How We Have Prepared for and Would Respond to a Random Act of Violence: Frequently Asked Questions
Background
The tragic events on the campus of Virginia Tech University have shocked and saddened us all. Random acts of violence such as this are among the most difficult to prepare for across the full spectrum of threats that we and other college and university campuses face. For every threat we can imagine, emergency management planning involves thoughts about mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery from particular incidents. Even on a small campus like ours, we have many people distributed in many buildings in an environment that is open, welcoming, and highly accessible by design. This presents a very difficult security challenge for us – there is little we can do to mitigate or defend against a random act of violence in such an environment. However, we can and do have plans in place to respond to such incidents as described in the following questions and answers.
Does CC have procedures in place to identify troubled students?
Yes. We have in place student referral guidelines that invite all members of the CC community to take notice of how our students are faring and to speak up when they have concerns. Our student life staff, together with the Boettcher Health and Counseling Center and other offices on campus meet regularly, review cases, and provide prompt and appropriate intervention when needed.
Does CC have procedures in place to support local law enforcement?
Yes. Colorado College security has been working with the Colorado Springs Police Department to develop comprehensive plans for acts of violence. CSPD already has critical building information such as floor plans and utility shutoff locations. CC security trains with local law enforcement and CSPD officers patrol campus at higher-risk times of day and for some campus events.
If an act of violence were to occur at CC, how would the institution respond?
There are two critical elements of any response plan: 1) the command and control system, and 2) the communication system. The heart of our command, control, and communication system is a notification chart that was established in 2003. It identifies our campus security office as the first point of contact for any campus incident because it is staffed 24 hours per day throughout the year. It also identifies (by name and various phone numbers) “incident response leaders” – local campus people who will provide the on-the-scene response to incidents of any kind. Finally, it identifies an institutional response team that would be assembled to lead our command and control activities in the case of a continuing problem, a problem with impact beyond the campus, life threatening illness, or death.
In the case of an act of violence, our security office would first call the CSPD. Our security staff and campus leaders would work closely with the local authorities, who would assume control of the situation as soon as they arrived on campus.
What is the weapons policy at CC?
Our policy on weapons, firearms, and explosives is written in the Pathfinder and is as follows: “The possession or use of any weapons – including but not limited to firearms, ammunition, pellet guns, air guns, smoke devices, bows and arrows, large knives, explosives, and fireworks – is strictly prohibited anywhere on Colorado College campus sites or at college activities. Violations of the policy will be subject to immediate disciplinary action which may include probation, suspension, or expulsion.”
What communication systems do we have in place to inform the community of an emergency?
We have a variety of technical and non-technical means of communicating with the community. In addition to the college-owned phone network, nearly all people on campus (including students) carry cell phones. We also have a high-speed data network with both wired and wireless services that allows us to send flash e-mail messages. Third, the college operates a radio station (91.5 FM-KRCC) that can broadcast emergency information for the local community. Fourth, we have a modern and extensive system of fire alarms throughout campus that allows us to trigger evacuations should that be warranted. And finally, because we are a relatively small campus, our security staff, residential life staff, and incident-response teams can and would serve as messengers during an incident.
What can everyone do to help?
While, as noted above, there is little we can do to prevent a random act of violence, all members of our community can be alert and mindful about the possibility of such events, can contact our security office if they witness any suspicious activity, and can aid in any evacuation or lockdown procedures that are directed by either an on-campus team or the local authorities.
How does CC plan and prepare for other types of emergencies?
Four years ago, the college established an Emergency Management and Planning Task Force (PreEMPT). This group meets regularly and has established an “all-hazards approach” to our planning activities at the College. Among the threats we consider are weather, emerging infectious diseases, violence/terrorism, hazardous materials, fire/flood, hazards to students and faculty abroad, and utility outages.