Updated 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Dear UT Community:
This morning the Austin Police Department announced that the person whom they believe to be the bombing suspect is deceased. While this is good news for a community that has been on edge for the past several weeks, we caution there may be lingering threats. This is a developing situation with many unknowns.
UTPD’s newly established bomb task force remains hard at work in its efforts to keep our campus safe. You may still see our bomb-detecting K-9s around as we conduct proactive sweeps. Please do not be alarmed. The presence of our officers does not mean an incident has occurred. The task force will remain in place.
As you make your way around campus this morning we encourage you to continue to remain vigilant. If something seems out of place, trust your instincts and call 9-1-1. Continue to operate by the motto “if you see something, say something.”
Chief David Carter, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department
4:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Dear UT Community:
We understand the bombing incidents that have occurred in and around Austin have caused great concern.
We understand you may be fearful for your safety. We want you to know what we, your University of Texas police officers, are doing to remain as proactive as possible at this uncertain time.
You may notice increased police activity around campus. Our presence does not mean that there is a specific threat — rather, this is our way of protecting the safety of our community. We purposefully continue to be visible and approachable. We want you to feel safe and encourage you to come to us with any concerns. At this time, no concern is viewed as insignificant. Trust your instincts.
Specific to this situation, I have also created a bomb task force, comprised of specially trained UTPD officers with the specific goal of addressing current threats. These officers are knowledgeable in the safe-handling of a bomb. They understand how to identify bomb-making materials and to guide patrol officers who are responding to suspicious packages.
We are also working in partnership with our local, state and federal authorities, who remain ready and willing to assist us should we need it. We stand ready to assist them as well.
In addition to seeing more officers around campus, you may see our specially-trained bomb-detection K-9s. We are no longer waiting for calls about suspicious packages, bags or items to dispatch these dogs. We are, instead, conducting random sweeps of buildings and mail rooms across campus.
We are doing all we can to monitor the situation, adjust our enforcement procedures to best serve you and work closely with university leadership on implementing an effective and coordinated plan.
Again, we have not detected any specific threats to the university. But by working with you, we can work to keep our campus safe. Remember, if you “see something, say something…” and call 9-1-1.
Chief David Carter, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department
