January 15, 2008

BCC President Dr. Laurence Spraggs Announces
Details Of Comprehensive Safety and Security Overhaul

-College Now Utilizes NY Alert Emergency Notification System-

(TOWN OF DICKINSON, NY) Broome Community College President Dr. Laurence Spraggs today outlined details of a comprehensive overhaul to the College’s safety and security operations.

“Over the course of the last three years the College has implemented a range of new procedures and initiatives that have greatly enhanced the level of safety and security for students, faculty, staff and members of the public who visit our campus,” said Dr. Spraggs. “When I first became College President in 2004 I felt it was important to be proactive rather than reactive with regards to security, which is why I initiated a comprehensive evaluation and subsequent overhaul to the way security and safety is administered on campus.”

NY Alert Notification System: In fall 2007 BCC started using NY Alert, which is a “New York State All-Hazards Alert and Notification Web-based Portal." It contains emergency-related information, instructions, and safety information for the public. NY-Alert also provides for direct notification via a number of communication media. It is part of New York State’s ongoing commitment to keep citizens informed of risks so that they may respond appropriately. Emergency notifications available to our campus community include email, phone call, fax, cell phone, pagers, or text messages. The College already utilized the Alert in December 2007 when notifying students, faculty and staff that night classes would be cancelled due to weather conditions. 

Creation of Campus Safety Department: In 2006, BCC created its own Campus Safety Department. Prior to the creation of the Campus Safety Department, Broome Security patrolled campus. Broome Security is a department of Broome County Government. Broome Security provided one officer during the day and one at night. The current BCC department of Campus Safety consists of 14 individuals, which include a Director, Assistant Director, eight Peace Officers (2FT/6PT), three Safety Officers (1FT/2PT) and one clerical staff. The focus of the department has also shifted to include more than just security.

Arming Campus Safety Officers: College President Dr. Spraggs is currently in the process of deciding if Campus Peace Officers should be armed. Input is currently being collected from students, faculty and staff. A final decision is expected in the next few months.

New Student Behavioral Consultation Team: This team was recommended by SUNY and was formed in fall 2007. The team consists of College personnel from the Counseling Department, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Health Services and Security. The team will consult with faculty and staff on how to deal with students whose behavior gives them cause for concern. The team will be ready for implementation during the spring semester.

New ID Badge Procedure: All visitors are already required to sign in at the reception area in the Wales Building. Contractors and Vendors are now directed to Campus Safety if their visit requires access to sensitive areas on campus. There they are issued an identification badge. The typical visit such as prospective students or others meeting with College personnel will be unaffected by the new procedure, which is designed to target those individuals who require access to sensitive areas.

New Carillion: Multiple speakers will be installed on top of the Applied Technology Building on campus. The speakers will be positioned in every direction and can be accessed to convey instructions and other information in an emergency situation. The Carillion has been ordered and will arrive in the next few weeks.

New Violence in Workplace Training: Enhanced training for faculty and staff is now provided and was put in place in fall 2007. The one-hour on-line class describes what to do in the event of workplace violence and outlines preventative measure to avoid violence in the workplace.

New Freshman Campus Safety Orientation: Incoming students now learn about violence awareness, detection, avoidance and what to do if they encounter violence. The orientation also provides a comprehensive overview of the services Campus Safety provides.

New Campus Safety Vehicle: A new vehicle was purchased in summer 2007. More reliable vehicle to ensure College can respond to emergencies and serves as a visual deterrent when patrolling parking lots.

New Procedures in Student Center: Alumni, staff and students must now sign in and show proper identification to use the weight room, fitness center, open gym, or any other facilities in the Student Center.

New Safety and Security Task Force: The goal of the 11 member Task Force is to improve safety and security on campus. The Task Force consists of a panel of experts (both on and off campus) that provides advice to the BCC Campus Safety and Security Committee. Off campus members of the Task Force include representatives from the Chenango County Fire Department, Binghamton University Police Department, Broome County Emergency Services and Broome County Sheriff’s Department.

“It’s important to acknowledge the reality that times have changed on college campuses across the country,” said Dr. Spraggs. “College Campuses are open settings that are designed to provide easy access for students, faculty and staff. As we continue to see tragedies on high school and college campuses across the nation we must continue to identify and evaluate strategies to improve and enhance the levels of security and safety that we provide.”

Timeline:

Fall 2004: College begins to study idea of creating new Campus Safety Department to provide safety and security on campus.

February 2005: The BCC Board of Trustees passed a Resolution allowing for the creation of Peace Officers, and provided authority to the College President to arm them.

Summer 2006: BCC’s Department of Campus Safety and Security went active and replaced BC Security on campus.

April 2007: Virginia Tech tragedy.

May 2007: Chancellor’s report was released. The report was compiled by a SUNY Task Force that focused on strengthening three primary areas: communications, counseling and emergency response. Communications: report recommended NY-Alert. Counseling: report recommended evaluating student to counselor ratio. Emergency Response: report recommended Community Colleges evaluate Peace Officer Status.   

Summer 2007: BCC creates Safety and Security Task Force and new campus safety vehicle is purchased.

Fall 2007: BCC has access to NY Alert, Student Behavioral Consultation Team is formed, new procedures are put in place for access to Student Center and new violence in workplace training and freshman campus safety orientations are established. New Carillion is purchased and ID badge procedure is also put in place.                                     

“While these are only initiatives we have put in place to date, we will continue to evaluate our initiatives and add new ones as we continue to identify additional ways to keep our students and staff safe", added Dr. Spraggs.

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