Safety & Security

1. Safety & Security 2019 Fall Kickoff

2. Question: It's pretty dark in the parking lots when we get out at night, particularly in the winter. Is it possible to have a police officer in one parking lot and let students and faculty know which one? That way, we could feel a little bit safer. Answer: If you need an escort, call Campus Police. We utilize our officers in roving patrols to provide police protection for the entire campus. Additionally, we have limited manpower but a wide responsibilities that we must take into account when assigning officer duties. Know that our officers are working to ensure your safety even when you can’t see us.

3. Question: Why are some access doors (such as the outer door to a suite of offices) locked and others NOT locked even when there is a key entry on them? Answer: Department heads, Supervisor and Administrators are responsible for what we open and do not open. We received request what to open or not.

4. Question: Can we have the large pampas grass that are near cars at the edge of parking lots removed? Answer: According to Facilities, the sea oats are cut back each winter and are not tall enough to pose a threat.

5. Question: Can we have practice drills for intruders or at least a mock notification? The Huntsville campus is not the same as Decatur campus. Answer: We are constantly working on drills and exercises for the various campuses. If you have a request for a specific drill, forward that request to kevin.davenport@calhoun.edu to see about having it added to our upcoming exercise and drills list. Huntsville is scheduled to hold an active shooter drill soon that would address this request.

6. Question: If they could clean the glass encasing around the light poles posted throughout the Decatur Campus to provide more well lit pathways for those who need to walk to their cars late at night or after evening classes. And if we could get emergency call telephones placed on both the Huntsville & Decatur Campus for students, faculty and staff to use in case of emergency. Answer: Best practices are moving away from call boxes due to the use of cell phones and the liability issues associated with call boxes not working properly when needed. These types of call boxes were mostly seen on College and University Campuses with dormitories. Facilities maintains exterior lighting and have recently replaced over 200 fixtures with newer/brighter LED fixtures. If there are specific areas of concern, please let Bruce Causey know at extension 2569 or bruce.causey@calhoun.edu

7. Question: What should I do with an in-class threat, such as a student who is dangerous. Answer: If you have a student who goes off suddenly, call Campus Police. If you have advanced notice of potential problems, Call VP of Student Services., Dr. Wilson to address the issue. Early notification to the appropriate personnel (VP of Student Services, Campus Police, A.D.A., etc.) when possible before situations arise to intervene before issues become major problems. Read the Emergency Operations Plan located on the “Emergency Procedures” page of the Calhoun Community College website. NEVER TRY TO HANDLE A DANGEROUS SITUATION ON YOUR OWN! CONTACT CAMPUS POLICE IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCIES SUCH AS THIS!

8. Question: Can you provide information on our Tornado Safety Plan? Answer: Go to our website. Click on the Emergency Procedures tab at the bottom of the page. Then go to the Emergency Operations Plan and click on it for all of our emergency procedures. Learn the Shelter Areas for each Campus and Buildings. The Campus Police Office continuously monitors the weather during times of inclement weather for tornado watches and warnings from the National Weather Service. In the event of a tornado, campus occupants will be notified by the Emergency Notification System Public Address system and by CCC Alert notification. Faculty and Administrators will notify students of weather conditions and possible response.

9. Question. I know that Calhoun is a no gun zone, however, will we ever have metal detectors in place at all entrance points to check students and faculty for guns? Answer: There are no plans for metal detectors at this time. We would have to hire an additional 60+ officers to accomplish this task plus the expense of purchasing and maintaining the metal detectors.

10. Question: It's pretty dark in the parking lots when we get out at night, particularly in the winter. Is it possible to have a police officer in one parking lot and let students and faculty know which one? That way, we could feel a little bit safer. Answer: If you need an escort, call Campus Police. We utilize our officers in roving patrols to provide police protection for the entire campus. Additionally, we have limited manpower but a wide range of responsibilities that we must take into account when assigning officer duties. Know that our officers are working to ensure your safety even when you can’t see us.

11. Question: Can some type of emergency signal or method be implemented for faculty and staff who are alone with a student or visitor who need emergency help? We need some emergency type button to push in case of threatening situations when we are alone in the office and no one is nearby to help or hear. Some type of discreet link on our computer that links up directly to our campus police. Answer: We are currently working with IT looking at various options that would accomplish this type of communication. Always use common sense and call Campus Police if needed or you feel threatened.

12. Question: How can we more effectively notify employees when there is a threat on campus? Answer: We use the Intercom system for active shooter or other dangerous situations. There are also other procedures in place for notification of dangerous situations.

13. Question: Why can't police stay in the MSA building for evening classes? Most of the classes at night are in that building. Instructors and students should feel safe. How can I feel safe in MSA building in the late evening hours when often I am the only person in the building finishing the class at 9 pm. There is nobody at the police desk in the evenings and I have no information about what to do if there is a problem. Answer: Campus Police is responsible for the entire college. We have many technology buildings as well as the Library that are in use in the evenings on the Decatur Campus. We utilize a number of ways to determine the appropriate coverage for each campus to remain within the best practices. We already receive feedback that the smaller areas need coverage just as often as some of the larger buildings. There is no Police Desk at MSA. Contact Campus Police if you have a problem or need an escort. Call in advance.

