Campus Security Update Announcement

6/21/2007

To the Brooklyn College Community:

We are all shocked by the terrible shootings at Virginia Tech this week. We hold the dead and injured, their family members, and the entire university community in our thoughts and prayers. We expressed the sorrow we feel on Friday at noon when we observed a moment of silence as our College carillon tolled in memory of the victims. And we communicated our concerns and sympathies to the Virginia Tech community directly.

When tragedy strikes a college campus, it strikes close to home. We want to assure the members of the Brooklyn College community that the safety and security of our campus is our top priority. Some ten years ago, we decided to protect the campus by fencing it and by requiring IDs at the entrance gates. We continue to monitor access to the campus and to look for ways to strengthen security within our walls. The Office of Security is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with some 80 well-trained peace officers and supervisors. They are dedicated to taking every preventive measure and to reinforcing security as and when the occasion warrants. They maintain close contact with our local police precinct, which can be called on in any emergency; a police liaison is assigned specifically to the campus.

We take our responsibility to be prepared very seriously. We have in place an emergency response plan, developed in the aftermath of 9/11. The plan has detailed provisions for responding to a range of emergencies, lays out specific steps and assignments, provides for an emergency management team, assures coordination with local government agencies, and is updated periodically to take into account changing conditions. The response plan calls for rapid involvement of senior administrators, instant notification of emergency services, and prompt communication with the College community.

We regard communication as all-important: it will be done via e-mail, on the web portals, through the public address and alarm systems, and by security officers. Given the abundance of cell phones on campus, we are also exploring, with the University, the possibility of sending text messages to the College community.

In an emergency, the on-campus number to call is 718-951-5444 (or 911). A prompt call can prevent a bad situation from becoming something much worse. By being vigilant, acting prudently, and reporting suspicious behavior, we keep ourselves and each other safe.

The tragedy at Virginia Tech can have far-reaching effects that may extend to individuals on other campuses. The College is fortunate to have support services available for all who might feel the need for help in this, or any, difficult time. Experienced counselors are available at 718-951-5363. If you see anyone who might benefit from a counselor's help, encourage them to seek it.

We will continue to do everything necessary to make sure that our campus remains safe and secure.

Christoph M. Kimmich
President