NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell’s call for a university security summit has prompted a Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) official to send an E-mail outlining his campus’ security efforts. The governor’s concern is a reaction to Cho Seung-Hui’s killing spree on Virginia Tech’s campus April 16.
According to a Recorder Online report, CCSU President Jack Miller sent an E-mail to students, faculty and administrators highlighting his campus’ more than 200 surveillance cameras on campus, a campus E-mail announcement system and an incident Command Center. In addition to these measures, a campus-wide speaker system is in the works. Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communication Mark McLaughlin informed the newspaper that software designed to send E-mail, text message and voice mail alerts has also been implemented. Along with information alerts, an “Emergency Preparedness Plan” is available to deal with attacks on campus.
CCSU officials say their police department is also well trained in dealing with campus attacks. The police department has active shooter training as well as the weaponry necessary in dealing with such incidents. The department also has mutual assistant agreements in place with neighboring law enforcement groups: the New Britain, Newington and State Police Departments. The Newington PD has its own SWAT team available for emergencies.
CCSU has also employed the assistance of risk management company Risk International to find solutions to help make the campus safer.
