CIVIL DISTURBANCE OR DEMONSTRATION
The following procedures should be observed when dealing with a Civil Disturbance or Demonstration. In the event that a violent demonstration occurs in which injury to persons or property appears imminent, these steps should be taken. 1. A threatening disturbance should be reported immediately to the Police Department (911). 2. After notifying the police department, notify the Local Campus Facilities Director who will initiate appropriate Evacuation procedures in accordance with Section 3.H. if the disturbance is not currently occurring in the immediate area. a. Politely terminate phone calls and conversation b. If you believe time permits shut down computers, machinery and word processing equipment, and secure confidential files and materials. (Loss of physical items or information is not as important as your safety.) c. Once evacuation process begins, do NOT go back to your desk. Obtaining your personal belongings is acceptable if they are readily available or located in your path of travel to the exit or stairwell. Use common sense and do not delay others. d. The last person leaving any enclosed area should close the door without locking it. This will help protect your area. e. All NLU personnel have the responsibility to assist in the orderly evacuation or movement of individuals in accordance with the published procedures for that site. f. When the Police/Fire Departments arrive, they take over/assume control of the situation and the building until the emergency is declared over. g. The Police Department will assess the situation and confer the appropriate area head if available and if time permits. Participants who refuse to disperse will be arrested if any laws have been violated. 3. Depending on where the civil disturbance, the Facility Manager may initially advise against evacuation. For instance, if there is a disturbance in downtown Chicago already occurring, the guidance may be to stay inside the Chicago campus in a safe place until further notice and a lockdown notice may be put in place. Please be advised: The local Police/Fire Departments have full legal authority to require or not require evacuations at their discretion, and in fact have the authority to over-ride standard University procedures.
Evacuations can place personnel at risk of injury and therefore decisions to do so are carefully considered in order to minimize risk.
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