Category: Messages to Students

Title: Investigating False Fire Alarms

Dear Residents of Harbin Hall,

We are deeply concerned about the continued occurrence of false fire alarms that endanger the safety of the entire community.

As you are no doubt aware, there was another false alarm in the building over the weekend, as a direct result of two separate pull station activations. Additionally, a smoke detector was destroyed. This conduct is antithetical to our community values and expectations of Georgetown students.

We remind the community that knowingly causing a false alarm of fire is a misdemeanor in the District of Columbia Criminal Code (Section 22-1319), punishable by fine and/or imprisonment up to six months, and a violation of the Georgetown University Code of Student Conduct (Code).

Based on helpful information from Harbin residents, GUPD has opened a criminal investigation. Please contact GUPD with any additional information at 202-687-4343 or confidentially and anonymously through the LiveSafe app.

In addition, we have also implemented new technologies to identify the individual(s) that have been engaging in this unacceptable behavior.

Consistent with the Code of Student Conduct’s Sanctioning Guidelines, any student found responsible for a false fire alarm will face significant consequences, including but not limited to suspension or dismissal from the University, even for a first-time violation.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility that is of the utmost importance to each of us. Thank you for your care for each other and for the safety of our community.

Sincerely,

Jeanne F. Lord, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Jay Gruber
Associate Vice President for Public Safety