Swatting Call Update

The following message was sent to University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) students, faculty, and staff:

Our priority is always the safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors on our campus.

“Swatting” calls, or false reports intended to trigger a large law enforcement response, have occurred at hundreds of schools and universities across the country in recent years.

Earlier today, our campus became the latest target of a swatting incident.

Around 5 P.M., officers with the University of Nebraska Police and Public Safety Department (UNPPSD) and Omaha Police Department (OPD) responded to a “shots fired” call referencing Criss Library on UNO’s Dodge Campus. The call was initially received by Douglas County 911, who then notified UNPPSD Dispatch.

Individuals on or near campus today may have noticed a large police presence as both departments worked quickly to assess reports from on-scene officers and surveillance video. Both teams immediately verified no threat existed, and therefore, no emergency lockdown order was issued.

UNPPSD and OPD are continuing to investigate the incident.

I want to express my gratitude to students, faculty, staff, community members, OPD officers, UNPPSD officers, UNPPSD Dispatch, the Omaha Fire Department, and Douglas County 911 Dispatch for their quick action, support, and leadership.

Thank you,

Charlotte Evans

Associate Vice Chancellor

Chief of Police

University of Nebraska Police and Public Safety Department