14. Question: Why can some faculty have keys to their buildings and others can't? It is a real hassle to have to call the police to let you in your own building. Also, when will the electronic keys or ids that were supposed to be made to allow access to the buildings be completed? I believe this has been going on now for 5 years or so. Answer: Due to cost of getting this completed, key card access continues to be phased in with facility renovations and construction projects. Not every instructor will have a key to exterior doors. Campus police will continue to open doors as needed.

15. Question: How to improve classroom safety? Safety suggestions for those leaving after dark? Answer: Early notification of suspicious or concerning behavior to the appropriate personnel can often prevent issues because it can be addressed before it becomes an emergency or safety issue. Each room should have signage for escorts after dark. If not, or if you see other safety concerns please report such to the appropriate personnel.

16. Question: What should be done for students having anxiety attacks, passing out, showing up when not enrolled, etc. What types of things should we alert campus police to? Answer: Call 9 1 1 and then Campus Police for medical emergencies. The instructor is responsible for their classroom. If the instructor has a student who is causing a problem and is disrupting a class, the instructor should call campus police and we will ask the student to leave the classroom. The instructor will be required to document the reason they removed the student and forward the report to the VP of Student Services, Dr. Wilson’s office and forward a copy to Campus Police for our report. The report should completely detail all events. If you have a student causing problems, you should call Dr. Wilson and discuss the issue so that it can be addressed before something happens.

17. Question: If I suspect someone to carry a gun on campus, what should I do? Answer: Report it to Campus Police immediately. Have the appropriate information such as suspect description, clothing, location, etc.

18. Question. What is the purpose of the brick wall outside the east doors of Chasteen? As a woman, I do not feel safe walking in or out of those doors after dark, not knowing who or what is behind it. Answer: This was a design feature when the building was constructed. There are three other main exit doors to the building. Please use one of these. It is also advisable to change up your routine from time to time. The wall can also provide benefits such as a barrier in case of an accident in the parking lot.

19. Question: Do we have a crisis communication plan set in place with the Public Relations Department? Answer: Crisis communication is addressed in our Emergency Operations Plan, which was originally approved by ACCS in 2017. It was also reviewed in July 2018 and will be reviewed again sometime in 2020.

20. Question: There are times when there is dangerous activity on or close to campus and faculty and staff have not been notified. What is the protocol for notifying people on campus? Can you give us an example of when you will NOT notify us as opposed to when you will? An example that comes to mind is when there was a drive by shooting at the Space and Rocket Center. Calhoun employees were not notified and the campus was not put on lock down. Why is this? Answer: The Director of the Police Department or his designee has the authority to implement soft lock down measures as needed based on the circumstances of a given situation. Some of the circumstances to be considered in determining when to use a soft lock down include the nature of the threat, the location of the threat to the college, whether a lock down will be effective in protecting the college and its occupants.

21. Question: Are our officers security officers or police officers? Answer: The majority of our officers are State Certified Police Officers. We do have a few security officers who are not sworn law enforcement officers that we use to assist with our operations.

22. Question: Will properly trained CC personnel ever be allowed to carry on campus? I know what the answer is, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Answer: If laws are passed allowing this, it could happen. It is a legislative issue.

23. Question: I would definitely like to receive examples of best practices for specific situations. Answer: Our Active Shooter Response is an example of best practices. Our Report a Threat or Situation of Concern for threats, suspicious behavior, etc. is a best practice. Roving and Saturation Patrols are best practices.

24. Question: Do we or SHOULD we have a policy to lock the classroom door after class has started? Answer: Each instructor is responsible for their classroom. There is no policy that requires a classroom to be locked.

25. Question: Should we go back to wearing picture ID badges instead of the magnetic name badges? I see people in our building with no name badge, and some with the Calhoun magnetic badge, but I don't know if they are who the badge says they are. This is very important in the spring when nursing does Let's Pretend Hospital. Answer: ID badges are helpful but many individuals do not wear them. If you observe suspicious persons, report it to campus police.

26. Question: Many of us work in internal offices with no view of the outside/weather. Could the two campuses install designated and marked weather cameras that could be viewed live by staff? Answer: Weather apps are available for phones and computers to stay up to date on current weather.

27. Question: School shootings are a real threat. Could we have a campus wide active shooter drill? Answer: We are constantly working on our emergency procedures, especially our Active Shooter response. We have been drilling and testing our response working toward this goal.

28. Question: What is considered a "threat"? When should something be reported? When do we report to police vs supervisor? Answer: A threat is any indication of possible violence, harm or danger. Report non-criminal activity to the appropriate personnel. Report criminal or suspicious activity to Campus Police. If it is concerning to you but you are unsure, report it. Better to be safe than sorry.

