Initiatives of the HES

 

Campus Law Enforcement

by Don Strom, Director of Campus Police, Washington University

College campuses by their very nature are open and public places. In fact, today’s college and university campuses are far more similar to small cities than they are to elementary or secondary schools. This openness poses a significant challenge when balanced against an increasing need for safety and security in our ever more mobile world.  Creating a safe environment that provides for a rich academic experience is a responsibility that must be shared by the entire community. 

 

College and university campuses, as a whole, remain relatively safe places where instances of serious crime are infrequent. As a result, students and others frequently feel like they are in a “bubble,” immune from bad things happening.  Part of the challenge becomes involving all members of the community in sharing in the responsibility for their own and overall campus safety and security.

 

Clearly, given the diverse nature of our campuses, there is no one size fits all answer. An organized safety and security program unique to the special needs of each campus is of key importance. However, there are some “best practices” and recommendations that should be considered when developing or evaluating campus safety and security efforts. The information at this site is intended to provide access to resources that may help individual campuses in reviewing their campus safety and security functions.

 

Blueprint for Safer Campuses

In August of 2007, in the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) sought to develop a set of recommendations for institutions of higher education through a public safety lens. A high level task force reviewed various reports and made recommendations resulting in the release of “The IACLEA Blueprint for Safer Campuses.”  The report is divided into three parts: 

Click here to read the full report: "The IACLEA Blueprint for Safer Campuses” from the IACLEA Special Review Task Force.

Campus Law Enforcement Resources:

Campus Public Safety Professional Organizations

 

 

 

 

 

Campus Security Task Force

 Campus Security Task Force

Themes and Recommendations

 

I. Dedicated Leadership

  • Shared responsibility
  • Strong leadership
  • Preparation for critical incidents
  • Partner across boundaries
  • Make use of existing tools
♦  Emergency Response Information Program (ERIP)
→ Courses in National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)\
→ Courses in Incident Command System (ICS)
 

Recommendations:

  1. Designate one contact to coordinate emergencies with homeland security and local first responder community
  2. Ensure senior staff of institution are trained and familiar with NIMS and ICS
  3. Ensure all hazards emergency plan developed by interdisciplinary team is in place
  4. Review and rehearse plan regularly
  5. Establish agreements for a unified command structure as promoted by NIIMS/ICS
 
II. State of the Art Resources
 
  •           Develop technological solutions using worst case scenarios
  •           Support all resources with back-up systems
 
Recommendations:
  1. Utilize failsafe systems to notify entire campus community
  2. Implement physical access control mechanisms (locks, policies for after hours access)
  3. Installation of surveillance cameras
  4. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design in new and remodeled buildings
  5. Access to emergency phones and lighting for high traffic areas
  6. Evaluate assessment tools (MOSAIC) to identify potentially violent individuals
  7. Experiment with use of ERIP
 
III. Preparedness Culture
 
  • Involve all members of the community in sharing responsibility for safety and security of all
  • Organized ongoing educational programs are important
  • Address confusion about Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) that influence flow of information sharing
  • Overcome norms that create stigma for seeking out help, especially mental health support

Recommendations

  1. Regular training for students, faculty and staff
  2. Integrate information in orientation sessions for new students  
  3. Utilize student and employee handbooks and institutional websites
  4. Provide access to mental health services 24/7
  5. Provide mental health consultation and referral with public and private facilities
  6. Use multidisciplinary team to share information and develop intervention strategies
  7. Prevention programs for alcohol and drug abuse
  8. Use consistent messages and interventions
  9. Share useful safety and security programs freely (lack of funding not justification for no action)
 
IV. Consistent Protocols
 
  • Maintain autonomy yet seek consistent protocols
  • Make planning and coordination between campus and responding public safety agencies a priority

Recommendations

  1. Pilot use of ERIP in FY 2009 and provide feedback to Homeland Security Advisory Council higher education subcommittee
  2. Campus law enforcement agencies should seek accreditation
  3. International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA)
  4. Access to disciplinary records at previous institution by waiver of transfer student
 
