I apologize for the lengthy message but I wanted to make sure everyone is aware of the many actions being taken by the University of Cincinnati to ensure that our campuses are as safe as we can make them.
One issue that has been identified is building security during such emergencies. We are reviewing systems or procedures for physically isolating a dangerous person, such as a shooter, from the innocent members of our community.
As previously mentioned, our fire alarm system provides us with a means of immediate communication with people inside most of our buildings. We are also working to have the few remaining buildings added to the system. In addition, we are investigating systems that might provide a way to get a message to members of our community who are not in buildings; either because they are on the grounds outside of the buildings, or because they are still on their way to campus. Some systems that we are exploring include turning our Help Phones into public address systems and mass text-messaging networks.
As you may have heard, Governor Ted Strickland has asked the Ohio Board of Regents to establish a campus security task force to review best practices and make recommendations for addressing emergencies on college campuses. The University of Cincinnati has two representatives on this task force: Dr. Bonnie Fisher, Professor of Criminal Justice, and Capt. Jeff Corcoran, Director of Emergency Services, Department of Public Safety.
We are reviewing our Mutual Aid Agreement with the Cincinnati Police Department and our Memorandums of Understanding with the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office and the Blue Ash Police Department to ensure they adequately address emergencies such as the one at Virginia Tech.
Our police officers have already been trained in the tactics for responding to an active shooter on campus. We are reviewing other possible training programs to further refine the skills of our officers in these type situations.
Our Emergency Preparedness Committee held a table-top disaster exercise several months ago and was planning an actual drill for members of the response team to test their ability to respond to an on-campus emergency. That exercise will be given greater priority in light of recent events.
We are also working to strengthen our relationships with outside public safety agencies. The UC Department of Public Safety has already completed transfer of our radio communication system to the Cincinnati Police radio frequencies. Our radios allow our public safety personnel to communicate directly with the Cincinnati Police and Fire personnel. In the event of an emergency requiring their assistance, we would not have to waste time establishing inter-agency communications.
The best means of dealing with this type of disaster is still prevention. Historically, the people who commit these horrific acts have shown some increased agitation and/or made threatening remarks prior to the event. However, not everyone who exhibits such signs is dangerous. In fact, the majority are not. We are working with mental health professionals, both inside and outside of the University of Cincinnati to establish ongoing partnerships. These agencies can then be brought on board early in the process and perhaps through professional intervention prevent the problems. Having alert members of the community is critical to this process working. If students, faculty and staff remain vigilant to changes in behaviors and notify persons of authority, the proper resources can be applied. This is what happened in the recent arrest of a person who made threats against the University of Cincinnati. Getting this person into the criminal justice system can bring appropriate pressure to ensure that treatment may occur, if that is what is needed.
There is already a close relationship between the Department of Public Safety, Student Affairs, and Counseling Services. We are reviewing procedures to ensure that information is being shared between all of the appropriate departments. We want to make sure all resources are working seamlessly to provide the best response.
Eugene R. Ferrara
Associate Vice President for
Administration and Finance Division
Director of Public Safety/Police Chief
University of Cincinnati