434) 924-7133, or the University Police Department at (434) 924-7166. A Student Resource Guide and other information is also available on the following websites: www.virginia.edu/sexualviolence or www.virginia.edu/uvapolice.

Prevention Tips

• If possible, don’t walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can. There is safety in numbers.
• Use Safe Ride. Put their number (434-242-1122) into your speed dial. Know the Safe Ride service area and hours by visiting http://www.virginia.edu/parking/saferide/.
• If you feel threatened on Grounds or in nearby areas, look for a blue light emergency phone or call 911.
• The University Police Department offers two types of self-defense classes to the University community. The first class is the R.A.D. women’s self-defense course. This is a 12-hour multi-session course. The second class is a one-time, two-hour basic self-defense course. There is no cost to attend these classes.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don’t turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
• If harassed or assaulted, scream and attempt to run for safety.
• Know your neighborhood. Identify police and fire stations, libraries, emergency telephones – as well as the hours of operation of local stores and restaurants.

Emergency/Crisis Resources (24/7):

Ongoing Support from Confidential Resources:

Ongoing Support (Non-Confidential) and Guidance, including academic and housing accommodations: