Monday’s shootings in Blacksburg, Va. have prompted questions regarding safety on college campuses. Texas A&M-Commerce is no exception.
A&M-Commerce officials are looking into updating current response plans to make sure the campus is prepared if such an event were to occur, according to Jason Bone, University Police Department crime information officer.
“We do have a crisis plan here at A&M-Commerce, but it deals mainly with evacuations and response to fire or other disaster,” Bone said. “I think it is time to revisit the plan with an eye towards somehow sheltering students in place safely, whether it is in a residence hall or a classroom.”
The system was tested in Spring 2005 when a shooting occurred at Mitchell Hall involving an assault rifle. Bone said that the department lacks the basic equipment to respond effectively to an individual carrying that type of weapon.
“We are in the process of upgrading now, but it took us a couple of years since then to get where we are at now. We have done a training simulation on how to respond to an “active” shooter,” Bone said.
After the full story comes out, police departments across the nation will be researching new response methods and A&M-Commerce UPD would be among them, Bone said.
In the event of a similar situation, Bone offered these suggestions:
*The main thing to consider is to report when someone is acting erratic.
*Do not panic.
*Call for help immediately and find a safe place to shelter if you cannot escape.
*Barricade, or lock the door to the classroom, and plan an impromptu response if the shooter were to come into the room where you are.