V. Responder Support
 
  • Colleges and universities like small cities
  • Many function on a 24-hour clock
  • High expectations for responders
  • Expectations may not be realistic

Recommendations

  1. Fully commissioned, POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) certified armed police officers provide the best level of first response
  2. Consideration of staffing arrangements with local law enforcement agencies
  3. Campus and local police should receive specialized training in recognized and accepted law enforcement protocols included but not limited to
  4. Active shooter response and crisis intervention
  5.  Include crisis specific mental health responses, protocols and recovery functions in emergency plans
  6. Evidence-based practices to treat those exposed to violence or trauma
  7. Agreements involving mental health as a function of the emergency operations plan or available to the incident command staff for decision making, planning and support of responders.
 
VI. Government Actions
 
  • State can provide specialized assistance
  • Homeland Security a valuable resource
  • Government should maximize safety and security of college campuses (valued resources material and human)

Recommendations

  1. Appoint statewide official to Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC)
  2. Form Higher Education subcommittee of HSAC 
  3. Design method for needs analysis and fiscal impact study of needed changes
  4. Establish amount of new resources needed
  5. Identify multiple funding sources including state appropriations, institutional reallocations, gifts, bequests, and grants 
  6. Analyze the rationales for and against allowing private postsecondary institutions to establish police departments staffed by POST-certified police officers
  7. Determine whether legislation is needed in this regard
  8. Consider designing a competitive grants program narrowly focused and including expected results
  9. DPS work with subcommittee to identify resources and training opportunities
  10. MDHE and DPS collaborate on identification of skill sets necessary to prepare students for careers in emergency preparedness and response –Institutional development and modification of degree programs to meet needs
  11. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) ensure that adequate involvement from mental health professionals is included in response and recovery efforts for all crises.
 
 
 

 

 

Campus Security Task Force Survey

 Statistics from the Campus Security Task Force Survey

 
As of June 1, 2007, there were 36 respondents to the survey that was sent out.
 
*Metro Business College only responded to question 1
Summary of findings are in bold type.
 
1.       Institutions with an all-hazard emergency response plan.
Yes – 86% (31/36)
No – 6% (2/36)
Institutions that have a plan in progress – 8% (3/36)
 
2.       Situations emergency plans address:
A.     Fire – 97% (35/36)
B.     Tornado - 97% (35/36)
C.     Pandemic – 36% (13/36)
D.     Major protracted power outage – 64% (23/36)
E.      Other significant health issue (e.g. mass food poisoning, virus, etc.) – 47% (17/36)
F.      Bomb threat – 92% (33/36)
G.     Armed intruder - 69% (25/36)
H.     Earthquake – 94% (34/36)
I.        Post-trauma counseling – 50% (18/36)
J.       Identification and intercession of potential threats - 47% (17/36)
K.     Other - 39% (14/36) - Including: Mass Casualty, Civil Disorder, Hostage Situation, Suicide/Suicide Attempt  
 
3.  For each plan provided, please provide the following information:  
A.     Plan name ______Various___________________________________
B.     Year initially adopted____1990-2007___________
C.     Personnel involved in development of the plan:
1.       Senior Administration Executives (please specify by title of positions) - 83% (30/36) - Some responses include: Presidents and Vice Presidents across campus 
2.       Chief of Campus Police Department – 64% (23/36)
3.       Chief of Campus Fire Department - 8% (3/36)
4.       Local community police department. – 28% (10/36)  Does the police department maintain an updated copy of your plan?  Yes – 28% (10/36) No – 72% (26/36)
5.       Local community fire department. – 25% (9/36)  Does the fire department maintain an updated copy of your plans?  Yes – 25% (9/36) No – 75% (27/36)
6.       Mental health professional - 36% (13/36)
7.       Health professional – 36% (13/36)
8.       Public information office – 47% (17/36)
9.       Other – 56% (20/36) - Including: Other Campus Security, Local Emergency Services, Personnel in each campus building 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Please describe the processes used in developing your plan:
Response varied: most formed cross-campus committees to develop plans, some assigned a senior staff member to develop, many cooperated with local agencies, and researched plans at other higher education institutions.
 
