Listen Here
By Addisyn Freeman
freemana7@findlay.edu
In early November, the University of Findlay office of safety and security sent out an email about a “suspicious person alleged to have been carrying a firearm. Campus Safety, University Campus Police, and Findlay Police Department responded immediately, located the individual and determined that the individual did not have a firearm in their possession. It was determined that there was no active threat to the campus community.”
The incident raised the question: what should students report or not report?
According to William Spraw, chief of police and director of security at the University of Findlay, students should lean towards the side of safety. One of the most valuable resources for campus police is student reporting.
“We want them to understand that helping us and serving as our eyes and ears keeps them safe,” Spraw said.
One-way students can speak up without fear is through the university’s anonymous reporting feature, which notifies authorities immediately. Similar programs are used nationwide, including the Department of Homeland Security’s “See Something, Say Something” initiative.
Spraw says the same goes at UF: “See something, say something. He says for the system to work, communication, visibility, and trust are essential.
Spraw says his officers make a conscious effort to regularly engage with students, emphasizing that the officers’ role is to keep campus community members safe.
“We want students to understand that we are here to protect them, not to pursue them,” he said.
His primary piece of advice to students is simple: make the call. Put the campus security number, 419-434-4601, in your phone. Officers are available around the clock.
Captain John Dunbar, who oversees daily campus safety operations, said listening is always the first step in the reporting process.
“We talk to the person reporting to get information and see exactly what the concern is,” Dunbar said.
Officers then follow standard investigative procedures, such as speaking with witnesses, clarifying details, and reviewing policy or law, to determine the severity of the situation.
“It’s all through investigation,” Dunbar said.
Dunbar noted that Findlay students do not appear afraid of overreacting, unlike students at some larger campuses.
“Students are pretty good about reporting, from what I’ve seen,” he said. “I don’t believe I’ve ever seen anything where students were reluctant to speak up.”
He added that students feel more comfortable approaching officers on a smaller campus.
Training also plays a critical role in maintaining calm and controlled responses. Dunbar said officers are trained to react quickly without escalating situations.
“They’re trained to control their emotions, be a calming influence and get control of the situation,” he said.
Safety education begins early for new students. Regular meetings with resident assistants, email safety updates and orientation materials help students understand the resources available on campus. UF also offers Oiler Alerts to make the campus community aware of any emergencies.
Taylor Stanley, a junior in the pharmacy program at UF, learned the value of these resources after a residence hall theft. Before the incident, she only knew that campus security could unlock doors. After using the service, her comfort level changed.
“They were really helpful and kind,” Stanley said. “I didn’t feel like I was bothering them.”
Stanley said some students are unaware of all the resources available, even though she believes the university encourages students to speak up. She added that the greatest benefit is 24-hour access.
“Stuff happens all day and night,” she said. “No matter what, it allows assistance.”
She offered simple advice to other students: Don’t hesitate.
“For the most part, we are living alone for the first time,” Stanley said. “They genuinely want to help and are an excellent resource.”
Officers advise students to report anything that does not feel right, regardless of how serious it may seem or whether it turns out to be a misunderstanding. Speaking up, they say, could be what keeps the community safe.
