Report a Crime

Reporting a Crime

Report a Crime, Suspicious Activity, or Emergency 24/7

Anyone can report a crime, suspicious activity, or an emergency at any time.

To report a crime or suspicious activity, call police dispatch at: 703.764.5000

Emergency Contacts

  • For emergencies, call 911. Local dispatchers will notify NOVA police immediately, and an officer will respond as soon as possible.

LiveSafe App

Enhancing Campus Safety with LiveSafe

To bolster campus safety, NOVA offers the LiveSafe mobile app. This app improves communication between students, faculty, staff, and NOVA Police while facilitating emergency responses.

The LiveSafe app allows you to:

  • Report tips or request emergency services anonymously.
  • Share your location with NOVA Police.
  • Enable friends or family to monitor your movements.
  • Share your concerns and suggestions with NOVA Police.
  • Access critical safety information at your fingertips.

Getting the app is quick, easy, and FREE!

  1. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download the LiveSafe app (look for the blue shield icon).
  2. Choose NOVA from the list of schools.
  3. Fill in your name and contact information so we can reach you in case of an emergency.

Make a Clery Report

  • If you witness or are a victim of a crime on a NOVA campus, its adjacent public areas, or properties under NOVA control, please file a formal Clery report.
  • You can report in person to any NOVA officer or campus police office, call dispatch, or use NOVA Form 105-174. Many reports will be included in the College’s Annual Security Report.

Every crime reported is thoroughly investigated. All responses, including warnings, referrals, summons, or arrests, will be documented.

Panic Dialers

Stay Safe with Panic Dialers

Campus telephones in classrooms, offices, and select locations are equipped with “panic buttons.”

  • Activation sends an automatic message for assistance to College Police without needing to make a voice call.
  • This triggers an immediate police response (for off-campus sites, College Police will assess the appropriate response), even if activated accidentally.

In emergencies, dial 911 instead of using the panic dialer.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA)

Report Crimes to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)

At NOVA, you can also report crimes to a Campus Security Authority (CSA). The Clery Act defines a CSA as campus personnel with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

  • CSAs have a legal obligation to report suspected criminal activity to the NOVA Police Department, ensuring all crimes are statistically included in the College's Annual Security Report.

Reportable crimes are those occurring on or near college property, including on-campus property and off-campus property owned or controlled by the College.

CSAs include:

  • Campus police or security personnel.
  • Individuals responsible for campus security who are not part of the police or security department.
  • Individuals specified in the institution’s security policy for reporting criminal offenses.
  • Officials with significant responsibility for student and campus activities.

Exemptions:

  • Pastoral Counselors: Individuals providing confidential counseling recognized by a religious order.
  • Professional Counselors: Those offering mental health counseling within the scope of their license or certification.

Important Note: At NOVA, Academic Counselors are considered CSAs as they do not meet the Clery definition of professional counselors.