5.       Plan reviewed and updated? -  Annually - 64% (23/36); Periodically – 28% (10/36); No Response – 8% (3/36)
 By who? ____ Most common responses include: Directory of Security or Developers of plan
 
6.       Modes of communication to communicate the plan:
A.     Employee manual for faculty and staff - 56% (20/36)
B.     Student manual - 33% (12/36)
C.     Web-site - 58% (21/36)
D.     Other ___50% (18/36) - Responses include but are not limited to:  Campus meetings, distribute plan to emergency committee, provided to all employees, posted in classrooms
 
7.       Simulations:
A.     Annually for faculty and staff only - 11% (4/36)
B.     Annually for faculty, staff, and students – 36% (13/36)
C.     Never - 17% (6/36)
D.     Other - 53% (19/36) -Most common responses include: Multiple drills throughout the year
 
8.       Greatest challenges faced requiring implementation?  (Circle all that apply to your institution)
A.     Notifying faculty and staff of the emergency - 81% (29/36)
B.     Notifying students of the emergency - 92% (33/36)
C.     Notifying local authorities of the emergency - 6% (2/36)
D.     Activating your command center/emergency operations center - 17% (6/36)
E.      Handling the media - 8% (3/36)
F.      Having adequately trained personnel on staff to handle the emergency - 33% (12/36)
G.     Other - 25% (9/36) - Responses include but are not limited to:  Funding and limited resources, contacting off-duty personnel who are not on call, adequate training of staff and students, insufficient personnel 
 
9.       Most important provisions to include in plan?
Most common responses include: communication, establishing a chain of command, processes for quick decisions, involvement of local first responders 
 
 
10.   Process for identifying and assessing distressed students, faculty, and staff who potentially pose a threat to themselves or others?
 
Yes – 64% (23/36)
No – 33% (12/36)
No Response – 3% (1/36)
 
 
 
 
11.   Does your institution have a policy and process for communicating with and involving parents/guardians of potential distressed students? 

Yes – 58% (21/36)
No – 36% (13/36)
In Progress – 3% (1/36)
No Response – 3% (1/36)
 
12.   All applicable modes of communication used in an emergency:
A.     E-mail - 81% (29/36)
B.     Text-messaging - 8% (3/36)
C.     Use of a phone-tree for verbal notification - 64% (23/36)
D.     Public Address system in buildings - 17% (6/36)
E.      Public Address/siren system outside of buildings - 25% (9/36)
F.      Notification to local broadcast media - 58% (21/36)
G.     Web-site - 72% (26/36)
H.     Hotline - 8% (3/36)
I.        Other - 28% (10/36) - Responses include but are not limited to: Intranet, word of mouth, campus cable TV system, voicemail to campus phone
 
13.   Level of training your emergency response “decision makers” have attained:
A.     Introduction to the Incident Command System – ICS 100 - 39% (14/36)
B.     Basic Incident Command System - ICS 200 - 36% (13/36)
C.     National Incident Management System (NIMS) - ICS 700 - 39% (14/36)
D.     National Response Plan - ICS 800 - 22% (8/36)
E.      Other - 36% (13/36) - Responses include but are not limited to: ICS 300 and 400, FEMA/SEMA Training, Local responders are trained, but not campus personnel
 
14.   If had no training, would you be interested in having the Missouri Department of Public Safety to provide? 
 
Yes – 69% (25/36)
No – 8% (3/36)
N/A – 11% (4/36)
No Response – 11% (4/36)
 
 
15.   Indicate your Incident Command or emergency response “decision makers”:
A. President of the institution - 75% (27/36)
B. Provost - 25% (9/36)
C. Campus Chief of Police - 42% (15/36)
D. Others (list) - 64% (23/36) - Responses include but are not limited to: Crisis management teams/committees, deans across campus directors of security
 
16. If you have a campus police department, are your officers armed? 
 
Yes – 36% (13/36)
No – 31% (11/36)
N/A – 25% (9/36)
No Response – 8% (3/36)
 
17. If you have a campus fire department, is it HAZMAT certified? 
 
Yes – 3% (1/36)
No – 3% (1/36)
N/A – 78% (28/36)
No Response – 16% (6/36)
 
In the N/A responses, 4 universities responded that although they do not have a campus fire department, they do have a department on campus that is HAZMAT certified.
 
