On Tuesday, January 22, just before 5:00 p.m. two individuals were breaking into a vehicle in Bear Park South. Our dispatch center sent out a Missouri State Alert to make the campus aware of the incident. The notification allows the campus to use appropriate safety precautions. However, during the process of getting the message out, we used the abbreviation for Bear Park South (BPS). Unfortunately, this created confusion. We recognize this was problematic and will make sure we do not do that in the future.

The incident does provide an opportunity to make sure our personal settings are correct. Each individual controls their means of contact within Missouri State Alert. The system is set up so each individual automatically receives the email. If they have provided a phone number, they decide which number(s) will received the voice communication. If they indicate they want to receive it by text, they can include the phone number to receive it as well. They can update their preferences on our website. I encourage everyone to take two minutes to make sure they are receiving the notification the way they prefer.

For me, I receive it via email, voice on my cell and office phone, and via text to my cell phone. This ensures I get it wherever I am at during an emergency.