Challenging Strangers

‌Have you ever been walking to your job and you see an unfamiliar person looking around. Or perhaps you have entered your building and a stranger tags along behind you? Have these situations ever made you curious – and if so what would you do about it?

In many cases the ‘stranger’ may be nothing more than a new employee, or someone from another site looking for a colleague.  They may also be contractors or customers who are there for a meeting.  They could even just be lost.

Sadly, they could also be intent on causing the University harm.

For a number of reasons, a University of Bristol site will be of interest to certain people.  From job seekers to journalists or those wishing to inflict damage on the University’s reputation or to commit crime, their reasons can be varied – but they have to be dealt with promptly and correctly.

So, how can you find out if a stranger is on the premises for legitimate reasons, or is there by mistake, or has more sinister intentions?

You need to ask them questions.

It may not of course be easy to stop and question a stranger.  Some may take it as confrontational – which you must always try to avoid.  But it is vital to ensure we all challenge people we do not recognise as being an employee or legitimate visitor. Remember, all University of Bristol staff and students should be wearing or carrying a U Card.

So, here are some simple tips to challenging strangers on University premises:-

• First, quickly assess the situation. If you decide challenging the person would put you at risk then ask a colleague or manager to accompany you.  Never challenge someone you feel would be a threat to your safety.
• Always greet the person and identify yourself to them.
• Be courteous and polite, but also be firm.  In a friendly and positive manner, ask them “May I help you?” If you are polite and smiling it removes the awkwardness of the situation and shows you to be friendly and helpful.  It means that you will not be embarrassed if the person is just a new employee or has a reason for being on the premises.
• If the person tries to avoid you or your question then ask again.  As an example, if you ask, “May I help you?” and they reply “No thanks, I’m fine,” persist in your questioning. Do not be easily put off.
• If they are not a visitor, ask to see their U Card.
• Use open-ended questions which will help get a detailed reply from the person. Ask questions such as “Who are you looking for?” “What department are you visiting?” “What brings you here?”
• If the person says they are here for an appointment, guide them to the visitor’s area and contact the appropriate persons to verify the visitor is expected.
• If the person does not belong in the area, firmly and politely inform them you will take them to the reception area and escort them off the premises.  At that point you can get assistance to identify the person with help from a manager. If the person decides to leave then make sure you report the incident to your manager/Security Services and give a description of the person. This will help your colleagues should they try to return.
• Call for assistance from Security Services on 0117 3311223 or internal 112233.

NEVER APPROACH A STRANGER IF IT SEEMS UNSAFE OR IF YOU SUSPECT WEAPONS ARE PRESENT. ALWAYS INFORM YOUR MANAGER AND SECURITY SERVICES AND REPORT YOUR SUSPICIONS.

By working together, we can ensure the safety and security of colleagues, students and visitors to our University.

Please see the attached poster relating to Challenge Strangers (PDF, 459kB)‌ this can be printed off and used in your place of work.