 
18.  For bomb threats on your campus, what bomb squad do you call to respond?
 
Responses included: Local Law Enforcement, State Highway Patrol, and/or resources from FT. Leonard Wood
 
19.    Please identify anything else you would like the Task Force to address that has not been mentioned in this survey.
 
       28% (10/36) of institutions that responded documented additional responses.
Responses included:
·        Greater communication with local and state resources
·        Training in hostage situations
·        Legal issues including FERPA and HIPPA restrictions on the ability to address troublesome students and employees – state should look into legislation that would protect “good Samaritans” from lawsuits should they report distressed students
·        Standards (benchmarks) for campus security
·        Allow private universities to have commissioned campus police departments
·        Expand campus police jurisdiction to encompass streets adjacent to campus property Funding for training and development
·        On-campus communication and mass communication equipment
·        Technologies necessary for campus-wide notification
·        Look for grant opportunities to fund public address systems and text messaging technology Training for campus personnel in a variety of potential situations
·        Assist campuses in developing or refining a plan
 

 

Follow-Up Survey on Campus Security Task Force Recommendations

Building Missouri’s future…by degrees
 

 

To:                   Presidents and Chancellors, Missouri Postsecondary Institutions
 
From:               Robert B. Stein, Commissioner of Higher Education
 
Date:               April 28, 2008
 
Subject:           Follow-Up Survey on Campus Security Task Force Recommendations
 
It has been one-year since the shootings at the Virginia Tech campus occurred. As a result of this tragic event, Governor Matt Blunt appointed a Campus Security Task Force, which was charged with the responsibility of examining the safety and security at Missouri’s higher education institutions and to develop initiatives focused on enhancing ongoing efforts to make every college campus in Missouri a safe learning environment.
 
The Task Force gathered information from participating postsecondary institutions in Missouri via a survey form. The information from this survey provided the foundation of the Task Force’s final report titled: Securing Our Future: Making Colleges and Universities Safe Places to Learn and Grow. The final report listed 34 recommendations (Attachment 1), one of which was the formation of a Higher Education Subcommittee of the Missouri Homeland Security Advisory Council (HES-HSAC). The Subcommittee was formed to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are well prepared prior to, during, and after campus emergencies.
 
The Subcommittee is now conducting a follow-up survey (Attachment 2) on the implementation of the recommendations of the Campus Security Task Force. Please take a few minutes to complete the attached survey. The results will be used to assess the current conditions on Missouri’s collegiate campuses, to determine statewide needs for enhanced campus security, and to guide the work of the Subcommittee in identifying and fostering best practices.
 
Completed surveys should be sent no later than May 22, 2008 to Dr. Ken Vollmar at Ken.Vollmar@dhe.mo.gov. If you have any questions or comments about this survey, please contact Ken at (573) 522-4172. On behalf of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Missouri Homeland Security Advisory Council, thank you for making the completion of this survey a priority.
 
Best,
 
Robert

 

Links to Missouri Campus Law Enforcement and Security Sites

Central Bible College Department of Public Safety        
http://www.cbcag.edu/dcs/

 

Drury University                              
http://www.drury.edu/section/section.cfm?sid=87

 

Florissant Valley Campus Police Department  
http://www.stlcc.cc.mo.us/fv/police/

 

Fontbonne University 
www.fontbonne.edu/department.php?DepartmentID=46

 

Lincoln University    
http://www.lincolnu.edu/pages/194.asp

 

Maryville University 
http://www.maryville.edu/about/publicsafety/

 

Missouri Southern State College 
http://www.mssu.edu/security/links.html

 

Missouri University of Science and Technology 
http://police.mst.edu/

 

Northwest Missouri State University 
http://www.nwmissouri.edu/safety/

 

Park University 
http://www.park.edu/safety/

 

