Follow up to the Erroneous Shots Fired Dispatch Call on August 30

Posted on August 31, 2023, 9:46 AM

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has assessed the cause of an Erroneous Shots Fired Message that went out to the Pepperdine Community Wednesday evening and concluded it was an unintentional mistake. We apologize for the undue concern it has caused our community.

Within seconds, DPS and University officials were investigating the validity of the message. While they researched this possibility, officers and administrators spoke with employees in Calabasas, reviewed the call log, and viewed Calabasas camera footage to, with the greatest amount of certainty possible, confirm there was no actual shots fired report in Calabasas. Receiving those confirming details that it was not an actual emergency, within 16 minutes of the first message, DPS Dispatch sent a correcting message noting the first communication was in error.

Upon receipt of the initial message, University administrators and officers from the University’s Department of Public Safety went to the Calabasas campus and met with Los Angeles Sheriff’s department (LASD). Sheriff’s deputies accessed the building and cleared it. No employees or students were present in the building at the time the first message went out. Out of an abundance of caution, LASD also sent officers to Malibu.

While we are relieved that the message was in error, we deeply regret the error. We apologize to the Pepperdine community for the undue concern and the additional work it has caused. The Emergency Operations Committee and Department of Public Safety will conduct a review of its testing procedures, training, and protocols to avoid a repeat of this error.

Erroneous Shots Fired Message

Posted on August 30, 2023, 10:50 PM

An erroneous message of shots fired at the Calabasas campus was sent at 9:45 PM this evening. The University has confirmation that there have been no shots fired. Out of an abundance of caution, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department officers responded to the scene and confirmed there is no danger or threat to the University community. We understand this was a concerning message to receive and realize this undoubtedly caused some distress. We sincerely regret this error. All Pepperdine campuses are safe and secure. 

All Pepperdine Operations Normal Following Tropical Storm Hilary

Posted on August 21, 2023, 6:09 AM

Pepperdine officials continue to closely monitor the effects of tropical storm Hilary. The National Weather Service has discontinued tropical storm warnings and tropical storm watches for our area and predicts light rain with the potential for thunderstorms this morning through 11 AM. All roadways remain open, including Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Road, and Pacific Coast Highway, though it will be common to see rocks and other debris on the road at various times following a storm. Agencies continue  to stage additional resources to address challenges as needed. 

As a result, University campuses remain open and classes will be held as scheduled.

We are aware that many local school districts, including Los Angeles Unified School District have canceled classes and after-school programs today. Employees who have school-aged children where these closures impact their ability to report to work today should contact their supervisor.

Community members are encouraged to be vigilant, drive slowly and carefully, leave plenty of extra time for travel, and stay informed about conditions by accessing the resources below:

• Emergency Information webpage: emergency.pepperdine.edu
• Road hotline: 310.506.ROAD (7623)
• Emergency hotline: 888.286.5659