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Posts tagged as “campus police”

(Archive September 2016) MWCC Campus Agencies Team Up to Keep Our Community Safe

By editorialteam on September 3, 2024

By Jillian Manty | Observer Contributor

At MWCC, the Campus Police force works closely with the different agencies on campus as well as outside police officers in order to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.

The Campus Police’s most common interaction with students is usually just friendly conversations in the parking lots or hallways on campus. However, when disciplinary action is needed, they are always ready for it, whether it be alongside the Dean of Students office or even making formal arrests.  read more

(Archive November 15, 2011) RAD Program

By editorialteam on August 20, 2024

By Ericka Pultorak | Observer Contributor

Campus Police Chief Karen Kolimaga and the rest of the force expressed interest in doing their annual four to five day R.A.D. Course (Rape Aggression Defense). This course is designed to show women some reasonable defense moves against attackers. Mrs. Kolimaga and the rest of the team get about ten officers to teach the class, however, they need students to sign up. In past years they have had low numbers and are looking to get better attendance this year. They know that everyone has different schedules but they are still looking to see if anyone would be interested and what days and times are best. Mrs. Kolimaga is thinking maybe a survey or some other way of collecting student opinions might be helpful in molding the class to the needs of the students. If you are interested, email Lt. Melissa Croteau at MCroteau@mwcc.mass.edu read more

(Archive November 1, 2011) Thefts are Rising at MWCC

By editorialteam on August 10, 2024

By Ericka Pultorak | Observer Contributor

Karen Kolimaga, Chief of Campus Police and Public Safety at Mount Wachusett Community College, finds the increase in crimes on campus to be a result of the decrease of economic wealth around the country.

According to the 2010 Annual Safety and Security Report MWCC is pretty quiet. On the Gardner campus alone, four burglaries occurred, also, there was one drug law violation. These offenses are an increase to previous years according to Mrs. Kolimaga. This is kind of an odd situation because the crime numbers are up but there really aren’t that many crimes. Kolimaga explained that because the Mount is sort of set outside of the city, city crimes don’t really end up on campus. However, because of how bad the economy has been over the years people are getting increasingly desperate. This is where the larcenies come in. read more

(Archive February 1, 2011) Winter Safe Driving Tips

By editorialteam on July 10, 2024

Submitted by the Campus Police Department

As the winter approaches we have to start thinking about driving in the inclement weather. Now is the time to winterize your motor vehicle. Check fluid levels, brakes, wiper blades, windshield washer fluid, snow tires, defroster, battery, etc… Stock your motor vehicle with the basic winter driving equipment: A scraper/brush, shovel, jumper cables/ box, tow chain, bag of sand/cat litter for tire traction, road flares/reflectors, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and a flashlight with batteries. read more

(Archive November 2007) Vandalism on Campus

By editorialteam on July 9, 2024

Press release provided by Campus Police

On October 6, 2007 shortly after 10:00 p.m. a female party entered MWCC Fine Arts wing which was open for a play. The party gained access to the first floor of the college and proceeded throughout the first floor toss­ing brochures and papers onto the floors. Several pieces of art were also damaged includ­ing several sculptures. The estimated damage is approxi­mately $1000. The party was identified and Gardner Po­lice Department assisted the Campus Police Department in the investigation of the inci­dent. Criminal charges were filed by the Gardner Police Department. The incident is pending in the Gardner District Court. Restitution for damages will be sought through legal processes. read more

Active Shooter Training

By editorialteam on November 29, 2019

Campus police discuss active shooter survival tips

By Maya Douglas
Observer Contributor

In the event of an active shooter, teachers are trained to lock the doors, close the blinds, and call 911, but campus police have some other tactics in mind.

Campus police officer Jim Halkola said police response must change, and traditional lockdown procedures have failed us. He argued that in the amount of time it takes to lockdown and call 911, evacuation could have already occurred.

Photo by Betsy Torres
Captain Jim Halkola of Campus Police

During a lecture Halkola said, “Staying huddled in a corner is exactly what an active shooter wants.” It’s referred to as “sitting duck syndrome.” He said there is nothing proactive about waiting for the killer to come to you. read more