Rockhurst University 
http://www.rockhurst.edu/services/security/

 

Southeast Missouri State University 
http://www5.semo.edu/dps/

 

Stephens College 
http://www.stephens.edu/services/security/

 

St. Louis University 
http://dps.slu.edu/

 

Southwest Baptist University 
http://www.sbuniv.edu/safety/index.htm

 

Truman State University 
http://police.truman.edu/

 

University of Central Missouri  
www.ucmo.edu/ps

 

University of Missouri-Columbia  
http://www.mupolice.com/

 

University of Missouri-Kansas City 
http://www.umkc.edu/adminfinance/police/default.asp

 

University of Missouri-St. Louis 
http://www.umsl.edu/services/police/report.html#POLICE

 

Washington University in St. Louis 
http://police.wustl.edu/

 

Webster University 
http://www.websteruniv.edu/admin/pubsafety/

 

Westminster College 
http://www.westminster-mo.edu/explore/offices/plantops/security/Pages/default.aspx

 

William Woods University 
http://www.williamwoods.edu/services/studentlife/residentiallife/firesafety/PersonnelProceduresandReporting.asp

 

 

Missouri Campus Security Task Force Recommendations

In the spring of 2007, Governor Blunt established the Campus Security Task Force to identify recommendations for improving campus safety following the tragedy at Virginia Tech. Read the final report “Securing Our Future: Making Colleges and Universities Safe Places to Learn and Grow”.

Identified below are several specific recommendations related to safety and security and resources that may be helpful in implementation:

  • Recommendation: Campus law enforcement agencies should seek and obtain accreditation through programs offered by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), or other recognized accreditation organizations.
 
IACLEA
860-586-7517
 
CALEA
800-368-3757
 
  • Recommendation: The Emergency Response Information Program (ERIP) web-based tool, offered by the Office of Homeland Security, should be used in developing emergency response plans and providing tactical response information to community first responders. Emergency plans should include policies and procedures for utilization of state-of-the-art resources.
 
ERIP Point of Contact:
     Homeland Security
     O.J. Stone
      
Sign up for ERIP
 
Agencies are also encouraged to explore the use of MERIS (MO. Emergency Resources Information System).  More Information on MERIS
 
 
 
 
  • Recommendation: Each campus should designate an individual to coordinate emergency and homeland security operations. This individual should serve as the campus point of contact with the Missouri Office of Homeland Security and the local first-responder community and should have access to alerts through the statewide notification network. This individual should report to the institution’s chief executive officer and have access to the executive staff.
 
If your institution has not yet designated a campus point-of-contact, please forward the following info to Homeland Security Coordinator, Paul Fennewald or call 573-751-1619.
       Name of Institution
       Name of Point-of-Contact
       Title
       E-mail address
       Telephone #
The point of contact might typically be a Chief, Secretary, Director or person with security responsibilities.
 
  • Recommendation: The coordinator mentioned before should also be responsible for ensuring that each institution’s senior staff is trained in and familiar with NIMS and ICS.
 
If you are interested in obtaining additional ICS training, you can also contact:
     Paul Fennewald, Homeland Security Coordinator at 573-751-1619
  • Recommendation: The chief executive officer of each institution should ensure that an all-hazard emergency response plan is in place. The plan should be developed by an interdisciplinary team in concert with local emergency responders, and should be reviewed and rehearsed regularly. Coordinating agencies should establish mutual-aid agreements incorporating a unified command structure in accordance with NIMS/ICS. Roles and expectations should be clearly defined in advance.
 
Click here to view the new web page from U.S. Homeland Security to assist schools in emergency planning
 
  • Recommendation: The higher education subcommittee of the HSAC should analyze the rationales for and against allowing private postsecondary institutions to establish police departments staffed by POST-certified police officers. Based on that analysis, the subcommittee should determine whether legislation authorizing private institutions to establish police departments is necessary and appropriate.

