The West Virginia University Police Department has issued a Community Notice following several recent reports from students about possible drink tampering at off-campus locations. According to the department, there have been at least two cases in which individuals sought medical attention after suspecting their drinks had been altered.
Authorities advise anyone who suspects their drink has been tampered with to notify someone immediately—whether a friend, an employee, or law enforcement—seek medical help, and if possible, save the drink and report the incident to police along with its contents.
The notice also provided safety tips for students. These include keeping drinks in hand at all times, getting a new drink if it is left unattended even briefly, only accepting drinks that can be seen being poured, not sharing drinks or drinking from open containers or punch bowls, and avoiding anything that tastes unusual. Students are encouraged to monitor for visible changes in their beverages and look out for friends while socializing.
Under the University’s Student Code of Conduct and state law, bystanders and those affected by drug or alcohol overdose may qualify for medical amnesty if they seek emergency assistance and meet certain conditions. The guidance instructs anyone witnessing an overdose to call 911 immediately, identify themselves if requested by authorities or medical personnel, remain with the individual if safe to do so, cooperate fully with responders, and provide necessary information.
Students are also encouraged to download the LiveSafe app for discreet communication with University Police.
Additional resources available include campus safety services such as WELLWVU as well as contact information for university support offices like the WVU CARE Team, Carruth Center, Office of Compliance and Prevention Education, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Faculty-Staff Assistance Program, Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center, Office of Campus and Community Life, Student Health Services, and Division of Student Life. Further health and safety resources can be found at https://safety.wvu.edu/ and https://police.wvu.edu/.
