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Safety Alerts & Notices


UWF Notice: Gift Card Scams
April 30, 2023

The UWF Police Department has received reports of a gift card scam.

Scammers contact individuals requesting they purchase and pay them with gift cards.

Scammers use a variety of different scenarios to convince you to purchase and pay them with a gift card, such as posing as an government official demanding payment of a fine, posing as tech support requesting payment for a fabricated issue with you computer, posing as a friend, family member or someone you know in authority (supervisor or boss) with an emergency, advising you have won a prize but must pay a fee or other charges with the gift card, posing as an official from a utility company threatening to cut off service if you don't pay them immediately with a gift card or sending a fake check for the victim to cash requesting a portion of the funds on a gift card.

There are three common practices no matter what scenario the scammer uses:

  • The scammer states the matter is urgent.
  • The scammer usually tells you which gift card to purchase.
  • The scammer asks you for the gift card number and PIN.

For more information, see the Avoiding and Reporting Gift Card Scams article on the Federal Trade Commission website.

If you have any questions or concerns contact the UWFPD at 850.474.2415.


UWF Notice: Reported Sexual Assault
September 29, 2019

An acquaintance sexual assault was reported on 09/29/2019 which occurred between February 2019 and July 2019 in the residence hall on the Main Campus. Here are some safety tips:

  • Listen to your intuition when alone. Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated public areas.
  • Reduce risk in social situations. Go to parties and social events with a group of friends and stay with the group.
  • Don’t reveal too much on social media. Some social media platforms, use GPS locating service. Turn off the location feature of those mobile apps. on your cell phone before going out.

Please report any suspicious activity, please contact the UWF Police Department. If you would like to remain anonymous, please complete and submit a Silent Witness Form (online) located on the UWF Police Department website. Please contact the UWF Police at 850.474.2415 or police@uwf.edu with any questions or concerns and visit uwf.edu/police for campus safety tips.


UWF Notice: Reported Vehicle Burglaries in UWF Parking Lots
March 29, 2019

The University of West Florida Police Department received two complaints of vehicle burglaries in parking lots on campus.

In both of the incidents, the vehicle doors were left unsecured. The University of West Florida Police Department is reminding everyone to secure your vehicle properly. Do not display personal property that can be seen from your car window that you do not want stolen. Furthermore, lock sensitive items in the trunk.

Anyone that has information regarding these incidents, or any suspicious activity, please contact the UWF Police Department. If you would like to remain anonymous, please complete and submit a Silent Witness Form (online).

Please contact the UWF Police at 850.474.2415 or police@uwf.edu with any questions or concerns and visit uwf.edu/police for campus safety tips.


UWF Notice: Reported Suspicious Activity
August 28, 2018

A UWF student reported a male acting suspiciously near building 10, parking lot G of the University of West Florida Pensacola campus.

The male was unknown to the student and was attempting to enter her vehicle without permission. He was described as a latino male, early 20’s, average weight and height and was wearing black shorts and a white t-shirt.

Students, faculty and staff are advised to be aware of your surroundings and keep your doors locked at all times. If you notice any suspicious activity, please immediately contact the UWF Police Department at 850.474.2415.

UWF provides several precautionary measures to ensure the safety of UWF students, faculty and staff.

Blue Light System: Emergency Blue Lights are freestanding white poles or wall mounted boxes strategically located throughout the UWF Pensacola Campus. The poles or boxes are identified with the word "EMERGENCY" in red letters. There is a strobe light on top of each pole or box. UWF has more than 50 blue lights strategically located throughout the Pensacola campus. They can be found in parking lots and jogging areas, on walkways and near classrooms. These lights provide a direct connection to the UWF Police.

Safety Escorts: Safety escorts are available on campus 24/7. Those on campus should dial 850.474.2415 and request an escort to escort them to another building or to their residence hall. The escort should present a business card when they make contact with the person and also have a photo identification card.

Mobile Alert is a broadcasting messaging system utilized by the university in emergency situations. To find more information regarding Mobile Alert, visit the Enroll in Mobile Alert page or locate the application in MyUWF by searching Mobile Alert.

Please contact UWF Police at 850.474.2415 or uwfpolice@uwf.edu with any questions or concerns and visit uwf.edu/police for campus safety tips.


UWF Notice: Reported Sexual Battery
February 23, 2018

On Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, the University of West Florida Police Department received a report of an acquaintance sexual battery, which occurred on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 after 11 p.m. at President's Hall on the Pensacola campus. This matter is being responded to, pursuant to appropriate University policies and procedures.

This notification serves to provide information about campus safety situations and allow the UWF community to take precautions for personal safety. The following are general safety tips for acquaintance sexual battery:

  • Make sure to have active consent before engaging in any sexual act. A person who is intoxicated is not able to give active consent.
  • Mixed messages from your partner are a clear indication that you should stop and communicate. You may be misreading the person. Clearly communicate your intentions to your partner and give them a chance to clearly relate their intentions to you. Make sure you have mutual consent.
  • Do not be a bystander. If you see someone attempting to take advantage of another person, take appropriate action.

The University encourages prompt reporting of all types of sexual misconduct. The UWF Police Department can be reached at 850.474.2415.


UWF Public Safety Notice
January 4, 2018

As we start the new year, it is an important time to remind our campus community to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings. This week, the University of West Florida, along with numerous other universities and colleges inside and outside of Florida, received an emailed extortion warning demanding payment in Bitcoin that threatened to carry out violence on campus if payments were not made.

State and federal authorities were contacted immediately regarding this matter and they are conducting an investigation. While deemed by law enforcement as likely non-credible, all threats against the University are taken seriously. We will provide updates if additional information becomes available or if conditions warrant.

If you notice any suspicious activity, please report it by contacting the UWF Police Department at 850.474.2415.