â–ºUpdate: On July 2nd, 2008, the HSAC went on record as supporting enabling legislation allowing colleges and universities the option to employ armed, sworn, POST-certified police officers in addition to, or in lieu of, non-sworn security professionals and that HSAC ensure both the current and incoming state administrations are made aware of this priority, and further, that HSAC determine strategically, in consultation with other interested parties, the best time to move the legislation forward.

 
  • Recommendation: Where practicable, colleges and universities should implement physical access control mechanisms (ranging from interior locks on classroom doors to controlled-access locks on dormitories) and policies for non-public buildings and after-hours access to public buildings.
 
  • Recommendation: Surveillance cameras should be installed in areas where they will provide optimal effectiveness.
 
  • Recommendation: High-Traffic areas of campus, indoor and outdoor, should be well lit and be within reasonable proximity of an emergency phone.
 
  • Recommendation: Colleges and universities should ensure that adequately armed, POST-certified police protection is available for its premises. Institutions not statutorily authorized to establish commissioned police departments should consider staffing arrangements with local law enforcement agencies.
 
  • Recommendation: Campus and local police should receive specialized training in recognized and accepted law enforcement protocols with specific applicability to the campus environment including, but not limited to, active shooter response and crisis intervention teams.
 
MO. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is looking to roll out active shooter training. For more info:
     SEMA Training Section
     573-526-9100
 
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training for Police:
     Sgt. Barry Armfield
     St. Louis County Police
     314-628-5509

 

Sample Policies

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Policies

Missouri Southern State University CCTV Policy

Washington University CCTV Policy 
 

Memorandums of Understanding

 

Communication

As our integrated approach to campus safety and security rises to meet new demands, the way different disciplines communicate with each other becomes integral to the success or failure of emergency response.

 

This page is intended as a space to share already-established communication plans and continue to brainstorm ways of reaching optimal communication, both among departments on campuses and with other organizations interacting with campuses.

 

Confidentiality and Privacy Laws

One of the issues we are confronted with when creating crisis communication plans is how best to achieve a balance between releasing appropriate information in service of security and safety while maintaining confidentiality.  Please consider the following article and video presentation:

 

Campus Security and Privacy Issues 

by David Fedder, Adam Hanna and Gerald Wilmes

 

Confidentiality Laws and Crisis Communication 

presented by Brett Sokolow, J.D., NCHERM

Windows Media File of presentation given at the 2008 Campus Security Summit

 

Campus Security and Privacy Issues (posted December 16, 2008)

by David Fedder, Adam Hanna and Gerald Wilmes

 
The Virginia Tech tragedy necessarily caused colleges and universities to experience heightened awareness regarding the various issues affecting campus security. Educational institutions and state and federal governments scrutinized the events leading up to the tragedy in an effort to determine what, if anything, might be done in order to avoid similar incidents in the future. A repeated theme in a number of these studies was the reluctance of school officials to share information about troubled students with other officials – even within the same institution.
 
While “information silos” within colleges or universities present a major obstacle to achieving a safe, secure campus, review of the privacy restrictions at issue indicates that many of the privacy-related concerns which have apparently inhibited information flow are misplaced. For example, the majority of the laws at issue expressly permit disclosure of otherwise confidential information when health or safety are at risk. College and university administrators must be well-versed in the contours of these laws in order to facilitate the appropriate gathering and, as appropriate, sharing of important information.
        
This information was last updated on December 16, 2008. It is important to note that this page is intended as a starting point, or a primer, to direct you to some of the numerous resources available to you on this subject. As always, should you have questions or concerns regarding a specific situation or issue, you should seek legal advice. 

Student Information Privacy Restrictions and Implications 

 

Other Resources for Student Information Privacy:

 

 

 

Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records or 42 CFR Part 2

Ø CFR Resources
 
·         42 CFR Regulations
·         Jade, Rose, "The Secret Life of 42 CFR Part 2 - What Every Defender and Investigator Needs to Know About Patient Records from Federally Funded Drug or Alcohol Treatment Centers" . The Champion, Vol. 30, No. 34, April 2006. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1128955

 

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Ø FERPA Resources:
·         The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. §1232g et. seq.
 
