9-1-1

In late October, UMHB began testing the newest edition to campus safety by enhancing the university’s mass communication system. Faculty and staff were the first to experience what is referred to as a “reverse 9-1-1 system.”

Campus police Chief Gary Sargent is excited about what this new technology will be able to do for Crusaders.

“In the event of an emergency here on campus, this is one of the systems that we will use to notify students, faculty, and staff,” Sargent said.

The new communication tool is an automated calling system. When an emergency situation occurs, everyone on campus will receive a recorded message informing him or her about what safety measures should be taken. Students will receive this message on a cell phone or designated landline.

“This calling system will be capable of making over 3,000 phone calls in around 15 minutes,” Sargent said. “This will be one of the quickest and most effective ways of getting the information out there.”

University risk manager Larry Pointer said, as the parent of a current student, he is glad to see the continuing improvement of campus security.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “It increases my comfort level knowing that there will be a multi-faceted system to get the word out.”

Events such as the tragedy at Virginia Tech in April, when 32 students and faculty were killed, have certainly raised concerns about the safety of college campuses nationwide, including UMHB.

“Anytime something of that magnitude occurs, it prompts us to study the security measures for our campus.” Pointer said. “The steps we are taking are some very good measures that will help with the dissemination of information.”

This is just one part of a university-wide network of mass communication systems already in place. Other parts include e-mail, intranet, Internet and broadcast television.

“The university is spending millions of dollars on community safety,” Chief Sargent said. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the security here on campus.”

Students are noticing the changes as well. Bridgette Coleman, a junior Christian ministry major, finds comfort in the extra safety measures that are being taken.

“It is great to know that campus security is being continuously evaluated,” she said. “I think this new step will be very helpful if the need ever arises for its use.”

The reverse 9-1-1 system can be valuable  in weather-related situations.

“This can be used also for tornadoes or icy weather,” Sargent said. “Anytime the normal operations of the campus are disturbed, we can use this calling system to inform students and employees.”

Sargent also encourages students to continue watching out for things that seem out of place.

“This university has been very proactive in regards to campus safety,” he said. “We have a great student body, also, that will notice when something different shows up in their environment.”

Do not expect the new security measure to fully satisfy the need for improved safety. Sargent and the police department are already planning for the next addition to their communication system.

“We’re looking at other ways, such as sirens on campus, to improve our mass notification even more,” he said. “We’ll never stop trying to improve the security of this campus.”