Cisco IP Phone: Duress Button Function - Staff User Guide

Overview

The duress function is a silent safety feature on designated, work-issued phones and workstations. It lets staff discreetly request immediate assistance from University Security if they feel threatened or unsafe, or if a situation may be developing. 

It is designed to prioritize safety while minimizing escalation. 

When to Use the Duress Function

Activate the duress function any time your personal safety feels at risk - even if the situation is unclear or still developing. You do not need to prove an emergency; trust your judgement.

Common situations include, but are not limited to: 

  • Hostile or aggressive behavior
  • Workplace violence or credible threats
  • Robbery or theft in progress
  • Weapon sighting
  • Domestic disputes entering the workplace
  • Suspicious behavior in secure or restricted areas
  • Medical emergency involving a threatening or unstable individual
  • Direct threats from visitors, coworkers, or unknown persons

Early activation allows Security to assess the situation before it escalates. 

How to Activate Duress

CISCO Phone with an arrow pointing towards the bottom button on the right hand side; which is the duress panic button

Using a Phone or Workstation Duress Button

  1. Press the duress button on your assigned phone or workstation.
  2. Activate discreetly whenever possible.
  3. Do not announce or explain that duress has been activated.
  4. Remain as calm as possible and continue normal interaction unless your safety requires otherwise.

Alternate Methods (If Duress Is Not Accessible)

If a duress-enabled device is not available:

  • Call 911 from a personal cell phone. When safe, notify University Security at 651-793-1717.
  • If applicable, use the Security Collaboration Channel in Microsoft Teams. 

What Happens After Activation

When the duress function is activated:

  • University Security is immediately notified.
  • Security assesses the situation in real time, which may include:
    • Camera monitoring (when available)
    • Patrol or in-person response
  • Security determines the appropriate response level and contacts 911 when an emergency is confirmed.

This coordinated approach helps prevent duplicate or conflicting emergency calls. After activating duress, you do not need to call 911 unless Security instructs you to. 

Cameras and Monitoring

When available, activating duress prompts Security to begin camera monitoring in the area.

Video is used only to: 

  • Assess the situation
  • Identify risks
  • Support responding officers and emergency services 

Monitoring is used for safety and response only. 

Important Guidelines for Staff

  • Use the duress function early rather than late. 
  • You will not be penalized for activating duress in good faith.
  • Keep the activation discreet to avoid escalation. 
  • After the incident, Security may follow up to:
    • Confirm your well-being
    • Document the response
    • Confirm your well-being
    • Document the response

Why Duress Is Enabled on Select Devices

Duress is a high-priority safety tool, not a general-use communication feature. Limiting it to designated, work-issued devices helps ensure trained use, reduces accidental or inappropriate activations, prevents alert fatigue, and preserves the urgency and credibility of each alert. 

Design Intent

They system is designed to: 

  • Activate silently
  • Support early reporting for uncertain or developing safety concerns
  • Trigger immediate security awareness and response

Device-Based Control

Duress-enabled devices are placed in:

  • High sensitivity operational areas
  • Public facing and student service locations
  • Select classrooms

Response Model:

  • Alerts are handled by the Saint Paul Security team
  • Full on-site response capability

Rationale:

  • Higher public interaction volume
  • Dedicated on-site security presence
  • Immediate response capability 

Minneapolis Campuses (MEC & HELEN)

Duress-enabled devices are limited to:

  • Classroom environments only

Response Model:

  • Alerts routed to Minneapolis College Security (primary responders)
  • Metro State Security leadership engaged as needed 

Rationale:

  • Different response jurisdiction
  • No direct Saint Paul response capability
  • Smaller footprint and lower density of public-facing operations
  • Prevents misrouted or delayed responses
    • Actual risk exposure
    • Response capability
    • Operational sustainability 

Questions or Support

For questions about:

  • Duress functionality
  • Whether duress is enabled on your device
  • Training or usage expectations

Contact University Security at security@metrostate.edu.

For immediate danger, always prioritize your safety.

 

Print Article