What does a timely warning aim to do?

A timely warning is designed to alert the campus community of potential threats to safety, such as incidents of violence or crime that pose an ongoing risk. This notification is crucial for enabling individuals to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves. The Clery Act mandates that institutions issue timely warnings to help ensure the safety of students and staff following certain types of incidents.

The goal is to disseminate information that empowers the campus community to remain vigilant and informed about risks they might face. This proactive approach can help prevent further incidents and foster a safer environment. Options like informing local law enforcement, keeping the incident confidential, or minimizing the security budget do not align with the primary purpose of a timely warning, which is rooted in community awareness and safety.