·         34 CFR Part 99
 
·         U.S. Department of Education FERPA Web Page
 
·         “FERPA and Campus Safety”, National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA) Notes Vol. 5, No. 4 (August 6, 2007)
 
·         Tribbensee, Nancy E., and McDonald, Steven J., “FERPA Allows More Than You May Realize”, Inside Higher Ed. (Aug. 7, 2007)
·         Family Policy Compliance Office (FCPO)
 
·         Moehlmann, Maximilian, “The Lessons of Virginia Tech”, Time Magazine (Aug. 7, 2007)
 
·         Report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel
 
·         Report to the President of the United States on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy
 
·         Christine R. Williams, FERPA, GLBA and HIPAA: The Alphabet Soup of Privacy (2007)
 
·         Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety: A Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for Colleges and Universities
 
·         U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Privacy Summary

 [1] Under FERPA, parents have certain rights to their children’s educational records. These rights transfer to the student when she reaches the age of 18 or attends a post-secondary school.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)

 Ø HIPAA Resources
 
·         HIPAA Statutes & Regulations
 
·         United States Department of Health and Human Services
 
·         Report of the Virginia Tech Review Panel
 
·         Report to the President of the United States on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy
 
·         U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Privacy Summary
 
 


 

Duty to Protect
 
Ø Tarasoff
 
In Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California, 17 Cal. 3d 425, 551 P.2d 334, 131 Cal. Rptr. 14 (Cal. 1976), the California Supreme Court held that mental health professionals have a duty to protect individuals who are being threatened with bodily harm by their patient. The court held that the mental health professional may discharge the duty to protect in several ways, including notifying police, warning the intended victim, or taking other “reasonable steps” to protect the threatened individual.

 

Curriculum Development

by Bernard McCarthy, Director of Community and Social Issues Institute, Missouri State University

The Homeland Security and Defense Education consortium (HSDEC) was established by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and its members include teaching and research institutions that are focused on promoting education, research, and cooperation in support of homeland security and defense initiatives.

 

The consortium is committed to building a community of higher education institutions that support this mission and seek to advance the efforts of homeland security through the sharing of knowledge. They accomplish this goal by promoting and facilitating homeland security-related educational program development; ensuring NORAD and USNORTHCOM perspectives are reflected in educational initiatives; facilitating research related to homeland security; and encouraging cooperation among consortium members.

 

Recommended Core Curriculum for Homeland Security

 

Articles

 

Higher Education Consortiums for Security

Colleges and universities may join the following Consortiums to obtain ready access to a wide range of educational materials including curricula and syllabi.

 

Homeland Security Websites 

 

Videos

Surging campus interest in homeland security by Jessica Desvarieux Oct 23, 2007
 
 

Find Campus Emergency Degree Programs

Emergency Management Collegiate Programs by State (2/5/10)

 

 

Curriculum Resources

Recommended Core Curriculum for Homeland Security

 

Articles

  • Summary of the State of Homeland Security
    This is a summary report requested by the Homeland Security and Defense Education consortium (HSDEC) to review academic programs that comprise the homeland security environment.
  •  University of Central Missouri Position Paper
    This is a position paper summarizing homeland security academic programs, initiatives and experiences at the University of Central Missouri, requested by Missouri's Higher Education Subcommittee of the Homeland Security Advisory Council.
 

Higher Education Consortiums for Security

 Colleges and Universities may join the following Consortiums to obtain ready access to a wide range of educational materials including curricula and syllabi.

 

Homeland Security Websites 

 

Videos

Surging campus interest in homeland security by Jessica Desvarieux Oct 23, 2007
 

 

Emergency Management Collegiate Programs by State (2/27/07)

 

DHS Education Programs

 

 

The DHS HS-STEM Summer Internship Program provides a 10-week summer research experience for undergraduate students majoring in homeland security related science, technology, engineering and mathematics (HS-STEM) disciplines. Students who demonstrate long-term goals aligned with the mission and objectives of the Department will have the opportunity to conduct research in DHS mission-relevant areas at various federal research facilities. The goal of this program is to prepare an educated and skilled pool of scientists and engineers to address HS-STEM issues. Participants receive a stipend of $500 each week plus transportation expenses to/from their internship location.

