If someone you know has made a statement that they are thinking about causing harm to a specific person, or even not so specific but instead a more broad statement about wanting to hurt others on campus, the best thing to do is share that information with those on campus who are trained to assess the situation and to provide help and protection.
Don't worry about if you are overreacting-- let those who are trained determine that. You won't face trouble for reporting a concern you have, and the alternative-- wondering "what if I should have said something?"-- is too great a burden for you to carry. Even if the person you're concerned about has told you they don't want help, it is better to know they are being offered support, even if they are mad at you. Friendships can recover when the person is feeling better, but the most pressing and important matter is to ensure protection for all involved, and to get support for the person who is struggling enough to feel they may want to harm others.
Sometimes you may be concerned about someone not because of a threat they have made, but because their words or behavior have you worried that they are unpredictable, and you just don't know if that means they could become dangerous to themselves or other people. Even if they haven't said anything particularly threatening, share what you know. Once again, trained professionals can make the determination of whether help is needed, taking the burden off of your shoulders.
It is scary to think about calling the police. We learn from an early age you should only call for emergencies, and it is important not to waste their time. However, sharing concerns about a person's well-being or about how they may impact the well-being of others is not wasting their time-- that is exactly why the police are here: to protect our community.
CNU's Police Department is specially trained in how to work with college students. They are not looking to cause trouble for the person you are worried about, and they will not show up sirens blaring or arrest the person. They will contact the person of concern in a discreet way, gather information, and based upon that information will determine what steps to take to help ensure the safety of that person and others. If a threat has been made against a specific other person, they will notify that person and work with them to develop a plan for their safety.
The police will not tell the person of concern who contacted them. Your report will be confidential.
You can call the CNU Police Department at 757-594-7777. This is the best way to ensure they can ask you questions for clarification so they have as much information as possible. You can tell them you wish to remain anonymous if that would make you most comfortable. Unlike other resources, the police are also available 24/7.
However, if you'd prefer, you can also complete an anonymous Silent Witness form that will go to CNU Police. Click here to complete a Silent Witness form. Because the form is anonymous, the police will not be able to follow up with you, so if you decide to share information this way, be sure to share everything you can think to.
If you would prefer, you could also share what you know with the Dean of Students Office. While it may feel more comfortable talking with someone from this office, the downside is that they are not available to respond 24/7. Especially if you have any reason to believe that help is urgently needed, you should contact the police rather than the Dean of Students Office. However, if this is the preferred choice for you, you will get the fastest response by calling 757-594-7160 and stating you have a concern about threatening behavior. They will connect you with the best person in the office to help you.