Photo by Asyrique Thevendran/The Gazelle

NYU Abu Dhabi Public Safety addressed the community’s security concerns following the arrest by the Abu Dhabi Police of an Emirati woman. The woman is suspected of murdering a U.S. American teacher in Boutik Mall on Dec. 1 and of placing a homemade explosive device on the door of U.S. American–Egyptian doctor’s apartment on Dec. 2.

In an email to The Gazelle, Associate Director of NYUAD Public Safety Robert Titus explained that in spite of the suggestion that victims were targeted because of their nationality, there is no evidence that anyone associated with NYUAD is under any threat. Titus emphasized that the university continues to monitor the situation and maintains open communication with the authorities.

“[W]e continuously evaluate and refine our security protocols and we maintain strong relationships with local and international security officials, governments and American intelligence experts, including those at the US Embassy,” he wrote.

In both this and previous campus-wide communications, Titus highlighted the importance of NYUAD community members carrying their ID cards with them at all times and complying with Public Safety officials if requested to display it during routine ID checks on campus. When asked about other policies intended to ensure the safety of the community, Titus reported a set of measures were in place but that these were not to be disclosed to the public.

The absence of defined disciplinary measures for community members who fail to show their ID cards does not preclude the university from taking action, said Titus

“We would hope that all members of the community appreciate that while carrying and displaying an NYUAD ID card can be a bit of an annoyance at times, the policy is intended to help keep our community safe,” he added.

He invited all members to remain aware of their environment.

“Members of our community can be most helpful by being aware, observant, and by being guided by the adage, ‘if you see something, say something,’” Titus wrote. “One of the best counter-measures we have to those who would threaten our community is an engaged, alert, and active community.”

NYUAD community members are advised to update their contact information through the Student Portal or Workday to ensure Public Safety has a point of contact in case of an emergency.