Campus Chief of Police Explains School Safety Protocols
By Eliana Mello | Observer Contributor
Photo courtesy of MWCC
Karen Kolimaga, Chief of Police and Public Safety, said while it is difficult to keep the school safe due to the open campus environment, there are resources and precautions available for students, staff, and faculty.
The challenges Kolimaga and her staff face is the open campus. Since the campus is open to the public, it is difficult to regulate those entering and exiting the school. To combat this, at least one police officer is on campus 24/7 and security cameras are situated around the school.
For students, there is an active shooting “Run. Hide. Fight.” video on iConnect under campus police. The video shows what to do during an active shooting scenario. There are other important documents on iConnect, including an Active Shooter Response Guide and an Emergency Procedure Poster for the Devens, Leominster, and Gardner Campuses.
“It’s important to prepare for any emergencies,” Kolimaga said. “It prepares you to react in a more natural way.”
Kolimaga also said to not only focus on what is provided on iConnect, that students and faculty should do their own research in order to be more prepared. This can help students and faculty learn how to react in different scenarios and to feel safer on campus.
A few times each semester there is an optional professional day for staff on what to do during an active shooting.
“There is an opportunity each semester so people have availability,” Kolimaga said.
If an incident did occur, faculty and students would be alerted through iConnect, Blackboard, text, or alertus boxes around the school. The alertus box has speakers and a screen to relay messages to those in the school in case of emergencies. The system is also able to take over computer screens to give emergency messages. Emergency phones are situated at the end of main hallways and act as walkie talkies to a campus police officer. To contact a campus police officer during an emergency, dial 1111.
For students who are being harassed on campus, the campus police investigate and connect the individual with the proper resources for their particular situation.
The campus police can also help obtain a harassment order from court and are able to help those getting harassed outside of school as well.
Kolimaga’s two biggest tips for those worried about their safety is:
“One, they need to be a stakeholder in their own safety and prepare themselves for various emergencies so they don’t have to worry so much. Two, be a good bystander; if you see something, say something.”
If more information, contact campus police. For general calls, call 978-630-9150 and for emergencies, call 978-630-9111.
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