Lockdown policies in review

Doors are locked and students and faculty are told to stay in one place until they receive the all clear. With text messages lighting up every phone, information is received by students and faculty to inform them of what is going on outside the room.

A university lockdown can vary depending on the situation, but what goes on outside the doors has been a mystery in the minds of many students at Millersville University.

In situations similar to the McComsey hall preventative lockdown that took place over winter break, occupants are told to evacuate the building and individuals are not permitted to enter until the suspect’s location is verified.

According to Aminta Hawkins Breaux, VP of student affairs, students and faculty are encouraged to keep their cell phones on vibrate during class in case a text alert is sent.

Students who are outside during a lockdown should find shelter in the closest building, before the doors are locked electronically or by department chairs, keeping anyone from entering.

“We can’t keep anyone from leaving a building and placing themselves in danger during a lockdown,” said Chief Wayne Silcox of MUPD. “If anyone leaves we just ask that they shut the door behind them.”?Breaux would encourage students and faculty in a lockdown to barricade the door and wait for an all clear through text messaging and email.

Security sirens that have been installed have audio voice and can be heard across campus with updates.

“One of my biggest concerns is that not all faculty or staff are on MU alert for text or email,” Breaux said. “It’s a very simple thing to sign up for and makes all the difference in that kind of situation.”

According to Breaux, faculty and staff have to do their part in making sure campus is a safer place, not only for students to attend class, but for professors to educate.

While two officers from MUPD patrol campus, additional help is available from Millersville Borough and Lancaster City police.

“We have an excellent working relationship with the borough, and the city responds within three to five minutes of a call,” Silcox said.

The University is currently working on establishing a reverse 911 system where phones would ring in the classroom, alerting anyone inside of a dangerous situation.

A roam secure alert system is also being organized by MUPD, the Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and IT services to make sure all emails, website updates and text messages are sent simultaneously.

Rally points are being considered for those outside during a lockdown, although Silcox is concerned about those locations becoming targets.

Safety Tips from MUPD

• Don’t take short cuts through dark areas.
• If you lose a key, report it immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Walk with friends whenever possible.
• Keep the MUPD phone number in your cell phone for emergencies.
• Contact MUPD escort service if walking across campus at night.