With the current buzz about clown sightings on the Iowa State campus, police officers are urging students to report suspicious activity.
While no reports have been made to the ISU Police Department, students around campus have been posting on their social media accounts about clown sightings. The Twitter account @IowaClowns has been posting sightings, including ones on the Iowa State campus.
ISU Police social media personnel have been monitoring claims of sightings around campus. While no threats have arisen, Deputy Chief Carrie Jacobs encourages students to forward legitimate sightings to ISU Police so they can further address the situation.
With the current spread of clown sightings, caution is key when students are out late at night.
“First and foremost, if you can, walk with friends or see if somebody can pick you up,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs also suggests students download the SafeRide ISU app, which will aid them in receiving a ride to their on-campus destination. Students also are encouraged to contact the HelpVan.
“What we are asking individuals to do is to not let the hype of social media freak them out," Jacobs said.
Although the clowns aren’t physically engaging with students, it’s important to be aware of self-defense methods.
Matthew Hamann, lecturer in kinesiology, teaches a class called HapKiDo/Self-Defense, which teaches students from all majors combat skills that could be useful to them.
“It’s always good to have some kind of tool to help you in some way, shape or form,” Hamann said.
Hamann’s class provides students with a good start to learn self-defense techniques as it gives students different options and ideas of how to react in different scenarios.
In terms of clowns or other suspicious people approaching a student on campus, Hamann recommends students “make sure to draw attention.”
By aggressively yelling out that somebody is approaching, other bystanders around the area will be made aware of the situation so they can help the victim or call for help. Hamann also suggests victims put their hands up in defense.
Regarding self-defense, Jacobs maintains that “every student, faculty and staff member is entitled to self-defense," whether that's through pepper spray or physical self-defense techniques.
“If they feel that they are in danger of injury or worse, by all means they are more than allowed to defend themselves," Jacobs said.
Although the current clown sightings don’t currently pose a threat to members of the Iowa State community, this can be applied to other circumstances on campus as well.
Mikinna Kerns, sophomore in integrated studio arts, said that although she has taken precautions such as driving in groups instead of walking, her concern is for the safety of the clowns.
“I think it’s probably a couple people who think it’s funny to imitate the clowns that have been in other places," Kerns said.
Clown sightings around the United States have resulted in serious consequences to perpetrators and victims.
“If someone takes it as a joke and starts chasing someone and they turn around and have a knife or a car key and they start defending themselves it could be bad for both parties. If it’s a joke, people need to get a better sense of humor,” Kerns said.
Jacobs urges students to not dress as clowns this Halloween, as it could be dangerous for them considering people are sensitive to the issue right now.