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Duress Function -Staff User Guide
The duress function is a silent safety feature available to select staff members through their phone or designated workstation devices. Its purpose is to allow staff to discreetly request immediate assistance from University Security when they feel threatened, unsafe, or compromised.
This function is designed to prioritize your safety while minimizing escalation in volatile situations.
Section 1: When to use the Duress Function
Activate the duress function any time you feel your personal safety is at risk, including situations that are developing or unclear. Trust your judgment.
Common examples include:
- Hostile or aggressive individuals
- Workplace violence or credible threats
- Robbery or theft in progress
- Weapon sightings
- Domestic disputes entering the workplace
- Suspicious behavior involving secure or restricted areas
- Medical emergencies involving a threatening or unstable individual
- Direct personal threats from visitors, coworkers, or unknown persons
Section 2: How to Activate Duress
Phone or Workstation Duress Button
- Press the duress button on your phone or workstation.
- This should be done discreetly when possible.
- Do not announce or explain that you have activated duress.
- Remain as calm as possible and follow normal interaction unless safety requires otherwise.
Sub Section: Alternate Method (If Duress Button is Not Accessible)
- Dial 911 from your personal cell phone, and immediately contact security thereafter at 651-793-1717
- Use the Security Collaboration Channel in Microsoft Teams, if available and safe to do so, to alert Security.
Section 3: What Happens After Activation
Once the duress function is activated:
- University Security is immediately notified.
- Security officers begin real-time assessment, which may include:
- Camera monitoring
- Patrol response
- Security will determine the appropriate response level.
- 911 will be contacted by Security when the situation is verified as an emergency.
- The response is coordinated to avoid confusion or duplication of emergency calls.
You do not need to call 911 yourself once duress is activated unless specifically instructed to do so by Security.
Section 4: Cameras and Monitoring
· Activation of duress prompts active camera monitoring in the area when available.
· Video is used solely to:
- Assess the situation
- Identify risks
- Support responding officers and emergency services
Section 5: Important Guidelines for Staff
· Use the duress function early rather than late.
· You will not be penalized for activating duress in good faith.
· The duress function is silent—use it confidently without fear of escalation.
· After the incident, Security may follow up to ensure your well-being and document the response.
Section 6: Questions or Support
If you have questions about the duress function, its use, or whether it is enabled on your device, contact:
University Security
Email: security@metrostate.edu
For immediate danger, always prioritize your safety.