 

 

The DHS Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions provides research opportunities to increase and enhance the scientific leadership at Minority Serving Institutions in research areas that support the mission and goals of DHS. In addition, the Program is designed to engage early career faculty, along with undergraduate and graduate students, in research that will provide them opportunities to understand the mission and research needs of DHS and advance research areas of importance to DHS, while strengthening the talent pool of scientists and engineers. The program supports research teams composed of a faculty member and up to two students (undergraduate or graduate level) for a 12-week summer internship doing research at a DHS Center of Excellence. The award includes a stipend plus transportation expenses to/from the internship location.

 

The DHS Science and Technology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program provides postdoctoral scientists and engineers of unusual promise and ability opportunities for research on problems compatible with the research interests and mission of DHS. The awards provide opportunities that enable Fellows to increase their proficiency in conducting research and advance the DHS research programs of the hosting facilities. Most importantly, the research opportunity will promote long-term collaborative relationships between DHS Postdoctoral Fellows, DHS laboratories, DHS Centers of Excellence, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories, and other federal research facilities. Annual stipends are equivalent to the Federal GS-12 Step 1 with locality pay. Other benefits such as health insurance and travel reimbursement are also included.

 

DHS Workshops for Minority Serving Institutions--Awareness, Access, and Opportunity provide information on ways in which minority serving institutions can take advantage of the research, education, and funding opportunities available through the DHS Directorate for Science and Technology.

 

Information Technology

Information Technology plays a vital role in campus safety and security efforts.  IT can be the underlying foundation for effective and efficient emergency response communications, state-wide notification, data storage and retrieval, physical security measures, and dessemination of prevention and safety information.

 

This page will continue to grow as we find more ways of utilizing technology toward the goal of safer campuses.  Please check back soon as we continue to add resources.

 

Information Technology Resources

Grant Opportunity

Infrastructure Management and Extreme Events (IMEE) grant 

 

 

Legislative Action

 

The links below represent a partial list of legislation that has already been passed or is currently under construction:

 

 

 

HSAC's Recommendation Regarding Armed Officers on Campuses

The following recommended action was met with unanimous support by the HSAC members. This is an important step by HSAC, as it puts this matter on the table for further discussion, while allowing the HSAC wide berth to determine the strategy and timeline for action. The HSAC recommends that:

HSAC go on record as supporting enabling legislation allowing colleges and universities the option to employ armed, sworn, POST-certified police officers in addition to, or in lieu of, non-sworn security professionals and that HSAC ensure both the current and incoming state administrations are made aware of this priority, and further, that HSAC determine strategically, in consultation with other interested parties, the best time to move the legislation forward.

 

Missouri Alert Network

Missouri Alert Network

There is no cost to most institutions for one contact to receive messages from the network; however, the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) will invoice $100 per year for each additional network participant. 

If your institution does not have a contact for the Missouri Alert Network, please bring that to the attention of your Chief Executive Officer and return the Contact Form to MSBA.  

 

 

List of Participating Institutions

List of Participating Institutions

 

NIMS

NIMS

Notification-The Missouri Alert Network

The Missouri Alert Network, or The Network, is a collaborative initiative and partnership of the State of Missouri and the Missouri School Board Association which allows state-level, rapid notification and information distribution in emergency situations.

 

There is no cost to most institutions for one contact to receive messages from the network; however, the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) will invoice $100 per year for each additional network participant. 

 

If your institution does not have a contact for the Missouri Alert Network, please bring that to the attention of your Chief Executive Officer and return the Contact Form to MSBA.  

 

 

Planning

by O.J. Stone, Special Assistant, Office of Homeland Security

by Jerry Wilmes, Medical Director/Director of Health Services, Northwest Missouri State University

by Jack Watring, Chief of Police, University of Missouri-Columbia

by Don Strom, Director of Campus Police, Washington University

 

Training and Exercises 

Emergency Response Information Plan (ERIP)

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Training  

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Training

U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools Action Guide for Emergency Management at Institutions of Higher Education