The attack at Ohio State University is top of mind for security leaders on campuses here in Connecticut.
As we continue to learn what may have led to the attack at Ohio State. College students and public safety officials are reminded that something like this can happen anywhere. Even at their own university – so campus safety is top of mind tonight.
“Another one, it’s definitely heartbreaking,” said UConn student, Callie Lanning.
UConn student Lanning has been following the story out of Ohio State University.
“I have a few friends that go there I have a lot of family out in Columbus which is right outside of Ohio State’s campus. My cousins went there so it definitely hits close to home for me,” said Lanning.
And it hits home for other students in a different way –thinking about their safety on campus. The UConn Police Department has policies and procedures in place in the event of a threat or serious incident on campus, including sending text and email alerts to students.
One main message UConn share’s with Ohio State? “The Run, Hide, Fight" philosophy – run if you can, hide and be out of the suspect’s view; and if it comes down to it fight to save your life.
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They’re also testing out high-tech gunshot detection system on the Storrs campus.
“I think it’d be very beneficial especially in a big campus like this where an isolated event can be more easily identified,” said UConn student, Kaneha Vali.
It’s a system that’s already in place on Central Connecticut State University’s campus in New Britain. Along with an extensive network of 800 surveillance cameras to keep an eye on things.
Looking towards the future of public safety – the CCSU’s police officers will all have body cameras next semester, although they’re looking into a special system for dispatchers to watch live, real-time video feeds from those cameras.
“Many times body cameras are post. You review the video after. We are looking for not only just having it post, but actually as they’re on the scene the ability to view what’s going on,” said Dr. Richard Bachoo, the chief administrator office at CCSU.
UConn's police chief said whenever incidents like what happened at OSU occur, the department reviews the entire event to make sure they are better prepared in case something similar happens on their campus.
