New security measures underway

SAU steps up safety after recent university shootings

By: Laniaya Alesia Hoofatt

Posted: 2/28/08

In the past year there have been two notable shootings on university campuses. Spring Arbor University Office of Student Development is taking steps to ensure the safety of the students on campus.

The first measure is the Jyngle system where students can sign up for a mass text message to be sent to them if there was an individual or biological threat on campus. Alerts can also be sent through the Cisco IP phones that are placed in dorms, academic buildings and offices. Unlike the Jyngle text messaging service the Cisco phones will show text messages on the screen along with a PA message sound.

"Since the Virginia Tech [shooting] we implemented the text messaging notification system," said Kim Hayworth, Vice President of Student Development.

The school is also trying to have an alert or message sent out from the sound system of the clock tower.

"If you don't have the cell phone or are not near a Cisco phone this will good option," said Tom Fiero, director of campus security for SAU.

Before the tragedy that took place on the campus of Virginia Tech the Office of Student Development were putting the finishing touches on an updated crisis response plan.

"The crisis response system is a year and a half in the making. There are people assigned to buildings to get people out in case of an emergency," said Fiero.

"We have had a Crisis Response Plan as long as I've been in student development," said Hayworth.

"Every university that receives federal funding is required to make notifications to students now. Now its timely notification to student," said Fiero.

Notification should be 30 minutes or less. For a campus like SAU that is more possible but for larger universities like MSU and EMU that process might be a little harder.

"We have three blue light emergency phones," said Fiero.

These phones are placed on the backside and inside of the pool area of the field house and on the side of the prop shop. These phones are set in place to directly connect with emergency personal.

Police departments across the country are receiving active shooter training. "In the county of Jackson every department received active shooting training," said Fiero.

In the case of an emergency the first four police cars or the first five law enforcement officials form a team with the specific goal to eliminate the threat.

Many university campuses are on high alert with the past shooting at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois; having a mock situation would show the readiness of the SAU campus in case of an emergency.

"I think right now Kim [Hayworth] was hoping to have a mock disaster this year. We were considering having one of the academic buildings maybe something biological like a chemical spill to intentionally overwhelm the service to test the system put in place," said Fiero.

Now that SAU is experiencing a growth there are future plans to upgrade security even further. "My future plan is to upgrade uniform appearance," said Fiero.