29. Question: The Office of Admissions and Records does not have any type of protection for as the front entrance into the office. I am aware that the Decatur Campus, Office of Admissions and Records does have a glass door for employees to enter into the appropriate assigned desks. I would like to recommend that our Huntsville location have something built or a glass window with door entrance for employees to enter into the back area of their offices. I feel like we are too wide open when students or people in general are sitting up front waiting to be seen by the Records Clerk. Answer: The Huntsville Admissions Office was just recently renovated and this was considered but was not practical given the space. It should be noted that there are doors that can be easily closed should there be an emergency that so required.

30. Question: What plans and procedures are in place in the event of a campus shooting? What should staff and students do to be safe? Answer: We utilize the Run, Hide, Fight protocols in the event of a campus shooting or active shooter. Staff and students should be familiar with these procedures. Everyone should always be mindful of their surroundings and prepared to respond in the event of an emergency situation. We recommend that each instructor review emergency protocols with their students at the beginning of each semester. We have the Run, Hide, Fight video on our Emergency Procedures page.

31. Question: What should I do if I suspect a student or teacher to carry a gun to class? Answer: Report it to campus police.

32. Question: What do you to do ensure undesirable or suspicious people stay away from our campus? Are you checking cars for updated decals? Answer: We make contact with suspicious persons and determine their reason for being on campus. We often have to deal with many individuals from vagrants to sightseers. We do check for decals if needed.

33. Question: Are you as safety and security required to attend conferences and/or physical fitness events to stay abreast of current safety procedures? Answer: Our Alabama Police Officers Standards and Training Commission certified officers have to receive 12 hours of continuing education each year. We also have to qualify with our handguns and patrol rifle each year. We conduct multiple firearms related trainings, some of which are designed to ensure that we can operate and respond safely under many different physical stressors.

34. Question: Students must take photos for their student ID. Are these photos stored, and is it possible that we could have access to photos of the students in our class? This would help us to identify academic fraud (students taking a course for someone else), as well as enable us to identify and recognize the students in our distance learning classes, should we happen to meet them on or off campus. I know that many instructors, myself included, feel unsafe knowing that we've never seen our online students, so they could approach us and we wouldn't recognize them. Answer: This is possible with Banner but is up to One ACCS to require student photos either be taken or uploaded to the Student System.  The issue would be how to determine that faculty only have access to their students.  I believe Banner may actually link the Student profile with pictures in Banner 9 from the class roster list that the faculty member can see. We will have to wait for One ACCS to implement Banner 9 on the self Service side.

35. Question: New strategies to ensure student personal safety in Web classes? Answer: We’re not sure what this person is asking for but welcome clarification from the audience.

36. Question: Police are not always visible on the Huntsville campus in the afternoon or evening. Can we increase the officer's visibility? Answer: Campus Police is responsible for the entire college. We utilize a number of ways to determine the appropriate coverage for each campus to remain within the best practices. There are times when we try to have extra personnel in areas but we do not have the manpower to do this full-time without neglecting other duties and responsibilities. Huntsville campus monitors the camera system regularly and just because you may not see us doesn’t mean we are not close by. We also receive feedback that the smaller areas need coverage just as often as some of the larger buildings. Contact Campus Police if you have a problem or need an escort. Call in advance. Please be patient.

37. Question: Teacher reserved parking would help teachers get in and out of the buildings faster. Which is safer? Answer: We are here to protect everyone on our Campuses including students, faculty, staff and visitors.

38. Question: Since Calhoun is a "gun free zone", how are we to protect ourselves in case of an active shooter incident? If the shooter knows no one is armed this makes an incident more likely, not less likely. Answer: Utilize the Active Shooter emergency protocols for Run, Hide, and Fight.

39. Things to Remember • Notify campus police if you are going to be on campus after hours or on weekends. • You should contact campus police if you need to leave your vehicle overnight.  We prefer, vehicles left overnight be left at Building 6 on the Decatur campus or near the patrol car parking area on the Huntsville campus.  • Always notify campus police if you see an accident on campus or any suspicious or criminal activity. • Raise your hood if you have a dead battery and need assistance.  • Be prepared to give a vehicle description and your location when calling for assistance. • Personal injury call campus Police immediately. • Update your emergency contact information with HR.

40. Vehicle Accidents Any individual who is involved in an automobile accident while on campus must immediately report the motor vehicle accident to a campus police officer. Campus police may be contacted by calling one of the numbers listed below. Decatur campus 256-306-2575 Huntsville campus 256-890-4711 ACA Campus 256-260-4305

41. Decatur Campus emergenciescall extension 2 9 1 1 or (256) 306-2911 For Huntsville Campus emergenciescall extension 4 7 1 1 or (256) 890-4711 For Alabama Center for the Arts, call 9 1 1 for emergencies and for non-emergencies, call (256) 260-4305

42. Thank you for your participation and questions. Have a great year!