October 27, 2021. This article has been updated with University of Redlands Chief of Public Safety Jeff Talbott’s statements.
Since the start of the Fall 2021 semester, there have been several security incidents on the University of Redlands main campus. While the University has reached out via email on each of these occasions to inform students about these incidents, the seemingly regularity of them is cause for concern.
Here is a complete timeline of the incidents so far:
In a Bulldog Be Safe alert, Public Safety reported that around 9:30 p.m. on August 31st, Public Safety officers arrived at Ted Runner Stadium after four males in their twenties who appeared to have been drinking were “aggressive and uncooperative when confronted by event organizers and Public Safety officers.” The Redlands Police Department was called for support; however, the men, all of whom were non-students, left before the officers could arrive.
Later that night, around 10:45 p.m., two of the same men were reported drinking outside of Bekins Hall. After being asked to leave by a group of students, the men became threatening. It was later reported that one of the men was thought to have been carrying a gun in his waistband.
The following night, September 1st, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Public Safety arrived outside Bekins/Holt after the same two individuals were reported to be at a Johnson Center event. The men were reportedly eating and drinking at the event without creating any disturbances. After speaking with Public Safety, the men agreed to leave the premises. Public Safety made it clear that if the men were found on campus again, they would be arrested for trespassing.
The two individuals present on campus were described as being a Hispanic male, 5’9”, 150lbs and a White male, 6’, 180lbs.
A week later, a Bulldog Be Safe Alert was sent out regarding an incident that occurred at an organizational house on campus on the evening of September 3rd. A man entered the house and attempted to sell narcotics to those present. After being asked to leave there was a brief altercation. Both Public Safety and the Redlands Police Department were called to the scene and the man was promptly arrested.
The next morning, when returning to get his vehicle, the man became hostile and was advised that, if he returned to campus, he would be arrested.
In the same Bulldog Be Safe alert, students were made aware of a recurring incident within the Brockton University Apartments. On at least three occasions, there were reports of a man peeking into bathroom and bedroom windows on the first and second floors of the complex. The man allegedly stood on outdoor air conditioning units in an attempt to look through windows on the second floor. A majority of these instances have reportedly occurred on the West side of Brockton, adjacent to the Farquhar Field between the hours of 8 p.m. and midnight.
On September 24th, residents of the Brockton Apartments were made aware via an email from Residence Life and Housing of another incident within the complex. The night prior, at around 9:40 p.m. a Public Safety Officer spotted an unknown male at the window of an apartment. When approached, the man jumped a fence in an attempt to escape. Public Safety officers were dispatched to locate the man’s vehicle and the Redlands Police Department sent undercover personnel to offer additional assistance.
Further information regarding this incident can be found on the Redlands Police Department Facebook Page. That night, officers with the Redlands Police Department located the man’s vehicle and waited until he returned. Upon returning, the man fled the scene exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. When confronted by officers the following day, the man admitted that he was the individual seen peering into students’ apartments. Due to the fact that the individual has no prior convictions for indecent exposure, the crime is considered a misdemeanor. The case has been sent to the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed.
The Redlands Bulldog reached out to Director of Media Relations and University Communications Stephanie Johnson on September 29, who indicated that Public Safety would be unable to provide further details regarding this incident given the ongoing investigation by the Redlands Police Department.
In response to the recurring incidents within the Brockton Apartments, all the locks on the exterior doors in Brockton have been changed in order to increase student safety within the complex.
The Bulldog also contacted Public Safety directly seeking comment on how they are increasing security and what measures they are taking to make students feel safer on campus in light of the on-campus incidents. In response, University of Redlands Chief of Public Safety Jeff Talbott issued the following statements on October 27:
“Public Safety has increased the frequency of patrols in the areas where unwelcome activity has occurred, as identified in the previous Bulldog Be Safe announcements. Officers are conducting patrols of these areas in vehicles, as well as on foot.”
“During 24/7 vehicle and foot patrols on and around campus, Public Safety continually monitors environmental issues such as campus lighting, building access, suspicious vehicles or persons, and any other factors which contribute towards enhanced safety. In addition, our 24/7 dispatch center monitors over 125 security cameras on campus and directs officers to respond to activities which appear suspicious in nature.”
In the Bulldog Safety Alerts regarding the recent security incidents, students on campus have been advised to: if possible, walk with a friend; be aware of your surroundings at all times; unless in immediate danger, refrain from confronting unwanted guests on campus; and keep windows and window coverings closed, especially at night.
If you feel unsafe, or observe anything suspicious on campus, please contact Public Safety at 909-748-8888 or ext. 8888. In an emergency, please contact 911 for immediate assistance.
Photo contributed by Bulldog Photo Editor Kyle Eaton.
