Warrants and Government Subpoenas Guidance
All warrants and government subpoenas should first be reviewed by the Office of Legal Counsel. Read this guidance for reminders about proper protocol if you are presented with a warrant or government subpoena.
*All other legal questions should be directed to the Office of the Provost or relevant Vice Chancellor
1. Remain calm and professional
- Politely ask for the individual’s name and agency affiliation.
2. Direct individual to the Office of Legal Counsel
- Inform the individual that you are not obstructing their process, but that the university is represented by legal counsel, and that all warrants and government subpoenas must be reviewed by the Office of Legal Counsel.
- Office of Legal Counsel can be reached by phone at (765) 496-9059 or by email at legalcounel@purdue.edu. If you cannot reach the Office of Legal Counsel, you may contact the Office of the Provost at (219) 989-2446.
3. Maintain student privacy as required by federal laws, including FERPA and HIPAA
- Please do not accept documents or provide personally identifiable information unless told to do so by the Office of Legal Counsel. Examples of personally identifiable information may include contact information, class lists, class schedules, etc.
4. Do not attempt to physically block or interfere with any law enforcement officer or agent
- In the unlikely event that a law enforcement officer refuses to follow your referral, do not attempt to physically block or interfere with the officer. Contact Purdue University Northwest Police at (219) 989-2222 for both the Hammond and Westville campuses (24/7) so that PNW Police can immediately inform appropriate campus officials.