Q&A: Police Chief Connolly on Responding to Active Threats
Georgia Tech extends its sympathies to the faculty, students, and staff at the University of California-Los Angeles, the latest educational institution to respond to gun-related violence. In light of this most recent campus shooting, Georgia Tech Police Chief Rob Connolly spoke to the Daily Digest about responding to an emergency.
How does Georgia Tech notify campus of an emergency situation?
We have a network of communications designed to notify everyone on campus of an emergency, as quickly as possible. Our emergency notification system (GTENS) disseminates messages by email, campus phone number, and mobile text messaging. Other means for getting the word out are an outdoor siren warning system, campus cable TV, and our social media channels.
How does the Georgia Tech Police Department prepare to respond to an active shooter scenario?
All GTPD officers undergo annual hands-on active shooter training, and have trained officers at other USG schools. Training is held in different types of buildings to keep skills sharp. In addition, officers train how to safely clear a building when there is or might be a threat.
Our Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) organizes active shooter drills for specific buildings on campus; the two we held recently were at the Stamps and O'Keefe buildings. OEP also organizes tabletop drills, which are informal exercises to reinforce responder roles in simulated scenarios.
What should an individual do in an active shooter incident?
Don't wait until it happens, think now how you would respond. Prepare yourself to understand your options in the event of an active shooter incident. The most recent trainings from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are helpful to understand what you can do before, during, and after an active shooter incident.
How does Georgia Tech identify a student, staff, faculty member, or visitor that could be a potential threat to the campus?
Everyone on campus has a responsibility to identify potential threats. “See Something, Say Something” isn’t just a slogan – it is a valuable tool. I encourage you to call GTPD (404-894-2500) if you’re suspicious or worried, or have a talk with your supervisor if you’re concerned about a coworker or student.
Multiple departments across campus (including GTPD, Human Resources, and the Counseling Center) collaborate regularly to discuss students, staff and faculty whose behavior is concerning. GTPD also monitors social media for potential threats, and we frequently connect with federal and state law enforcement agencies for watch lists.
Does GTPD offer any training resources?
We sure do. OEP hosts a “Plan, Prep, React” course in active shooter response options, and our Crime Prevention officers offer hands-on training in self-defense. Attendees of our Citizens Police Academy are exposed to a variety of situations, including a 2-hour active shooter drill, with attendees in protective gear actually taking on the roles of "bad guys" and "good guys." These classes are very popular and can be requested through the GTPD and OEP websites.
Where should we go for more information?
Our website (police.gatech.edu) provides a lot of information on safety and emergency preparedness. You can find a copy of our emergency action plan, response guidebook, and contact information that you can add to your mobile phone’s address book. We also advocate that everyone add our LiveSafe app to their smartphone.
I also recommend contacting the Counseling Center, which has some very good resources for faculty and staff who want help for identifying the warning signs and to learn how to help distressed students both before and after a crisis. The CETL Handbook is also a very good resource. The Office of the Dean of Students encourages the use of a referral form (login required) for expressing concerns about any member of the campus.
Please don’t hesitate to contact GTPD, day or night. We take every call seriously. Your safety is our primary concern.