Police Clear UW-Whitewater Rock County Campus After Shots Fired Scare
Law enforcement officials have fully cleared the UW-Whitewater Rock County campus following a frightening security incident on Friday afternoon. A large contingent of police officers converged on the Janesville location on January 23, 2026. They responded to an initial report of shots fired near the university grounds. After a meticulous search, investigators determined that no shooting occurred. Authorities confirmed there is no active threat to the students or the surrounding community.
Officers Rush to Kellogg Avenue
The tense situation began in the mid-afternoon hours. Rock County Communications received a 911 call at approximately 2:55 p.m. The caller reported hearing sounds resembling gunfire near the campus. The facility sits at 2909 Kellogg Avenue in Janesville.
Dispatchers treated the situation as a potential active shooter event. They immediately alerted multiple law enforcement agencies. The Rock County Sheriff’s Office led the rapid response. Deputies arrived at the scene within minutes.
Local police units from Janesville and surrounding areas also responded. They quickly established a perimeter around the school. Officers blocked traffic on Kellogg Avenue to prevent civilians from entering a potential danger zone.
Police set up a command post to coordinate the operation. Their primary objective involved securing the buildings and locating the source of the noise. The heavy police presence alarmed neighbors and passersby. However, this level of response is standard procedure for such reports.
“Run! Hide! Fight!” Alert Sent to Students
University officials acted quickly to protect the student body. The school activated its emergency notification system moments after the police received the call. Students and faculty received urgent text messages and emails.
The alert instructed everyone on the UW-Whitewater Rock County campus to follow the “Run! Hide! Fight!” protocol. This safety standard urges individuals to flee if safe. If they cannot escape, they must hide and barricade doors. Fighting is the final option if a threat becomes imminent.
Panic naturally ensued among those inside the buildings. Students locked themselves in classrooms and turned off the lights. Many contacted family members to inform them of the lockdown.
University administrators later clarified the alert’s scope. They sent a second message to the university community. This update specified that the incident remained isolated to the Janesville location. The main Whitewater campus faced no danger. This clarification helped reduce anxiety for students at the main campus miles away.
Thorough Search Reveals No Threat
Law enforcement teams conducted a systematic sweep of the property. Officers moved tactically through the hallways. They cleared classrooms, administrative offices, and common areas room by room.
Other units inspected the exterior grounds. They searched parking lots and nearby wooded areas. Investigators looked for any sign of a weapon or shell casings.
After a comprehensive search, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed the area was safe. They found no evidence of gunfire. Furthermore, officers located no victims or injured persons.
Police concluded that the initial report was likely a false alarm. Loud noises from construction or vehicles often mimic gunshots. These sounds can easily confuse concerned citizens.
Authorities officially issued an “all-clear” later in the afternoon. They advised students and staff that they could leave their hiding spots. The massive police presence began to scale down as evening approached.
Effectiveness of Safety Protocols
The incident served as a high-stress test for the campus safety systems. The quick reaction by law enforcement drew praise from local leaders. The coordination between the Sheriff’s Office and university police proved effective.
Residents in Janesville expressed relief at the outcome. Parents watched news updates anxiously until the all-clear came through. The absence of violence is the best possible result in these scenarios.
School administrators plan to review the event. They will analyze the timeline of the alerts. Continuous improvement of safety plans is vital for educational institutions.
False alarms can cause significant trauma despite the lack of physical danger. The university often provides counseling resources after lockdowns. Mental health professionals help students process the fear associated with such events.
Police Investigation Continues
Although the immediate threat is over, the inquiry continues. Detectives want to identify the exact source of the noise. Understanding what triggered the 911 call helps prevent future confusion.
Police interviewed witnesses near the UW-Whitewater Rock County campus. They checked for surveillance footage that might explain the sound. Authorities do not believe the caller acted with malicious intent.
Reporting suspicious activity remains a critical responsibility for the public. Law enforcement officials encourage citizens to call 911 if they suspect danger. Officers prefer responding to a false alarm over missing a real emergency.
The prompt “all-clear” allowed the community to breathe a sigh of relief. Friday evening activities in Janesville resumed as normal.
Normal Operations to Resume
The university expects to return to a regular schedule immediately. Classes will likely proceed as planned next week. However, students may see security patrols on campus for a few days. This visibility helps restore a sense of safety.
The university thanked the responding agencies for their bravery. They also commended the students for adhering to the safety protocols. Following instructions during a lockdown saves lives.
Safety remains a top priority for UW-Whitewater officials. They will continue to work closely with the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. This partnership ensures a secure environment for higher education.
wfbnews.com will update this story if police release further details. For now, the campus remains secure and open.
