You are here: American University Finance Communications Safety Advisory, July 28, 2023

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Memorandum July 28, 2023

Dear AU Community,

We wanted to make you aware that on July 28, 2023, at 12:46 am a robbery occurred on the public sidewalk adjacent to the American University Campus at 3501 Nebraska Ave, N.W. Staff on behalf of the victim contacted American University Police Department (AUPD) who immediately responded to the scene. This morning at approximately 6:00 am, the suspects were arrested by the Metropolitan Police Department.

General Safety Tips

  • Be aware of those around you and of your surroundings in general.
  • Never travel alone at night always travel with a friend or group.
  • Use Public Transportation or Ride Share to traverse the city.
  • Carry your cell phone and keep it accessible.
  • Be aware of the emergency telephones (yellow boxes on pillars, blue light phone towers, and red telephones) located on campus, in building lobbies, elevators and in parking lots.

Please remember to program the University Police Department number into your cell phone for emergencies: (202) 885-3636. Call 911 if you are off campus.  

Additionally, the University Police provides escorts, twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week, for community members to and from university-owned property. To arrange an escort, call (202)885-2527 or use a blue light or red emergency phone. 

If you are a student, faculty, or staff, download the Rave Guardian Safety App.

Sincerely,

Phil Morse 
Assistant Vice President, University Police & Emergency Management