Recently, the University faced two serious security incidents that tested its emergency alert system. On February 25, a suspect fled from police, prompting a five-hour lockdown. Just days later, on February 27, another alert was issued after an individual attacked someone with a knife on campus. Both situations required the University to keep the community informed with regular updates about the suspects and police actions.
The alert system combines text messages, emails, social media posts, sirens, classroom displays, and updates on the emergency management website. This system is crucial during emergencies. However, during the February 25 incident, some emails were delayed. This left many students unsure if the shelter-in-place order was still active or had been lifted.
During the February 25 lockdown, alerts helped the University community track Nyeem Hill, a known gang affiliate who had fled after a traffic stop. Students and staff were instructed to stay indoors from around 9 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Hill managed to escape police custody later that day. Just two days later, on February 27, another alert was sent out when Edward Conlin Lee stabbed someone and fled. He was captured after about an hour-long lockdown.
Many community members reported confusion with email updates from the University during the February 25 incident. Even after the threat was over and the lockdown was lifted, some continued to receive messages saying to stay indoors due to Hill’s proximity. University spokesperson Bethanie Glover explained that the high volume of emails caused delays in alert delivery, leading to some members receiving outdated information.
“The volume of U.Va. Alerts emails, along with regular email traffic, created a backlog,” Glover said. “While alerts were sent on time, they didn’t arrive in the right order.” In contrast, she noted that text messages and social media updates worked as intended without issues.
Another source of confusion was the emergency management website. An alert from a previous incident in November 2022, which involved a shooting that tragically left three students dead, appeared at the top of the page during the recent events. This made it seem like there was another current threat, even if the date showed it was from the past. Glover assured the community that steps are being taken to ensure messages on the website are clearly dated to avoid future misunderstandings.
The University’s emergency alert systems are managed by the Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT). This team includes members from various departments who coordinate responses to emergencies. The CIMT sends out alerts approximately every 15 minutes, adjusting frequency based on the situation, according to Glover.
The CIMT was formed in 2012 following the adoption of the Critical Incident Management Plan (CIMP). This plan outlines how the University prepares for, responds to, and recovers from emergencies. It includes specific roles for officers during incidents and can be activated only with the declaration of a local or state emergency or a perceived threat on campus.
Once an emergency is identified, University Emergency Management contacts the CIMT to relay information and instructions to the community. During the recent incidents, the shelter-in-place orders were directed by the University to ensure everyone’s safety.
Looking ahead, Glover stated that the University aims to improve its emergency communication systems. Efforts are underway to enhance email capacity to prevent future delays. Community members can share feedback or suggestions related to safety at safety@virginia.edu.
