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Bystander Awareness Policy

Administrative Details

Policy Number
AP-157
Effective Date
04/2026
Last Reviewed
04/2026
Last Revised
07/2023
Next Scheduled Review
04/2029
Responsible University Division
Public Safety
Responsible Executive
Jean Peden Christodoulou, Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff to the President
Responsible University Office
Public Safety
Policy Owner
Geraldine Hart, Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Community Engagement
Contact Information
PublicSafety@hofstra.edu, 516-463-6606, 516-463-6789 (emergency line)
Category/Tag
Emergencies and Safety, Reporting a Concern or Misconduct

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for safely responding to and reporting crimes in progress by emphasizing timely notification of Public Safety and minimizing personal risk.

Scope

This policy applies to all members of the Hofstra University community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors, across all campus locations.

Policy

Bystander Awareness

If you discover a crime in progress:

  • Immediately call the Department of Public Safety at x36789 or 911 Do not attempt to act on your own or follow the individual Do your best to note the following characteristics of the individual: Their height, weight, gender, race, age, clothing, weapon (if any) and their direction and method of travel.

If a vehicle is involved, please note the license plate number, make, model, color, and any visual characteristics of the vehicle. Do not attempt to follow the vehicle.

Related Policies and References

N/A