Fire Alarms

The purpose of this policy is to provide University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Officers with guidelines for responding to Fire Alarms in any of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville buildings and structures.

Policy: Fire Alarms

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: N/A

Issue Date: August 5, 2011

Reviewed Date: March 25, 2026

Revised Date: March 25, 2026

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to provide University of Wisconsin-Platteville Police Officers with guidelines for responding to Fire Alarms in any of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville buildings and structures.

Policy:

Fire alarms are reported via telephone and/or over the Campus Police Radio Frequency.  All fire alarms should be investigated, a case number shall be assigned, and the case will be documented in an incident report.

Definitions:

N/A

Procedures:

1. Notification of an alarm
   1. Upon being notified of a fire, the officer should proceed to the scene quickly, but safely, to access the situation.  The officer will gather information at the scene and respond to the alarm panel, if possible, to check the location of the alarm. 
   2. If possible, investigate the wing/location of the fire to see what type of fire response is necessary.
   3. If a fire department response is necessary, notify dispatch to page the fire department and then establish traffic control at the scene to protect Fire Department equipment.
   4. The officer will be available for “law enforcement” type assistance as requested by the Fire Department Officer in Charge.
2. Major Fire & Arson Incidents
   1. If the fire appears to be either a major fire or suspected arson, the responding officer should notify the University Police Chief as soon as possible.
   2. Preserve the scene as much as possible, making sure to photograph and document the scene.
   3. Coordinate investigation with: Platteville Fire Department, Fire Marshal, State Crime Lab, and others.
3. Malfunctioning Alarms
   1. If an alarm system is malfunctioning, the UW-Platteville Police Officer will contact the University Electrician as soon as possible for repairs.  If a “trouble” alarm is sounding, the Officer will submit a maintenance report prior to the end of his/her shift.  At no time will an alarm system be shut down without contacting the electrician.
4. Reporting
   1. Officers will complete an incident report in the UW-Platteville Police Records Management System, specifically a Fire Alarm Report.  The report should be completed with all the necessary information.
   2. For all fires, the incident will be forwarded to the Platteville Fire Department Fire Chief, Facilities, and the University Environmental Health and Safety Specialist as soon as it has been completed and reviewed by a Supervisor.