Lockdown Scare Tests Safety & Security Plan
Colleen Gromlovits
Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News
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Security threats rarely happen on Carson-Newman campus so when a lockdown was announced on Aug. 14, there was reason to be alarmed. A man walked into Blythe-Poteat Hall and claimed people with guns were chasing him. He then tried to pull faculty and staff members into a closet with him. Dr. Kitty Coffey, dean of family and consumer sciences, gathered her faculty in the conference room and immediately called 911.
Tim Rogers, Director of Safety and Security, says after the 911 call, e-mails were immediately sent out to all members of Carson-Newman to explain the situation and instruct people to stay where they were. The Jefferson City police department responded within four minutes from when the call took place. The suspect, later identified as Michael Wayne Shelley, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass and drug possession.
The Safety and Security department on campus was very proud of the way the situation was handled. Rogers says, "We are excited it worked so well, almost too well."
Rogers said that every year they review all procedures so that everyone is on the same page and knows what will happen in the event of a situation. If a national tragedy occurs, such as the Virginia Tech shootings, they meet again to find out if there is anything that may need to be changed in any procedures that they have. Safety and Security will also meet if something happens on campus, such as the lockdown, to discuss how everything happened and any areas that may need improvement.
Safety and Security is currently working with the company "E2 Campus" to have text messages sent out to anyone who registers their cell phone numbers. The text messages will not only warn students and faculty in the event of a crisis, but also in tornado warnings and other situations that might occur in Jefferson City. They are also in the process of trying to increase security by investing in utility vehicles that will be able drive all over campus and not just on the streets.
Safety and Security wants all students to know and understand the procedures for things such as inclement weather, fires, and lockdowns. They have made the proper procedures available to anyone that wants to access the website. They have also put up other features that will interest students such as, regulations, security guides with all emergency contact numbers, and the "You've Been Ripped Off" program. To visit the website please visit: http://www.cn.edu/studentaffairs/security.htm for more information.
Tim Rogers, Director of Safety and Security, says after the 911 call, e-mails were immediately sent out to all members of Carson-Newman to explain the situation and instruct people to stay where they were. The Jefferson City police department responded within four minutes from when the call took place. The suspect, later identified as Michael Wayne Shelley, was arrested and charged with criminal trespass and drug possession.
The Safety and Security department on campus was very proud of the way the situation was handled. Rogers says, "We are excited it worked so well, almost too well."
Rogers said that every year they review all procedures so that everyone is on the same page and knows what will happen in the event of a situation. If a national tragedy occurs, such as the Virginia Tech shootings, they meet again to find out if there is anything that may need to be changed in any procedures that they have. Safety and Security will also meet if something happens on campus, such as the lockdown, to discuss how everything happened and any areas that may need improvement.
Safety and Security is currently working with the company "E2 Campus" to have text messages sent out to anyone who registers their cell phone numbers. The text messages will not only warn students and faculty in the event of a crisis, but also in tornado warnings and other situations that might occur in Jefferson City. They are also in the process of trying to increase security by investing in utility vehicles that will be able drive all over campus and not just on the streets.
Safety and Security wants all students to know and understand the procedures for things such as inclement weather, fires, and lockdowns. They have made the proper procedures available to anyone that wants to access the website. They have also put up other features that will interest students such as, regulations, security guides with all emergency contact numbers, and the "You've Been Ripped Off" program. To visit the website please visit: http://www.cn.edu/studentaffairs/security.htm for more information.
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